Struggling to price your products at the farmers market? It’s a balancing act between attracting customers and ensuring profitability. From calculating your costs to understanding market trends and perceived value, this post breaks down key steps to help you set the perfect price. Ready to optimize your pricing strategy? Read on for tips that will boost your sales and sustain your business!
With the uncertainty of USDA contracts and funding while federal programs are being reviewed by the new administration and some programs being canceled, it is important for producers and organizations to understand their rights and key timelines. Farm Commons has recently published a resource aimed at helping producers navigate this situation. Key points from this resource are summarized in this post.
Starting or growing a business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding an existing operation, or simply rethinking your strategies, it’s always helpful to have a well-thought-out business plan. This document isn’t just a formality—it’s a foundational step that can turn your vision into reality while ensuring you stay on track to achieve your goals.
The USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program is a cornerstone for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who wish to diversify their operations and expand their value-added products. For the current 2025 cycle and future cycles, there are some significant changes that you need to know if you’re interested in applying.
It is important to understand the cash flow needs of your business and the potential threat of not having enough cash on hand. One of the most common challenges we see in businesses with whom we work is cash management.
Are you wondering if a point of sale system is a good fit for your business? A POS System allows you to maintain sales history, adjust production or buying decisions as well as analyze sales data to figure out how well items on your shelves are selling. Check out this blog post to learn more!
In the state of Kentucky, fruit and vegetable producers are right in the middle of their busiest time of year. Although most preparations take place later this year, or even early next year, there are steps producers can take now that will make next season that much better.
In this blog post we are highlighting some of the most frequently asked questions about registering for a farm number with the Farm Service Agency Office (FSA).
When KCARD staff meets with new businesses and organizations, one of the most recommended courses of action is to implement regular staff meetings. In this blog post, we are highlighting some of the most frequently asked questions about staff meetings
Over the last year, KCARD has seen an increased interest in starting up new commercial kitchens throughout the Commonwealth. Owning and operating a commercial kitchen has many benefits, but there are a few key considerations before getting started.
Are you curious about incorporating a UPC barcode (Universal Product Code) on your food or farm product? UPC barcodes are commonly used on a variety of products to help track these items as they move through the supply chain. If you are targeting retail stores for sales, incorporating UPC barcodes on product labeling is a must.
We all know that over the course of one long year of COVID-19, our habits have changed. From baking bread to who we break bread with, new norms have been established at a rapid pace. One team of researchers, led by the University of Kentucky, is documenting the innovations and COVID-related shifts in the Local and Regional Food Systems markets. Check out the detailed results from a 5,000-household surveyed in the fall of 2020 here and read some key takeaways and lessons for businesses that we have extracted, below.
One of the most important tools you can use for your business is good market research. Being able to do your own market research gives you a unique perspective into your business and its potential. Knowing your market is invaluable when planning for your current and future business plans.
Have you ever thought about marketing your farm’s local food to restaurants but just don’t know where to start? We have put together a few tips for you to make the sales pitch as seamless and successful as possible.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
