The webinar offered in 2022 focused on managing specialty crop farm businesses in Missouri. The series was divided in four quarters focused on laws and regulations, farm infrastructure, marketing, and business planning and economics. When viewing the recordings, keep in mind that some recommendations may be outdated, and some links may be broken. Contact your regional extension specialist for more information.
The goal of the series was to give confidence to beginning farmers when starting a fruit farm and to encourage established farmers to diversify their farms. The series provided science-based recommendations, tools and trainings to help farmers. The classes featured in this series recordings include:
Part 1: Laws & regulations

• Labor laws and regulations – Rob Russell & Amy Patillo (University of Missouri)
• Labor sourcing and management – Ryan Milhollin (University of Missouri) & Liz Graznak (Happy Hollow Farm)
• Insurance – Ray Massey (University of Missouri)
• Taxes & business structures – Mary Sobba & Darla Campbell (University of Missouri)

Part 2: Farm infrastructure

• Accessing financial services – Debi Kelly & Kyle Whittaker (University of Missouri)
• Accessing land – Karisha Devlin (University of Missouri)
• Farm equipment – Ray Massey & Rusty Lee (University of Missouri)
• Managing water on the farm – Joseph Zulovich (University of Missouri)
• Scale appropriate equipment & infrastructure – Patrick Byers & Justin Keay (University of Missouri)

Part 3: Marketing

• Characterizing your market – Debi Kelly & Alice Roach (University of Missouri)
• Certifications to sell produce – Londa Nwadike & Justin Keay (University of Missouri)
• Making a marketing plan – Katie Neuner & Denice Ferguson (University of Missouri)
• Negotiating with buyers – Rachel Wilson (Foodshed.io)

Part 4: Economics, markets and business planning

• Economics of fruit and vegetable farming – John Kruse (University of Missouri)
• Panel discussion: wholesale vs direct to consumer marketing – John Kruse (University of Missouri), Duane Brune (Pin Oak Farms), & Curtis Millsap (Millsap Farms)
• Business plans – Joe Horner (University of Missouri)
• Government resources – Debi Kelly (University of Missouri)

Please reach out to your local extension specialist if you have any questions about the topics covered in these recordings.

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2022 SCBM farm equipment