Looking for ways to diversify the marketing of your farm products? Whether you produce food, fiber or fuel, thinking about where and how you plan to sell, as well as additional choices you make for selling your products, matters. On this tour, hear from entrepreneurial farmers and agribusinesses on brand development, customer relationships and marketing planning.
Agenda
- Stop 1: Compart Family Farms, 44796 400th St., Nicollet, MN 56074
- Stop 2: Tour at Stormy Creek Farm, 41114 581st Ave., New Ulm, MN 56073
- Stop 3: Schell’s Brewery, 1860 Schell's Rd., New Ulm, MN 56073
You must provide your own transportation between stops.
This program was created in partnership with Great River Greening and we thank them for sponsoring the keynote speaker, Ben Penner, and the evening meal.
Audience
Women are encouraged to attend with their farm partners, family members or friends, including older children, who want to learn about farm-related topics.
Language
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.
Cost
$20
Accessibility
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Rebecca Groos at rgroos@umn.edu, two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Registration
Registration will be capped at 60 people. This tour includes walking and potentially uneven walking surfaces. You must provide your own transportation between stops and carpooling is encouraged.
Schedule
2-3:15 p.m. Welcome and tour at Compart Family Farms, 44796 400th St., Nicollet, MN 56074
Meet the farm owners and tour the premium pork packaging facility at Compart Family Farms, north of Nicollet. Learn how and why they developed their brand, information on their marketing plan, and tips on creating your own brand.
3:45-4:30 p.m. Stormy Creek Farm, 41114 581st Ave., New Ulm, MN 56073
Learn how the farm directly markets grass-fed beef by selling shares and how they increase soil organic matter by feeding a diverse mix of rye, timothy, orchard grass and other plants to their herd.
5 p.m. Networking and short break at Schell’s Brewery, 1860 Schell's Rd., New Ulm, MN 56073
Schell’s Brewery is the tour's final location with a meal and keynote speaker.
5:20 p.m. Behind-the-scenes-tour and Bier Halle experience
Take a behind-the-scenes tour along the Cottonwood River at Schell’s Brewery in New Ulm. Learn where Schell’s gets their grains and how spent grains are used. Meet the newest female brewmaster, Jordan Walls.
6:30 p.m. Remarks from Ben Penner, Ben Penner Farms and Great River Greening
Learn from keynote speaker and crop farmer, Ben Penner of Ben Penner Farms, who plants camelina as a cover crop to increase soil health and sells it as a cash crop.
- 6:50-8 p.m. Evening meal and networking
Network with a diverse audience of farmers, ranchers and ag industry professionals over dinner. Lola’s American Bistro of New Ulm will prepare a delicious meal made with locally sourced ingredients, paid for by event partner Great River Greening.
