Farmers Markets
The marketing model used in conventional agriculture is not easily applied to organic systems. Currently, local elevators that accept organic grains are not common, though they do exist in some areas. Farmers who transition to organic production must also transition their marketing strategies. Whether growing organic grains, herbs, fruits and vegetables, or raising organically certified livestock, marketing becomes an additional consideration. Producers who have always sold to local elevators will find that quality time will be needed to do a good job with marketing organic products.
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Farmers’ Market Online Database lists local farmers markets across the state as well as produce stands and local producers. It also identifies vendors participating in one of NDA’s fresh produce coupon programs for low income individuals.
Lincoln's Historic Haymarket Farmers Market May - October
Omaha's Farmers Market at 11th & Jackson St. May 2 - Oct. 10
Check these national resources for further information on organic producers, processors, and suppliers:
- The Organic Trade Association lists a number of organic industry directories.
- Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Resource Directory for a broad range of resources including certifiers, brokers, buyers, input suppliers and consultants.
- Nebraska Crop Improvement Association Seed Books for Nebraska certified seed conditioners and suppliers.
Also see the Marketing and Economics section in CropWatch for budgets, markets, news.
| Organic Buyers | Contact Information | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Food Coop | http://www.nebraskafood.org | Nebraska's online, year-round farmers' market and local food distribution service. |
| BUY fresh buy local® Nebraska | https://food.unl.edu/buyfreshbuylocalnebraska | This outreach and marketing program to support local foods began in 2006 based on research by a group of consumers, farmers, non-profits, and small local businesses who wanted to create a local food system. With on-going grass roots support, it is a collaborative effort of the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society, Nebraska Cooperative Development Center and Great Plains RC&D, along with national partner FoodRoutes Network. |
| Grain Place Foods | Dave Vetter 1904 N. Hwy 14, Marquette, NE 68854 Ph. (402) 854-3195 Fax: (402) 854-2566 Email: davegpf@hamilton.net |
Popcorn, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hull-less barley |
| The Scoular Company | Kevin Dvorak 2027 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68102 Phone: (800) 488-3500 Email: kdvorak@scoular.com |
Corn, soybeans, wheat |
| Heartland Mills | Rt. 1 Box 2, Marienthal, KS 67863 Ph. (620) 379-4472 Fax: (620) 379-4459 |
Certified organic processor of oats, rye, sunflowers, cornmeal, stone-ground whole wheat flours, white flours, feed grains |
| Roberts Seed, Inc. | Joe and Leisha Roberts, 982 22 Road, Axtell, NE 68924 Ph (308) 743-2565 Fax (308) 743-2048 Email: robertsseed@gtmc.net |
Corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, any grains, soybean meal, and custom processing |
| Grain Millers Specialty Products | Paul Drake 9531 West 78 Street, Suite 400 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Ph (800) 328-5188 Fax: (952) 942-9649 Email: paul.drake@grainmillers.com |
Corn, soybeans, and wheat |
| Clarkson Grain Company, Inc. | PO Box 80 320 East South St., Cerro Gordo, IL 61818 Ph. (217) 763-2861 (800) 252-1638 Email: info@clarksongrain.com |
Soybeans, sunflower, com, wheat, buckwheat, spelt, beans, popcorn, milo |
| Eden Foods | Angela Jackson-Pirdie Clinton, MI 49236 Ph.: 888-441-EDEN (3336) Fax: (517) 456-6075 Email: angela.jackson@usd.edu |
All grains and beans; livestock |
| Organic Grassfed Beef Coalition | PO Box 125 Vermillion, SD 57069 |
Livestock |
| Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative | Janet Cowling Ph. (734) 429-9109 or 9110 Fax (734) 429-9101 www.midwestorganic.com |
Midwest Organic Products |
| Stonebridge Ltd. | Tim Daley, Production Agronomist 3411 Midway Dr., Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Ph. (319) 277-4277 Fax ( 319) 277-4274 Mobile 319-239-7143 Email: timd@stonebridgeltd.org |
Website: www.stonebridgeltd.org Soybeans and cleaning facility |
| Hesco | Deborah W. Cohen Email: deborahwcohen@comcast.net Ph. (410) 472-9158 or (443) 739-9158 |
Soybeans, wheat, oats, millet, corn, flax, rye, triticale, sorghum, barley, buckwheat |
| Shadowbrook farm |
Near Lincoln |
A small, family-owned specialty vegetable farm, "we are committed to sustainable farming practices and are devoted to being good stewards of our land. We want to help move towards a ‘regional food system’ where food is sold directly to the consumer rather than traveling many miles to reach your plate.” |
| Product Review Services | ||
| Custom Certification Services, Inc. | Marva Holt, Secretary 5268 RD 99, Dalton, NE 69131-8213 Ph. (308) 377-2272 Fax. (308) 377-2274 Email: ccs@dgwireless.net |
Custom Certification |
| Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) | Box 11558, Eugene, OR 97440 Ph. 541-343-7600 Fax: 541-343-8971 Email: info@omri.org |
Website: http://www.omri.org/ |
| Disclaimer: Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is implied. | ||
Marketing and Selling Resources
Many sustainable producers use forms of marketing and selling that are quite different from those used in conventional farming. They often find that they must take a more proactive and interpersonal role in getting their product sold and promoting their business. This section contains links to many of the great videos, PowerPoint presentations and other online resources that offer the best information and tactics for sustainable agriculture marketing and selling.
- Shadowbrook Farm (PDF)
- Basic Organic Marketing (PDF)
- UNL Extension - Tough Questions about Transitioning (PDF)
- Economics of Organic Farming: Agronomic Crops (PDF)
- California's Straus Family Creamery (PDF)
- Growing Against the Grain
- Organic Rooftop Farming in Chicago
- SARE Organic Production Marketing Resources
- What Does 'Organic' Really Mean?
- OrganicNation Asks: What is a CSA?
- Marketing Opportunities for Organic Farmers, from Rodale Institute
- Guide to Organic Marketing and Trade How-to Publications
- The ‘Women in Ag Nebraska’ Organization
- The Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens
- Toward a Sustainable Agriculture
Videos