Come To The Farm Home Page - A farm community resource of information for farmers and consumers

We're working on a number of articles about farm topics. For this article, we would like your input! This is about establishing good community relations, which will help build a positive image for your farm business. Below are some of the ideas we have so far.

Send us your ideas too!

	Practice Direct Communication: This means that you don't let third party communication, also known as the rumor mill, complicate your business. If you do hear a rumor about your farm, go directly to the people impacted and make sure that they hear the truth from you!
	Maintain a neat appearance: Keep lawns moved, retired equipment out of the yard (unless it is part of your garden decorations!), and buildings in good repair and painted. This sends the message that you operate a professional business and take pride in it.
	Make little gestures count: A cheese tray, fruit basket, or some other token of appreciation goes a long way to establish good relationships for your business. Make sure you include a card or flyer with your business name/logo/website. This might be a nice introduction to new folks or businesses moving into your area, or for a neighbor who has been especially helpful (such as helping to herd back those wandering goats!). If you have the equipment, consider disking a neighbor's garden, plowing snow from their driveway or other service.
	Be open and honest with neighbors: Let your community know what your family business is all about. Communicate the economic impact of farming!
	Get involved in the community: Sponsor a local sports team, offer a scholarship program, advertise in community venues. Your reputation as a contributing member of the community will be reflected.
	Offer public tours: Give people a chance to learn more about your business and management. This could even be a money making opportunity! Ag Tourism is making a significant impact on educating the public while earning additional income for farm families.
	Follow the "golden rule": Treat others like you would like them to treat you. And be sure to include the often forgotten phrase "thank you" in your vocabulary. Use it sincerely and often.
	Participate in farm days or farm petting events. Make sure you take healthy animals and quarantine them upon return to the farm. Also take babies to nursing homes and schools - they'll love them!
	Develop a handout about your farm and have it available at farm days, farm tours and even for your local Chamber of Commerce.

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YourName: Ken Feaster-Eytchison YourEmail: eytch_a_sketch@hotmail.com Remote Name: 137.201.242.130 Date: July 23, 2007 Time: 01:08 PM Suggestions: Present yourself as a professional. When-ever in public, be dressed in clean and neat clothing. Never show up in your "barn clothes and muck boots". People judge you far before they judge your business or products!

YourName: Eileen Hahn YourEmail: goatladyLam@hotmail.com Remote Name: 216.129.226.69 Date: July 24, 2007 Time: 02:28 PM Suggestions: Might add in keeping fences in good repair- makes for happier neighbors. Also if folks are coming over it isn't the time to be doing dehorning, (unless it's a demonstration) or any number of things that we may take for granted that would be upsetting to folks not used to them. The rest sounds good and is what I've been trying to achieve so I must be on the right track, thanks.

YourName: Megan Horowitz YourEmail: info@forgottenplanetfarm.com Remote Name: 66.19.188.114 Date: July 24, 2007 Time: 02:32 PM Suggestions: Respond to phone calls/emails in a reasonable amount of time. The some government departments typically take 2-4 days to respond, Can you beat the government in customer service?:)

YourName: Karen Tindall YourEmail: jjktindall@embarqmail.com Remote Name: 76.3.173.188 Date: July 24, 2007 Time: 08:18 PM Suggestions: Include a written letter,ect for new goat owners about the feeding, health care, ect of their new goat. Maybe include the address and name of local feed stores, vets or possibly " goat mentor" in your/their area if you know one. Include email address for ADGA, FDGA, other websites, recommend a good magazine on goats. I do this when we sell a goat, especially to new 4H parents. LOL. Hope you like the idea's. Thanks for including me, Karen Tindall Grandm & Sierra Raso Grandd, T2 Silly Billy Goat Farm OOps I just read the last comment on the list. Sorry,

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