| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| This project addressed the financial risks to farm businesses that arise due to limited understanding of market analysis, financial planning and use of direct marketing strategies. The 65 project participants were small farmers and ranchers living in/near the rural communities of St. Maries and Kooskia, Idaho. Participants attended a series of 3 one-day workshops on: Direct Marketing Strategies and Related Farm Financial Planning; Assessing the Farm Direct Marketing Potential of your Product in your Community/Region; and Maximizing Your Direct Market Sales. Upon workshop completion, participants received individual or groups assistance from the project team and workshop presenters in the areas of market analysis, financial planning, and market access. By 3 months after the workshop series, 60 participants will have engaged in new or modified existing direct marketing strategies to reduce their financial risk and increase profits. Of those 60 participants, we anticipate over 50% will report increased direct marketing sales by fall 2005. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 65 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Market analysis and outlook |
| Marketing strategies, plans and clubs |
| Direct, wholesale, and processing markets |
