In the face of uncertainty due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Barn2Door has witnessed many Farms enjoy success as they bring their products direct-to-market, own their own customer relationships and make more revenue selling to local buyers. We know that 9 out of 10 American consumers want to buy local food, but 99% aren’t going to farmers markets. Furthermore, coronavirus cases have resulted in severe restrictions, causing schools, restaurants, bars and markets to close and open unpredictably and variably across the country.

Lucky Crow Farm cultivates three plots in Monmouth and Salem, Oregon. Founder Eden Olsen launched the Farm in 2016, after studying sustainable agriculture at Scripps College, managing farmers markets in the Bay Area, ranching in California and growing organic produce in Washington. Beginning with CSA and farmers’ market sales, the female-powered farm expanded to serve restaurants last year and began online sales this season. Eden shared her passion for farming and building community relationships—and how she’s engaging buyers online as well.

In 1996, Grant Sheeder’s father left his salaried job with benefits to start milking cows. Despite being called crazy, the dairy grew and in 2005 Grant’s mother joined her husband full time on the Farm. In 2006, the couple began processing their own milk, and started selling grass-based dairy products through local stores. Grant joined the successful family business. Recently, in part due to the pandemic, Grant and his parents decided to test interest in direct home delivery, and experienced a surge in growth and positive customer feedback. Read about their shift to door-to-door delivery.

After attending college for horticulture in Germany, Petra Zinniker wrote to the Biodynamic Association, asking about opportunities for hands-on experience working with an organic Farm in the states. On the Member List she received was Zinniker Family Farms, where she landed an internship, met her husband, and spent her life working on one of the oldest biodynamic Farms in the country. Petra graciously shared her story, the Farm’s history, and their experience selling direct to customers.

Jesse’s great-grandfather immigrated to America in 1883 at age 11; he was the second settler to the Trout Lake, WA, region. An early homesteader and Farmer, his great grandfather raised dairy cows and crafted butter. Today, Jesse with his wife (also from an agricultural family), children and parents continue the family farming tradition and sell raw milk, beef and eggs to their local community.

We’re thrilled to debut a new Barn2Door Dashboard to provide you with real-time insights to your Farm business. Our new dashboard offers you information at-your-fingertips to better manage your Farm sales, orders, inventory and customers.