Completed Project Report


Farm Direct Marketing - Best Practices for Small & Medium Farms

  • Award Amount: $37,865
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2011 Competitive Grant Program
  • Project Director:
  • Email: louhelaa@wnc.edu
  • Organization: Western Nevada College

Back to Search Results

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

This project addressed price and financial risks for small and medium size farms that are interested in diversifying to direct farm marketing and sales. Many farmers are interested in direct marketing due to increased consumer demand for locally-grown food and the difficulty of competing in today´s industrial food system. Often, these farms lack marketing skills and knowledge. Farmers learned to manage risks by developing marketing plans and strategies, and implementing branded and direct marketing.

Training was provided through two direct marketing workshops, one in Northern Nevada and one in Southern Nevada, and individual marketing consultations. The project included instruction on business and marketing planning, options for direct marketing, traditional and social media marketing, and media relations. Farmers markets, farm stands, restaurant and wholesale sales, and subscription farms were among the direct marketing options highlighted.

78 producers attended one-day workshops, and ten producers were offered individual consultations with a farm direct marketing expert. 11 producers attended an additional half-day business planning workshop that was scheduled based on participant input. 39 producers have implemented new direct marketing strategies; 21 implemented branded marketing; and seven are in the process of creating new marketing plans.

Number of Participants: 94

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.

DELIVERY AREA

DESCRIBE ANY UNEXPECTED RESULTS OF THE PROJECT:

HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE THE PROJECT IF YOU WERE TO DO IT AGAIN?

WHAT WERE THE KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR YOUR PARTICIPANTS?

INDIVIDUAL STORIES / EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS / QUOTES