Marlin Bates, K-State Research and Extension

1. 2/9/2017
1
Opportunities in Specialty Crop Production
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County
Local Food System – by definition
• A system aimed at connecting food producers and consumers
in the same geographic region
• in order to develop more self-reliant and resilient food networks, improve
local economies
• for health, environmental, community, or social impact in a particular place

2. 2/9/2017
2
Why Local Food Systems Work Matters
Growing Consumer Interest in Food Provenance
=
Increased per Acre Returns for Farmers
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
1920 2012
FARMS IN KANSAS
Total # of Farms # of Farms Producing Fruits & Vegetables

3. 2/9/2017
3
Tiers of the Food System
Where Local Food Fits
• In most of Kansas, Local Food is
limited to Tier 1 of the food
system
• Few examples of Tier 2 Local
Food – Where it does exist, there
are often considerable barriers to
entry

4. 2/9/2017
4
Where Farmers Are Selling
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Increasing Revenue by Capturing Premium Prices

5. 2/9/2017
5
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Farmers Markets

6. 2/9/2017
6
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

7. 2/9/2017
7
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Roadside Stand/On-Farm Store
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
U-Pick

8. 2/9/2017
8
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Special Events

9. 2/9/2017
9
Kaw Valley Farm Tour
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Poor Okay Good Great Excellent
Exit Surveys at Farms (Participant Experience)

10. 2/9/2017
10
Intermediated Sales Avenues
Moving larger quantities quickly

11. 2/9/2017
11

12. 2/9/2017
12
Adding Value
Moving from fresh product to value-added

13. 2/9/2017
13
Learning More
Joining the community of producers who
contribute to local food system

14. 2/9/2017
14
Growing Lawrence – Meeting Topics
2016 Growing Lawrence Meeting Schedule
January 20 – Winter Social and Annual Meeting – Hank Charcuterie 5:30 PM
February 3 – Concerns and Obstacles for 2016 – Extension Office 7:00 AM
March 2 – Update on Regional Food Hub – Extension Office 7:00 AM
April 6 – High Tunnel/Greenhouse Production – Pendleton’s Country Market 6:30 PM
May 4 – Legal Issues on the Farm – Extension Office 7:00 AM
June 1 – Equipment for Vegetable Production – Juniper Hill Farms 7:30 PM
July 6 – Vineyard Tour/Grape Production – Kugler’s Vineyard 7:30 PM
August 3 – Farm Assistance Programs – Extension Office 7:00 AM
September 7 – Tree Fruit Production – South Baldwin Farms 6:30 PM
October 5 – Mushroom Production – Wakarusa Valley Farm 6:00 PM
November 2 – Maximizing Markets – Extension Office 7:00 AM
December 7 – Cooperative Purchasing Opportunities – Extension Office 7:00 AM

15. 2/9/2017
15

16. 2/9/2017
16
In Summary
• There may be numerous reasons to consider entering into the
specialty crop arena.
– Profit potential, Bring back the next generation, Satisfy increasing
demand, Increase regional food security, etc.
• While there are many cropping options, there are also a
handful of marketing options to consider.
• For those with little experience, there is a relatively steep
learning curve, so find the support that you need early on.

17. 2/9/2017
17
Thank You
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County