The Local Food Field Guide
Straight talk on labels, seasons, and buying direct — so you shop smarter and support the farmers who actually grow your food.
March 22, 2026
Building a Farm Website
A farm website is where potential customers verify you're real, find your hours and location, and decide whether to visit or order. It doesn't need to be complicated — but it needs to answer the right questions immediately.
March 22, 2026
Direct-to-Consumer Sales for Farms
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales let farms sell directly to eaters — cutting out distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. For the farmer, it means better margins. For the buyer, it means fresher food, transparent sourcing, and a direct relationship with who grew it.
March 22, 2026
Farm Insurance Basics
Farm insurance covers the risks that can wipe out a small operation: crop losses, liability when visitors get hurt, equipment damage, and livestock death. Most small farms are underinsured. Here's what coverage actually exists and where to start.
March 22, 2026
How to Start a Farm Business
Starting a farm business requires honest answers to questions most aspiring farmers skip: What will you sell, who will buy it, and can you produce it profitably at the scale you can actually manage? This guide covers the decisions that matter most.
March 22, 2026
USDA Grants for Small Farms
The USDA runs dozens of grant and loan programs specifically for small farms — covering everything from beginning farmer training to organic certification cost-share to value-added product development. Most small farms never access them. Here's where to start.