Rob Leeds reports on the NAFDMA Advanced Learning Retreat 2009

Rob Leeds with Leeds Farm was fortunate enough to attend NAFDMA's Advanced Learning Retreat (ALR) this past July at Huber's Orchard and Winery in Starlight Indiana.

Rob is a long time NAFDMA member who has spent many years on the NAFDMA board. Rob has assisted in the planning and execution of many NAFDMA events. He has seen it all. Well almost all....

Q: Rob, what stood out for you at this year's ALR?

Rob: There were several highlights this year.

• The session on hosting weddings and events- it was great to see how it was done. The lesson covered everything from what brides/event planners look for in a location, the booking procedure, kitchen prep to the delivery of the product. The session had a lot of practical advice, of trying out ideas before investing dollars, what inside information to tell people, contracts used and handling billing. It was a complete lesson in how to develop a business to host events and weddings
• The school tour session. This was a good overview of how the Huber's ran school tours. We picked up some great ideas during the discussion on sound systems. Jan gave us copies of her teacher letters and marketing material. This type of information really helps farms as they are trying to improve there school tours.

Q: What types of operations took part this year?

Rob: We had very different types of operations attending, from small farmer's market vendors to farms looking to branch outside of the fall season to large farms doing year round food sales

Q: What three things were the hot-topics this summer?

Rob:

• The Recession. The discussion was how were farm markets going to take advantage or minimized the impact of less disposable income. Several of the discussion revolved around the reduced ability to travel during this summer's vacation season. This was seen as an opportunity.
• Liability of the play areas- Someone had an issue with the jumping pillow. This once again brought up the issues of how much risk an individual operator is willing to take.
• Next Generation- Several of the farms sent their next generation family members. It was great to see! There was a lot of discussion with them about how they became interested in the farm and if they were going to stay on.

Q:In your mind, how do NAFDMA members, like the Hubers exemplify the NAFDMA spirit?

Rob: The NAFDMA spirt is about sharing. I always had a lot of respect or Jan and Greg but the amount of information they shared at the workshop was more than anyone could expect. The sharing of Teacher letters, marketing material, sample contracts and behind the seans looks is why being part of NAFDMA is so important. The quality of the Huber operation and the willingness of Greg, Jan and the rest of the Huber family and staff to share is what the NAFDMA is all about. Truly a NAFDMA WOW!