Love it first, Money second
Money is a great motivation to start a Miniature Farm, but it's not going to happen over night. As long as you keep that in mind, you'll be happy. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to sell the spoils of your Miniature Farm. We need more people in this world who want to raise or grow a product that tastes great and is safe and healthy to eat. Organic, free-range, cage-free, and all those terms say quality and consumers are willing to pay that little extra to have that quality on their tables.
Unless you already have your marketing and sales plan all mapped out, I would encourage you to start small and mingle with the local markets first. Have your children raise a hog or cow for the county fair 4H show and if they win they pocket the cash. Put up a sign and offer farm fresh eggs for sale. Know your local and state laws before selling to the public to avoid getting fined or shut down. There are a lot of guidelines when it comes to selling farm produce and goods to the public. Your processing has to be to the highest standard of the USDA, but always go the extra mile and get the proper permits and licenses and then you won't have to worry.
Always make your products shine and shimmer with freshness. People want healthy food and so make it easy for them to find you. Start by taking your goods the your local weekly farmers market. Give a business card to anyone who walks by your table. Let them know that you would love to get them on your mailing list for whatever it is you specialize in. If you sell free-range eggs, then ask them for their email and send weekly newsletters and egg availability. Packaging is really important to consumers and so find a way to put your brands personal touch on your products. It doesn't cost much to slap a sticker on and egg carton personalized to your business and customer relationship.
Get a website and share your Miniature Farm with the world. Join Social Networking Sites and start inviting people to visit your website and make a comment. Find like-minded people and get them to share their farm link on your website. Selling your goods is all about selling other peoples goods. You don't have to be the farm with every possible product. Specialize in eggs, meat, milk, hay, vegetables or fruit. Be the best apple farmer in the county and market grandma's secret apple pie.
The best thing about Miniature Farming is that there are so many different things to market. There are brown eggs, white eggs, green eggs and then there are duck and goose eggs. Specialize in wild game. The sky is the limit. You could just raise Miniature Horses or a specific breed of chicken or cow. All you need is a little creativity and a whole lot of determination.
Always grow and raise it for yourself and your family first and for everyone else second. This will always force you to set high standards, because you're going to care a lot about what you allow your family to eat and drink. If you can get this point across on a website with pictures, videos, and articles, then you'll be making money in no time. People will seek you out as you develop your craft and they will buy from you. Relationships are everything and remember with each and every customer. Invite your patrons to share your products with others too.
If you have any questions about how to do something, don't hesitate to ask. I spend every day trying to create harmony on my farm, but it doesn't always work out that way. I have a lot of experience and know how, but everyday brings new challenges and changes. I hope you the best and hope this website has served you with valuable oversight information. Come back often to see new content as in videos, pics and articles.
Cody Sorensen
