Strong marketing can help small farms stand out and connect with the right customers. Learn how the 4 Ps and 3 Cs—and KCARD’s marketing support—can strengthen your brand and boost your sales.
Every family farm has a story—but planning its future can be challenging. KCARD’s new Kentucky AgriLegacy Solutions Program helps farm families start meaningful conversations, set long-term goals, and create a clear transition plan with confidence and care. Learn how this program can guide your family through the next chapter while honoring your farm’s legacy.
As your farm or food business grows, your brand should grow with it. If your logo, labels, or website no longer reflect who you are or what you offer, it may be time for a refresh. KCARD can help you evaluate your current branding, align updates with your business goals, and move forward with a clearer, more confident image.
More Kentucky schools are looking to bring fresh, local foods into their cafeterias—creating new opportunities for farmers to grow their businesses while supporting healthy meals for students. But selling to schools is different from selling at the farmers market. From understanding purchasing processes to meeting food safety requirements, success starts with preparation and strong relationships.
Learn key steps to get started, connect with schools, and grow your farm-to-school sales.
As the growing season winds down, it’s the perfect time to revisit your business plan. KCARD’s latest post shares five quick ways to strengthen your plan before year-end — from updating goals and finances to preparing for upcoming funding opportunities. Learn how KCARD’s free, confidential assistance and Business Plan Development Guide can help you plan for a successful year ahead.
Selling online can be a great opportunity for businesses to make up for lower in-person sales, pre-order products for quick pickup or delivery, and increase customer base to those who might not attend markets. Choose an online ordering service that meets your needs and works with the systems you already have. Check out five online ordering options we have seen clients use.
People are requesting gift certificates to help support local farms and local food businesses. Offering gifts cards is a great way to let people support you during this time of crisis. So how do you set that up? It depends on how you take payment now, but you have some options…
For most farm-based products, you do not collect and submit sales tax in Kentucky. However, if you are selling non-food items, such as soaps, painted gourds, or other farm-related crafts, you must collect and remit sales tax. In Kentucky, you do this quarterly. What if you sell online, in other states?
Have you thought about getting crop insurance but assumed it would be too expensive or that it was only for large-scale operations? Crop insurance can be an option for your farm to help you cover the risk associated with weather or revenue. Today, the federal government helps cover 38% to 80% of your premium, depending on the amount of coverage, the policy, and what you grow.
If you attended the National Farm Machinery Show this past week, the temptation of a bright, new shiny piece of equipment was a tempting one. Here is an “oldie but goodie” article from 2016 about making a big purchase for your operation.
Once you decide to hire someone, you need to lay the groundwork for keeping good employee records. What are some recordkeeping basics when you hire someone?
Is it time? If you have been a one-man or one-woman shop and haven’t made a hire yet, what are the questions you should ask yourself before making that hire? Check out this post from KCARD staff on the questions they pose to businesses considering this step.
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.
