M.S.
Agricultural Economics and Extension Education
University of Tennessee
1990/1991

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• Evaluating a New Enterprise

  Evaluating a Rural Enterprise (By Preston Sullivan and Lane Greer), This publication is for people who already live in rural areas and want to add new enterprises to their operations. Its sections guide the reader in evaluating resources, assessing finances, gathering information, and marketing. It also discusses choosing an "alternative" enterprise and offers further resources.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/evalrural.pdf

  A Primer for Selecting New Enterprises for Your Farm (By Tim Woods and Steve Isaacs), This publication is designed to help producers evaluate new enterprise for their farms or family businesses. It is based on a set of worksheets to help evaluate the Profitability, Resource requirements, Information needs, Marketing decisions, Enthusiasm for, and the Risk associated with a new enterprise.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/pubs/ext_aec/ext2000-13.pdf

  Starting a Small Business: The Feasibility Analysis (By Michael D. Reilly, Ph.D. and Norman L. Millikin, Ph.D), Healthy local economies stem from the formation of new businesses. Unfortunately, the success rates for small businesses are typically quite low. Depending on which statistics you believe, the chances of a new business surviving for five years are between 30 and 50 percent.

  http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9510.pdf

  Developing a New Co-Owned Agricultural Business: How do we start a Value-Added Firm? (By David M. Saxowsky and David G. Kraenzel), Diminishing government subsidies combined with globalization and increased competition are causing farmers to consider additional and alternative business strategies to increase profit. Common strategies have been to produce a specialized product (such as certified seed), vertically integrate into processing agricultural commodities (such as producing pasta from durum), or produce commodities that are new to the region (such as, vegetables).

  http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/agecon/market/ec1137w.htm

  Identifying New Enterprises a Checklist of Factors to Consider (By Larry Lev), In response to rapidly changing input markets, consumer preferences and government programs and regulations, successful producers must be constantly open to new ways of doing business. This may involve finding better methods of producing and selling traditional products. In many instances, however, it also requires seeking out new enterprises and new markets. This article will outline a series of factors to consider before adopting a new enterprise.

  http://cals.arizona.edu/arec/wemc/papers/NewEnterprise.html

• Direct Marketing

  Direct Marketing: Business Management Series (By Katherine Adam, Radhika Balasubrahmanyam, and Holly Born), This publication on direct marketing alternatives—with emphasis on niche, specialty and value-added crops—features many farm case studies, as well as information on enterprise budgets and promotion/publicity. A new section discusses implications of Internet marketing and e-commerce for agriculture.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/directmkt.pdf

  Direct Marketing Guide for Producers of Fruits, Vegetables, and Other Specialty Products (By Charles R. Hall), Marketing is one of the most important factors determining the success of any fruit or vegetable farming enterprise, encompassing all of the operations and decisions made by producers. These decisions range from identifying the most profitable crops for production to deciding how produce should be delivered to buyers efficiently and economically while maintaining product quality.

  http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1711.pdf

  Choosing Your Market: A Direct Marketing Decision Tool for Small Farmers (By Georgia Organics), With this document we seek to simplify the decision-making process by providing information on four types of direct markets, as well as the barriers to entering those markets, and a way for a farmer to evaluate his/her ability to jump barriers.

  http://www.georgiaorganics.org/markettool/workbook.pdf

  To Market, To Market: A Workbook for Selecting Market Options and Strategies for Agricultural Products (By Dr. Robin G. Brumfield), This workbook was designed to guide new farmers through the formulation of profitable marketing strategies. It is a decision tool to help you, as a new farmer, in making market decisions about what to produce; where/how/in what venue(s)/outlets to market it; and risk management strategies.

  http://aesop.rutgers.edu/%7Efarmmgmt/marketing/tomarket.pdf

  Farmer Direct Marketing, Where can I get assistance for my market or project? There are several types programs that provide support through technical assistance or funding. Many programs target particular needs so please follow the links for more information.

  http://www.ams.usda.gov/directmarketing/funding.htm

  Direct Marketing Today: Challenges and Opportunities (By USDA in coop. with Nelson Bills, Monika Roth, and Jane Maestro-Scherer), A goal of this plan is to translate this participation into the development of an effective programmatic strategy for USDA-AMS that reflects the needs of the direct marketing community, promotes direct marketing alternatives, and improves market access for small farmers.

  http://www.ams.usda.gov/directmarketing/DirectMar2.pdf

  Fruit and Vegetable Marketing for Small-scale and Part-time Growers (Penn State, Agricultural Research and Coop. Extension), Marketing is important to all farm enterprises, regardless of size. Some farmers, such as cash grain farmers or dairy farmers, have large, well-established markets. They can use existing organizations to perform the marketing function for them, or they can band together, form a cooperative, and market their products jointly.

  http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/farmmanagement/fruit_veggie/MarketingFruitAndVeggie.pdf

• Local Marketing

  Expanding Local Food Systems by Marketing to Iowa Institutions (Practical Farmers of Iowa), This report was supported in part by a grant from the USDA Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program for an effort titled “Expanding Local Foods Systems through Direct Marketing to Iowa Institutions.” Five existing and two new projects that are helping market products from Iowa farmers to local institutions - defined as facilities that serve foods to customers - participated in this effort (see adjacent figure).

  http://www.practicalfarmers.org/resource/PFIResource_82.pdf

  CSA, Local Food Systems for Iowa (By Shelly Gradwell, Jerry DeWitt, Diane Mayerfeld, Ricardo Salvador, and Jan Libbey with assistance from Betty Wells, Mike Bell, Rich Pirog, and Liz Weber), What Is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and community members working together to create a local food system.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1692.pdf

  Think Global-Eat Local! Delicious ways to counter globalization (By Helena Norberg-Hodge), More and more people around the world are beginning to become self-sufficient in response to globalization by controlling food production, their environment and their lives. Nongovernmental organizations, for instance, are demanding major policy changes both at national and international levels to take over management of global finance. Moreover, local food production initiatives are proliferating, including farmers' markets, eco-villages, community-supported agriculture and box schemes.

  http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~cohenp/food/thinkglobal.pdf

  Sustainable Agriculture: A Positive Alternative to Industrial Agriculture (John Ikerd, University of Missouri), As we approach the turn of a new century, all eyes seem to be focused on visions of the future. High-tech, bio-tech, and info-tech are the "buzz words" most frequently used among those in the agricultural establishment to describe the future of U.S. agriculture. With few exceptions traditional agriculturists foresee a continued trend toward fewer, larger, and more specialized production units.

  http://www.p2pays.org/ref/16/15433.htm

  Local Food Connections: From Farms to Schools (Iowa State University Extension), Each year, elementary, junior, and senior high schools purchase large quantities of food for their breakfast and lunch programs. Connecting schools with local growers and producers can benefit both parties. In fact, schools have purchased directly from local farmers in several successful pilot programs around the country. Often these efforts are integrated into the school curriculum through farm visits by students or classroom visits by growers or producers.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1853A.pdf

  Bringing Local Food to Local Institutions (By Barbara C. Bellows, Rex Dufour, and Janet Bachmann), This publication provides farmers, school administrators, and institutional food-service planners with contact information and descriptions of existing programs that have made these connections between local farmers and local school lunchrooms, college dining halls, or cafeterias in other institutions.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/farmtoschool.pdf

  Agritourism Opportunities for North Carolina (By David Fogarty, Agricultural Agent, Northhampton County Cooperative Extension Service and Mitch Renkow, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics), Taking advantage of North Carolina's growth in tourism and its agricultural heritage, agritourism represents a potentially profitable addition to the farm business. This fact sheet describes farm-based tourism options, examines the benefits and drawbacks of agritourism, and identifies sources of information for the person who is considering an agritourism operation.

  http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/arep/arep2.html

  Entertainment Farming and Agri-Tourism: Business Management Guide (By Katherine L. Adam), Agri-entertainment and -tourism—new, highly consumer-focused types of agriculture—may offer additional options for diversification and adding stability to farm incomes. Farmers have invented a wide variety of "entertainment farming" options.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/entertn.pdf

  Agritourism Harvest Profits for Farms and Travel Groups (By Jane Eckert, Eckert AgriMarketing), There may not be a road sign in the country directing you to "increased profits", but you just have to look for the intersection of agriculture and tourism.  That’s where you’ll find "agritourism", which will lead you down the road to success.

  http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/agopp/arc/agopp047.txt

  Nature-Based Tourism & Agritourism Trends: Unlimited Opportunities (By James A. Maetzold, National Alternative Enterprises and Agritourism Leader, USDA/NRCS), Rural tourism has been increasing rapidly over the last two decades. Many factors have contributed to this trend. Briefly, people are taking more and shorter trips, doing more traveling by car, combining business travel with vacations, looking for new experiences, adding diversity to their experiences, traveling as a family, and looking to "get back to their roots." In most cases, one family member has a grandparent who grew up on a farm/ ranch or in a rural community.

  http://www.kerrcenter.com/publications/2002_proceedings/agritourism.pdf

  House Bill 329, An Act to Limit Liability Arising From Certain Agritourism Activities. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts.

  www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2005/Bills/House/PDF/H329v5.pdf

  Adding Value (By Joe Parcell, Melvin Brees, and Nancy Giddens, Department of Agricultural Economics), Adding value is the process of capturing or creating value in a product to garner a greater portion of the value of that product at final sale. The percentage of value due to farm businesses has declined steadily relative to the percentage of value added by post-farm businesses.

  http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/agecon/g00640.pdf

  Capturing vs. Creating Value (By Melvin Brees, Joe Parcell and Nancy Giddens
  Department of Agricultural Economics), The way in which value is added to agricultural production can affect the potential for risk and reward. When evaluating value-added enterprises, it is important to recognize the difference between capturing value and creating value.

  http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/agguides/agecon/g00641.pdf

  Adding Value to Farm Products: An Overview (By Holly Born and Janet Bachmann
  NCAT Agriculture Specialists), This publication discusses the concept of adding value to farm products, the differences between creating and capturing value, and the implications for value-added enterprises. It describes some different approaches to adding value, including starting a food processing business, with a brief look at non-food products. Resources to learn more about value-added agriculture and planning a value-added enterprise are included.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/valueovr.pdf

  Value Added: Opportunities and Strategies (By David Coltrain, David Barton, and Michael Boland), Value-added is a term frequently mentioned when discussing the future profitability of agriculture. Its popularity rose substantially during the 1990s to the point that it has become one of today’s buzzwords. What does it really mean, why has it become so important, and how can agricultural producers and agribusinesses participate in value-added business ventures?

  http://www.agecon.ksu.edu/accc/kcdc/PDF%20Files/VALADD10%202col.pdf

• Farmers’ and Roadside Markets

  Critique Checklist for a Roadside Market (By David Seavey and Otho Wells, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension), A successful roadside market requires the consideration of many details. Rate your market using the following checklist. If the question applies and you check "No", that item needs further consideration and/or action.

  http://agmarketing.extension.psu.edu/Retail/PDFs/ChkLstRdSdMkt.pdf

  Farmers’ Markets Rules, Regulations and Opportunities (By Neil D. Hamilton. The National Agricultural Law Center, University of Arkansas School of Law), Farmers’ markets are one of the most exciting trends in America’s food system. Go downtown in almost any town or city in America during the summer, and you will see signs for the local farmers’ market. Read any farm publication examining new marketing opportunities for farmers, and farmers’ markets will be addressed.

  http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/farmersmarkets/farmers_markets_regs.pdf

• Community Supported Agriculture

  What is Community Supported Agriculture? (Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition), The Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Coalition works to create a sustainable, just, and locally based food system in Southern Wisconsin by promoting and supporting CSA farms and coordinating community and farmer education programs about the benefits of locally, sustainably grown foods.

  http://www.macsac.org/aboutcsa.html

  The CSA Method of Alternative Financing in Agriculture: A Case Study (By Sacha Francis Sabih, Department of Agricultural Economics, McGill University), The research tests the potential of the Community Supported Agriculture Financing Method (CSAFM) as a viable alternative to traditional debt financing in Agriculture. The CSAFM provides the Farmer with a source of non-farm equity capital and an element of risk reduction which are supplied by each Member/Investor (M/I). By receiving cash up-front (from selling shares of the harvest) several months prior to seeding, costs of inputs are covered and financing costs on operating capital eliminated. Moreover, the Farmer is guaranteed a market and price for his harvested produce.

  www.agrenv.mcgill.ca/agrecon/staff/baker/sabih.pdf

  Eight Tips from the Experts to Make Your Community Shared Agriculture Project a Success (By Amunda Salm), To me, ecological agriculture is a way of having more control over knowing where my food comes from because then I know that the methods of production reflect greater environmental responsibility. As a graduate student in Ecological Agriculture, I chose as my thesis topic to look at community shared agriculture (CSA), the strongest link between Canadians and their food unless one is producing oneself. I wanted to determine, ultimately, whether CSA provides consumers with greater access to information about where their food comes from, production methods and so on.

  http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/MagRack/COG/COG_E_97_04.htm

  Community Supported Agriculture (By Katherine L. Adam, NCAT Agriculture Specialist), This publication reports on the history of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the U.S. and discusses the various models that have emerged. Recent trends in the CSA movement are presented and demographic information provided about the distribution of CSA farms in the U.S. Several CSA cases are profiled and a survey of recent research is presented.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/csa.pdf

  Community Supported Agriculture in North Carolina (By Melissa Ann Brown, Former Horticultural Science Graduate Student and Jeanine M. Davis, Extension Horticultural Specialist, North Carolina State University), Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a form of direct marketing in which a community of individuals pledges to support a farm. At the beginning of the growing season, CSA members pay for a subscription to the CSA. In return, farmers provide the members with a weekly share of the harvest. Both growers and consumers have found this relationship to be mutually beneficial.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-38.html

• Freshwater Shrimp

  Biology and Life History of Freshwater Prawns (By Louis R. D’Abramo and Martin W. Brunson, Mississippi State University), Commercial production of the Malaysian Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) has periodically been the subject of research and commercial enterprise in the United States. Although other species of Macrobrachium are indigenous to the southern U.S., they do not reach sizes that are considered desirable in the food-fish market, and thus have minimal potential other than for bait purposes.

  http://aqua.ucdavis.edu/dbweb/outreach/aqua/483FS.PDF

  Production of Freshwater Prawns in Ponds (By Louis R. D’Abramo and Martin W. Brunson, Mississippi State University), The final phase of freshwater prawn (shrimp) production is grow-out of juveniles to adults for market as a food product. Research in Mississippi, Kentucky and other southern states has demonstrated this can be a profitable enterprise, and this publication provides guidelines for stocking and managing a freshwater prawn production pond.

  http://aqua.ucdavis.edu/dbweb/outreach/aqua/484FS.PDF

  Management Practices for Culture of Freshwater Prawns in Temperature Climates (By Louis R. D’Abramo, William H. Daniels, Mack W. Fondren, Marty W. Brunson), This bulletin is based upon the results of research efforts during the past 10 years. It has been prepared to provide a detailed description of the procedures necessary for successful completion of the three phases of culture (hatchery, nursery, and pond grow out) of the freshwater prawn, M. rosenbergii, in temperate climates.

  http://aquanic.org/publicat/state/ms/msb103.pdf

  Freshwater Prawns Hatchery and Nursery Management (Mississippi State University Extension Services), The three phases of freshwater prawn culture are hatchery, nursery, and pond grow out. This publication provides detailed information on the design and operation of a freshwater prawn hatchery and nursery facility that would enable the producer to culture juveniles for stocking his own production ponds or for sale to other grow-out operations.

  http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2002.htm

  Freshwater Shrimp Enterprise Cost and Return Estimates for Kentucky (By Timothy Woods. James Murdock and Seth Riggins), The purpose of these budgets is to provide the reader with a tool and framework that may be useful in managerial decision making for those currently operating or considering operating a freshwater shrimp production effort. Producers are encouraged to adapt these budgets to their specific circumstances.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/pubs/ext_aec/aec_ext98-05.pdf

  Aquacultured Oyster Products (By Brian E. Perkins), Because oysters cannot move, they are at the mercy of the surrounding environment. Tides and currents can bring silt or sand to smother them, predators to feed on them, or microorganisms that they can accumulate and pass up the food chain. Because there is a risk of illness associated with eating molluscan shellfish, state and federal health authorities pay close attention to oysters. This document provides guidelines for the careful selection and safe handling, storage, and preparation of oysters.

  http://govdocs.aquake.org/cgi/reprint/2003/724/7240130.pdf

  Oyster Farming in Louisiana (Louisiana Sea Grant College Program), Oysters are grown by sea farming techniques. In Louisiana, half of the total oyster production comes from public seed grounds managed by the state, and half from oyster farmers’ private leases. Approximately 4,800 jobs in Louisiana are provided by oyster production and processing. Through science and research, we have improved the process of providing oysters to consumers in a sustainable manner.

  http://www.lamer.lsu.edu/classroom/edonahalfshell/pdf/cycle_info.pdf

  Extensive Culture of Crassostrea virginica in the Gulf of Mexico Region (By John Supan, Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, Louisiana State University), On-bottom, or extensive, oyster culture is the traditional method of farming oysters in the United States. With the rights to exclusive use of the water bottom, farmers have been able to cultivate oysters on oyster leases in many coastal states for more than 100 years. Such privatization is a highly successful fisheries management policy. Oyster leasing allows the farmer to speculate in the market and to choose when to harvest the crop for maximum economic return.

  http://govdocs.aquake.org/cgi/reprint/2003/729/7290130.pdf

  Oyster Gardening For Restoration & Education (By William Goldsborough and Donald Meritt), This publication outlines what you need to know to participate in the Oyster Gardening Program. It will provide you with basic information on setting up and maintaining your oysters under the best possible conditions for your location. The program brings together scientists and citizens to help enhance the Chesapeake Bay systems stressed oyster populations.

  http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/images/uploads/siteimages/imported/garden.pdf

  Development of the Chub Ladder Oyster Culture Method Project Report (By Philip S. Kemp Jr.), In 1991, N.C. Sea Grant College Program launched an intensive two-year effort to develop a method for culturing oysters using new materials and techniques. The project was a joint effort between Sea Grant's Marine Advisory Service and Tipper Tie Inc., a private corporation. The project was continued for a third year by Sea Grant to refine some of the procedures. Help from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries and 30 private oyster growers in North Carolina enhanced the project's success. This report describes the evolution of the project from first ideas to final product, called the chub ladder.

  http://aquanic.org/publicat/state/nc/chub.htm

• Cheese Making

  Dairy Goat Fact Book, It is quite certain that the goat was one of the first domesticated animals in Western Asia. He is thought to have descended from the Pasang or Grecian Ibex, a species of wild goat found in Asia Minor, Persia, and other nearby countries. Old Testament verse mentions the goat more than 150 times. In Greek and Roman mythology, Pan, the god of shepherds was half goat. Capricornus, the goat, became the tenth sign of the zodiac.

  http://users.frii.com/dawog/Goats/DairyGoatFactBook.htm

  Dairy Goat Production Guide (By Barnet Harris, Jr., and Frederick Springer), It is quite certain that the goat was one of the earliest domesticated animals in Western Asia. The goat is thought to have descended from the Pasang or Grecian Ibex, a species of wild goat found in Asia Minor, Persia and other nearby countries. A reference to the use of mohair from goats can be found in the Bible at the time of Moses when he told the children of Israel to bring white silk and goat’s wool to weave altar cloths for the Tabernacle.

  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/DS/DS13400.pdf

  Making Soft Cheeses (By C. McDaniel and P. Kendall), Cheese, a concentrated form of milk, is rich in protein, calcium and riboflavin. About 10 pounds of milk are required to make 1 pound of cheese. Soft cheese can be made at home without specialized equipment. Soft cheese contains over 45 percent water, while hard and semi hard cheeses contain 30 to 45 percent water. Dry hard cheeses have less than 30 percent moisture content.

  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09337.html

  Cheese Making: Milk Processing Guide Series, In general, proper milling procedures and hygiene are followed by most dairy farmers in Kenya. However some facts indicate that, there is still room and need for improvements. For example, dairy plants still reject a substantial amount of the milk delivered for processing.

  http://www.fao.org/ag/AGa/publication/mpguide/mpguide5.htm

• Meat Goats

  Meat Goat Production in North Carolina (By Jean-Marie Luginbuhl), Interest in meat goat production in North Carolina has increased during the past six years because of the increased demand for goat meat. This increase in demand is linked to a growing segment of the population of North Carolina and the Eastern USA which represents ethnic groups who prefer goat meat in their diet.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/mgproduction.html

  Breeds of Goats for Meat Goat Production and Production Traits (By J-M Luginbuhl), Goats of any breed or crossbreed are eventually slaughtered for human consumption. With the exception of the South African Boer goat imported via New Zealand in early 1993, there are no true meat goats breeds in the U.S. However, there are few breeds that stand out as more specialized for meat production. These are the Spanish, Myotonic, Nubian and Pygmy goats.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/MGBreed.htm

  Meat Goat Production and Budgeting (By L. Tony Nye, Extension Agent, Clinton County and Robert Moore Extension Associate, Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics), Interest in meat goats has grown rapidly in Ohio over the past 10 years. Goat is the most frequently consumed meat in the world. In the United States, meat goat production is growing because of goats’ economic value as efficient converters of low-quality forages into quality meat, milk, and hide products for many specialty type markets.

  http://ohioline.osu.edu/as-fact/pdf/0014.pdf

  Evaluation and Preparation of the Meat Goat Breeding Herd (By J-M Luginbuhl), As the breeding season approaches, producers should be concerned with the body condition of their breeding does. Goats should not be allowed to become too thin or too fat. Failure in reproduction, low twinning rates and low weaning rates will result if does are too thin. Overly fat does can suffer pregnancy toxemia, but fat does are rarely a problem.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/news/nov96/nov96-2.html

  Forage Needs and Grazing Management for Meat Goats in the Humid Southeast (Dept. of Animal Science, NCSU), Goats offer an opportunity to more effectively convert pasture nutrients to animal products as milk, meat and fiber which are currently marketable and in demand by a growing segment of the US population.  In addition, goats selectively graze unwanted vegetation in pastures and forests, thus providing biological control which will reduce dependence on certain pesticides.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/pdf_factsheets/ANS%2000%20604MG.pdf

  Matching Forages to the Nutrient Needs of Meat Goats (By J. Paul Mueller, Matthew H. Poore, Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, James T. Green, Jr.), In a pasture situation goats are “top down” grazers. This behavior results in uniform grazing and favors a first grazer-last grazer system using a goat flock as the first group and cattle as the last group. This management is most appropriate with lactating does or growing kids.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/pdf_factsheets/matchingforagesmg.pdf

  Meat Goat Production and Marketing (By Frank Pinkerton, Extension Goat Specialist, David Scarfe, Extension Goat Specialist, Tuskegee University, Bruce Pinkerton, Extension Forage Specialist, Clemson University), Production of goats for meat has historically centered in the Edwards plateau and adjacent dry lands of Texas and the southwest. In recent times, however, TN, GA, AL, AR, MO, FL and OK have increased meat goat inventories and numbers of enterprises. While some of the increased sales of kids and young goats have originated from numerous small dairy goat enterprises, the major sources of goats for meat in the U.S. are the Angora goats and brush goats found in the southwestern rangelands and southeastern woodlands.

  http://www2.luresext.edu/goats/library/fact_sheets/m01.htm

  Monitoring the Body Condition of Meat Goats (By Jean-Marie Luginbuhl and Matthew H. Poore), As the breeding season approaches, producers should be concerned with the body condition of their breeding does. Goats should not be allowed to become too thin or too fat. Reproductive failure can result if does are under or over conditioned at the time of breeding. Clinical symptoms of over or under conditioned does may include: low twinning and low weaning rates, pregnancy toxemia and dystocia.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/pdf_factsheets/ANS%2000%20605MG.pdf

  Nutrition of Meat Goats (By J-M Luginbuhl and M H Poore), Feeding is an essential aspect of goat raising and may be the highest expense of any meat goat operation. Goats raised for meat need high quality feed in most situations and require an optimum balance of many different nutrients to achieve maximum profit potential. Because of their unique physiology, meat goats do not fatten like cattle or sheep do, and rates of weight gain are smaller.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/meatgoat/MGNutr.htm

  Meat Goats Production Handbook (By James T. Green, Jr.), North Carolina is in an ideal position to become a leading supplier of goat products because of its vast forage resources, many small landowners, and its proximity to the major markets on the East Coast. There has been a graded goat sale conducted in Siler City, NC for 17 years. This sale was organized and conducted with significant input from the NC Department of Agriculture and the Cooperative Extension Service.

  http://www.clemson.edu/agronomy/goats/handbook/potential.html

  Safety of Fresh Pork...from Farm to Table (Food Safety and Inspection Service), Although pork is the number one meat consumed in the world, U.S. consumption dropped during the 1970s, largely because its high fat content caused health-conscious Americans to choose leaner meats. Today's hogs have much less fat due to improved genetics, breeding and feeding. Read on for more information about this red meat.

  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Pork_from_Farm_to_Table/index.asp

  Pork: Marketing Alternatives (By Lance Gegner, NCAT Agriculture Specialist), This publication suggests that sustainable hog producers consider alternative marketing approaches for their pork. Sustainable hog producers are creating products that many consumers can't find in their grocery stores, but want to buy. Consumers perceive sustainably raised pork to be healthier to eat.

  http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/altpork.pdf

  Niche Pork Profile (By Malinda Geisler, content specialist, AgMRC, Iowa State University), Niche marketing is targeting a product or service to a small market segment that is not being served or in which demand has not exceeded supply. A market niche can be identified as a geographical area, a specific industry, ethnic group or a particular age group. An example of a market niche is the segment of the U.S. population referred to as “baby boomers.”

  http://www.agmrc.org/agmrc/commodity/livestock/pork/nicheporkprofile.htm

  Ethnic Marketing of Pork (By Dr. Benjy Mikel, University of Kentucky), The United States population has always been diverse and ever- changing with immigrants from every corner of the world. However, today more than ever, the ethnic make-up of the U.S. population is rapidly becoming more diverse.

  http://www.meatscience.org/pubs/factsheets/q-ethnicmktng.pdf

  Direct Marketing Well-raised Hogs Take Special Finesse (By Tom Frantzen, Alta Vista Iowa
  Practical Farmers of Iowa), Here's an update from Tom on what has transpired since he first wrote this story: "While Fresh Air Pork no longer markets independently, we continue to meet as a farmer-to-farmer support network of suppliers for Niman Ranch sustainably and humanely raised pork. To expand my own marketing mix, I decided to go the route of working directly with a professional marketer.

  http://www.newfarm.org/features/0902/iowa_letter/index.shtml

  Consumer Preferences, Premiums, and the Market for Natural and Organic Pork: Locating a Niche for Small-scale Producers (By W. Parker Wheatley, University of Minnesota), This study reviews the literature on consumer preferences and willingness to pay for pork produced through alternative methods such as natural and organic production. It finds evidence suggesting that many consumers are willing to pay relatively high premiums for natural and organic pork. This study also investigates the degree to which such premiums are transmitted to pork producers and finds anecdotal evidence suggesting that natural and organic pork producers receive modest premiums as well as more stable pricing overall.

  http://www.foodmap.unl.edu/article_files/Natural_Organic_Pork.rtf

  Chefs pig out on Berkshires, Heirloom Hogs Prized for Flavor and Texture (By Bret Thorn), Chefs seeking new ways to differentiate themselves with premium products aren't just procuring heirloom produce and specialty fish. Now an increasing number of them also are looking at heirloom hogs, or more specifically, Berkshire pork.

  http://www.nichepork.org/Documents/281598.pdf

• Culinary Herbs

  Considerations for Organic Herb Production (By Katherine L. Adams), Publication emphasizes research into organic herb production in the US including selected research abstracts along with discussion of implications for herb production under the National Organic Program regulations. ATTRA Organic Matters series.

  http://www.organicaginfo.org/record.cfm?pk_doc_id=3124&doc_num=3

  Fresh Herb Production and Marketing (By Jeanine M. Davis, Department of Horticultural Science), Many vegetable growers are looking for new ways to increase profits and diversify their operations. There also is an increasing number of part-time farmers who would like to supplement their income by growing small acreages of a high-value crop. At the same time demand for herbs and herb products has increased dramatically. We are now exposed to herbs on a daily basis at home, at work, and in public places. Herbs are used to flavor food and to add beauty and fragrance to our surroundings.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/staff/jmdavis/NYCONF.htm

  Growing, Harvesting, and Using Culinary Herbs in the Home Garden (By Gary Gao, Extension Agent, Horticulture OSU Extension, Brad Bergefurd, Extension Agent, Horticulture OSU Extension), What Are Herbs? Herbs are various kinds of herbaceous plants whose fresh or dried parts are used to season foods, provide fragrances, supply natural dyes, or make industrial or pharmaceutical products. Culinary herbs are ones which fresh or dried leaves are used in cooking. Some of the common culinary herbs are basil, French tarragon, rosemary, and thyme.

  http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1612.html

  Herbs: Organic Greenhouse Production (By Katherine L. Adams), This publication looks at marketing channels for and assesses the economics of small-scale organic production of fresh-cut herbs. Certified organic production differs from conventional methods chiefly in fertility management and pest control. Propagation methods differ for annuals and perennials.

  http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/PDF/gh-herb.pdf

  Culinary Herbs (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service), Culinary Herbs are fresh or dried leaves used as a food flavoring. There are literally hundreds of plants that can be grown for this purpose. Some of the more popular commercially grown herbs include basil, cilantro, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/introsheets/herbs.pdf

  Introduction to Growing Herbs for Essential Oils, Medicinal and Culinary Purposes (Crop & Food Research), Establishment of a herb production venture involves relatively high capital investment, particularly for plant material, irrigation, machinery and distillation or drying equipment. In addition, there is only limited information available on production practices, especially for New Zealand conditions, product quality and market commitment.

  http://www.crop.cri.nz/home/products-services/publications/broadsheets/045introtoherbs.pdf

  Medicinal Plants with a Potential Niche Market for Propagators (By Jeanine M. Davis and Richard E. Bir, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University), The American public has a longtime love affair with herbs. A few years ago everyone was grinding basil for pesto, stuffing rosemary in their vinegar bottles, and putting French tarragon sprigs on their chicken. Then they moved on to herbal wreathes, soaps, and potpourris. Now companies across the nation indicate that herbal medicines and aromatherapy are the fastest growing sales categories. The general feeling in the industry is that the public's interest in herbs has not reached its peak and healthy growth is expected in the future.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/staff/jmdavis/propagatortalk.html

  Production of Medicinal Herbs (By Jeanine M. Davis), Many growers across the nation are interested in producing medicinal herbs which have become mainstream, everyday products. Every month at least one major popular magazine has an article on medicinal herbs. Herb pills, liquid extracts, and capsules are available everywhere including at supermarkets, discount stores, and convenience stores. It only seems logical that with so many products on the market, companies must need growers to produce the plants from which these products are obtained.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/staff/jmdavis/patalk.html

  Commercial Goldenseal Cultivation (By Jeanine M. Davis, Extension Horticultural Specialist and Joe-Ann McCoy, Research Assistant), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a highly valued medicinal herb which has been collected from the forests in North America for hundreds of years. The historical range for goldenseal in the United States was very broad, ranging from as far north as Vermont and Wisconsin, south to Alabama and Georgia, and west to Kansas.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-131.pdf

  Muscadine Grapes in the Home Garden (By Barclay Poling, Professor and Extension Specialist and Connie Fisk, Muscadine Extension Associate, Department of Horticultural Science, NCSU), Muscadine grapes are well adapted to the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, where temperatures seldom fall below 10°F. Considerable injury generally occurs where winter temperatures drop below 0°F. Some of the more hardy cultivars such as 'Magnolia', 'Carlos' and 'Sterling' survive northward to Virginia and westward to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Muscadines have a high degree of tolerance to pests and diseases that makes the production of bunch grapes nearly impossible in eastern North Carolina.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8203.html

  The Economics of Wine Production in Virginia (Virginia Cooperative Extension), Grape and wine production are expanding sectors of Virginia's diverse agriculture. Grape acreage increased from 1100 acres in 1987 to 1560 in 1997, while the number of wineries increased from 35 to 50 over the same period. Case sales of wine, a more direct indicator of consumer demand, have shown excellent growth over the same period

  http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/viticulture/463-008/463-008.html

  America's First Grape: The Muscadine (USDA Agricultural Research Service), This early English explorer had landed on the coast of North Carolina and was describing muscadine grapes, Vitis rotundifolia, the bronze or purple-black fruit that was growing profusely throughout what is now the southeastern United States. Today, more than 400 years later, scientists with USDA's Agricultural Research Service and Mississippi State University have even more reason to be excited about the muscadine.

  http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/nov97/musc1197.htm

  Muscadine Grape Diseases and Their Control (By W.O. Cline, Extension Plant Pathologist), The muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) is a native grape species found in the southeastern United States. It grows wild throughout North Carolina and will survive in areas where other grape species will not. The fruit is generally harvested as single berries rather than in bunches. As the species name implies, the leaves are round and unlobed, though serrated at the edge.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/notes/Fruit/fdin012/fdin012.html

  Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide, Dormant, winter pruning – Proper pruning aids in disease management. Hedge or hand prune vines, leaving only 3-4” -long stubs (spurs) of 1-yr-old wood protruding from the main cordon or previous season’s wood. Selectively thin these spurs or spur clusters to space them approximately 4-6” along the cordon. As the vines age, remove some of the older spur clusters when crowding occurs.

  http://www.smallfruits.org/SmallFruitsRegGuide/Guides/2006/RegionalGuide%20Muscadinerev12Jan06.pdf

  Muscadine Grape Production Guide for NC (NC Cooperative Extension Service, NCSU), This muscadine grape production guide will help the increasing number of North Carolina farmers who are considering growing and marketing this fruit as a farm diversification option. Important changes have occurred in the North Carolina muscadine industry since this bulletin last appeared in 1987, most notably the wine industry’s recent turnaround.

  http://www.ncwine.org/documents/muscadineGuide2003.pdf

• Heirloom Vegetables

  Heirloom Vegetables (Clemson Extension), Heirloom vegetables are defined in several ways. Some consider heirlooms to be any vegetable cultivars that have been grown for a certain length of time. Other people consider vegetables to be truly heirlooms only if being passed down by a family or group has preserved them. Heirlooms are always open-pollinated, since hybrid seed can not be maintained by ordinary means. However heirloom vegetables are defined, interest is increasing in our edible heritage.

  http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1255.htm

  Heirloom and Specialty Vegetable Production for Local Sales (Jeanine Davis, Dept. of Horticultural Science, NCSU), This project was actually initiated by the staff of the Mountain Research Station. They were looking for produce that could be grown AND sold in Haywood County. We worked closely together to establish a large demonstration garden containing a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes, colored bell peppers, hot peppers, gourds, old-fashioned pumpkins, and broom corn. This garden was highly visible from the road and made available for inspection by all interested parties.

  http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/specialty_crops/publications/reports/DavisHeirloom.html

  Specialty Vegetables (By Janet Bachmann, NCAT Agriculture Specialist), Specialty vegetables that are different in appearance, season or origin, command a higher price than their ordinary counterparts. This publication discusses some types of specialty vegetables: miniature or baby vegetables, specialty lettuce and greens, ethnic vegetables, and heirloom vegetables.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/specialtyveg.pdf

  Heirlooms, the Garden Treasury, Vegetarians who treasure the moments spent in the vegetable garden can find even greater treasures with heirloom seeds that may be as old as their grandfathers. Anyone who has lovingly tended the plants for that specially awaited day to pluck a ripe tomato or a squash off the vine can agree that homegrown heirloom vegetables have unmatchable richness of flavor, sweetness, and juiciness, but wait--it can get even better.

  http://www.vegparadise.com/heirloom.html

• Cut Flowers

  Economic Feasibility of Fresh Cut Flower Production in Tobacco Transplant Greenhouses (By Eric Eberly), Tobacco is the primary income producing crop grown on about 6,600 farms in Virginia. Over the past seven years, many of these farmers have invested in greenhouse structures to produce their tobacco transplants. Today, these greenhouses cost on average $30,000 to build and are used only 3 to 4 months of the year. Tobacco transplant producers have expressed the need to utilize this asset more efficiently.

  http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/fmu/1997-04/flowers.html

  Guide to Successful Outdoor Garden Aster Production (By Brian Whipker, Extension Specialist and Rob Eddy, Purdue University, Dept. of Horticulture), Most garden asters are cultivated varieties of the fall-blooming wildflower, Aster novi-belgii, or Michaelmas daisy. They are native to the United States and can be seen blooming along roadsides during the fall. From the wild types, Danish breeders have selected for new colors and compact shape.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-505.pdf

  Guide to Successful Pot Sunflower Production (By Brian Whipker, Shravan Dasoju, and Ingram McCall), Annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a native of North America with an original range from the Great Plains to the West Coast. Pot sunflowers have been popular in Europe for a number of years. Pot sunflowers are a quick crop to produce and offer an opportunity for growers to capitalize on the current consumer demand for the plant.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/floriculture/hils/HIL562.pdf

  Commercial Hydrangea Forcing (By Douglas A. Bailey, Department of Horticultural Science), The florists' hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla subspecies macrophylla var. macrophylla has been an important greenhouse crop for many years. Its popularity and production have both been increasing in the past few years. This leaflet outlines procedures for the greenhouse forcing of dormant, precooled hydrangeas.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-524.html

• Blueberries

  Blueberry Production for Local Sales and Small Pick-Your-Own Operators (By Charles M. Mainland and William O. Cline, Extension Horticultural Specialist), Blueberries are a native North American fruit, and North Carolina is one of the largest producers of highbush blueberries. Although commercial production is mostly limited to southeastern NC, blueberries can be grown anywhere in the state if the right blueberry species and proper soil modifications are used. Limiting factors include pH, water availability and cold-hardiness.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-202.pdf

  2004 Blueberry Marketing Fact Sheet, Blueberries continue to gain popularity with U.S. consumers. Blueberry use is not widely reported, but fresh blueberry consumption has risen from 0.20 lbs in the 1990s to exceed 1/3-lb in 2004 (USDA). Both tame and wild blueberries are raised in the US. Maine produces most of the wild blueberries, which are primarily used for cooking.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/blueberry2005.pdf

  2002 Blueberry Cost and Return Estimates (By Matthew Ernst, Extension Associate, Department of Agricultural Economics), Blueberries are emerging as a crop with excellent profitability potential for Kentucky producers willing to invest the time, capital, and management into establishing well-managed blueberry acreage. Blueberries have the advantage of having lower establishment costs than other berry crops that may require trellis systems for production. Once established, properly managed blueberry bushes can produce for years.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/blueberrysummary.pdf

  Bluegrass Blueberries Edmonton, KY (By Matthew Ernst, Extension Associate), Just a few miles out of Edmonton, KY; on US 68 is the Wisdom Community. It is the home of the Kentucky Headhunters, local musical renegades who made it big with their not-so-definable southern rock/country sound a few years back.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/pubs/ext_aec/ext2002-06.pdf

  Highbush Blueberry Production (Penn State University, Agricultural and Research Extension), Blueberries are well suited for small-scale and part-time farm operations. The initial investment is large, primarily because of the cost of preparing the land, establishing plants, and installing an irrigation system. However, little equipment is needed for small plantings, and healthy, well- tended plants can be expected to bear fruit for 50 years or more.

  http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/crops/highbush_blueberry/highbush_blueberry.pdf

• Strawberries

  Weed Control Options for Strawberries on Plastic (By Katherine M. Jennings, Research Assistant Professor, D. W. Monks, Extension Horticultural Specialist, W. E. Mitchem, Extension Horticultural Specialist), Growing strawberries as an annual crop on black plastic requires a different weed management strategy than the perennial matted row strawberries. When black plastic is combined with fumigation by methyl bromide, excellent control of most weeds in the row can be expected. However, weeds that have hard seed coats, such as vetch and clover, emerge for long periods of time and can establish in the row.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-205-b.pdf

  Postharvest Cooling and Handling of Strawberries, Why is Postharvest Management Required? In North Carolina most strawberries are grown for the pick-your-own market. When strawberries are marketed in this way, growers need not be concerned about handling and storage because these functions are performed by the consumer.

  http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/postharv/ag-413-2/index.html

  Strawberry Production (Penn State University, Agricultural and Research Extension), Strawberries are a small-fruit crop that lend themselves well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. Initial investment is high but is primarily related to the cost of land preparation, planting, and installing an irrigation system. Also, equipment needs on a small-acreage farm are not very great.

  http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/ua290.pdf

• Specialty Melons

  Muskmelons (Cantaloupes) (By Jonathan R. Schultheis, Extension Horticultural Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University), Variety Selection – There is an abundance of muskmelon varieties. However, only those varieties which can be marketed and are well-adapted to North Carolina conditions should be grown. When planting a variety for the first time, plant a small test area and evaluate prior to committing a large portion of acreage to subsequent plantings.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8.html

  Screening Melons for Adaptability in NC (By J.R. Schultheis, W.R. Jester, and N.J. Augostini), Cantaloupe or muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. cantaloupensis, Cucurbitaceae) production is an important industry for North Carolina. In 2000, North Carolina produced 729 ha (1,800 acres) of cantaloupes valued at $20 million. Besides cantaloupe, there is a tremendous diversity of melons in the Cucumis melo species, each having unique flavors, texture, and appearance.

  http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/pdf/schultheis.pdf

  Cantaloupe Production (Penn State University, Agricultural and Research Extension), Cantaloupes (a common American name for muskmelons) are a crop that lends itself well to small-scale and part-time farming operations. There are multiple markets for growers with 5 acres or less, and many field operations, such as land preparation, planting, and harvesting, can be custom hired.

  http://agalternatives.psu.edu/crops/cantaloupe/Cantaloupe.pdf

• Sweet Corn

  Sweet Corn Production (By Jonathan R. Schultheis, Extension Horticultural Specialist), Field corn was grown in North America before 200 B.C. Field corn is produced primarily for animal feed and industrial uses such as ethanol, cooking oil, etc. In contrast, sweet corn is produced for human consumption as either a fresh or processed product. The specific time when sweet corn originated cannot be pin-pointed; however, sweet corn was grown by the American Indian and first collected by European settlers in the 1770's.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-13.html

  Organic Sweet Corn Production (By Jeanine M. Davis, Extension Horticultural Specialist), In most of the south, sweet corn (Zea mays var. rugosa) can be produced from early spring until fall. However, sweet corn does have some specific environmental and cultural needs that must be met for the plant to produce high-marketable yields.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-50.pdf

• Organic Vegetable Production

  An Overview of Organic Crop Production (By George Kuepper and Lance Gegner
  NCAT Agriculture Specialists), This publication provides an overview of the key concepts and practices of certified organic crop production. It also presents perspectives on many of the notions, myths, and issues that have become associated with organic agriculture over time.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/organiccrop.pdf

  NC Organic Vegetable Production Cost Study (By Edmund A. Estes, Tony Kleese, and Laura Lauffer), American consumers continue to buy organically grown food, especially fruits and vegetables, for variety of reasons including lifestyle, nutrition, taste, and health choices. As consumer interest in organic food increases, new market opportunities exist for suppliers as organic market niches expand beyond specialty food stores into traditional chain grocery stores.

  http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/project/arepublication/AREno31.pdf

  Overview of National Organic Program Requirements, Having trouble understanding the National Organic Standards? If so, you’re not alone! This overview is intended to provide an understandable introduction to the regulation.  The National Organic Standards (NOS) were developed by the USDA to implement the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA).

  http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/growers/Docs/NOP.doc

  Food Business

  Who Will Regulate My Food Business (By J.E. Rushing, P.A. Curtis, D.P. Green, A.M. Fraser, D.H. Pilkington, L.G. Turner, D.R. Ward), Many governmental agencies are involved in regulating food. It is often confusing to try to understand the laws governing the processing, packaging and distribution of food products. Persons starting their own food business often call the local health authority to find information about getting started.

  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/ext/pubs/regulatemyfoodbus.html

  Starting a Food Business (Clemson Extension), Starting a food business is a formidable task. Expensive research must be done to derive a suitable recipe for commercial production. This is followed by tests that have to consider shelf life as well as the cost of the product. Quality has to be balanced against profits and the final decision is likely to be based on the market for which a food item is to be produced. To be a success, it is imperative that the food product be of high quality and fill a marketing niche.

  http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic3861.htm

• Hispanic Marketing

  We the American Hispanics (By the Ethnic and Hispanic Statistics Branch under the supervision of Jorge del Pinal), We, the American Hispanics trace our origin or descent to Spain or to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and many other Spanish speaking countries of Latin America. Our ancestors were among the early explorers and settlers of the New World.

  http://www.census.gov/apsd/wepeople/we-2r.pdf

  Reaching the Hispanic Market Online (By Martin Heimann), Hispanics have recently become the largest minority in the US, and a lot of marketers are trying to tap into this growing market. While many businesses now publish their information in Spanish and advertise in Hispanic print media and TV, relatively few are considering the Internet as a medium for reaching Hispanic consumers.

  http://www.ifthen.biz/market-news-article/41

  Reaching the Hispanic Market (Angela Baier, Vice President, Marketing and PR, Denver Zoo), The latest U.S. Census shows the Hispanic market as the fastest growing consumer segment in the marketplace— growing over 60 percent in the last decade and projected to continue.

  http://www.aza.org/Publications/2003/10/Oct03Hisp.pdf

  Marketing to the US Hispanic Population (Euro RSCG Magnet), In recent times, marketers have become increasingly interested in the Hispanic marketplace. A look at changing U.S. demographics reveals a substantial opportunity for marketers ready to tap the sales potential of this growing consumer segment. In Part I of this two-part briefing, we provide some of the background and statistical data useful for considering the viability of working in this market.

  http://magnet.mediaroom.com/file.php/binaries/32/Hispanic1.pdf

  Hispanic American Influence on the US Food Industry (Dorothy Heise, Research Librarian, USDA, Agricultural Research Service), Across the country, U. S. consumers are seeing a large selection of Hispanic foods in restaurants and grocery stores. What has caused the increased interest in Hispanic foods? One reason is the fast-growing Hispanic population in this country, and the influence Hispanic spending patterns have had on the food industry.

  http://www.nal.usda.gov/outreach/HFood.html

  Five Things about the Hispanic Market (By Luis Garcia), What's all the fuss about the Hispanic Market? Sure it grew 58 percent in only 10 years so perhaps marketers suddenly see why $600 billion in buying power can be beneficial. But is that reason enough for the nation's marketers to suddenly go crazy over a niche population?

  http://www.hispanicmc.com/docs/5_things_about_HM.pdf

  Entrepreneurs Tapping into Latino Market (By Deborah Bulkeley), This story By Deborah Bulkeley published Sunday, August 29, 2004 on the Deseret Morning News, although focused in Utah, gives a good overall picture of the Hispanic Market in the U.S.: culture, language, consumer habits, marketing and advertising, population growth, businesses catering to Latinos, Hispanic entrepreneurs.

  http://juantornoe.blogs.com/hispanictrending/2004/09/entrepreneurs_t.html

  Cultural Diversity: Eating in America Mexican-American (By Marisa Warrix), In the United States Mexican-Americans comprise 60 percent of the Hispanic/Latino population. Mexicans live predominantly in California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The difference between Mexican, Puerto Rican, and other Latin American countries includes 500 years of separate history, as well as entirely different native populations that were present when the Spaniards arrived.

  http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5255.html

  Breaking Down Barriers to Hispanic Public Relations (GS Insight), Targeting the U.S. Hispanic market with an effective PR program is a bit like creating a national program that reaches the general audience. The U.S. is so large; it’s difficult and expensive to reach every prospect. The same is true for Hispanic America, which today represents the country’s largest minority group.

  http://www.gibbs-soell.com/insight/insight/GS_insightV13-2.pdf

  America's Taste Heads South...of the Border (By Susheela Uhl), Across the foodservice spectrum — from taco stands and quick-service outlets to restaurants offering haute cuisine — U.S. consumers are finding a large selection of Hispanic-inspired foods and ingredients. What factors contribute to the increased influence of Hispanic food in North America?

  http://www.foodproductdesign.com/archive/2001/0901cs.html

  America's Changing Appetite: Food Consumption and Spending to 2020 (By Noel Blisard, Biing-Hwan Lin, John Cromartie, and Nicole Ballenger), America’s appetite, like its population, is always changing. Foods once favored are now rarely eaten. Foods once only dreamed about are a reality. Dining out, once thought to be a luxury, is now common. The Nation’s population is wealthier, older, more educated, and more ethnically diverse than in the past.

  http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/FoodReview/May2002/frvol25i1a.pdf

  1994-96, 1998 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, Food consumption data for the combined years of 1994-96 and 1998 are available on CD-ROM from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The dataset includes information from all individuals who participated in the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) in 1994-96 and 1998 and the Diet and Health Knowledge Survey (DHKS) in 1994-96. This release also includes the Technical Support Databases for CSFII 1994-96, 1998 (food codes, nutrient values, and recipes).

  http://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12355000/pdf/Csfii98.pdf

  Who is the Hispanic Consumer? (Ketchum Global Research Network), It is a marketing fallacy to consider the Hispanic market as one large demographic group. The market, is segmented by country-of-origin and cultural differences. The 2000 U.S. Census provides a clearer idea of the influence of various types of Hispanics across the U.S.

  http://www.ketchum.com/DisplayWebPage/0,1003,3018,00.html

  Selling to Restaurants (By Janet Bachmann, NCAT Agriculture Specialist), Upscale restaurants serving locally-grown produce are in the headlines nationwide. Growing for this market is both lucrative and demanding. Profiles of growers from around the country illustrate successful strategies and points to remember when working with chefs.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/sellingtorestaurants.pdf

• Start-Up and Annual Expense Worksheets (Missouri Small Business Development Center), This worksheet will help you estimate your start-up costs. List the costs of items you have already purchased in the “purchased” column and those you still need in the “needed” column.

  http://www.missouribusiness.net/docs/startup_annual_expense.pdf

  A Primer for Selecting New Enterprises for Your Farm (By Tim Woods and Steve Isaacs), This publication is designed to help producers evaluate new enterprises for their farms or family businesses. It is based on a set of worksheets to help evaluate the Profitability, Resource requirements, Information needs, Marketing decisions, Enthusiasm for, and the Risk associated with a new enterprise.

  http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AgEcon/pubs/ext_aec/ext2000-13.pdf

  Evaluating a Rural Enterprise (By Preston Sullivan and Lane Greer), This publication is for people who already live in rural areas and want to add new enterprises to their operations. Its sections guide the reader in evaluating resources, assessing finances, gathering information, and marketing. It also discusses choosing an "alternative" enterprise and offers further resources.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/evalrural.pdf

  Personal and Family Considerations (Agriculture Business Alternatives), Interest in alternative enterprises has increased in recent years. Many farmers are looking for new ventures to generate additional income, to bring in other family members or to better utilize resources. Others are looking to non-traditional enterprises as a way to get started in commercial farming or to help support a rural lifestyle.

  http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex1361/$file/1834-10.pdf?OpenElement

• Business Trends

  Globalization and Agriculture: New Realities (By Michael Boehlje, Center for Food and Agricultural Business, Purdue University), Dramatic changes are occurring in the agricultural sector today. These changes provide opportunities for some, but threats for others. Twenty-first century agriculture is likely to be characterized by: more global competition; expansion of industrialized agriculture; production of differentiated products; precision (information intensive) production; emergence of ecological agriculture; formation of food supply chains; increasing risk; and more diversity.

  http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/extension/sbpcp/resources/GlobalizationandAg.pdf

  The Future of Agriculture: Frequently Asked Questions (By Rhonda Skaggs, College of Agriculture and Home Economics), For several years, I have taught about food and agricultural policies, agricultural structure, and the future of agriculture in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business at New Mexico State University (NMSU). One of my biggest challenges has been to get students to see agriculture from abroad, sector wide perspective.

  http://cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/research/economics/TR37.pdf

  From Supply Push to Demand Pull (By Stephen Martinez, Hayden Stewart – USDA), In the early 20th century, most types of farm products were sold as commodities on the open market. Sellers brought their hogs or cattle to centralized terminals, or their grain to country elevators, where current prices were paid on the spot. The rule of the day was “pushing” large volumes of standardized commodities through the supply chain, which kept costs down.

  http://www.ers.usda.gov/amberwaves/november03/pdf/supplypush.pdf

• Legal Structures

  Selecting a Business Structure: An Informational Guide to Forming Businesses (By Chris Williams, David Barton, and David Coltrain – Kansas State University), Organizers of new businesses need to structure their businesses in a way that best meets there individual and collective needs.  Structures have many facets including organizational, operational, marketing, financial, and legal.

  http://www.agecon.ksu.edu/accc/kcdc/PDF%20Files/Business3.pdf

  Selecting the Legal Structure for Your Business (U.S. Small Business Administration), In starting a small business, one of the first questions you should ask is what form of legal entity you should use or "How should I organize my business?" Also, as your business grows and changes, you should from time to time ask yourself whether the entity you have chosen remains the best form of organization for your business.

  http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/mp-25.pdf

  Choosing the Legal Structure for Your Business (Bradley University, Small Business Development Center), Which is right for you?  Often, the first business decision you'll make can be the most difficult of all. One of the first startup decisions you'll make for your new business is deciding what type of business organization is best for you.

  http://www.bradley.edu/turnercenter/dwnloadocs/choosing_legal_structure.pdf

  Legal Structures, Licenses and Taxes, Many entrepreneurs become confused when considering which business organization form to use for a business. There are potentially as many as nine business forms available under current Missouri law. Several of them are simply variations on basic forms. Some of the business organization forms available today are the result of recent changes in Missouri law.

  http://www.bvsbdc.org/Downloads,%20Forms,%20Maps,%20%20etc/legal_structure.pdf

• Business Contracts

  Selected Topics in Agricultural Contract Law (Prepared by Christie Hayes, Legal Research Assistant), What is Contract Law? A contract is an agreement that can be enforced by law. It might be in writing, or it might exist only in the form of spoken words and handshakes. Regardless, a contract always involves a transaction, generally a mutual exchange of promises, such as a promise to pay an amount of rent in exchange for a promise to lease farm land, or a promise to share a crop in exchange for a promise to provide cropping labor.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/agpubs/Agricultural_Business_files/AgContractsFinal.pdf

• Risk Management

  Don't Break a Leg...Managing Risk on Your Small Farm (Cornell Small Farms Program), Farming is a risky business, so what else is new? Too much rain, too little rain, a pest problem here, a tractor problem there… farming is all about risk and uncertainty whether your farm is big or small. Thank goodness farming is full of rewards too, for you, for your family and your community. In this fact sheet we want to introduce the idea of risk management and look at some of the particular challenges and opportunities that small-scale farmers have in managing risk.

  http://www.cfap.org/JoannaGreen-dontbreak.pdf

  Introduction to Risk Management: Understanding Agricultural Risk (USDA, Risk Management Agency), Risk has always been a part of agriculture. But, farming in America is a ball game that has changed dramatically over the past few years. Increasingly, farmers and ranchers are learning that it is now a game with new rules, new stakes, and, most of all, new risks.

  http://www.rma.usda.gov/pubs/1997/riskmgmt.pdf

  Small Business Insurance & Risk Management Guide (By Susan Anastasio, The Travelers, Hartford, Connecticut – U.S. Small Business Administration), This guide should heighten your awareness of business insurance and encourage you to consider carefully the various insurance programs and options available on the market. Adequate insurance coverage is imperative for a firm to be successful.

  http://www.neisbdc.org/Documents/PDFs/insurance.pdf

• Regulatory and Legal Issues

  Challenges for Small Business: Dealing with Regulatory and Legal Issues, Dealing with regulatory and legal issues for a small business owner can seem like a mountain to have to climb while wearing shorts and sandals. Knowing who to turn to for advice and general topics to discuss is key to successful compliance.

  http://www.essortment.com/career/challengessmall_scxk.htm

  Introduction to Tort Law and Liability (Prepared by Gregory R. Riley, Legal Research Assistant), The material contained herein is general and educational in nature and is not intended to be legal advice. If you need legal advice, please seek the aid of a competent attorney in your area.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/aglawpubs/part1.cfm

  Environmental Protection Programs Applicable to Modern Agriculture (Prepared by Anthony D. Kanagy, Legal Research Assistant), The purpose of this publication is to provide a very general overview of the environmental regulatory laws and incentive programs that apply to agriculture. The publication is not intended to provide an in depth analysis of each statutory program but rather to notify readers that these Acts exist and to provide a basic overview of the purpose of each one so that readers may be able to determine if the law applies to their situations.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/agpubs/Environmental_Law_files/Environmental%20Protection%20Programs%20Applicable%20to%20Modern%20Agriculture.pdf

  EPA Worker Protection Standards (Adapted by Gene C. Brucker, Legal Research Assistant), The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) protects three and a half million people who work with pesticides at over 560,000 locations.  The WPS is designed to provide pesticide workers and pesticide handlers a set of basic protections from pesticide exposure.  The WPS prevents any application of pesticides while employees are in the field and strictly regulates re-entry into a pesticide treated agricultural area.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/aglawpubs/wpspaper.cfm

  Landowner's Liability for Land Users and Statutory Protection for Landowners (Prepared by Gregory R. Riley, Legal Research Assistant), The right to exclude others from privately owned land is considered one of the most fundamental rights that an American property owner possesses. Landowners in this country enjoy the sense of autonomy that comes with owning a tract of land and hold dear the right that allows them its exclusive use and benefit.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/aglawpubs/part2.cfm

  Understanding "Right to Farm" Laws (By Christine H. Kellett, Director and Professor of Law), In September of 1998, the Iowa Supreme Court in Bormann v. Board of Supervisors declared one of Iowa's Right to Farm statutes unconstitutional. Early this year the United States Supreme Court declined to review that decision. This memo addresses the Iowa case and its implications for Pennsylvania's “Right to Farm" law.

  http://www.dsl.psu.edu/centers/agpubs/Right_to_Farm_Law_files/Understanding%20Right%20to%20Farm%20Laws.pdf

  Starting a Small Business: Tax Requirements, Much of the information in this guide refers to the federal tax requirements. For tax and wage reporting requirements at the state level, please refer to this website, which links directly to existing Web sites for each state.

  http://www.bizmove.com/starting/m1a8.htm

  Starting a Small Business: Licenses and Regulations, It may be inconceivable to you that your home­based consulting service or handknit sweater business would have to comply with any of the numerous local, state and federal regulations, but in all likelihood it will. Avoid the temptation to ignore regulatory details. Doing so may avert some red tape in the short term, but could be an obstacle as your business grows. Taking the time to research the applicable regulations is as important as knowing your market.

  http://www.bizmove.com/starting/m1a6.htm

  Business Notes (Prepared by Business ServiCenter, NC Dept. of Commerce), Licensing and permitting requirements may be imposed by state and local governing authorities as well as by federal authorities. It bears repeating: North Carolina has no single generic license for all businesses. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any.

  http://www.ashevillechamber.org/pdf/BusinessNotes_1.pdf

  Employee or Independent Contractor: 20 Tests (Missouri Small Business Development Center), Question: "I hire people periodically for special projects. When can I hire someone as an independent contractor versus an employee?"  Many companies would prefer to hire some, or even all, of their workers as "independent contractors." When an independent contractor provides a service or product, the service recipient does not have to withhold employment taxes, pay social security taxes (FICA), or pay unemployment tax.

  http://www.missouribusiness.net/docs/20_tests_employee_contractor.asp

  Expanding Your Circle: Hiring Employees (Missouri Small Business Development Center), Your business has grown, and it's more than you can handle on your own. You've looked at the option of independent contractors and decided that's not the answer. Your next option—hire an employee. But what does this involve? What are the reporting requirements? What regulations must you meet?

  http://www.missouribusiness.net/hbb/expanding_hiring_employees.asp

  Small Business / Self-Employed (Internal Revenue Service, US Dept. of Treasury), Select business topics using our A-Z listing, or by business type such as sole proprietor, corporation, etc. We also provide links to major business subjects, such as Business Expenses, which provides a gateway to all related information on that subject.

  http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/

  Fact Sheet 12: Agricultural Employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (U.S. Dept. of Labor), This fact sheet provides general information concerning the application of the FLSA to agricultural employment. The FLSA is the federal law which sets minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor standards.  Agriculture includes farming in all its branches when performed by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such farming operations.

  http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/printpage.asp?REF=whdfs12.htm

  Recreational Use of Private Lands: Associated Legal Issues and Concerns (By Roger A. McEowen, University of Arkansas School of Law), Recreational activities on private lands have increased in recent years due to the inability of public lands to meet demand. The prospect of monetary gain and the liability protection provided by state law for recreational activities on private land provide other incentives for the increased use of farm and ranch land for recreational activities.

  http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/mceowen_recreationaluse.pdf

  Zoning Limitations and Opportunities for Farm Enterprise Diversification: Searching for New Meaning in Old Definitions (By Robert Andrew Branan, National AgLaw Center), Advocates of small farm viability are increasingly proposing market-driven state and local policy initiatives to counter the loss of farms at the urban edge due to rising land and input prices, falling commodity prices, and an overall deterioration of the rural infrastructure that has until recent decades supported the agricultural economy of rural communities.

  http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/articles/branan_zoninglimitations.pdf

  Business License Information Office, The Business ServiCenter makes it easier for businesses to meet the license requirements in the State of North Carolina.

  http://www.nccommerce.com/servicenter/blio/

  Intellectual Property: Protecting Business Assets with Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Other Tools (By Glenn Muske, Rodney Holcomb, Suzanne L. Holcombe), As a small, micro, or home-based business owner, you have probably read or heard the term “intellectual property.”  What does the term mean for your business?  Does your business have anything to protect? Do you know where and how to get this protection?

  http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Version-3704/T-4147web.pdf

  Agricultural Business Insurance (Agricultural Alternatives), Whether you are currently in business or deciding to start an agricultural business, insurance should be part of your risk management strategy. Risk management can take many forms, including insurance, production diversification, and business structure. Insurance shifts some of the risk from the business to the insurance carrier.

  http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/farmmanagement/startbusiness/AgBusinessInsurPM7.pdf

  Consumer's Guide to Insurance for Small Business Owners (State of Wisconsin, Office of Commissioners of Insurance), If you operate a full- or part-time business you will need both property and liability insurance. Property insurance provides protection in case of a theft or if a fire breaks out at your business headquarters and destroys equipment and inventory. Liability insurance provides protection in case someone gets hurt using your product or services or falls down the stairs.

  http://oci.wi.gov/pub_list/pi-085.pdf

• Financial Statements

  Important Farm Business Terms Defined (By Rodney Jones, Extension Agricultural Economist, Livestock Production and Michael R. Langemeier, Professor, Agricultural Economics), A clear understanding of terms used in discussing farm business operations is important. The term “business structure” is used within the context of three broad categories: organizational structure, legal structure, and financial structure. This guide is intended to provide insight regarding each of the “business structure” decisions and the interdependence of these farm management choices.

  http://www.kmar105.com/ExtensionandResearch/Extension-Research_Files/Farm%20Business%20Terms_Files/MF2696.PDF

  Developing a Cash Flow Plan (Damona G. Doye, Extension Economist and Professor, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension), A cash flow plan is a recorded projection of the amount and timing of all cash inflows and cash outflows expected to occur throughout the planning period. Larger farms, substitution of capital assets for labor, and inflation increase the amount of cash required to operate the farm or ranch and make the cash flow plan an increasingly valuable tool in farm financial management.

  http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-751web.pdf

  Twelve Steps to Cash Flow Budgeting (By William Edwards, Extension Economist), How much financing will your farm business require this year? When will money be needed and from where will it come? A little advance planning can help avoid short-term shortages of cash. One useful tool for planning the use of capital in the farm business is a cash flow budget.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/AGDM/wholefarm/pdf/c3-15.pdf

• Income Statements

  Your Farm Income Statement (Farm Financial Management), How much did your farm business earn last year? There are many ways to answer this question.  A farm income statement (sometimes called a profit and loss statement) is a summary of income and expenses that occurred during a specified accounting period, usually the calendar year for farmers.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/FM1816.pdf

  Developing an Income Statement (By Lori Shipman, Extension Associate and Damona Doye, Extension Economist and Professor – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension), The income statement indicates whether a business has earned money or suffered a loss. Actual financial statements help evaluate past performance so that improvements can be made as needed. Projected financial statements allow for evaluating options from production to marketing strategies to risk management. It is important to keep good farm records throughout the year to help ease the burden of financial statement preparation and planning.

  http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-753web.pdf

  Developing a Balance Sheet (By Ross O. Love, Extension Economist, Harry G. Haefner, IFMAPS Specialist, Damona Doye, Extension Economist - Oklahoma Cooperative Extension), A good information system contributes to the financial success of the farm business. The information system should provide the manager with production information as well as current measures of the financial position, financial progress, income performance, and debt repayment capacity. A financial information system contains four essential and interrelated components: 1.the balance sheet, 2.the cash flow statement, and 3. the income statement, and 4. farm records.

  http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-752web.pdf

• Budgets

  Enterprise Budget Analysis (Agricultural Alternatives), The Agricultural Alternatives series provides information on marketing, production costs, resource requirements, and other management factors that small-scale and part-time farmers should consider before starting an alternative farm enterprise. This publication explains the design and format of sample budgets used in the series.

  http://agalternatives.aers.psu.edu/farmmanagement/enterprise/enterprise_budget_analysis.pdf

  Budgets: Their Use in Farm Management (By Damona Doye, Regents Professor, and Extension Farm Management Specialist), Questions of how to best organize and manage the farm business in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the farm family must be continually addressed. The decision as to whether the considered alternatives are consistent with established goals and objectives rests upon the farmer and the farm family acting as the manager if no outside management is hired.

  http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-139web.pdf

  Budgeting For the Small Business (U.S. Small Business Administration), What Is a Budget? Although you might not know it, you prepare a budget each time you estimate how much cash you will have left at the end of the month after paying your bills. A budget is a forecast of all cash sources and cash expenditures.

  http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/fm-8.pdf

• Financial Analysis

  Break-even Pricing, Revenue and Units (By Joe Parcell, Nancy Giddens, and Melvin Brees, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Missouri), This article presents a method for determining the break-even price, revenue and unit sales of value-added agricultural products. Although this method can be applied to any product, this publication is developed from the perspective of a producer in a post-farmgate business. This publication is designed to help producers understand how to establish the break-even price, revenue, and units sold from a cost perspective.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/pdf/c5-180.pdf

  Calculating Overhead and Price (By Alan Hauff, University Outreach and Extension at the University of Missouri-St. Louis), A seven-step process for calculating the all-important overhead percentage is shown in Fig. I-I on the following pages. After the overhead percentage is determined, important pricing decisions can be made.

  http://www.missouribusiness.net/docs/calculate_overhead.pdf

  Farm Financial Scoreboard (Prepared by Gary A. Hachfeld, Extension Educator), A scorecard or record of wins and losses for a football or basketball team is a measure of their success or failure. The same is true for a farm business. A record or scorecard of financial measures can indicate the farms strengths and weaknesses and thus determine the potential for business success.

  http://www.anslab.iastate.edu/Class/AnS435X/Financial/Farm%20Financial%20Scoreboard%20-%20MN.doc

  Financial Ratios (Missouri Small Business Development Center), Financial ratios are a valuable and easy way to interpret the numbers found in statements. It can help to answer critical questions such as whether the business is carrying excess debt or inventory, whether customers are paying according to terms, whether the operating expenses are too high and whether the company assets are being used properly to generate income.

  http://www.missouribusiness.net/docs/financial_ratios.asp

  Financial Ratios Used in Financial Management (By Michael R. Langemeier, Professor, Agricultural Economics), Financial aspects of the farm business have rapidly in-creased in importance in recent years. Farm business size has increased. Cash expenses have gone up. Larger amounts of credit are being used.

  http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/agec2/mf270.pdf

• Record Keeping

  Financial Record Keeping for Farmers and Ranchers (By Lori Shipman, Extension Associate and Damona Doye, Extension Economist and Professor – Oklahoma Cooperative Extension), A good record-keeping system provides answers to important financial management questions. Records aid the farm manager in evaluating production, economic efficiency, and profitability. Good record-keeping systems help answer these questions:

  http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-302web.pdf

  Ohio State University Fact Sheet: Records and Record Keeping (By Cheryle Jones Syracuse, Ohio State University), The best time to set up a record system for a small business is before you start the business. Experience clearly indicates that the use of an adequate record keeping system increases the chances of business survival.

  http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/1151.html

  Quicken for Farm and Ranch Financial Records (By Damona Doye, Extension Economist and Professor Oklahoma State University), This fact sheet provides an overview of features in a popular personal record-keeping system that can be adapted for farm use.

  http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1799/CR-324web.pdf

  Developing and Improving Your Farm Records (By James Hanson, Dale Johnson, and Billy V. Lessley), Records are important to the financial health of your farm. Good records do not ensure your farm will be successful; however, success is unlikely without them. Farm records are like report cards students receive in school. With a farm report card, you can tell how well you are managing your operation compared with other producers in your "class'. You also can see the strengths and weaknesses of your farm operation.

  http://www.agnr.umd.edu/MCE/Publications/PDFs/FS542.pdf

  Developing Realistic Cash Flow Projections for Business Start-Ups and Expansions (By John Donovan, Butte SBDC), Developing accurate projections, especially the sales forecast is probably the most difficult part of building financials for your business plan. Unfortunately many people don’t spend enough time and effort on this part of their plan and end up living with the consequences after their project is funded.

  http://www.kalispellsmallbusiness.com/downloads/donavan.pdf

• Credit

  A Farmer's Guide to Agricultural Credit (By Paul N. Ellinger and Peter J. Barry), This guide is designed to help you better understand credit. In the current risky economic environment, credit should be managed as closely and as carefully as other production inputs. Like seeds and chemicals, agricultural credit options are changing and expanding with new and innovative products, and can be complicated by legal concerns.

  http://www.farmdoc.uiuc.edu/finance/FarmersGuidetoCreditBody.htm

  Cash Flow Projection for Operating Loan Determination (By Michael R. Langemeier), Explains cash flow projection for operating loan determination.

  http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/agec2/mf275.pdf

  What You Should Know Before Applying For That Bank Loan (By Danny R. Snow, CPA), Virtually all businesses will, at some time, need to obtain outside financing. For the small business owner, this generally means obtaining some type of bank loan. And for many, this turns out to be a frustrating and difficult experience. It doesn't have to be that way, however.

  http://www.tscpa.com/publicinfo/SBarticles/what_you_should_know_before.aspx

  What You Need To Know about Small Business Borrowing (By Don Sadler), If you haven’t yet, it’s almost inevitable that one day you’ll be faced with the question: Should you or shouldn’t you borrow money for your business?

  http://www.bizonline-content.com/bizresourceonline/wachovia/displayarticle.asp?id=198&clientid=8&categoryid=3

• Market Research

  Marketing Plan Components: Marketing Objectives & Strategies, Meeting should lead to sales. (If not, you need to set different marketing objectives.) They should be clear, be measurable, and have a stated time frame for achievement.

  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/serv_4ps.html

  Marketing Plan Components: Competitor & Issues Analysis (U.S. Small Business Administration), The purpose of the Competitor and Issues Analysis section of your marketing plan is to explain in detail the external challenges and opportunities your business may face. Even though preparation of the analysis will take time, it will be worth it. You can benefit in a number of ways.

  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/serv_competitor.html

  Marketing Plan Components: A Snapshot of Your Current Situation (U.S. Small Business Administration), In the Current Situation section of your marketing plan, you'll provide information about your location, target market and competitive environment. You'll briefly describe the competitive environment and key issues your company faces in this section; more detail is provided in the Competitor and Issue Analysis section.

  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/serv_currentsituation.html

  Marketing Plan (U.S. Small Business Administration), A sound marketing plan is key to the success of your business. It should include your market research, location, the customer group you have targeted, competition, positioning, the product or service you are selling, pricing, advertising, and promotion.

  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/SERV_MARKETINGPLANS.html

  Strategizing With the 4 P's (U.S. Small Business Administration), The marketing strategy section of your plan outlines your game plan to achieve your marketing objectives. It is, essentially, the heart of the marketing plan. The marketing strategy section should include information about:

  http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/manage/marketandprice/serv_4ps.html

  Marketing Plan Components: A Quick Review (Iowa State University Extension), The one hard-and-fast rule about marketing plan components is that there are no hard-and-fast rules! Marketing plans vary by industry, by size of company and by stage of growth. The form isn't as important as the process of preparing it–it's a process that makes you think about your business goals and what your marketing strategy will be to achieve those goals.

  http://www.agmrc.org/services/cafeii/Marketing/4.%20Marketing%20Plan%20Outline.doc

  The New Market Research (By Joshua D. Macht, Inc Magazine), Forget focus groups and mail surveys; with constantly changing markets and ever-increasing competition, companies are finding new ways to determine what customers really want.

  http://www.inc.com/magazine/19980701/964_Printer_Friendly.html

  Marketing Research for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Managers (By David J. Snepenger, Montana State University College of Business), What is marketing research? Business owners and entrepreneurs acquire information through marketing research that helps identify and define marketing opportunities and problems; generate, refine and evaluate marketing actions; monitor marketing performance; and improve the understanding of marketing as a process.

  http://extn.msu.montana.edu/communitydevelopment/pubs/mt9013.pdf

  Conducting Market Research (By Nancy H. Bull and Gregory R. Passewitz), Customers are the foundation of any successful business. Effective market research results in increased sales and profits. Use market research to develop marketing plans. Market research provides a more accurate base for making profit assumptions and helps develop critical short- and mid-term goals.

  http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/1252.html

  Sizing Up the Market Winds (By Russell Tronstad), Farming in the 90s could be compared to hang gliding. The best hang glider skills in the world may not be enough to keep from crashing in a down draft.

  http://cals.arizona.edu/arec/pubs/dmkt/SizingUpthe.pdf

  Where to Find Information for Doing Marketing and Business Studies (Iowa State University Extension), Food is big business in the United States, with more than $850 billion spent on food in 2004.  By the year 2020 it is projected there will be an additional 50 to 80 million people in the United States, adding another $200 billion to the food expenditures.

  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/AgDM/wholefarm/pdf/c5-21.pdf

  Direct Marketing: Business Management Series (By Katherine Adam, Radhika Balasubrahmanyam, and Holly Born NCAT Agriculture Specialists), This publication on direct marketing alternatives—with emphasis on niche, specialty and value-added crops—features many farm case studies, as well as information on enterprise budgets and promotion/publicity.

  http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/directmkt.pdf

  Doing Your Own Market Research (By Judy Green), Innovation, experimentation, and change are not new to farmers. Over the years most farms have been through many changes in production, marketing, and management strategy. However, the level of interest in new markets and nontraditional agricultural enterprises has risen dramatically in recent years as farmers look for new ways of generating income from their farm resources.

  http://www.cfap.org/fap/DYOMResearch.pdf

  Researching Your Market (U.S. Small Business Administration), This publication provides an overview of what market research is and how it's done. It introduces inexpensive techniques that small business owner-managers can apply to gather facts about their customers and the people they'd like to have for customers.