A Successful Seed Selection and Produce Marketing Program
On February 4th, we had 13 prospective and current growers attend our Seed Selection and Produce Marketing Program. Several members of the group Legacy of the Land, a new growers marketing group similar to the Stewards of the Land, were able to be there for the program among others.
Marty Travis of the Spence Farm led the talk, with the support of Spence Farm Foundation director Carolynne Saffer and U of IL Extension Local Food Systems coordinator, Chris Konieczka. Marty, our primary speaker, is an expert on sustainably grown foods and has farmed for over 10 years. He and his wife Kris and son Will primarily market to restaurants around the state and sell specialty products, including a heritage breed, the American Guinea Hog, and an heirloom crop grown for generations, Iroquois Corn. These products and the many others they sell are in very high demand.
The discussion focused on marketing strategies for CSAs, farmers markets, farm stands and selling to restaurants. Next on the agenda we discussed which varieties of crops sell well and are most marketable to consumers. Then, Marty discussed the growing habits of many of these different plants. Finally, the conversation turned towards a brief review of biodynamic calendar for planting cycles.
Several different seed catalogues were provided, including Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Fedco Seeds and High Mowing Organic Seeds, among others. Although a variety of produce was discussed, there is quite a bit of room for growers to choose what plants they will grow. Factors that influence these choices include: which crops will be successful in different soil types, the grower’s ability to irrigate and what they are interested in marketing.
See our calendar of events for more classes, including our Livestock Selection and Meat Marketing Program on April 14 from 1 – 4 pm at the Phelps School House at the Spence Farm, led by some expert local producers.
Follow Us!