Volume 1
Issue 1
I S YOUR BUSINESS C ARD
AN ACE ? .......................... 2
THE INTERACTIVE SIDE OF
MREDC- BETTER THAN POPCORN
AND A MOVIE ..................... 3
DIRECT MARKETING FARM RAISED
MEATS IN MARYLAND .......... 6
Winter 2010
Maryland 4-H Entrepreneurship
Workforce Readiness Training
A workshop for teams of youth
and adults will be held on Saturday,
March 27 at the Maryland 4-H
Center on the University of Maryland
campus from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Teams will engage in hands-on
entrepreneurship and workforce
readiness activities from the 4-H
curriculum.
Registration forms are due to
your local city/county 4-H office
by March 5. Registration materials
are available on the Maryland 4-H
Youth Development website http:/www.maryland4h.org/ or on
page 4. You can also locate contact
information for your local 4-H
office from the Maryland 4-H
website. For additional information,
Participating teams can apply
contact Kendra Wells, Extension
for a mini-grant to implement
Specialist, 4-H Youth Development
Entrepreneurship and Workforce
(klwells@umd.edu or
Readiness programs locally (camps, 301-314-7317).
career days, livestock projects,
workshops, clubs, new small
business ventures).
Photo by Edwin Remsberg
Ag Entrepreneurship - Income
Opportunities For Tight Times
Are you a curious person? Are you
open to trying new ideas? Are you
looking for a new and different income
opportunity in agriculture? If you are,
then you’ll want to attend a full day
workshop on March 31 at the Fairplay
Volunteer Fire Company in Fairplay,
MD (Washington County) to learn and
share tips and techniques on how to
succeed with your agricultural dream
in these challenging economic times.
The day-long program, “Ag Entrepreneurship - Income Opportunities for
Tight Times,” will feature farmers and
educators sharing tips and information
about specific enterprises, practices,
and trends that hold sound potential
for profitability.
Come and sound out your ideas with
farmers who have chartered a new
course for their businesses or just
gather some idea seeds for your new
income opportunity.
As we round out the first decade of the
21st century, our economy is in really
tight times and agriculture is no
exception. However, with great
challenges come great opportunities.
It calls for new entrepreneurs with new
ideas - new Ag Entrepreneurs.
Continued on page 7 …
Page 2
Volume 1
Issue 1
Is Your Business Card an Ace?
Word-of-mouth marketing is the cheapest and most
effective to market your business’s products or services.
A referral from a satisfied customer is worth much more
than any print ad or web content. But how can you help
people remember more than just your business’s name or
the name of your product? Can they remember your
phone and email contacts to tell other potential customers
to contact you? They could if they had your business
card.
Home
e
v
a
e
L
't
"Don
t It"
With Ou
You do have a business card and you always have a
supply with you - right? Not having a business card
means you probably aren’t taking your business efforts
seriously. Your business card is the most powerful and
often the least expensive marketing tool you can develop.
Dollar-for-dollar, it keeps working for your business longer
than any other form of advertising - once it leaves your
hand.
Business cards come in all shapes and sizes – the designs are endless. It doesn’t have to be costly or glitzy, but
it does need to be professional and designed with your
target market in mind. There are several other things to
remember:
►
Make sure it contains ALL your contact
information - phone, cell, email, and website.
►
Make sure the piece reflects the tastes and values
of your business.
►
Keep it simple.
►
The quality of your printed materials reflects
directly on the perceived quality of your products.
►
Give your business card to your lawyer,
accountant, printer, banker, office supply
salesperson, etc. (expand your sales force
for free!)
Quick Tip
To help capture a spot for your business in someone’s
memory, try writing something on one of your cards - a cell
phone number or web address. People will hold onto this
card longer. But, also give them some extra cards to pass
on other potential customers.
Finally, keep in mind what an effective marketing tool your
business card can be and, like that other card advertises,
“Don’t Leave Home Without It”
Facts About Farmers
The Census of Agriculture was taken
in 2007, and the data from it are being
slowly compiled, analyzed, and
released by USDA. Here are some
snapshots from the data released so
far :
Small farms
farms. In 2007, there were 18,467
more small farms counted than in
2002, a 1% increase. Farms with sales
less than $10,000 increased while
farms sales of more than $10,000 decreased. Farms with sales between
$100,000 and $250,000 decreased
7%.
USDA defines a small farm as one with
$1,000 to $250,000 in annual sales of Age
agricultural commodities. By that defi- The average age of U.S. farm operanition, 91% of all U.S. farms are small tors increased from 55.3 in 2002 to
The BARN
57.1 in 2007. The number of operators
75 years of age and older grew by
20%, and the number of operators under 25 decreased 30%. The average
age of farm operators has been over
50 and has risen every census since
1978.
Internet access
Percentage of farm operations with
internet access was 57% in 2007; of
those, 58% had high-speed.
Winter 2010
Volume 1
Issue 1
Page 3
The Interactive Side of MREDC - Better
Than Popcorn and a Movie
By: Ellen Green, Extension Program Assistant–University of Maryland Extension
The Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center (MREDC) website was produced with many great concepts in mind.
But one of the best has to be the understanding of how busy you are as a prospective or current entrepreneur. This is
why MREDC brings you many interactive components to help you learn and get information you need, and do so in the
comfort of your own home or office.
This article outlines the interactive tools at MREDC. As the web producer for MREDC, I hope I can lead you to something you’ve been looking for. So grab some popcorn and meet me at your computer! Log onto www.mredc.umd.edu,
and let’s explore the many interactive tools offered.
►
Dream-Plan-Implement
Do you have an entrepreneurship idea? Here is a good place to start.
Dream-Plan-Implement (DPI) is a guide that explores your business
idea and plans. Select a category directly from the main DPI page or
use navigation to view the guide from start to finish. Each page within
the guide is organized using tabs: Overview, Resources, and
Downloadable Media. You’ll also find podcasts throughout the guide.
These podcasts can be downloaded and played back using your
computer’s media player or copied to your handheld music player for
listening at any time. Link to Dream-Plan-Implement:
http://www.mredc.umd.edu/rootdreamplanimplement.html
►
Farm Business Planning
Farm Business Planning is a downloadable workbook for the beginning farmer or the farmer who has delayed
putting a written plan in place. Having your plans in mind is not enough! Get your pencil (or keyboard) ready.
Taking time to record your thoughts, evaluations, business strategy, and anticipated problems will help your
business be successful. Download the guide in printable format (pdf) or take a very short survey to receive a
version of Farm Business Planning in MS Word format. The MS Word version will allow you to save the guide
to your personal computer for editing. Link to Farm Business Planning:
http:/www.mredc.umd.edu/rootbeginningFarmBusinessPlanning.html
►
MREDC Resource Map
The MREDC Resource Map is a directory of contacts and links by
county. In addition, there are regional resources. The County
Resources page contains an interactive map of Maryland. Just click on
a county within the map to go to the county resource page. Once there,
you’ll find more information organized by tabs including Extension
Office, Agricultural Marketing Professional and Other County
Resources. On the Other County Resources tab, county government
and other organization links are provided. On the MREDC Resource
Map main page, other resources are available on the Regional
Resources tab. These resources service all of Maryland. Link to the
MREDC Resource Map: http://www.mredc.umd.edu/MarylandMap.html
►
Distance Learning Library
At the Distance Learning Library, you will find multimedia resources. The resources are organized in three tabs:
Podcasts, Webinars and Videos.
Continued on page 5…
Winter 2010
The BARN
Page 4
Volume 1
Issue 1
Marketing Group Receives Maryland Agricultural Grant
Increasing Consumer and Retailer Awareness of the Availability and Benefits of Maryland Farm-Raised Meat and Poultry
In the wake of articles in Time magazine, Pollen
and Kingsolver’s books calling for a local food
movement, food recall scares, and now the movie
Food Inc. consumers and chefs are searching for
sources of clean, local meats and poultry,
produced by farmers that care for their animals
and farms in a sustainable fashion. Maryland’s
meat and poultry producers are selling out of their
USDA processed products weekly at farmers’
markets. At these markets, the number one
consumer comment is, “I didn’t know you had this
available and that you were so close to where I
live.” There is a substantial need for more
intentional promotion of the availability and health
benefits of these Maryland agricultural products
to consumers and the chefs who will use them in
their menu planning.
packet when talking with chefs.
To join this group and obtain more
information on joining this Working
Group and downloading the card
form, visit agmarketing.umd.edu.
Print the directory form and return
to the address on the form.
Or contact Susan Barnes at
sbarnes6@umd.edu to have a
directory form emailed to you.
Registration form (full size) available at:
http://www.maryland4h.org/4HFiles/UPEWRregis2010.pdf
The mission of the MD Niche Meats and Poultry
Producers Working Group is to foster the success
of highly differentiated farm-raised meat and
poultry value-chains that are profitable, that
incorporate farmer ownership and control, and
contribute to improved environmental stewardship
and rural communities. The group now has over
50 member farms. They have developed a
directory of products including everything from
bison to turkeys and want to intensify their
outreach to potential buyers.
In February, the group received a $750 grant from
the Maryland Agriculture Council to develop an
information card that can be used as a stand
alone promotional piece or distributed with a copy
of the group’s product directory. The front side of
the card details the positive attributes of purchasing Maryland raised meats and poultry. The
reverse side of the card has contact information to
the directory on - line, Maryland’s Best lists of
many Maryland Ag products, and several blank
lines for individual producers to list their farm
information.
Members of the Maryland Niche Meats and
Poultry Working Group can print copies of these
specially designed promotional cards for distribution through health centers, CSA shares, farmers’
markets, the Maryland Department of Agriculture,
and delivered with the producers’ promotional
The BARN
Winter 2010
Volume 1
Issue 1
Page 5
The Interactive Side of MREDC - Better Than Popcorn and a
Movie Continued from page 3 …
Podcasts: Topics for podcasts are related to small farms and agricultural entrepreneurship.
You may listen to the podcast online using your computer’s multimedia player. Or, download
the MP3 file for listening on your handheld music device. Scripts for the podcasts are also
provided in printable (pdf) format for your convenience.
Webinars: Topics for webinars are organized by category including Fruits and Vegetables,
Livestock, Pasture Management, Poultry, and Regulatory. Since these webinars are
pre-recorded in a program called Adobe Connect, no special software is needed to view on
your computer! Just click the webinar title to view. A high speed connection is recommended
for webinars.
Videos: The videos provided are select videos from around the web. No special software is
needed to view these videos. You’ll find a variety of agriculture topics to choose from.
Link to the MREDC Distance Learning Library: http://www.mredc.umd.edu/rootdistance.html
Ready for more popcorn?
Keep checking back for more interactive resources at www.mredc.umd.edu. We will be adding many more interactive
tools in 2010. If you have any questions about the MREDC website, please feel free to contact Ellen Green, MREDC
Program Assistant and Web Designer at 301-432-2767 x307 or egreen13@umd.edu.
On The Web
The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
http://nercrd.psu.edu/
The Northeast Center is one of four Regional Rural Development Centers established in the early 1970s in response to a research initiative by the Cooperative State Research Service—USDA. The Northeast Center was
moved from Cornell to Penn State in 1985. The Southern Center is located at Mississippi State, the North Central
Center at Iowa State, and the Western Center at Utah State.
The Centers address issues facing rural communities that are often multi-state in scope and require faculties from
several disciplines to resolve. Often, the Centers work together on rural issues that are interregional or national in
scope. Each Center is administered by a joint agreement between USDA and the site institution operating for the
Extension Service and the Experiment Station in the region. Major core funding comes from the Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service and the region's land-grant universities.
Each Center is guided by their own regional board of directors. Additionally, the Northeast Center and North Central Center are guided by their own regional technical advisory committee; the Southern Center's program advisory
committee operates in much the same manner. Please refer to other subheadings for more information about the
Northeast Center.
Access eNonProfit
http://nercrd.psu.edu/eNFP/index.cfm
The Access eNonProfit program is intended to help nonprofits make the most of their Internet connection and
web presence. It's about making smart business choices that meet the needs of clients, patrons, or members.
It's primary audience is the smaller nonprofits with limited budgets but big ideas.
Winter 2010
The BARN
Page 6
Volume 1
Issue 1
Direct Marketing Farm-Raised Meats In Maryland
Maryland farmers who raise meat - beef, pork, lamb,
chevon, bison, and veal - on their farms can sell their
USDA processed frozen products and frozen cuts directly
to the public from their farms. These products can also be
sold at farmers markets’, to restaurants, and to retailers.
All meats sold in this manner must have been processed
through a USDA federally inspected facility.
Product Development
Have your USDA processor cut, vacuum wrap, and label
your individual cuts or packages. It is much easier to apply
a label to the package before freezing. Clear, vacuum
sealed packaging makes it easier for customers to see
what they are purchasing and also helps keep your meat
fresher and freezer burn resistant.
►
►
►
►
A description of the designated area on your farm
where the frozen meat will be stored.
A description of your freezer. You will need a
NSF certified commercial freezer. These are
available at a number of retailers such as Sears,
and although they cost slightly more than home
freezers, are better insulated and more energy
efficient.
Describe how the product will be kept secure.
The simplest answer is that your freezer locks.
Security becomes a food safety issue to prevent
contamination.
Describe how the meat will be kept frozen during
transportation or storage at a farmers’ market.
Most USDA processors have contact information for a label Once the plan has been reviewed, an on-farm inspection of
designer and printer. Your label should include the follow- your facility and equipment is required to confirm it complies with the local and state laws governing food processing information:
ing facilities.
►
►
►
►
►
Name of the product
Your farm name and address
The processor’s name and address
The processor’s USDA stamp
Safe food handling instructions
Obtaining and On-Farm Food Processing
Plant License
To sell stored, frozen farm-raised meat directly from your
farm, you should obtain a Food Processing Plant License.
This is also sometimes referred to as an on-farm home
processing facility. Request the license application by contacting:
Risk
All producers should consider the added risk of selling their
meat directly through retail channels. The potential for loss
could be great. You may want to consider legally organizing your meat sales business separate from your farm business to protect your farm. Consult with your insurance professional to discuss product liability insurance. Also, stores
and markets often require that you have product liability
insurance before they will purchase any of your products.
Carolann Liszewski
Division of Facility and Process Review
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Office of Food Protection and Consumer Health Services
6 St. Paul Street, Suite 1301
Baltimore, MD 21202- 1608
410-767-8417
You will receive a one-page application form that is fairly
simple to complete. The license type to request is the, “On
Farm Processor,” and the fee is currently $30.00. Payment
must be returned with the application.
To facilitate a speedier plan review, include a one-page
description of what you plan to sell, where, and how.
This page can serve as your site plan. It should include:
The BARN
Winter 2010
Volume 1
Issue 1
Page 7
Ag Entrepreneurship - Income Opportunities
For Tight Times Continued from page 1 …
Ag Entrepreneuship - Income Opportunities For Tight Times will take place on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Registration
begins 8:30 AM. Program begins promptly at 9:00 AM.
Location
Fairplay Community Volunteer Fire Company
18002 Tilghmanton Rd.
Fairplay, MD 21733
(301) 582-0099 - directions only (call 301-432-2767 for program information)
Directions
Take MD 65 south , Exit 29 Interstate 70 West. Take MD 65 south approximately 5.5 miles to Tilghmanton Road (on the
right).
Registration
Registration fee is $25 per person which includes a continental breakfast, lunch buffet, and handouts. Registrations
are due no later than Monday, March 22, 2010. Make checks payable to “University of Maryland”. Please send
completed registration form (page 8) and check to: Susan Barnes, WMREC, 18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD
21756. If you have any questions, please contact 301-432-2767 or email sbarnes6@umd.edu
Featured Speakers
►
Nadine Fox
Buck Valley Ranch, Warfordsburg, PA
►
Topic: “Finding Your Numbers”
Topic: “Adding Income with a Farm Visit”
►
Dr. Jeffery Hyde
Penn State University
Pam Saul
Rolling Acres Farm, Brookeville, MD
►
Susan Schoenian
Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of
Maryland Extension
Topic: “Ag Entrepreneurship”
►
Ginger S. Myers
Regional Marketing Specialist, University of
Maryland Extension, Director , Maryland Rural
Enterprise Development Center
Topic: “A Bicycle for the Mind” and
“Maryland Rural Enterprise Development
Center & Other Business Development
Tools”
Winter 2010
Topic: “Income Opportunities with Sheep
and Goats”
►
Pam West
West Farms, Lewisburg, West Virginia
Topic: “Small Farm in a Small Town: How
Sustainability Makes Dollars and Sense”
The BARN
Page 8
Volume 1
Issue 1
The BARN
University of Maryland Extension - Western Maryland Research & Education Center
18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756
301-432-2767 x338 or x301, E-mail: gsmyers@umd.edu or sbarnes6@umd.edu
Editor: Ginger S. Myers
Regional Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
Director, Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center
The BARN is published quarterly featuring the programs and resources of the
University of Maryland Extension’s (B)usiness Development, (A)g Marketing,
and (R)ural and Community Economic Development (N)etwork.
For more information visit:
Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center
http://www.mredc.umd.edu/
To Subscribe:
►
Western Maryland Research & Education Center
http://wmrec.umd.edu.
Email Notification: contact us (above address) to be added to our email reflector list
and you will receive an email notification when a new issue of The BARN has been
posted on the web or other important events we would like to share with you.
►
University of Maryland Extension
http://www.extension.umd.edu/
Hardcopy subscription: mail check or money order for $10 per year, payable to
University of Maryland to the address above.
►
Online: Issues are posted online and can be downloaded for free:
http://www.agmarketing.umd.edu/Pages/Newsletters/Newsletters.html
Ag Marketing Program
http://AgMarketing.umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens
without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age,
sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin.
Comments and suggestions regarding The Barn are always welcome. References
to commercial products or trade names are made with the understanding that no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the University of Maryland
Extension is implied. Articles and photographs can be reprinted with permission.
Registration Form
Ag Entrepreneurs– Income Opportunities in Tight Times
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Name(s)
Company/Organization
Mailing Address
Please send registration
form and check or money
order made payable to
University of Maryland
by March 22, 2010 to:
Phone
Ag Entrepreneurs – Income
Opportunities in Tight Times
Attn: Susan Barnes
University of Maryland Extension
18330 Keedysville Road
Keedysville, MD 21756-1104
Email
(301) 432-2767 x301
Fax: (301) 432-4089
Email: sbarnes6@umd.edu
City, State, Zip
Number Attending _____ x $25/person
We are unable to
accept credit cards.
Total Enclosed: $_____________
Winter 2010
The BARN