Courtesy of Kelly Dunham
John Harnois
Harnois Farm
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Farmer John Harnois doubled the number of heritage turkeys he raised last year for this holiday season, and increased his price to $10 per pound, but still calls his financial situation "tenuous" and his growth merely "steady." He tries to keep up with the rapid rise in demand, but says his operation is now in desperate need of costly new buildings.
Part of the problem, he believes, is his lack of marketing savvy. "I raise wonderful food, but I hate selling it. I take a 'no' personally," he admits.
This is not an uncommon difficulty for independent farmers, who frequently lack the experience or budget for a professional sales operation. Organizations such as Slow Food USA and American Livestock Breeds Conservatory are helping raise awareness of independent farmers like Harnois and the role they play in the economy.
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