Read on for more changes!
The biggest change is that, even though we are not yet officially part of the Farm Finance Challenge (FFC) and are adding a page named Homestead Finances. We feel that transparency from us is important to building a relationship with you, our followers and customers. We are not a big ag farm or business that has an unlimited budget to draw in new followers or purchasers. My personal goal, is to build relationships, that are more than customers but friends. Friends that I see every weekend at the Farmers Markets and know by face if not by name and spend some time talking to about what we are doing and our offerings. By the way, I have a horrible time recalling names, but I'm great with faces so please forgive me if I don't remember your name the first few times we see each other.
The Farm Finance Challenge, is the product of our friend John Suscovich at Farm Marketing Solutions. In John's own words, here's what the FFC is all about and why.
Just how hard are farmers working to make how much money? What is the real cost of a tomato?
If we are to inspire a new generation of farmers to come back to the land, let’s give them something to go on other than “it feels good”.
How profitable are eggs? How profitable are hops for beer? How profitable is a pick your own berry farm? Let’s find out in real time.
I’m not farming to make money. It is a lifestyle that I love and have fully embraced. However, I fully realize that money is a tool to effect the change that I want to see in the world. Focusing on and creating a financially viable agricultural enterprise(s) is the key to positive progress in sustainable AG.
What exactly is going to happen?Every month in 2015, starting in February, I plan on sharing my production and financial records from Camps Road Farm here on the Farm Marketing Solutions website. January’s numbers will be published in February, February’s in March, etc… The basic structure of those reports can be seen below.
In the spirit of “we’re all in this together” there are other farms that are starting to sign on to the challenge and will be publishing their details on this website as well. As of 12/14/14 I have 3 yeses and 1 maybe for contributing farms. That’s at least three farms so far that will be sharing their numbers on FMS."