Taylor Sumption
Taylor Sumption's roots run deep in the Southeast of Frederick, just a stone's throw away from the homestead his great-great-grandparents established in 1882. Despite growing up on a diversified farm during the challenging farming landscape of the 80s, marked by collapsing values and financial instability, Taylor initially turned away from a career in farming. Opting instead to pursue agricultural engineering at South Dakota State University, he found solace in the weekends spent back on the farm, realizing that his heart belonged to the fields.
As he witnessed the evolution of farming over the years, Taylor observed a shift towards streamlined practices, mainly centered around corn and soybeans, as opposed to the diversified style of farming he grew up with. Recognizing the detrimental long-term effects on soil health and the unsustainable reliance on intensive chemicals, Taylor took a bold step. He introduced oats into the mix, leveraging their potential to enhance soil health by increasing the fertilizer replacement value of legumes and fostering beneficial fungi.
A life-altering auto accident, resulting in traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, rib injury, and chest injury, served as a turning point for Taylor. Realizing the brevity of life and viewing his survival as nothing short of miraculous, he decided to cease overanalyzing and pursue his business dream wholeheartedly. After harboring the idea for his business for seven years, Taylor finally took action. Opting to process and sell oats, he initially considered manufacturing oat milk but strategically pivoted to crafting high-quality oatmeal after extensive market research. Anthem Oats was born from Taylor's commitment to meeting consumer demands for transparency in sourcing, environmentally friendly practices, and trustworthy family-led manufacturing.
Distinguishing Anthem Oats from competitors, Taylor prioritized attractive packaging aligned with current consumer market trends, convenient serving sizes for on-the-go lifestyles, and a commitment to local production. While the milling process currently takes place in Powell, Wyoming, Taylor envisions moving all processes to Frederick, aspiring for vertical integration.
Beyond delivering fresh, high-quality food, Taylor's overarching goal is to instigate change in the agricultural industry, safeguarding the land, the farmer, and the consumer. Taylor's journey emphasizes the importance of taking risks, as he believes that ideas are abundant, but true progress lies in leaping off the metaphorical cliff. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: avoid over analysis, make peace with the lack of universal support, and take a chance on your goals. Through Anthem Oats, Taylor Sumption embodies the resilience and determination needed to create meaningful change in both personal and professional spheres.
