Sharing the Farm

 

A farm is more than land and crops. It's a family's heritage and future. 

*Farmersknowhowtogrow.com*

A few weeks ago, Logan was hovering over my shoulder as I was searching Amazon for a new book.  He happened to see a "recommended for you" book and told me to purchase it.  It was not a lot of money and he thought it would be a great idea to have me read it to them so they can learn too.  So I thought what the heck.  It was all about marketing your farm.  So we purchased it.  Well, we wanted to start putting the words on the page into action because what good is actually learning if you aren't going to make the changes. So with that we wanted to teach people about the farm.  We wanted to open up more and let people know that even though we are farmers, we care about them and their needs for their families.  We also wanted to educate people about where their food comes from and exactly what a farmer does.  Let's face it, anymore kids believe that their food comes from a grocery store.  

So we created an event and encouraged the people to come.  Honestly being in a small community we thought for sure we would only see a few people and we would just enjoy the day as a family talking to them and get some of our work done, BUT that is not what happened.  We had an excellent turnout and we estimate that we saw around 150 people come through and learn about our farm.  It was a great way for them to see lambs, baby chicks, taste fresh, pure Maple syrup, and learn about what all we do here on the farm.  People left grateful that we opened up and were willing to teach them about our farm, the maple syrup was leaving the shelves fast, and people were purchasing lamb and chicken.  It was the perfect spring day and people enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.  

Although we never anticipated the turnout, there was some great takeaways.  First, if you have a business...be willing to put yourself out there.  If you have a farm, open your doors because people appreciate learning about their food and how you care for animals and what you do.  Second, people are looking to learn about agriculture.  Covid has really changed the way people really view their food and how they get it, so be willing to share.  Third, I learned we have to be willing to answer the questions.  We had lots of questions about how we process our chickens, lamb, what about cleaning our eggs, and so much more.  We answered them all and people appreciated the honesty.  We can't be scared to tell people how things work.  People are interested in what is happening on farms and so we need to be willing to share the details.  We also need to be willing to hear their needs as well.  We have a few people who have requested our subscription program with no meat.  So we have designed a special subscription just for their needs and they appreciate that we listened to them and are willing to adapt to meet their needs in the coming season.  I know that times are changing and business models are changing and I think as a family we are noticing that we need to adapt and shift our focus so that we can continue to keep this farm here for the next generation.  

I know that I am excited for the costumers that we gained after that event and I look forward to hearing what they are looking for from their local farmer and striving to meet their needs.  In the meantime I am figuring out how to do another one during a different season of farming because I think that people will enjoy seeing the plants actually in the ground and how we harvest, etc.  There is so much opportunity and ability to grow a farm these days but be willing to treat it like a business and not just a hobby.  

Farming with Faith & Family Always! 

God Bless 

Amanda