From Below Farm is a startup regenerative farm founded by first-generation farmer Aiden Kriese. With seven years of full-time farm experience, Aiden is launching his own operation with a mission to heal land, feed people, and model a dignified, land-based livelihood for working-class aspiring farmers. Focused initially on pastured broilers, egg layers, and microgreens, From Below Farm will prioritize soil regeneration, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity—all while producing high-quality, nourishing food.

Set to begin production in late 2025, the farm will operate on ten leased acres at Wally Farms, a farm incubator that provides access to shared infrastructure, technical support, and business advising. This unique opportunity allows Aiden to launch with reduced overhead, giving him time to build strong systems and refine his vision: a diversified, worker-owned cooperative rooted in silvopasture, rotational grazing, perennial crops, and no-till organic vegetables. His commitment is backed by a robust 30-page business plan, developed and refined through two rounds of the CADE business planning course, and a thoughtfully negotiated lease reviewed with legal support from Pace Food Law Center.

To support early infrastructure, supplies, and operating costs, Foodshed Capital approved a startup loan above our typical seed loan amount, based on Aiden’s exceptional planning and demonstrated business readiness. The loan will fund the launch of From Below Farm’s first 500 pastured broilers and support egg and microgreen production for local markets. With strong systems, a clear vision, and a growing network of allies, Aiden is well on his way to building a farm—and a future—that reflects his values.