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  • From: "mtlivestock" <crublee AT libby.org>
  • To: <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] RE: Livestock sales
  • Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 10:35:43 -0600

Please forgive me for posting this off-topic information. I have seen some
folks make reference to their livestock, so I thought I would post this
information at least once. Please feel to contact me privately for further
information as this is not exactly "market farming" topic.

I, like Jeff, belonged to a small community of struggling farmers/ranchers.
It was clear some form of action was needed to bond our individual efforts
into something "do-able" and profitable.

I started a farm improvement club called the Farmers' Exchange Club. We are
a private club, entirely maintained by my husband and myself. We have cheap
membership fees ($27.20/yr). We pool this money to pay for monthly
newsletters, advertising, and events. Well, the money doesn't always
stretch that far, so we (all members) donate time, items, and money. BUT IT
WORKS! Most members have expanded and are much more stable (repeat
business) since the start of our club four years ago. We have gone from a
bunch of farmers to a well organized network of INDEPENDENT farmers! We all
maintain private sales, pay no commissions, and have no restrictions placed
on us by the club. But we now share advertising costs that no farmer alone
could afford.

Our membership is diverse! Lamb, cattle, hogs, hens, eggs, veggies, fruit,
goat, hay, feed, etc are offered by members. Because of the club, some
members have loosely formed some limited partnerships and exchanges. Our
members now buy from one another instead of going out-of-county to buy.
This alone has increased sales! The club advertises and attend events
locally to increase local buying by non-farming folks. It works!

I would be happy to answer questions on forming a club. If I can save folks
from some of our mistakes, so much the better! If you are within the MT/ID
area, you might want to check out our website. I will be updating it today.
I will post the link when it is done.

Please know that you don't need thousands of $$$ to start a club or do
something to enhance your community. I did it on a shoe-string, and it has
been worth it. I did it because I needed increase farm sales and new
customers for my husband's business. My passion for community improvement
keeps me going, but profits for my farm is the main goal. I just found it
makes good business sense if my neighbors are doing well, we also do well.

I do wish we could do more, and I am now seeking funding for the club. If
only I could get more TIME to do it all!!!!

If you are within northern ID/MT and want to learn more, please contact me
off-list. I will send my phone # to you. Or send your mailing address for
our next bulk mailing. I will be sending a sheet of information out soon.

Christina
Farmers' Exchange Club
Libby Creek Heritage Farm






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