Bringing awareness to, and development of effective roadside marketing techniques was first addressed in the bustling fresh vegetable markets of Ohio. Dr. Ed Watkins, now retired from Ohio State University, played a significant role in helping to improve these markets.

Cull cows and bulls represent a significant portion of the net income of Virginia beef farmers. According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) 2007 Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit, the sale of cull beef and dairy cows and bulls accounts for as much as 20 percent of the income generated on these farms in the United States (NCBA 2007). Management and marketing strategies that enhance the value of these animals are worth considering. Research has also demonstrated that consumers are concerned about the well-being of the animals that produce the meat they consume (Bowling et al. 2008). Producers cannot ignore this trend.

Amish, Mennonite, and other "plain folk" communities have developed nearly fifty produce auctions across the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern states, thus optimizing their wholesaling strategies. It may be a model well worth adopting if your production exceeds what you can dispose of through retail sales.

This article is from "Smart Marketing" a monthly marketing newsletter for extension publication in local newsletters and to place in local media. It reviews the elements critical to successful marketing in the food and agricultural industry. Articles are written by the faculty members in the Department of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University.

As we near the time of year when customers frequent U-pick operations, growers should give some thought to minimizing risks associated with customers picking produce on your farm. This is actually one of the concepts with the GAPS (Good Agricultural Practices) program. Of particular concern is minimizing microbial contamination to the produce.