Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
something substantial for those who wish to share our vision of what food is meant
to be.”
Raising heritage poultry has associated costs. The partners ask a price that reflects
those costs and a modest profit. “Our customer is willing to pay that price,” they say.
“Industrial food is what it is, and we are not industrial food. It would be foolish for us
to attempt to compete with it on price points. Our customer understands that.” They
do not underprice their product, believing that small-scale farmers do not produce so
much as to be able to sell it at a loss.
Above all, Robert and Joseph aim to sell nothing of questionable quality and work
to be meticulous in cleanliness. This allows them to sell their products with confid-
ence in their healthful benefits.
Selling poultry products at farmers' markets will vary in different parts of the coun-
try. In some locations, regulations are such that you are required to spend much more
money than you receive in profit. Consider the fact that coolers necessary to keep your
product at a safe temperature can be expensive. On the other hand, you never want to
sell something that's not safe and of the best quality. Never take chances with spoilage.
You want to be known for providing excellent service and a top-quality product to your
customers.
Fairs and Annual Celebrations
Renting a booth at a county fair or annual town celebration to talk about your operation
and offer samples is a great way to get the message out. Your local fair officials will be
very clear about the public health policies regarding food sampling.
Using the Media
It is sometimes cheapest to advertise your wares by taking out a classified ad in a local
shopper paper or your local newspaper. Don't be afraid to contact your local newspa-
per and let them know you raise turkeys; as the Thanksgiving season approaches, every
newspaper wants to do a turkey story. Even raising birds in a unique manner is a story
on a no-news week, especially when editors tie it in with national salmonella scares or
reports of animal cruelty. The publicity you can get from newspapers is unimaginable.
The Internet is an excellent advertising tool for products that can be successfully
delivered through the mail and private shipping companies. This is the ideal way for
marketing blown-out goose eggs and feathers, for example. Don't forget e-mail or so-
cial media sites for letting everyone you know (and all their friends) hear about tasting
events or additions to your business's offerings.
