Running a Food Hub: Volume Two, a Business Operations Guide
Running a Food Hub: Volume Two, a Business Operations Guide

Author: James Matson

Publisher: Government Printing Office

Published: 2015-09-17

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13: 9780160929847

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This report is part of a multi-volume technical report series entitled, Running a Food Hub, with this guide serving as a companion piece to other United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports by providing in-depth guidance on starting and running a food hub enterprise. In order to compile the most current information on best management and operations practices, the authors used published information on food hubs, surveyed numerous operating food hubs, and pulled from their existing experience and knowledge of working directly with food hubs across the country as an agricultural business consulting firm. The report’s main focus is on the operational issues faced by food hubs, including choosing an organizational structure, choosing a location, deciding on infrastructure and equipment, logistics and transportation, human resources, and risks. As such, the guide explores the different decision points associated with the organizational steps for starting and implementing a food hub. For some sections, sidebars provide “decision points,” which food hub managers will need to address to make key operational decisions. This illustrated guide may assist the operational staff at small businesses or third-party organizations that may provide aggregation, marketing, and distribution services from local and regional producers to assist with wholesale, retail, and institution demand at government institutions, colleges/universities, restaurants, grocery store chains, etc. Undergraduate students pursuing coursework for a bachelor of science degree in food science, or agricultural economics may be interested in this guide. Additionally, this reference work will be helpful to small businesses within the food trade discipline.

Farm Business Management
Farm Business Management

Author: Peter L Nuthall

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2016-04-25

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 1780646569

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Farming is a complex job with many unique challenges, but can also be a rich and rewarding career that is full of opportunities. Following the author's Farm Business Management series, this new textbook takes the core principles and techniques and distils them into an accessible student resource. Written by an expert with decades of teaching and research experience around the world, this book also incorporates two brand new chapters on farm accounting and computer systems and software. Providing a hands-on learning experience for students of agriculture, it will continue to be a much-used resource throughout their farming career.

Homesteading in Connecticut
Homesteading in Connecticut

Author: Barrett Williams

Publisher: Barrett Williams

Published: 2024-06-27

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13:

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**Homesteading in Connecticut Your Gateway to Sustainable Living** Discover the roadmap to a self-sufficient and fulfilling lifestyle in the scenic state of Connecticut with "Homesteading in Connecticut." This comprehensive guide is designed for both beginners and seasoned homesteaders eager to embrace a sustainable, eco-friendly way of life tailored to Connecticut’s unique climate and geography. ### Why Choose Homesteading? 1. **Historical Context and Modern Relevance** Unearth the rich history of Connecticut homesteading and understand why it remains crucial today. 2. **Sustainable Benefits** Learn how a homesteading lifestyle can bring tremendous benefits to your well-being and the environment. 3. **Climate and Geography** Gain insight into Connecticut's specific climate conditions and geographical features that influence homesteading. ### Essential Planning Tips - **Goal Setting** Define your vision and set realistic goals that align with your homestead dreams. - **Financial Insights** Plan your budget effectively with financial considerations tailored to sustainable living. - **Legal Know-How** Navigate the legal regulations and zoning laws in Connecticut to ensure a smooth start. ### Starting Your Homestead - **Land Selection** Find the perfect plot of land, enhance soil health, and secure reliable water sources. - **Sustainable Home Building** From energy-efficient designs to waste management systems, build a home that blends innovation with tradition. ### Cultivating Your Future - **Gardening and Food Production** Create lush gardens, grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and berries, and manage pests organically. - **Animal Husbandry** Raise chickens for eggs and meat, delve into beekeeping, and integrate small-scale livestock efficiently. ### Advanced Sustainable Practices - **Food Preservation** Master canning, drying, and root cellaring to keep your harvests fresh year-round. - **Water Management** Implement rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and optimize water use. - **Renewable Energy** Explore solar, wind, and micro-hydro power systems to power your homestead sustainably. ### Building a Thriving Community - **Networking and Skills Development** Connect with fellow homesteaders, attend workshops, and continuously expand your knowledge. - **Income Generation** Learn to turn your homestead into a profitable venture through surplus produce sales, value-added products, and agritourism. ### Embracing a Sustainable Lifestyle - **Health and Well-being** Adopt natural remedies, maintain your physical and mental health, and ensure the security of your homestead. - **Creativity and Craftsmanship** Engage in DIY projects, upcycling, and artisan skills to enrich your homesteading experience. - **Environmental Stewardship** Advocate for sustainable practices and reduce your carbon footprint to live harmoniously with nature. "Homesteading in Connecticut" is more than just a guide—it's your companion on the journey to creating a resilient, self-sufficient homestead. Embrace the potential of living sustainably and make your homesteading dreams a reality in the picturesque state of Connecticut. Your path to a greener, more fulfilling life starts here.

Whole Farm Management
Whole Farm Management

Author: Garry Stephenson

Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Published: 2019-11-12

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 1635860741

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Farming is a business, as well as a way of life. Whole Farm Management is a comprehensive guide developed by the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University to help aspiring and beginner farmers make smart business decisions to ensure lasting success. In clear, accessible language, this book covers every essential step, from developing a strategic plan to acquiring equipment, establishing infrastructure, finding markets, budgeting, managing day-to-day operations, and selecting a business structure for long-term viability. The emphasis throughout is on using sustainable agricultural systems and managing the whole farm, whether raising grass-based livestock, perennial food crops, or annual crops such as flowers. Case studies of successful farms, along with guidance and solutions to common problems from long-time farmers, round out this essential handbook.

The Knowledge Guide
The Knowledge Guide

Author: Darrell M. Toma

Publisher: Trafford Publishing

Published: 2007-06

Total Pages: 78

ISBN-13: 1425117384

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"The next decade will see dramatic changes in many industries. This guide discusses trends, best management practices and new business models used to compete in the global agri-food sector."

Farm Business Management
Farm Business Management

Author: Peter L Nuthall

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2018-12-14

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 1789240735

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The underlying economic factors that affect primary production are frequently studied and written about - soil quality, animal health, climate, machinery - but this is the first book to explore the role of the decision psychology of the manager running the farm business, the person responsible for staff, strategic and operational decisions and the success or failure of financial and other objective outcomes. This second edition addresses fundamental questions such as the process of decision making, personal skills, and methods to improve managerial ability. It is an essential reference for farm managers and students in farm economics and management. Key Features: This is the first farm business management book published worldwide focused on human factors and decision making in primary production The second edition introduces two new chapters covering the key decision method, intuition and its enhancement, and the importance of human characteristics in a range of decision topics and areas