Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business: Small-Farm Success Stories * Financial Assistance Sources * Marketing & Selling Ideas * Business Plan Forms & Documents
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.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9781580176972
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Storey Publishing - LLC
Publication Date: 01-16-2008
Pages: 176
Product Dimensions: 8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.65(d)
About the Author
Sarah Beth Aubrey is the author of Starting and Running Your Own Small Farm Business. She holds a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from the University of Illinois and is the owner of Prosperity Consulting, LLC, a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
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