Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
pound than hamburger at a chain grocery. If you have trouble getting rid of your hamburger,
try giving out samples to customers who purchase your more expensive cuts. If you are doing
a good job raising your animals, they will notice the difference compared to the cheaper op-
tions.
Where to Sell
Most grass-fed cattle farmers will sell their products directly to customers. A small number
have been able to get their products into chain supermarkets.
Bulk sales are most common. Locally owned restaurants and groceries are more likely than
chains to buy grass-fed products. It is better to call for an appointment than to show up unan-
nounced.
Farmers markets
Farmers markets are places where groups of farmers gather to sell their products. They usu-
ally are held outdoors on weekends in public places. Most vendors at farmers markets sell
produce, but beef and dairy farmers sometimes set up. Farmers markets usually are held from
spring through the fall.
Farmers markets are valuable tools for building a customer base. You can meet potential cus-
tomers and answer any questions they may have. To entice customers, you could offer inform-
ation sheets about the nutritional benefits of your products. You also could hand out free
samples to people, so they can see for themselves how tasty your products are. Be sure to
check with someone at your market to see if you need an extra state license to give out
samples.
To sell at a farmers market, you usually need to apply to the person who runs it. You also may
have to interview with someone or pay an application fee. Many markets only take applica-
tions early in the spring before they open. It might be a good idea to apply to multiple markets
because you may not be accepted to your first choice. You could find options on the USDA
National Farmers Market Directory (
www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/
FARMERSMARKETS
)
, which offers an annual count of operational farmers markets across
the country. There are about 5,000 farmers markets in the United States. If you are accepted,
you will probably have to pay membership dues. These can be between $75 and $150 up
front, plus fees of $5 or so per day you set up.
