- Interested in starting your own direct farm-to-market business?
- Looking to turn extra acreage into revenue?
- Need assistance with your Farm-to-Market business?
Check out free resources below to help you progress with your business ideas and plans.
Exploring Direct Farm-to-Market
Turning your passion into profit is everyone’s dream but is it right for you? Take some initial self-assessments below to determine areas of strength and opportunities of growth. Explore basic business principles to consider in your planning process. Connect with agencies and resources available to get started.
- Wisconsin Food Processing Guide, UW-Extension Publication, N4094 – Pages 9-10
- Business Feasibility: A First Cut Analysis, A Guide for Agricultural Entrepreneurs – Chapter 1
- Direct Marketing of Food Produce and Home Goods, A3602 – Pages 2-11
- WI Small Business Development Center – First Steps Program – Free course: Entrepreneurial Mindset
Business Analysis and Risk Management
Your ideas are awesome, but can they be profitable. Identify business needs and solutions to business problems. Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to a business and the products sold. It is critical to create a strong foundation of business growth, priorities, and the team members needed to achieve success.
- Wisconsin Local Food Marketing Guide, 3rd ed. (DATCP) – Chapter 2
- Business Feasibility: A First Cut Analysis, A Guide for Agricultural Entrepreneurs – Chapter 2 & 3
- WI Small Business Development Center – First Steps Program – Free course: Business Idea
- Scenario Planning, Food Finance Institute – University of Wisconsin System Scenario Planning
- Raising Equity, Food Finance Institute – University of Wisconsin System Raising Equity
- Conducting a SWOT Analysis of Your Agricultural Business (Ohio State University)
Understand your Product Market and Marketing
Who is your market, where are they, why do they want to buy, what will they spend, and how will you reach them? These are all questions that need to be answered. Learn how to develop a competitive market analysis of the business and products. Use marketing platforms such as social media, advertising, and community groups to promote your business.
Licensing and Regulations
Navigating the licensing and regulations requirements of a business and its products being sold can be overwhelming. Connect with your state and federal regulatory offices needed to identify regulations licensing requirements. There are many support services that will help businesses through this process.
Recordkeeping, Budget Planning, and Financial Management
Long term success of a business relies on forecasting sales and budgeting resources. This is accomplished through detailed recordkeeping and financial management. Probably not your favorite job to consider, yet, one of the most impactful jobs affecting your bottom line. Research various financial management tools and enterprise budget templates. Recognize your abilities and weakness in financial management and identify the business partners you will need.
- How to Start a Farm: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, USDA Farmers.gov
- Law, Lending and Accounting Tutorials, WI Small Business Development Center
- Financial Management Boot Camp, Food Finance Institute - University of Wisconsin System
- Fellows Program, Food Finance Institute – University of Wisconsin System
- Specialty Crop budgets, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Farmer to Farmer eCommerce Exchange, CSA Innovation Network
- Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i0IcYdvRIU
- Power point link: https://www.csainnovationnetwork.org/ecommerce-report
- Recordkeeping Template for Small-Scale Fruit and Vegetable Growers, FLAG/USDA
- Keeping Good Farm Records for Better Farm Decisions, University of Illinois Extension
Building a Business Plan
All your great ideas are floating around in your head or on random notes on a note pad. A business plan will organize your thoughts and develop your ideas into a clear and concise plan. A business plan is a necessary tool to create clear communication of your business knowledge with customers and business partners. Take the time to create a professional and impressive business plan that will enhance your business partner conversations and keep you focused on your business goals.
- AgPlan – Center for Farm Financial Management – free online tool for creating a business plan
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