News and Updates
Learn More in the Direct Farm Marketing News Archive.
Improved Financing Options Available for Produce Farmers
Posted by Drake Ag Law on Jul 28, 2015
Most produce farmers rely on some combination of cold-storage, washing, and packing equipment to keep food fresh and safe prior to marketing. Whether selling to a regional wholesaler or trucking down to the weekend farmers’ market, the ability to safely wash, package, and store any commodity produced on-farm is a critical component of nearly every fruit and vegetable farm. That’s why ...
The Sallee Case is Back With No Fault Found In Farm Owners
Posted by Drake Ag Law on Jun 8, 2015
More than two years ago Sallee v. Stewart made headlines when the Iowa Supreme Court ruled the state’s “recreational use statute” did not apply to a chaperone who was injured while supervising children playing in a barn. Recreational use statutes provide protection against negligence claims for landowners who open their land to the public. The case received a great deal ...
2015 Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference
Posted by Drake Ag Law on Jan 30, 2015
This presentation, Retail Agriculture: Bringing Our A Game to Local Foods, was given by Matt Russell at the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Conference on January 29, 2015. The presentation discusses the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned for retail agriculture as the local food movement continues to evolve.
Michigan Food Policy to Focus on Local Foods
Posted by Matt Russell on Oct 31, 2013
In its report of recommendations from September 2013, Michigan Food Policy Council made focusing on local food and agriculture a prime initiative. They noted the ability of local, healthy Michigan foods to not only help address serious health and wellness issues in the state, but to create jobs and aid economic growth in disadvantaged communities: For more information, you can read the ...
New York Legislation Aims to Support Craft Breweries
Posted by Matt Russell on Oct 24, 2013
Earlier this year, Governor Cuomo of New York signed legislation designed to help support the growth of the craft beer industry. Governor Cuomo supported the legislation as he believes the industry creates jobs, helps state farmers and hop growers, and brings in tourism dollars across New York communities. Read more about the specific details of the legislation here.
Tennessee Supreme Court Addresses Agri-tourism
Posted by Ed Cox on Oct 7, 2013
In a recent opinion, Shore v. Maple Lane Farms, the Tennessee court addressed the issue of agri-tourism in relation to the state's Right to Farm law. The case involved a suit by a neighbor claiming that some of a farm's tourism activities, including helicopter rides and amplified music concerts, did not fall within the protection of the law. Tennessee's Right to ...
Local Meat and Poultry Processing: What it Takes for Long-Term Viability
Posted by Matt Russell on Jul 1, 2013
A new report by the United States Department of Agriculture explores the relationship between meat processors and farmers and the logistics that complicate production. On the one hand, farmers often have to travel hours to a processor as facilities are limited. Yet on the other, small processors have trouble finding steady, reliable costumers that allow them to cover the costs of their business. The study focuses ...
FamilyFarmed.org Publishes Guide on Wholesale Markets
Posted by Ed Cox on Dec 19, 2012
FamilyFarm.org's new "Wholesale Success: A Farmers Guide to Food Safety, Postharvest Handling, Packing and Selling Produce" provides farmers an additional tool for entering the wholesale market. Many involved in direct farm marketing can diversify their operations and income by selling to wholesale markets as well. The publication is available through the FamilyFarmed.org site for $70 plus shipping and handling.
This project is supported by the USDA Risk Management Agency.
