How Showing Up at Your Local School Can Translate To Farm Sales

As small businesses account for almost 50% of the American workforce, it’s essential to gain the support of your local community to create a resilient long-term business. There are numerous ways Farms benefit from being active and present in local communities as it has the power to build brand awareness, create trust in your products, and keep your business top of mind – driving profits to help you succeed.

We work with 1000’s of Farms across America and are always paying attention to innovative tactics Farmers are using to fuel their success. One of the most inventive ways Farmers are using to drive local sales is by participating at local school events. Here are 3 reasons why:

1. Educating the Youth Creates the Next Generation of Buyers

A Pastured Proteins Farmer regularly volunteers to speak at local schools in his community to educate kids about the importance of local Farms, sustainable farming practices, and animal welfare. Doing so has allowed him to spread awareness of his Farm business, building a larger, loyal customer base.

When Farmers engage children, educating them about their Farm and building brand trust, they’ll share their newfound knowledge with their parents. Farmers give flyers to every school kid to bring home to their parents, knowing that one flyer can drive $100’s in orders! Information includes a short snippet about the Farm, their products, the URL to their Farm store, and a QR code to sign up for the newsletter. This has proven to be an effective way to expand your customer list and drive sales!

Two tactics your Farm can implement today:

• Create Farm Flyers. Creating flyers for your business is a great way to quickly share information about your Farm. Include information about your products, how they can find your Farm to order, and a QR code to sign up for your newsletter. 

• Look for Local Speaking Opportunities. Volunteer to speak at schools – from elementary schools to local colleges! Typically, youth educational curriculum includes information about plants, animals, soil, and insects, whereas your local college or university may have Ag extension programs! Any way to get in front of students to educate them about your Farm is a win-win scenario!

Read: How this Farm Increased Their Customer Base by 171%
Listen: A Farmer's Market(ing) Campaign to Grow Faster Online

2. Sharing your Passion Will Inspire Others

When people share their knowledge and passion with others, it fosters inspiration. Most people in America won’t become Farmers, but they want to support good stewardship of the land and livestock. Educating them about your mission, practices, and products will inspire them to support local growers and drive traffic to your Farm store. Offer a convenient avenue for customers to access your Farm products online to spur more sales.

Two tactics your Farm can implement today:

• Create on-Farm Educational Opportunities. One of the best ways to teach the next generation about farming is to give them real-life experiences through on-farm education tours. Offer free or inexpensive tours for kids to attend that highlight daily Farm life (e.g., gathering eggs, moving chicken tractors) to teach about environmental stewardship and teamwork!

• Offer Internships / Farm Volunteering Opportunities. When it comes to high school and college students, offer summer internships or volunteer opportunities to get boots on the ground. Not only are you offering a hands-on experience for the local community to learn more about farming, but you’re also receiving some extra help!

Read: 3 Ways Farmers Can Communicate the Value of Products to Customers

3. Being Present Keeps your Farm Top of Mind

When you support your local community, your community is likely to support you too. You can raise your Farm profile at local schools, community centers, sports teams, churches, and businesses, by participating in or sponsoring local activities and charities. You’ll establish a name and reputation for your Farm that will become recognizable over time and well-regarded in your local community. 

Consider partnering with schools to build curriculums or local businesses that aren’t direct competitors but share your values. Those that focus on supporting local artisans, health and wellness, or restaurants that prioritize sourcing local ingredients should be a priority in creating partnerships. Why? Because their customers are likely your customers! Promote each other on social media and in your emails to spread awareness and stay top of mind. By aligning your business with other like-minded businesses and programs, it’s easier to create a larger, loyal customer base and build your presence in the community.

Two tactics your Farm can implement today:

• Create a List of Potential Local Partners. Think about potential local businesses and school programs with whom you can create partnerships. Consider other Farms only if they produce different products! Contact them to discuss a mutually beneficial agreement! Contact schools to be a speaker volunteer or if you can host a field trip on the Farm.

• Identify Areas in Your Community to Become More Active. Are there food banks, non-profits, community gathering events, or upcoming fairs you can support? Volunteering or sponsoring is a great way to drive awareness about your Farm among the community.

Read: Why Social Media is Important to Growing Your Farm Business
Read: The Importance of Owning your Customer Base for Long-Term Success

Educating the local community helps build trust in you, your Farm, and your business. As 94% of Americans prefer to support local businesses, you’ll find that the more active you become in your community, the more your customer base will expand. Look for partnership opportunities to increase brand awareness and consider hosting on-Farm activities and events to bring people closer to how their food is grown. Doing so has the potential to drive Farm sales, a large contact list, a loyal base of buyers, and strong brand recognition!

Barn2Door provides an all-in-one solution to grow and manage your Farm business. If you’re curious to learn why successful Farms run on Barn2Door, watch this 5-minute video.