Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
Developing and operating a successful business is never an easy task, but operating successful cooperatives can be even more challenging due to their unique business structure and the group dynamics involved. Here are seven ways that a cooperative can improve its odds of success:
With the upcoming growing season quickly approaching, the Kentucky AgVets program partners will be matching the first round of veteran participants with mentor farmers. Mentorships will be designed to provide hands-on training and develop a network for veterans looking to start their career in agriculture. Mentorships will start out at 9 months long and can be extended as needed if mentor and veteran participant agree.
When you first find a grant program that could fit your interests, your main source of information will typically be a document called the “Request for Applications”, also called the “RFA” or in federal programs, a “Notice of Funding Availability” or “NOFA”. This document is key in determining if a grant is a good fit for you or your organization and can easily surpass 40 pages in length. While you will need to read the entire document eventually, we suggest reviewing the following sections first:
FOMO. Yet another acronym that I had to learn from someone much younger than me. FOMO = Fear of Missing Out. It’s the term associated with people incessantly checking their phones, worried about missing out on the latest news about a celebrity, politics, an earthquake on the other side of the world, your friends’ vacation pics or missing out on experiencing something they are only learning about because of the phone in their hand.
Holidays are a time of fun, festivities, and feasting. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some of KCARD’s team members favorite family recipes to make around the holidays. This week, we are highlighting James’ Gisela’s Sauerbraten, which is a recipe from his grandmother that his family enjoys making.
Holidays are a time of fun, festivities, and feasting. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some of KCARD’s team members favorite family recipes to make around the holidays. This week, we are highlighting Brent’s Peppermint Ice, which is a recipe his daughter, Hannah, created recently.
If you are not offering your customers extra products or upgrading a specific item, you are missing a great revenue opportunity. Upselling and cross-selling doesn’t have to be complicated or a daunting task. It is a way to increase not only your bottom line but also the value you offer to your customer.
Holidays are a time of fun, festivities, and feasting. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some of KCARD’s team members favorite family recipes to make around the holidays. This week, we are highlighting Haleigh’s Cranberry Salad, which is a recipe passed down from her grandmother.
Growing fresh-cut flowers can be a beautiful way to utilize your farm ground. However, like any new business, it’s important to set yourself up for success. A few key points to work through before tilling your first flowerbed:
Holidays are a time of fun, festivities, and feasting. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing some of KCARD’s team members favorite family recipes to make around the holidays. This week, we are highlighting Kellie’s Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, which is a family favorite.
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.
