Direct marketing in cyberspace

Building an Internet site can be a way to reach potential customers, says Paul Hugunin, ag marketing specialist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, but it’s not necessarily a ticket to success. Many farmers without Web sites still use electronic communication, however. “They’re sending announcements to a defined database of customers, using email rather than mail or phone,” he says. “It’s quicker and cheaper.”

Below is a short list of Web sites that demonstrate how individual farmers, organizations and government are using the Net to reach consumers:

www.ams.usda.gov/directmarketing
USDA pages for farmer-direct marketing, includes links to other sites.

www.prairiefare.com
Six western Minnesota farms selling natural produce and meats. Farm information, goals and photos are included.

www.mda.state.mn.us/mngrown
Searchable database of farmers markets, orchards, berry farms and more throughout the state.

www.berryhillfarm.com/rowe
Rowe’s Berry Hill Farm, from fresh produce to a maze and rides for kids.

www.execpc.com/~slc/Farm.html
Kaehler’s Mill Farm in Wisconsin.

www.disknet.com/indiana_biolab/farms.htm
A good-sized list of farmers’ Web pages, arranged by state.

More resources

• For information on Minnesota farmers markets contact:

Ruth White, Minnesota Department of Agriculture,
Marketing & Development,
90 W. Plato Boulevard,
St. Paul, MN, 55107-2094,
(651) 297- 5510

• Dan Witcomb is leading a new organization for Minnesota farmers markets, which will meet on Saturday, February 5 in St. Cloud. Contact Ruth White or Paul Hugunin at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at (651) 297-5510 for more information or Witcomb at (612) 389-2567, email: jqfruit@sherbtel.net.

• For information on a Specialty Meats Directory that lists 133 farmers and processors who market directly to consumers, contact Paul Hugunin, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, (651) 297-5510.