eBook
hoopla Instant
Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business
Year
2008
Language
ENGLISH
Publication Information
Storey Publishing, LLC
Summary
Running your own small farm is demanding enough but making it profitable presents a host of further challenges. In this business-savvy guide to farming on a small scale, Sarah Aubrey covers everything from financial plans and advertising budgets to web design and food service wholesalers. Learn how to isolate your target audience and craft artisanal products that will delight and amaze customers. With a solid business strategy in place, you can confidently turn your passion into a productive and profitable venture. With entrepreneurial drive, a practical business plan, and some marketing savvy, you can run a successful small-farm business that brings your products to your target audience. The demand for fresh, local, organic, naturally raised, lovingly crafted, or sustainably produced small-farm products is on the rise. With seasoned farmer Sarah Beth Aubrey as your guide, discover how you can make the most of these opportunities. Learn how to: *Develop a viable business plan *Conduct market research *Secure financing *Comply with USDA and other food safety guidelines *Protect your assets *Determine correct product pricing *Choose your selling venues: farmers' markets, farmstands, the Web, direct mail, wholesalers *Create a marketing plan that tells your story *Adjust and revise your plan as your business grows Throughout, Aubrey includes profiles of successful farm businesses for inspiration, as well as checklists, contracts, and sample forms to keep you on track. Preface Introduction 1 Build a Plan Components of a Business Plan Altering Your Business Plan Profile: Sweeter Song Farm CSA 2 Test the Waters Choosing Your Research Methodology Questionnaire Development Administering the Questionnaire Profile: Leelanau Natural Beef 3 Get the Money Financing Options Simple Financial Statements Profile: Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, LLC 4 Choose Your Business Type Professional Financial and Legal Advisors Business Entity Types Profile: Chaney's Dairy Barn 5 Follow the Rules Make the Rules Work for You Common Practices and Where to Find Information Food Safety Profile: WaxinkMoon Artisan Goat Cheese 6 Protect Your Assets Selecting Liability Insurance Insurance Recommendations and Limits Other Ways You're Covered Profile: Tulmeadow Farm Store, Inc. 7 Price Your Products Setting Your Prices Wholesale versus Retail Comparative Prices Pricing for Breakeven Money Collection Options Profile: Lee Farms, LLC 8 Select Your Selling Venues Types of Selling Venues Profile: Homestead Growers, Inc. 9 Spread the Word Creating a Marketing Plan Effective Branding Other Brand-Building Ideas Profile: Huber's Orchard and Winery 10 Reflect and Revise Years Two through Five Profile: Chileno Valley Ranch Epilogue Appendixes A: Business Plan B: Sample Market Research Questionnaire C: Simple Advertising and Marketing Budget for New Business D: Press Release/Customer Correspondence E: Sample Venture Capital Agreement F: Profit and Loss Statement G: Cash Flow Comparison H: Resources Index