Largest Distribution Challenge?

[NHFARMERCBH]

Hello All,

I own a small farm in New Hampshire. Happy to stumble upon this site.

I also work with local farms in getting their product sold directly to local grocers and restaurants... cutting out the middle men in between.

I was curious if folks from all over the country would share what their challenges are with getting product distributed?

Do you have a strategy to go after local business?
Do you have a salesman for your produce or livestock?
Would you consider distributing your own products locally if you had a customer base?

As a hobby farmer... I feel like we are left out of the loop! There is no tech that helps me get my product to my local market where I can sell it at a higher price, rather than to another larger farm or distributor. I would rather sell my heritage pork for $5/lb locally than have someone come and take it all for $2.50/lb.

Am I missing something? I cant seem to find a solution for us that doesn't involve 5 middlemen to take their cut.

 

[Wildlife]

Welcome fellow granite starter.

 

[NHFARMERCBH]

Welcome fellow granite starter.

Thanks!

 

[Urban Homestead]

I sell directly at the farmers market and through a CSA. Have you tried selling through either of those? I'm not sure what your local laws are, but set up a website and see if you can get your name out there. You can spin it as saving the customer money if they buy directly from you.

 

[Henderson]

Hey there, @NHFARMERCBH. We used to have a member here who sold cattle at a premium, directly to the consumer. I can't remember the name (can you tell I'm getting old) but the member would let the customer come out to the ranch and pick out a cow. It seemed like a success from what I remember. Maybe you could try something like that. I think the CSA idea can be a good one too. I hope you'll stick around. This is a great community for when you need support and suggestions.