Time to Make Plans! 2012 NAFDMA Convention in Virginia

North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association announces the schedule for its 27th Annual Convention. The convention will be held at the Williamsburg Marriott in Williamsburg Virginia on February 10-16, 2012.

New Opinions from the Old Dominion is the theme of the 2012 NAFDMA Convention. While taking advantage of the rich heritage of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, new lessons in farm direct marketing and agritourism can be learned. This event will give attendees comprehensive access to networking and education opportunities that are unmatched at any other conference. This is last NAFDMA convention to be held on the east coast for the next several years.

The focus will be on how family dynamics, business management, customer service and technology can be leveraged for a successful farm operation. The convention includes bus tours, workshops, concurrent sessions, round table discussions, networking events and a trade show.

Networking Bus Tour
The convention begins with a three-day School on Wheels. The Networking Bus Tour will be held on February 11-13. This popular tour will have six buses on the road to farms such as Carter Mountain Orchards, Virginia Farm Market, Belvedere Plantation, Great Country Farms and Cox Farms. Each bus will have an individualized focus to give attendees an in depth opportunity to network and share subject matter that is important to them.

Trade Show and Participation Day
The Trade Show will be open February 13-15. This unique trade show gives delegates a chance to taste test many specialty food products, compare corn maze companies and even test drive a pedal kart. As many as 90 trade show booths will promote the latest products and services available for farm retail and on-farm entertainment. Along with the trade show, this day features interactive sessions on some of the best marketing practices by NAFDMA members and round table discussions on a myriad of topics from liability and employee training to the next generation on the farm.

Workshops
Wednesday, February 15 will offer full day workshops and mix and match half day workshops. Three workshops will be held off-site at locations in Busch Gardens, Jamestown Settlement and the Yankee Candle Flagship Store. These workshops will focus on agritourism attractions, school tours and retailing. Workshop presenters at the convention hotel include diversity marketing expert Kelly McDonald, retail guru John Stanley, agricultural financial educator Dr. Alex White, and family business advisor Ann Dugan.

Conference
The Keynote Presentation on Thursday, February 16 will be by Kelly McDonald, of McDonald Marketing on how to “market to people not like you". Her definition of diversity and how to effectively market your business through strategic marketing segmentation is the new opinion many marketers need to build their business. All featured workshop presenters will also return for one hour concurrent sessions. Additional speakers will present sessions on subjects that include market expansion, farm to school programs, on-farm weddings, QR tags and Facebook.

For further information on the 2012 NAFDMA Convention, please visit www.nafdma.com/VA2012

2011 NAFDMA ALR was a success!

The unprecedented early winter storm that hit the Northeast on Halloween weekend did not dampen the spirits of the intrepid NAFDMA members who attended the 2011 Advanced Learning Retreat at Roba Family Farms. Unfortunately, closure of the airport in Scranton, Pennsylvania prevented five registrants from attending. Our hats go off the many registrants who braved the drive to attend the event.

Slight last minute adjustments were made to the program, but otherwise it went off without a hitch. As Sue Roba herself put it, “Hey, we’re farmers, we deal.”

An exclusive pig race show, pumpkin cannons shoots, a friendly game of hoops at Roba’s new “sports center” and s’mores around the fire kept the group warm and engaged. Attendees got to see firsthand the agritourism operation at Roba’s and had the undivided attention of Sue, John and their children Jennifer, Jeff and Jake. Key managers were also on hand for formal presentations and answer the many questions on attendees’ minds.

The “Marketing, Management & Employee Development” session was well received. Nearly everyone expressed that they have many of the same issues. A lively conversation about hiring and motivating quality employees was lead by Patti Borger, Roba’s Director of Fun. Many good ideas on how to get “employees to do what they are supposed to do” were shared.

NAFDMA’s Advanced Learning Retreat is an annual event that strives to help farm direct marketers and agritourism operators take it to the next level. The goals include small group networking where every question gets answered, in-depth access to promote the best education and customized content and peer interaction to minimize innovation.

The 2011 ALR achieved those goals and a good time was had by all. One attendee stated, “The Robas were gracious and hospitable and went beyond the call of duty to share.” We couldn’t agree more.

NAFDMA’s 2011 Advanced Learning Retreat - Save the Date!

North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association announces their sixth annual Advanced Learning Retreat (ALR). This is a bus tour, workshop, mini tradeshow, and multi-session conference all rolled into a single, networking event. It’s a working vacation. It’s an educational retreat. It’s money in the bank. You’ll socialize with like-minded farm direct marketers and you’ll see firsthand the workings of a successful agritourism farm in season. Most importantly, you’ll go home with fresh new ideas and innovations for adaptation at your own farm as you take it to the next level!

Mark your calendars to save the date for NAFDMA’s 2011 ALR on October 29 - November 1, 2011. You’ll be away from home for four days, including travel. Every NAFDMA ALR takes on its own personality. This year is sure to reflect that as we visit Roba Family Farms in Pennsylvania.

In 1984, John Roba had a dream; he was going to sell 2000 Christmas trees each year at $20 a tree. That would make him fat and happy. Sue Cawley had a dream; she was going to marry a tall, dark, handsome and successful man who would support her and be a solid provider for their children. John and Sue’s dreams have come true; they now operate two farm locations. They are open to the public eight weeks each autumn and four weeks early winter to sell Christmas trees. They greeted 70,000 guests in 2010 during their fall season alone. Make plans to join us to get behind the scenes and hear the whole story. Learn more about Roba Family Farms at http://www.robafamilyfarms.com/

“I’m so excited about hosting this year's event! There is nothing like seeing an operation while it is open,” states Sue Roba. “We will show you firsthand how we handle people flow on our busiest day (and on a slow day); handle cash flow; food operations; our pumpkin corral vs. pick your own in the field; farm animals; pig races and much more. There will be something for everyone to learn!!! See you in the fall”

If you have not attended a NAFDMA Advanced Learning Retreat, let us urge you to do so in 2011. This year, along with the firsthand experiences, our Advanced Learning Retreat will include full group general sessions on marketing, management and employee development. We will also conduct small group sessions on pumpkin and Christmas tree production, admissions procedures, food service, security and liability, school tours and group parties, building projects and more. You will find complete details on our website at www.nafdma.com/ALR2011.

The Annual Convention is a Month Away!

2010 was a year to remember for NAFDMA members. Lancaster. Snow. Great fun and a fabulous Convention. One of the best income years ever in our business!

2011? Who knows? But we are just a month away from the start of this year's annual convention and that's a great way to start! Baltimore is looking HOT! It's a world away from Lancaster. No worse. No better. Entirely different. From the bus tours to the hotels, to the food options... it's entirely different. Everyone I know who gets introduced to Baltimore's Inner Harbor has been delighted.

We welcome you. And I do mean WE....

Click here for a 2 minute video welcome from some special friends!

Don't miss out on this premier event for learning and networking about farm direct marketing and agritourism. Complete convention information and registration options can be found a www.nafdma.com/NAFDMA2011/2011Welcome.

We hope to see you there!

NAFDMA’s Annual Workshops take Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism to the Next Level

Twelve different workshops will be offered for farm direct marketing and agritourism operators on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. The workshops will take place on Education Day, as part of the Annual Convention held by North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA). The entire convention runs February 4-10, 2011.

Attendees can choose from one of six full day workshops, or mix and match half day workshops. Workshops can be attended as part of an inclusive registration package, or a one day only attendance. Registration includes breakfast and lunch as well as materials specific to the chosen workshop. Morning and full day workshops begin at 9:00 a.m., and break for lunch at noon. Full-day workshops restart and afternoon workshops begin at 1:30 p.m., all workshops end at 4:30 p.m.

Customers are increasingly knowledgeable about what they want from farm visits. Learning what it takes to be competitive in today’s marketplace and understanding where trends will go in the future is essential for farm direct marketers. Whether the subject matter is new to the farm operation, or builds on what is already being done, the line-up of topics and speakers on NAFDMA’s 2011 Education Day will help take businesses to the next level.

Workshop presentations include food marketing expert, Dr. Richard George who will present a workshop on connecting with today’s customers. John Stanley of Australia, a NAFDMA Convention favorite and expert in retail design, will be returning this year to help farm market owners meet the challenges in the industry. Brad Montgomery’s workshop “Laugh-O-Nomics”, will focus on how levity in the workplace can make a business more effective and productive, thus increasing the bottom line.

Lovoni Walker, host of the popular national Canadian food show ‘Simple, Fresh, Delicious’ will present two half day workshops. In the morning, she will equip attendees with the necessary tools and resources to set up and run a cooking school on the farm. She will conduct a cooking class in the afternoon. See the practical tips and techniques for holding successful cooking classes as Lovoni puts it all into practice as she demonstrates with limited equipment just how easily it can be done.

For those agritourism operators who offer parties on the farm, Frank W. Price, founder of Birthday University will present information on today’s party consumer and what they really want. Those in this workshop will get specific tools to evolve their party concept, become unique and capable of mass customizing. Franks approach is to teach a simplified, low cost party marketing strategy, add simple yet great service and give a little extra at the party table.

The slate of workshops is rounded out by speakers from inside the industry to expose conference goers to new ideas while maintaining relevance to their operations. The additional workshops feature a workshop designed for folks who want to start up an agritourism destination, one to cover the most important topics when considering adding or expanding a bakery or food service and everything one needs to know about adding a small scale apple orchard to diversify an agritourism operation.

Full details on all the workshops and their featured speakers can be found on the NAFDMA convention website at www.nafdma.com/NAFDMA2011.

Annual NAFDMA “School on Wheels” Networking Bus Tour

North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association announces its annual Bus Tour. The Bus Tour is part of the 26th Annual NAFDMA Convention, and will be held on Feb. 5-7, 2011. Known as NAFDMA’s School on Wheels, the annual bus tour is a popular feature of the NAFDMA convention. The tour will begin on Saturday, Feb. 5 in Baltimore, Maryland. It will then spend the next three days traveling to farm direct marketing and agritourism locations in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Overnight accommodations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are included in the bus tour package.

Past attendees of the NAFDMA bus tours know that the networking, sharing of ideas and friendships made on the tour are invaluable to their business. “Often times, it is the conversations that go on between the stops where people get their ideas,” says Kerry Engel, NAFDMA Vice President of Convention Operations. “We learn more from things that are not perfect, we discuss things, and we all learn how we can improve things back home.”

There will be many stops packed into the three day tour. Many of the farms and markets that will be showcased are owned by longtime NAFDMA members. There are two different tour options, Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism. While both tours will visit some of the same stops, the focus will be different when the bus arrives to visit.

Farm Direct Marketing Tour
The Farm Direct Marketing Tour will focus on the retail side of the businesses on tour. Highlights of this tour include the new retail store at Richardson Farms in Old Marsh, Maryland, the farm market and new build planned at Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm in Biglerville, Pennsylvania and the farm market at Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pennsylvania. Tour goers will learn how the owners of these locations decided that it was time for expansion and how they met the challenges along the way. Additional stops on this tour focus on knowing your customers and how to structure a farm market to meet their needs.

Agritourism Tour
The Agritourism Tour will focus on activities and events on the farm. The stops on this tour know that customers are looking for family entertainment that offers a good value for their money. These farms are capitalizing on the up surge of this industry. There are innovative new ideas and agritourism standards to learn from on this tour. Three of the numerous stops on this tour are Crumland Farms in Frederick, Maryland, Weber's Cider Mill Farm in Parkville, Maryland and Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

For both options, tour goers will have the chance to see historic sites in the region. The overnight hotel in Philadelphia is across the street from Reading Terminal Market and a short distance from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Time will be allowed to visit these well-known locations. The tours will also drive through the battlefields of Gettysburg on day one of the tours. A complete list of tour stops for each tour option will be available on the NAFDMA Convention website at www.nafdma.com/NAFDMA2011.

At the Annual NAFDMA Convention,There’s Still a Whole Lot More to Learn!

The 26th Annual Convention held by North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) will take place on Feb. 4 – 10, 2011. The convention features a three-day bus tour, a day of intensive workshops, and a conference and tradeshow. The Hyatt Regency Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland will be the home base for the Convention. This hotel on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will set the stage for the comfortable, intimate setting of fellowship and networking that the NAFDMA Convention is known for.

"This region is a hotbed for customer trends. It forecasts what will be seen across the continent," says Charlie Touchette, NAFDMA's Executive Director. "It's amazing how consumer sensitivity has shifted over the past 5 years. We'll put a spotlight on the wants and needs of customers in today's culture and economy. Convention attendees will come away with a better handle on how to hold the attention of customers back home.''

There is Still a Whole Lot More to Learn is the theme of the 2011 NAFDMA Convention. The bus tour returns to the Mid-Atlantic region where the farm markets and agritourism operations of many long-time NAFDMA members will be showcased. The workshops and sessions will provide the attendees with the tools and information they need to move to the next steps in their businesses. Complete Convention information will be available at www.nafdma.com/NAFDMA2011

Bus Tour
The Networking Bus Tour will be held on Feb. 5-7 and offer two different bus tour options. Option One is the farm direct marketing tour. The buses on this tour will visit several farm market stops. The brand new post and beam style market building at Richardson Farms will be a highlight of this tour. Option Two is the agritourism tour. Linvilla Orchards will be just one of the stops on this tour option. For both options, the tour will begin in Baltimore and overnight for two nights in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tour goers will have the chance to visit the historic sights of the city and learn farm direct marketing ideas from the famous Reading Terminal Market. A complete list of tour stops for each tour option will be available on the web site.

Workshops

Wednesday, Feb. 9 will offer six full day workshops and eight mix and match half day workshops. Education Day is a day full of thought provoking, entertaining and timely workshops. We are happy to announce that food marketing expert, Dr. Richard George will present a workshop on connecting with today’s customers. John Stanley of Australia, a NAFDMA Convention favorite and expert in retail design, will be returning this year to help farm market owners meet the challenges in the industry. Brad Montgomery’s workshop “Laugh-o-Nomics” will focus on how those who enjoy what they are doing are more effective and productive, thus increasing your farm’s bottom line. An off-site workshop highlighting culinary trends on the farm will also be offered.

Conference
The featured workshop presenters will return on Thurs. Feb. 10 along with nearly forty additional presenters for Innovation Day. This year’s conference will feature seven tracks, including U-Pick, Food Service on the Farm, and Family Dynamics. The Technology track will offer sessions on the social media options available for marketing your business in today’s world.Trade ShowAs many as 90 trade show booths will promote the latest products and services available to farm direct marketers and agritourism operators. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to showcase their products in a 30 minute live demonstration. Vendor applications will be accepted starting on Sept. 15. The complete trade show vendor packet will be on the web site. The Trade Show will be open Feb. 7-9.

Learnings from the North American Farmer’s Direct Marketing Association

This year’s convention took place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We had a three day tour prior to a three day conference. Lots of learning and tons of networking. Just thought I’d share a few insights from the innovative farmers who were on my bus.

Add an inexpensive activity.
Activities don’t need to be complicated or cost a lot of money. You can make a big bang with something as simple as a slide. Kids and adults alike love a giant slide!

Go mobile.
Put wheels on your bins. It makes moving produce into the cooler that much easier at the end of the day. This orchard had a small electric pallet mover that they used to make moving a cinch.

No one can resist a cookie.
Cookie decorating can keep families in your business longer. The longer they linger, the more they buy. (Farm animal cookie cutters make a unique gift item at your farm themed shop.)

Fast “Comfort” food.
Cherry Crest sells peanut butter & jam sandwiches and mac n’ cheese. You could have some fun localizing these to your farm. Make your own jam from your berries and Alberta noodles or cheese in your signature dish.

Lighting makes a world of difference.
Honey looks angelic when lit from behind on the shelf.

Sell less. Make more.
You’ll make more money selling pie by the slice or half. The half clam shell package will cost you a bit more so you need to know your costs but selling smaller portions does yield bigger returns.

Enter from the back.
Filling shelves from behind is smart. The oldest product is always out front. This way you don’t have to be in the aisles restocking shelves while customers shop. It’s all done behind the scenes. (Think how milk is sold.)

Birthday parties are hot.
Take a cooking class and turn it into a birthday party. It’s gaining popularity. Customer service is key! Remember that Mom is the customer not the birthday child. Make Mom’s experience the best ever.

Mark your calendar. Join us in Baltimore, February 4-11, 2011 for the next NAFDMA convention. Details will unfold later this summer. http://www.nafdma.com/

This article was written by Kerry Engel, NAFDMA Board of Directors, VP of Convention Operations and previously published in the July 2010 NAFDMA Newsletter.

Register now!
The 2010 Advanced Learning Retreat at Underwood Farms is only a month away.

This year's tour FEATURES:
School Tours
Pick Your Own Produce Retailing Fall Farm Festivals Succession Cropping
On-Farm Birthday Parties
Selling at Farmers' Markets Marketing and Advertising
Financial Management
Farm Animal Center CSA Programs

It's a busy time in our industry all across the continent.
We kept the focus on developing this as a 4-day, 3-night get-away from the moment you leave home to the time you are back in your own bed.

We wanted to pack that time with productivity and enjoyment. So here's about what it looks like...

Saturday, May 15
You'll jump on a plane (or in a car)
Arrive into Los Angeles International Airport.
Take the 10 minute free shuttle to Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
Settle to your beautiful room.
Connect with a few peers for dinner at your own convenience.
Attend registration reception and an opening welcome and presentation at 7:00 p.m.
Mill around until bed time and enjoy your luxury bed for the night.

Sunday, May 16
Have breakfast, check out, board the bus, ride a half hour, fast-paced introductions.

Stop at Hollywood Farmers' Market, see a plethora of California products, enjoy about 100 different local farm vendors, visit the Underwood Family Farms booth, Celebrate the 19th anniversary of Hollywood Farmers' Market, enjoy sights and sounds of Hollywood, see the famed Hollywood sign, do a bit of Hollywood's famous Walk of Fame, and re-board the bus.

Ride to Underwood Family Farms Moorpark location viewing a bit more of Hollywood, Sunset Strip, and beautiful Southern California vistas while learning more about Underwoods' farmers market stream of business as well as their film locations on the farm.

Arrive at the farm and stretch your legs with a self-guided tour of the Animal Center.

Take a guided tour and wagon ride to see every aspect of this location ending with Underwood Family Farm Animal Show. Choose one of 4 different breakout groups on specific areas of interest for 90 minutes of advanced learning. Re-group together for networking and a California style tri-tips BBQ Dinner in the corporate events and picnics area of the farm.

Re-board the bus for a 15-minute ride to Camarillo Marriott Courtyard Hotel, visit by the pool or in the lounge until you must drop horizontally into your plush bed.

Monday, May 17
Have breakfast, check out, board bus, ride 20 minutes to the Somis Farm location to see the retail stand, blueberries and vegetable-washing pad.

Return to Moorpark location for 2 more concurrent sets of small group intensive breakout sessions.
Say goodbye to Moorpark as we drive 15 minutes to Underwood Farms Office complex in Camarillo.

Take in a general session by Suzanna Underwood and Kim Galbraith on marketing and advertising, followed by a Mexican lunch by El Gallo Restaurant.

Tour the office and refrigeration complex and learn about the 1400 acre produce business of Underwood Ranches.

Settle in for an amazing advanced learning hour by Rolf Shoen and Craig Underwood on Underwood Farms sophisticated management systems based on financial management techniques that tell a story of growth, evolution and shifting with the times.

Wrap up the learning time during a gorgeous drive along the Pacific Coast.

Stop at the beach house of John and Stephanie Orr, personal friends of Craig and Sara Jane Underwood, for an informal taco bar and guacamole dinner reception on the waterfront.

After an early evening of seaside enjoyment and visiting we'll board the NAFDMA ALR Express one last time for a California Freeway run back to our original Renaissance Los Angeles Airport Hotel for a beautiful recovery sleep.

Tuesday, May 18
Enjoy breakfast one last time on your own schedule with a few new friends, expand your peer network.

Depart at your convenience as early or as late as you wish.

Safe travels, enjoy the night in your own bed, and enjoy happy dreams about the great new ways your farm and business will be impacted by your visit to NAFDMA's 2010 Advanced Learning Retreat hosted by Underwood Family Farms in Ventura County, California.

The entire package is all-inclusive. $695 per person covers 3 nights hotel (double occupancy), 2 full days of meals plus breakfast on your departure day, all motor coach costs, materials and the rest. You just have to get here. (If you're not able to double your money back from a single idea you got at Underwood Family Farms within the first 6 months after you return home, then please take that up with Russell Blades.)

Complete Printable Registration Packet and Details are now avialable.
www.nafdma.com

BLOCK YOUR DATES: May 15 - 18, 2010; includes your travel time.

LOCATION: Southern California: Plenty of time at Underwood Family Farms in Moorepark and Somis, CA to see festival sites, retail stands, production fields and all the farms have to offer; plus a visit to Hollywood Farmers' Market (yes, Hollywood!) ...see the sights, sounds, Walk of Fame, and shopping sensations of one of the most exciting cultural destinations in North America.

TRAVEL: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on May 15 (Please make an effort to arrive by 5:00 p.m.) Depart at your own convenience anytime on May 18. LODGING: Renaissance Los Angeles Airport and Marriott Courtyard Camarillo

BONUS: California Beach Party Monday night, May 17th.

Quick Links
Underwood Family Farms
Renaissance Hotel LAX

Sure it snowed but nothing keeps NAFDMA people down.

Evening sets in as we enjoy the ride back to the hotel.
Charlie Touchette, NAFDMA's executive Director makes sure that everyone is loaded on a bus.
Tad Kuntz makes sure everyone on the Fertility bus is safely on board.

Of course it snowed. NAFDMA was in town!

But a little snow can't stop this show.

One the first morning of the tour we had to stay in the hotel but the majority of bus goers said they enjoyed having the time and space to get properly introduced.

After lunch on our first day we loaded up the buses and headed out into Lancaster County.

It was like we were driving in a postcard. The snow was beautiful.

Save $100 on your NAFDMA registration till December 15th!

For those of you who intend to take in the entire week at the 2010 NAFDMA convention you'll want to take advantage of the Ultimate Networker Package. At a rate of $1399.00 per person, double occupancy** when paid before December 15, 2009.

It's a savings of $100/person! www.nafdma.com

Guess who's coming to NAFDMA this year?
Kay Hollabaugh!

"I wouldn't miss it - Lancaster is in our "back yard" and is truly one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Attendees will fall in love with rolling hills, amazing farm land, incredible farm markets andPennsylvania Dutch Food and hospitality. We are hoping to bring a couple staff members along since it is so close. I'm very excited to welcome you all toPennsylvania!" Kay Hollabaugh, Hollabaugh Brothers.

Are you coming to NAFDMA let us know!

The Tradeshow has almost sold out. It's going to be amazing. Reconnect with your NAFDMA family at our 25th anniversary convention. Feb. 5-11, 2010 in Lancaster, PA.
www.nafdma.com

Early bird registration begins for NAFDMA 2010

Charlie Touchette, Executive Director, NAFDMA and Anne Holcomb, NAFDMA Convention Chair, just returned home from their final 2010 convention planning trip in Lancaster County.

They were working on NAFDMA's 25th Annual Convention. Anne is very excited about the Lancaster convention, "It's the complete package. Learning, culture and fun. On the tour you will see everything from smaller scale operations to large ag tourism destinations like the Colemans."

"The people of Lancaster County have developed an entire industry around visiting farms. There is so much for NAFDMA members to learn."

NAFDMA magic has been helping farm direct and ag tourism businesses succeed for 25 years.

Take advantage of the highly discounted early registration rate ending December 15 for the Ultimate Networkers Package. It INCLUDES LODGING! . Check out the quick link to Registration Details.

Anne and John Holcomb will be there. Will you?

Never been to a NAFDMA convention? This is the year to start.

Haven't been to NAFDMA in a couple of years? It's time to come home, join your NAFDMA family in Lancaster, February 5 -12, 2010.

Farms of Facebook Follow-up . Say that 10 times really fast!

Mark Saunders, president of NAFDMA started a facebook page for his business this year.

Mark shared with us how social marketing has impacted Saunders Farm . . .

"Facebook and other social media sites have become very important for our business. We need to connect with our customers every way we can.

Facebook is a way we connect and build our community.

We used to hear that you needed a website for your business; now you need a social media presence i.e. twitter, facebook, youtube, flickr to get your message out there and to let your customers share their experience of your farm.

Having a presence on Facebook and other sites has helped with our SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how high your website ranks in searches. "

Mark Saunders is the Director of Fun at Saunders Farm in Munster, Ontario. You can follow him on twitter at http://twitter.com/directoroffun

or visit his farm at http://www.saundersfarm.com/

Mark will be in Lancaster in February at the 2010 NAFDMA convention. Will you?

Using Facebook to promote your farm and your events

Last February at our Savannah convention social marketing was all the BUZZ. The energy and excitement in these sessions was contagious.

Well, in true NAFDMA form it looks like NAFDMA members have turned that buzz into blogs, groups and viral marketing campaigns. It will be interesting to hear from everyone at our 2010 convention to see how these tools have worked for the various farms.

WHO is DOING what?
I've been anxiously following Tulley's Shocktober Fest group on Facebook as it races towards 1000 members. Tulley's gives away free scream passes, polls it's members on what scares them and connects with it's customers answering questions about the event. I'm sure Stuart will have the results of this campaign analysed and evaluated and will be willing to talk about it in Lancaster.

Everytime Saunders' Farm has an event it mysteriously ends up in the calendar in my Blackberry. I know Mark Saunders will tell us how he does that when we see him in Lancaster.

Other NAFDMA members are using Facebook to keep in touch with each other and their customers (fans). Here are a few that I found and if you are a NAFDMA farm on Facebook let us know in the comments below.

Shhh....2010 Convention secret: There will be a Social Marketing Workshop (don't tell Charlie I told you). Details soon at http://www.nafdma.com/

NAFDMA members on FACEBOOK:
Friends of NAFDMA
Description: For those who have become friends, associates and supliers from our yearly NAFDMA meetings. Also, for anybody who is interested in the lives of those who run Agritourism farms and facilities

Vala's Pumpkin Patch - interestingly not created by the Valas.
Description: Someone had to make this group. I know I'm not the only one on here that's been going to Vala's like every year since they were born.

I want to live at Vala's Pumpkin Patch forever
Category: Just for Fun - Fan Clubs
Description: From the Pig-Tucky derby to the Pumpkin eating dragon...we just can't get enough of you Vala's pumpkin patch. One month out of the year just doesn't do it for us. Bring on the kettle corn, carmel apples, and homemade fudge!! No childhood is complete without Vala's memories!!

I Love Uncle Johns Cider Mill
Description: For all those who grew up or still live in the St. Johns area, an ode to the greatest pumpkin patch, cider mill, and family farm there is! As you know, Uncle Johns has the best cider, doughnuts,baked goods and fresh fruit around. And now they are even making wine and have a tasting room!

Ellms Family Farm
Description: fall activitiescorn mazepumpkin patchFamily fun

We Love Red House Farm
Description: Manchester's no 1 farm shop and Tea Rooms
The Greater Manchester Maize Maze, Halloween Spooktacular, All round a great place to visit!

Tate Farms
Description: Family owned Agritourism Pumpkin Farm located outside the Huntsville city limits.

The Jungle Farm
Description: Three season farm - visit us for flowers in the spring, summer strawberries or the fall family pumpkin season.

NAFDMA members on Youtube

NAFDMA members are one creative bunch.

Bonnie and Dick Swank from Swank Farms in California have a new commercial out to advertise their fall season. Enjoy!

Spotlighting NAFDMA's next generation: John Mills

Spotlight on John Mills - Bowden SunMaze.
John is one of the many younger NAFDMA farmers that came back to their family farms to diversify into farm direct marketing and ag tourism.

The Bowden SunMaze can be found at http://www.sunmaze.ca/

At the Bowden Sunmaze John has tried to develop activities for the whole family to create a unique attraction within the Alberta Ag tourism industry.

The Farm hosts the only Sunflower Maze in Western Canada, along side a traditional corn Maze, U-pick flower farm and New this year - U-pick Vegetable Garden.

During the August Long Weekend they showcase thier u-pick flowers. They have developed a Lily Festival which in 2008 accounted for 1/5th our yearly attendance.

Exciting for the farm in 2009:is the launch of our new campaign the "U-pick Dinner".

"We are kicking off our U-pick Vegetable Garden with focus on Eat Fresh, Eat Local and Eat Seasonal," shares John. "Visitors will be able to choose from a collection of recipes made from ingredients which are available from our U-pick vegetable Fields."

This is the Bowden SunMaze's 4th season in operation and will their 4th year of membership with NAFDMA

"It was through conversations at the 2008 NAFDMA conference which opened my eyes to the potential of Farm Based Events," tells John. "This led to the begining of the Lily Festival and a Fall Pumpkin Festival in 2008 which resulted in a double in farm attendance that year."

John's most unforgettable NAFDMA memory...."I remember as being a 1st time member of NAFDMA I was a little uncertain of how I would be received and of what others would share with me at my first conference. After the first couple days I realized that we "NAFDMA Members" were not in competition with one an other and everyone was welcome to share and help assist in any problems I had encountered the year before."

Thank you John and we will see you in Lancaster!

Do farm direct marketers have a role in combating Obesity?

The 2009 F as in Fat report offers a series of recommendations to make preventing and reducing obesity a central objective of health reform, and it also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity.

http://rwjf.org/files/research/20090701tfahfasinfatexecsum.pdf

This report has implication for farm direct marketed products. A good read for those growing fruits and vegetables.

mobile ATM

Spotted this Mobile ATM at the St. Albert Farmer's Market in St. Alberta, Alberta.

It was fun to just sit and listen to the crowd as it walked by.

"That's cool."

"What will they think of next?"

"It just a license to print money."

Has anyone had a mobile ATM at their market or event? 

How did it work? 

Did the market charge them to be there? Let us know. 

NAFDMA member spotlight: Kuiper Family Farm

Today we would like to spotlight the winners of the Best of Show 2009 ‘Celebrate Excellence Contest’, Wade & Kim Kuiper of Kuipers’ Family Farm in Maple Park IL.
www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

The Kuipers were recognized for both their printed brochure and specialty printed literature. Congratulations!!

1. What has been your biggest challenge when developing brochures?
We seemed to be faced with the same problem when it came to our brochures as we had for newspapers and other printed ads......how to tell them what we have without the "listing" I see occur so often.

I felt this was especially important since we all offered many of the same activities so all our "lists" seemed to be the same! I also need the brochure and all our visual marketing materials so reflect our farm "brand" so that when our customers see an item they know right away it's from Kuipers just by the colors and style, like the McDonalds and Starbucks of the world do.

2. Do you use a professional design company? At what stage in your business did you hire a professional?
Back in about our third season we did contract with a professional advertising agency that did teach me the importance of branding our farm and making sure that everything we put out there from signs on the farm to printed materials all had the same basic look, a guideline I diligently follow today.

After that one year contract we also found that we were no where big enough to be able to afford that agency! I did however get to meet my current graphics designer thru that agency who continues to design everything from the farm signs to the doorhangers for me.

I'm sure by the time we open each fall he is ready to wring my neck but he is exceptional at taking the text and info I need a piece to say and designing the item to reflect our look, usually with a fresh new twist!

Believe it or not we do this all via email, I don't think I've seen him in person for a couple years! I would be happy to share his name and contact info with any member interested in his design talents.

3. Do you have any advice for those thinking of hiring out their designing process?
It's really important to concentrate on the tasks you're good at and to know when your over your head with something and you need to hire it done! In the struggle to save a buck on things I'm sure there are many times we've ended-up spending more doing it ourselves...and then usually redoing it it seems. Working with a graphic designer can be very cost effective in the overall picture!

4. Do you have a distribution strategy? How, where and when do you use brochures?
Frankly we seldom use our brochures nowadays. They seem to get sent out here and there and are distributed a nearby town's tourist info program.

Our main printed advertisements are our doorhangers and our bookmarks. Last year was our fourth year that we hired a company from the Chicagoland area that blankets towns with teams of people that hang our doorhangers on front doors.

Towns are chosen by zip code. Last year we distributed 213,000 and once again got many returned to the farm for coupon redemption.

We also work with surrounding libraries which we supply with our bookmarks to be given out as rewards to kids that participate in their Summer Reading Programs. Like the doorhangers they also contain coupons to help us track whether people are really using them as intended.

5. How long have you been a NAFDMA member?
Our first NAFDMA experience was Boston (2005) and we've been hooked ever since!

6. Why do you come to the NAFDMA convention?
Networking, new ideas, the opportunity to learn, encouragement, laughs, exploring new places, and fun! We think the bus tour is a must if you can only do one aspect of the convention.

7. Why would you encourage others to attend?
Seriously the information you come away with is invaluable! Especially the first couple years you attend, you have to whittle down your list of new ideas to something a bit more realistic to tackle in the upcoming year.

I keep categorized files of ideas collected each year and review them each winter when we are in the planning stages for the upcoming season. While I may not be able to implement an idea the year I got it on the NAFDMA tour, I often will pull the idea a year or two later and do it then.

Thank you Wade and Kim! We hope to see you in Lancaster in February 2010.

Farmer's with a Facebook store? Why not?

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/progressivegrocer/content_display/features/supermarket-technology/e3i34e2ede5adb7e1e80c3174ba12895577

The following is from Progressive Grocer.com

Build Your own Facebook Store
June 19, 2009

Shopping search engine Sortprice.com expanded its merchant store application on the Facebook Platform to help retailers expand their e-commerce capabilities that can be used by the social network’s audience.

The free application, available to any Sortprice.com-enhanced merchant with an existing Facebook account, works hand in hand with their product listing on Sortprice itself and allows them to build a virtual store right on Facebook.

Merchants can have their full inventory available to Facebook users for shoppers to peruse and compare prices on, complete with photos and direct links to their own Web sites, according to Sortprice.The tools give retailers complete control over the “look and feel” of their stores, with dozens of choices for color schemes, an option to upload category images, and the ability to add a slogan to their page as well.

Sortprice also included an extensive FAQ section to guide merchants through the process of configuring their stores while offering tips for promoting the application to internal and external audiences.

On the user side, Sortprice’s unique Drag & Drop feature for the merchant pages is now compatible across all Web browsers, facilitating each user’s visit. Shoppers can now quickly and easily compile a “wish list” of desired items from a particular merchant’s store. These lists are viewable to all users and are the foundation for a truly interactive shopping experience.

Visitors can comment on other users’ wish lists, indicate particular items that they “like,” and even invite friends and family to check out wish lists or specific products.To learn more about the Facebook store application, visit www.sortprice.com/facebook_store