Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
A Direct-to-Consumer Beef Webinar Series will be presented on the evenings of July 14, 15, and 16 to help producers new to selling beef with production practices, processing, and sales and marketing questions. Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, and the University of Kentucky are coming together to present information that should help producers navigating beef sales for the first time.
If you are new to direct meat sales and have just read our blog post about having your meat processed for the first time or are looking at updating your pricing, here are two questions you need to ask: What are your competitors’ prices; and, what is your minimum price to break-even. Check out the following blog post to get started on pricing your meat to make a profit.
Are you looking for ways to increase your knowledge of marketing, production, business management, and more during this time of quarantine and rain? Check out these online training programs from some great resources.
This past Friday and Saturday the 4th Annual Eastern Kentucky Farmer Conference was held at the Morehead Convention Center in Morehead, KY. A technical assistance “ThinkTank” and an Eastern Kentucky Grower Buyer Meetup added to the conference this year, giving attendees the opportunity to not only network with other producers but also buyers, funders, and technical assistance providers. The conference offered 16 different sessions, including 4 short courses on Friday discussing topics such as high tunnel production, food safety regulations, business planning, and online marketing. Saturday included 12 different sessions on topics such as starting a CSA, no-till vegetable production, non-timber agroforestry, agritourism, and small fruit production.
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.
