Become a Better Farmer in Just 5 Minutes per Week
Read on my website – Read Time: ~ 6 Minutes
The Processing Schedule Mistake I Won’t Make Again
Hey Reader,
Processing season hit us like a freight train this week, and I learned a lesson I’m hoping you can learn from without the stress: don’t schedule your processing dates too close together.
We’ve got 10 hogs, 50 turkeys, and three beef all coming back within a one-month timeframe. The pork and turkeys are already here (in addition to chicken, beef, and pork we have in stock), and let me tell you – my freezers are maxed out. Like, Tetris-level full.
Now I’m facing a decision: either move enough product in the next few weeks (working on that), or bite the bullet and buy another chest freezer or two. Not the worst problem to have, but it’s definitely a cash flow situation I could’ve planned better.
BTW, if you want to see the emails that I write for my farm, you can sign up at https://longbottomfarm.com. Just sign up on any of the email sign-ups and you’re in. I do this myself with other farms to see what they’re writing about and to give me ideas for my newsletters.
The real issue? I got excited about having product to sell and didn’t think through the holding part of the equation. It’s pretty much a reminder that infrastructure planning matters just as much as production planning.
Speaking of planning…
Something New Is Coming
I’ve been working on something for a while now that I think will help more farms get online and start selling – especially those who’ve been sitting on the fence about whether now’s the right time.
Can’t spill all the details yet, but let’s just say I’m adding another option that makes it easier to get started without the upfront investment. It’ll be perfect for farms that want to get online quickly and are comfortable with a more hands-on approach.
My custom website builds and done-for-you monthly plans aren’t going anywhere – those are still the best option if you want a fully customized site and prefer to hand off the technical stuff entirely. But I know that’s not the right fit for everyone right now.
More to come on this soon. Like, real soon.
Why Your Farm Needs to Be Online (And I’m Not Just Saying That)
Look, I design websites for farmers, so yeah – I have skin in this game. But here’s the thing: I’m not interested in getting you online just to check a box. I’m interested in getting you online in a way that actually makes you money.
There’s a difference.
A website that just exists? That’s digital clutter. A website that works? That’s a 24/7 salesperson who doesn’t need a lunch break.
Here’s what I mean:
A working farm website:
- Takes orders while you’re doing chores (or sleeping)
- Answers the same questions you get asked 47 times (what cuts do you have, how much is a half hog, can I pick up on Saturday)
- Builds your email list so you’re not dependent on social media algorithms
- Gives you a professional presence that builds trust with customers who don’t know you yet
- Actually shows up when people Google “[your product] near me”
I’ve seen farms double their customer base just by existing online in a way that makes it easy for people to buy. Not because they got fancy or ran ads – just because they made it simple for people to find them and say yes.
The math is pretty straightforward: If a website brings you even two new customers a month who spend $100, that’s $2,400 a year. Most farms see that kind of return in the first few months of being online.
To each his own, but if you’re still relying entirely on farmers market booths, Facebook posts, and word of mouth – you’re leaving money on the table. And probably answering the same questions over and over.
I feel that a website isn’t about making your farm look big or fancy. It’s about making it easier for people to buy from you. That’s it.
What’s happening on your farm right now? Hit reply and let me know – I actually read these.
And if you’ve been thinking about getting your farm online, keep an eye out. What’s coming is going to give you more options to make it happen.
Thanks for reading – more to come,
The Part-Time Farmer
P.S. – Seriously, space out your processing dates. Future you will thank present you.
with my appreciation,
Jason
Aka: The Part-Time Farmer
Your Farm Deserves a Website That Works as Hard as You Do
If you’re like most farmers, you know a website could help you grow your farm — but figuring it all out feels overwhelming.
That’s where Homegrown Hosting comes in.
Built by a farmer (me) for farmers like you, we’ll give you a website that’s simple, powerful, and designed to help you sell more and connect better with your customers.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Custom Site, Built for You: Your farm’s style, your photos — we bring it to life.
- Professional Copywriting: No stressing over what to say — we’ll help tell your story.
- Email List Setup: So you can stay in touch and turn visitors into customers.
- Marketing Guidance: Practical tips to help your website drive real growth.
👉 Ready to turn your farm website into one of your best tools for success?
Valuable Farm Marketing Insights at Your Fingertips
Missed a newsletter? Don’t worry! Access all past issues packed with practical tips and strategies to grow your farm business.
Affiliate Links: This email may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally used, tested, and truly believe in.
AI Disclosure: Every idea and opinion here is 100% human. I sometimes use AI to help with formatting, editing, or trimming things down—but the message is fully mine.