1. Farmers Markets, Consumer Supported Ag (CSA) & Home Delivered Food Service
Dusty Sonnenberg

3. Definitions: Farmers Market & Farm Markets
Community-supported agriculture, commonly referred to as a CSA model, is a system that connects the producer and consumers within the food system more closely by allowing the consumer to subscribe to the harvest of a certain farm or group of farms. It is an alternative socioeconomic model of agriculture and food distribution that allows the producer and consumer to share the risks of farming.
- Wikipedia
Home Delivered Food Service:
-Blue Apron
-Home Chef
-Home Food Services
-Five Star Home Foods

4. Why are you selling? Excess Production Market Demand/Niche
Hobby/Enjoyment
Financial Need
Diversification
Others

5. S.W.O.T. Analysis Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats
Internal
Strengths
What do you do well
Better than the rest
Weaknesses
What areas can you improve on ?
Production/Marketing
External
Opportunities
Larger market place or environment
Threats
Who is already doing this and why are they successful?

6. S.W.O.T. Analysis Threats Grocery store Butcher shop/Meat market
Local freezer/Beef farms
Internet beef sales
Natural disaster – animal illness, weather event
Economic conditions
Interest rates/Input costs
Changing consumer demand
Processors schedule constraints
Food Safety and Audits

7. 4 – P’s Product Price Place Promotions Freezer Beef
Educational Materials
Price
Variable, based on markets
Set, based on cost of production/profit margin
Place
Home/Farm sales
Community Farmers Market
Location/Location/Location
Promotions
Educational material, Holiday discount, Community Events, Ohio Proud marketing

8. How will you stand above the rest?

9. -Organic (certification) -Free Range/Pasture Raised -Antibiotic Free
-Locally Grown/Raised
-Organic (certification)
-Free Range/Pasture Raised
-Antibiotic Free
-Non-GMO, or GMO Free

10. Talk like a consumer, not a Farmer!
Engage the Public, Use Common Terms
Explain Specifics:
Production practices, BMP’s
Processing
Payment
Pick-up/Delivery
Re-ordering

11. Market Identification
Marketing Plan
Market Identification
Young to middle-aged, middle to upper income families in Northwest Ohio.
Market Demographics
Families with children
Home
College
People who entertain
Meals
Professional or skilled trade

12. Current & Potential Customers
Family & Friends
Neighbors & Business Associates
Church/Social Group Members
Farm Business Service Providers
Insurance, Veterinarian, Feed Dealer, Farm Supplies, Meat Processor, Dentist, Optometrist, Electrician, Plumber, etc.

13. Commodity Groups/Ag. Organizations are important for all sizes of operations.

14. Don’t Lose the Farm! Liability Insurance -Farm Policy
-Product Liability
-Umbrella Liability
-Vending Issues/Permits
-Tax Implications
-State & Local
Health Requirements
-Food Safety

15. Food Safety If a picture says 1,000 words, then here are
1,000 reasons why
we should care!

16. It’s all about family.
“…Sonnenberg Farms will exist to support the Sonnenberg family, and not the other way around.”
- Sonnenberg Farms Mission Statement