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Unit 2: Marketing Opportunities and Strategies for Sustainable Farm/Ranch Businesses

Topic 3: Products

Farmers’ Market in Corvallis, Oregon. (Garry Stephenson, OSU Small Farms)

Think about the farmers and ranchers that you work with and the types of products that they produce and sell. The diversity and array of products is astounding, especially in light of the growing interest in local foods and specialty items. Here are a few examples to help you think beyond traditional farm products such as fresh produce, nuts, grains, meat and dairy products:

• products from heritage livestock breeds: meat, eggs, pelts, wool, clothing, even feathers for fishing lures!

• products from heirloom varieties: grains, oilseeds, ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, herbs

• processed products: jams, salsas, flour mixes

• prepared foods: baked goods, pies

• wine

• specialty cheeses

• on-farm recreation, entertainment and tourism (game hunting, corn mazes, bed & breakfasts, wagon rides, festivals)