The Independent Farmer Podcast

In this week's episode, James talks with Taylor Bridges of Bridging the Gap Financial Services LLC to discuss a streamlined process for Farms to report on their finances. She discusses practices to keep finances organized and to save time when tracking and reporting, as well as her recommended financial software.Join our Finance Academy: barn2door.com/academyFind more Farm resources: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James sits down with Tom of Bennett Farms (MI) to discuss Farmers market best practices. From choosing the right Market to how much product to bring, Tom now successfully serves 20+ Markets.Find moreFarm resources, visit: barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle speaks with Laci of Tagge’s Famous Fruit and Veggie Farms in Utah about their Farm’s delivery day. The Farm serves over 1,000+ CSA members, and uses software to simplify and save time fulfilling orders.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James speaks with Peter of Bartlett Farms (ND) about how he increased his average order value by educating Buyers, selling sustainable products and offering a convenient option to shop.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In 2020, Joe made the switch to Barn2Door’s software built for Farmers. Instead of using analog records or a horizontal ecommerce solution (formerly Shopify), he moved the business to an order management solution, designed to support Retail (consumer) and Wholesale (restaurant) buyers. While Joe has seen other Farms constrained by commodity prices, he has maintained premium prices for his products by selling Direct-to-Market.Find more Farm resources here: barn2door.com/resources

On today's episode, Janelle talks with Julie and Michelle of Veteran's Liberty Ranch in Texas. They discuss how the Ranch came to be, their tips for maintaining a recognizable brand presence and their goals to take over Texas and hit $1 Million in Sales. Learn more about Julie and Michelle: https://www.barn2door.com/fan/veterans-liberty-ranchFind more Farm resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Farmers’ markets can boost visibility in your local community, but they are not necessarily a catch-all. Today, 99% of Americans don’t regularly attend farmers’ markets. The lives of Americans are busy, and many buyers choose to opt for the most convenient option. That’s why the markets aren’t just about selling products but attracting and engaging new customers to make regularly purchasing from your Farm the more convenient option.This audiobook outlines the tactics to double your sales on market day. By diversifying your market approach, you’ll find new avenues to increase your sales and improve buyer loyalty.For more Farm resources, visit: https://www.barn2door.com/resourcesRead the eBook: https://www.barn2door.com/e-books/farmers-market-day-double-your-sales

In 2021, Benoit Family Farmstead made the decision to partner with Barn2Door to expand their reach to access new Buyers with Farm eCommerce and streamline their operations. The Farm has been able to add more products and serve their community, without having to spend extra hours in the office.As a member of the Barn2Door Farm Advisor Network, Erica Benoit is excited to share her experience and advice for Farms looking to grow direct sales. Learn more about Benoit Family Farmstead: https://www.barn2door.com/fan/benoit-family-farmsteadFind more Farm Resources: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

There is no silver-bullet to supercharge your Farm growth. There are a handful of persistent efforts that have brought success to a number of Farms across the country. From simplified product offerings to consistent marketing, here are $1 million Farm tactics.Find more Farm resources to spur sales: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James and Maimee discuss email best practices to engage Buyers, and increase traffic to your Farm store. Implement these tactics for writing attractive emails and consistently improving your performance.For more Farm resources, check out: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

With a variety of best practices and techniques for how to create a successful Farm business, it can get overwhelming to know which tactics actually work. Many CSAs have developed proven tactics to increase revenue, lock in early buyer commitments, and streamline processes to ensure products go out the door with money in hand. In this week's episode, listen to the audible version of our eBook - Five Key Tips from CSA Farms Making Six FiguresFind more Farm business resources, including eBooks: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James speaks with Alexia from Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund about the proposed electronic ear tagging updates for livestock and how this rule may affect Independent Farmers.For more information, visit: https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/ To find more Farm resources, check out: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle talks with Rachel Shenk of Shenk Family Farm. Shenk Family Farm in North Carolina began their protein operation in 2016, turning it into a business the next year. With the help of automated software, successful marketing efforts and convenient, local fulfillments, the Farm has scaled to a 6-figure operation.To find more Farm resources, check out: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

Price your Produce for consistent revenue that secures a healthy Profit. In this week’s episode, listen to the Audible version or our newest eBook - Planting for Profit.Download the eBook: https://www.barn2door.com/e-books/planting-for-profitFor more resources, including eBooks, visit https://www.barn2door.com/resources

As an Independent Farmer, you must be in control of your finances to make a profit. It is important to be organized and prepared when tax season comes. In this week’s episode, learn finance best practices from Taylor Bridges of Bridging the Gap Financial Services.For more Farm business resources, check out our content: http://barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, Janelle speaks with Veteran’s Liberty Ranch (TX) to discuss their success using Barn2Door’s POS for in-person sales. Farmers Markets help Farmers build meaningful relationships with Buyers, while securing purchases. It is crucial to have a POS device that allows for all customers to buy your products. Selling, tipping, reserving and syncing your inventory is made easy with Barn2Door’s POS.Learn more about Barn2Door's POS:  https://www.barn2door.com/point-of-saleFind more tips and tactics from Farmers across the country: https://www.barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, Janelle meets with Josie Rozum from Dan & Debbie's Creamery in Iowa. With a marketing background on a 3rd generation dairy Farm, learn how Josie thinks about investing in marketing today for future sales, and how to streamline marketing efforts in just one hourly ‘meeting’ a week.Learn how Barn2Door can help support your Farm marketing efforts and more: http://barn2door.com/resources

In this week's episode, James meets with Will from Old Rich Valley Farm in Virginia to discuss Farm product pricing. Will explains how to price different product types, communicating the value of sustainable agriculture and reevaluating costs yearly. For more resources to spur sales for Independent Farmers, streamline operations and access local Buyers, visit https://www.barn2door.com/resources 

A few years and 145 episodes in, Barn2Door’s Podcast gets an overhaul. Why the change? Listen to Barn2Door’s CEO and Alex from Chucktown Acres discuss the BIG re-brand from The Direct Farmer to The Independent Farmer Podcast!Learn more about Barn2Door here: barn2door.com/learn-more barn2door.com/resources 

In this week's episode, Janelle, and Amy Campbell from Old Rich Valley Farm discuss how to market your Farm in season vs. the Off-Season.From scheduling posts to secure pre-orders, there are many ways to maintain cash flow year-round for your Farm.

In this week's episode, Janelle talks with Camille from Long Lane Farm in Rhode Island. Camille discusses how their Farm attracts and retains Buyers for their products.Building a Farm brand enables you to better serve Buyers in your local community. Understand buying habits, ideal package sizing and consistently communicate with customers to build a strong base.barn2door.com/resourcesbarn2door.com/learn-more

In this week's episode, Janelle talks with Alex from Chucktown Acres about the business side of Farming.While Farmers may get into the industry for their love of agriculture, they are still business owners. There is much work that happens in the background to ensure success. From marketing to integrations for streamlined operations, Alex shares what to consider in the Farming business.

In this week's episode, Barn2Door COO, James, talks with Product Manager, Anthony, to discuss Barn2Door’s Pick and Pack List.These lists offer streamlined order organization to save Farms time on fulfillments. Features of the lists include order overviews, delivery details and printable labels.barn2door.com/learn-morebarn2door.com/resources

Designers at Barn2Door, Alyssa and Serena, discuss the Farm Logo design process. From shape to color, each element of your logo can communicate your Brand to Buyers.

In this week's episode, Barn2Door CEO, Janelle, talks with Laci from Tagge’s Famous Fruit & Veggie Farm to discuss the importance of pricing, packaging, placement, and products for CSA members.

In this week's episode, Barn2Door CEO, Janelle, talks with Tom Bennett from Bennett Farms about the important transition from Hobby Farmer to Full-time Farmer. Tom discusses what aspects to focus on, and what to not get too tied up in within that transition.

A Deep Dive on Mailchimp Customer Journey Builder.

In this week's episode, James and Anthony here at Barn2Door discuss the new simple and easy Refund Experience offered to Farmers. To learn more about the new Barn2Door Refund Experience, read here: https://www.barn2door.com/blog/a-simple-and-easy-refund-experience-for-your-farm-business

In this week’s episode, we are joined by one of the newest Farm Advisors, Rachel Shenk of Shenk Family Farm. Join us as we discuss the origins of the Farm, new fulfillment ventures, local partnerships, and Rachel’s success with subscriptions.Shenk Family Farm is a pasture based livestock Farm in North Carolina, offering their community chicken, pork, eggs, Thanksgiving turkeys, and grassfed beef from a partner Farm.barn2door.com/connectbarn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Zoe, the National Sales Manager here at Barn2Door. We’re thrilled to chat with her about her career growth and what it means to serve Farmers across the country.If you are interested in joining Barn2Door, we encourage you to visit our careers page at barn2door.com/careers

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk with Peter Bartlett of Bartlett Farms in North Dakota. We discuss their Farm’s mission to promote health through food, their highly effective marketing efforts, the offering of convenience in a sparsely populated state, and their commitment to establishing the value of their brand and products.Bartlett Farms is a diversified family farm offering raw dairy and meats. With an expansive subscription program, convenient pickups and delivery options, Bartlett Farms continues to experience success and growth year over year for their Farm business.barn2door.com/connectbarn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode, we are thrilled to have Valerie Luhman of Grass Fed Cattle Co with us discussing five key tips to building a successful Farm Business for any Farmer, but especially those who are newer to the field!Since starting their own Farm Business, Valerie and her husband Jared, have continued to grow Grass Fed Cattle Co, and have established an impressive customer base in their community.barn2door.com/fan/grass-fed-cattle-cobarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk with Logan Mannix of Mannix Family Beef in Montana. We discuss the origins of the 5th generation ranch, their continued focus on conservation and partnerships, and the establishment of their successful and growing direct to consumer business.Mannix Family Beef raises grass finishes beef, offering cuts, bulk beef, and wholesale options. Despite their remote location, Logan has found great success offering local pickups and bundles of their products.barn2door.com/connectbarn2door.com/resources

With a variety of best practices and techniques for how to create a successful Farm business, it can get overwhelming knowing which tactics actually work. At Barn2Door, we analyze data to know what works and what doesn’t. We’ve crunched the numbers and have found that top-performing Farms have created a blueprint for how to build a successful business model.In this week’s episode, we are reading Barn2Door’s top performing eBook of all time – 5 Farms Making 6 Figures!Download the eBook Today!For more resources, including FREE eBooks, visit barn2door.com/resources

In this week’s episode we sit down with Anthony, Barn2Door’s Product Manager, and discuss the Barn2Door Point of Sale (POS). After several months on the market, we dig into Farmer’s success with the device, and the added security and simplicity provided by the recent addition of Mobile Wallets, Google Pay and Apple Pay, on the Barn2Door POS.barn2door.com/point-of-salebarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we talk with Camille Abdel-Nabi of Long Lane Farm in Warren, Rhode Island. We discuss the transition to her new Farm, CSA Subscriptions, the establishment and growth of their Farm brand, and prioritizing convenience for their customers and the Farm.Long Lane Farm is growing mixed vegetables, greens, tomatoes, and microgreens. With a popular CSA, Long Lane’s goal is to become a staple in their local community.barn2door.com/fan/long-lane-farmbarn2door.com/connectlonglanefarmri.com

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Coby Buck, the Director of Strategic Accounts at AgriWebb. Listen as Barn2Door COO, James Maiocco and Coby discuss current farming and ranching trends from AgriWebb’s State of the Global Farmer Report.AgriWebb is a livestock management app that helps Farmers and Ranchers uncover insights, map Farm property, and drive profits while enhancing sustainability and streamlining operations.agriwebb.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're joined by Joelle Orem of Orem Farm. We’re chatting about the Barn2Door Marketing Toolkit and how it can help make Social Media simpler for your Farm Business.barn2door.com/marketingbarn2door.com/blog/new-monthly-marketing-toolkit-for-your-farm-business

Learning how to create a strategy to market your business, build a base of buyers, and how to hone in on go-to-market efforts, are key steps to help your Farm exceed your revenue goals.In this week's episode, we are reading a popular Barn2Door eBook – 5 Steps to Your Farm’s First $100K.Download the eBook Today!For more resources, including eBooks, visit barn2door.com/resources

No matter the time of year, setting your Farm up for success is key to helping your Farm Business succeed. In this week’s episode we are joined by Sky, an Onboarding Manager at Barn2Door, as we break down the 5 simple tactics to help your Farm get setup for next season!barn2door.com/resourcesbarn2door.com/connect

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we continue with the Social Media Tactics Series with Alex Russell, from Chucktown Acres.Alex shares his approach to social media – to educate his audience, grow local brand awareness, and drive Subscription sales.www.chucktownacres.comwww.barn2door.com/resources

What’s the difference between a Buyers Club and a Herd Share?Listen to the latest episode in the Direct Farm Podcast-- Farm Legal Series as Alexia from the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) and James, Barn2Door COO discuss the legal nuances of selling though Buyers Clubs and Herd Share formats.www.farmtoconsumer.orgwww.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with Josie Rozum from Dan & Debbie’s Creamery to dive into the 3 E’s of Social Media – Educate, Entertain, and eCommerce.Listen as Josie shares how she uses the 3 E’s to plan and implement her social media strategy – including her tactics, processes, and tips to engage followers, grow brand awareness, and increase sales.https://dananddebbies.com/https://barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with James and Zoe from Barn2Door to discuss the 10 most common questions Farmers ask when evaluating business solutions for their Farm.Listen as James and Zoe discuss the nuances of Farm software and business solutions – and what Farmers should be aware of when considering general Commerce software.You can also check out the accompanying blog: Farm Commerce? 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Deploying for Your Farm

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we're joined by Will and Amy Campbell from Old Rich Valley Farm. This week, they're discussing how they have retained and grown their customer base over the past few years, despite market uncertainty and increasing costs.www.oldrichvalleyfarm.com barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with Will Mastin of Local Appetite Growers (AL). Will shares his tips for streamlining operations – including planting less, narrowing his delivery zones, and packaging products into Bundle Boxes. Listen as these decisions help him save time and money while driving profits – and selling out.www.localappetitegrowers.comwww.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode of the Direct Farm Podcast, we sit down with Barn2Door Farm Account Manager, Josh to talk all things Meta Business Suite.The Meta Business Suite is a free social media management tool for Facebook and Instagram where users can do everything from creating and scheduling posts to analyzing engagement and growth on each platform. Josh shares his tried-and-true tips and tricks for Farmers to use the tool to scale their social media strategies.barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Bennett of Bennett Farms (MI) to discuss the importance of driving profits to build a sustainable business model. Tom shares why Farm profitability should be the main focus of Farmers looking to scale operations. This is the second episode in a two-part conversation with Tom. Bennett Farms is a pastured-poultry Farm located in Edwardsburg, MI. Tom serves thousands of customers in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.www.bennettfarmsmichigan.com/barn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Bennett of Bennett Farms (MI) to discuss the importance of driving profits to build a sustainable business model. Tom shares why Farm profitability should be the main focus of Farmers looking to scale operations.This is the first episode in a two-part conversation with Tom. Bennett Farms is a pastured-poultry Farm located in Edwardsburg, MI. Tom serves thousands of customers in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana.www.bennettfarmsmichigan.combarn2door.com/resources

In this episode, we sit down with Barn2Door Farm Account Manager, Richard, to learn how Farmers can access more customers and benefit from increased local visibility with a Google My Business profile.Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool to enable small businesses to become more discoverable in local search results on Google. With a GMB profile, Farms create a listing for their business, which, coupled with a Farm website, helps boost local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and helps improve the discoverability of your Farm through Google Search and Google Maps.www.barn2door.com/resourcesRead: Google My Business: A Free Billboard for Your Farm