When Farmers and Ranchers pivot to selling direct-to-market, they can often increase their margins from 30% to 80% (versus wholesale). However, before making the transition to direct sales, it’s essential to set your business up for success. Here are some tips to follow as you prepare your Protein Farm for the direct market.

Communities are essential to the ongoing growth and stability of Farm businesses. Now, more than ever, Americans are eager to make personal connections with local Farmers to feel more confident and secure about the source of their local food.

With the New Year around the corner, it’s essential to take the winter months to prepare your business for the busy season. With increased awareness and demand for local foods, keeping buyers engaged with your Farm now will help your business secure customer commitments in the future.

The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) was founded in 1987 and is the leading organization in providing education, advocacy, and technical support to Native American Farmers and Ranchers across the United States. In 2020, Barn2Door partnered with IAC to support their promotion in the conservation and development of agriculture for the benefit of Native Americans.

Beginning in 2020, Barn2Door entered into a strategic partnership with ACRES USA -- one of the oldest agricultural publishers --- to advance the efforts of production-scale organic and sustainable farming. Over the previous five decades, ACRES USA has helped “Farmers, Ranchers, and market gardeners grow organically, sustainably, and without harmful or toxic chemistry.”

The holidays are typically the busiest time of the year for your customers. In addition to the holidays to celebrate, it’s essential for your Farm to prioritize connecting with your audience. Why? The more your Farm stays top-of-mind, the more likely customers will place an order from your Farm in the near future.

In 2021, Barn2Door made it even easier for Farmers to grow and manage their businesses. We’re delighted to support millions of transactions across 1000’s of Farmers in all 50 states. We are constantly soliciting feedback on additional capabilities that Barn2Door can build to help Farmers succeed. We’ve highlighted 5 Barn2Door Features that have made it possible for Farmers to increase sales, access more customers, and save time in 2021.

A Farm Brand is a highly valuable tool to drive loyalty and fuel sales. In fact, 43% of Buyers will spend more money on brands they trust! An investment in your Farm brand is vital to your business long-term.More than just a logo, your Farm brand is the cumulative experience customers have with your business in person, online, through emails, and while shopping and consuming your products.

Hayton Farm Berries is a 5th generation Farm located in Western Washington that grows and sells organic berries, grass-fed beef, lamb, and free-range eggs. Last year, when Angelica Hayton became a Barn2Door Farm Advisor, we sat down with her to learn more about her decision to sell direct with Barn2Door.

At Barn2Door, we work with 1000’s of Farmers across the country and have the data to understand what works and what doesn’t. We know that farming is a unique industry with specific needs, and the best way to learn is from your peers. That’s why we recently launched a new Connect Program, giving Farmers the opportunity to learn from other Farmers.

Managing a Farm business requires wearing a lot of different hats. However, finding the balance between Farm tasks and operating a business can be simple. The most successful Farms use the winter months to prepare for next season. Make the time to do the same for your Farm.

With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start implementing a marketing plan to drive Farm sales and stay top of mind. When it comes to generating revenue through the winter, the holidays are the perfect time to stay connected to your buyers. Engage them on all channels (web, mobile, social, and email) regardless if you have products to sell this winter.

While some believe online interactions are impersonal, the reality is that your Farm can bring your customers even closer. Engaging Buyers through various channels (web, mobile, social, and email) and sharing your story, your practices and your products online, will help Buyers connect with you more than ever.

Located in Cleveland, Texas, Agricola Family Farms grows and sells organic produce. Originally from the Republic of Congo, Daphne and her family sought refuge in the United States in May 2010. Last year, Daphne Bicaise became a Barn2Door Farm Advisor, sharing how she incorporates her family’s story to build their local Brand and drive demand for their products.

On November 2nd, Barn2Door hosted hundreds of Farmers from across the country for the Direct 2021 Brand Conference. This free, virtual event showcased Farmers and notable speakers to share best practices on how to build a strong Farm Brand through in-person and online platforms.

In a convenience-first market, Barn2Door is a Farmer-first company. That’s why we’re committed to helping Farmers grow and manage their businesses. One of the hottest topics of discussion with Farmers is direct delivery.

Ben and Mel started as homesteaders in Colorado, but as goats led to pigs and pigs led to cattle, they quickly outgrew their Colorado home. Moving to Arena, Wisconsin, in 2016 has allowed Ben and Mel to grow their Farm business to what it is today.

The 2021 Direct: Brand Conference is less than a month away, and we’re excited to announce three Farmer speakers from Protein, Produce, and Dairy Farms from across the country! We are delighted to host Brie from Terra Firma Farm Creamery (North Stonington, CT), Ben and Mel from Unconventional Acres (Arena, WI), and Liz from Honey Bee Hills Farm (Prospect Hill, NC). Here’s what you can expect to hear from them at the Conference.

We are thrilled to announce Saul Spady as the keynote speaker for the Direct: Brand Conference. Saul is a part of the 3rd generation lineage of a decades-old restaurant chain in Seattle, Washington called Dick’s Drive-In.

Located in the rolling lands of Prospect Hills, North Carolina, Honey Bee Hills Farm is a Certified-Organic Produce operation. Covering 15 acres, Liz and Rich Mason left their careers in international development to plant some roots (literally!), dedicating their time to growing fresh food for the local communities surrounding their Farm.