This publication explains how producers and sellers can implement effective pricing strategies based on market structure and competition. It distinguishes between price discovery markets and price setting markets, outlining how competition, product differentiation, branding, transportation costs, and perishability influence pricing decisions. The publication also discusses marketing margins, vertical integration, contracting, and marketing-pricing alternatives that can help businesses improve profitability, manage risk, increase market share, and enhance long-term business performance. It provides practical guidance for agricultural producers and other sellers seeking to develop informed pricing strategies in competitive and noncompetitive markets.

Virginia farmers sell their produce through many venues including on-farm sales, farm stands, and farmers’ markets. Wherever the produce is sold, it must be sold by weight, count, head/bunch, or dry measure. If the produce is sold by weight, the produce will be weighed on scales that have been certified by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Weights and Measures.

The use of computer-controlled machines, autonomous vehicles, robots, drones, cameras, sensors, wireless networks, and smart technology, for example, has led to major changes in how food is produced in the United States. Nevertheless, the wide use of technology in agriculture has brought a new threat to crop and livestock farming in the country: “cyber attacks”. This article discusses the importance of cyberbiosecurity and provides guidance on how to protect your farm and small business from cyber attacks.