Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
People are becoming more discerning about the food they eat. Organic products are
a distinct niche market heavily sought after in certain areas of the United States. While
the current desire for organic goods can be found primarily on the east and west coasts,
it is rapidly spreading to the larger cities across North America and is even creeping into
the rural areas.
Where to Sell Your Wares
Once you have pinned down the product you wish to supply consumers, and have begun
thinking about marketing, you'll need to decide where your advertising will be most ef-
fective. Your decision must depend in part upon where you're located and your budget.
Advertising for such adventures can become quite pricey, but sometimes it's worth in-
vesting a little more up front to draw attention to your product.
Roadside Farm Stands
If you have a particularly good location in your town, and your farm is located along the
edge of a well-traveled road, that's going to be an ideal place in which to market your
product. A carefully designed sign using letters large enough for the passerby to read
can really draw attention to your business. Be sure that the sign describes what you're
trying to sell — fresh eggs, fresh roasting chickens, or fresh geese, and so on. A giant
egg, or some other eye-catching symbol, pops even the drowsiest driver into thoughts of
what to make for dinner.
LOCAL YOLKS
With a recent rise in the “buy local” and “support the local farmer” campaigns, this is
the time to seek out local venues with your unique offerings. Bring your special color
assortment of eggs, a basket of tiny quail eggs, or cartons of the darkest brown eggs
you can find. Let folks in your area know that your birds were scratching on the same
dirt their children play on and they will seek you out.
Set up your roadside stand at the end of your driveway or closer to the house or barn.
Your refrigerators and freezers will need to be located close to an electricity source,
of course. Be sure they are secured with latches that keep varmints out. Here in Iowa,
sweet-corn sales are carried out using the honor system; you just leave your money in a
box by the corn. I have even seen egg sales made the same way. It's up to you to decide
if your eggs, meat, and other products are at risk for theft.
