Iowa farmers typically focus their time and energy on the day-to-day production side of business to be successful. However, farmers can also benefit from developing a marketing plan to reach potential customers and increase sales, said Rachel Cutrer, a Texas cattle rancher and ag marketing strategist with Ranch House Designs Inc.

Building a trusted brand for your farm can help diversify your income and help withstand unexpected market disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising production costs, Cutrer said.

“Your sales drive the financial income of the business. But a lot of times, promotion gets put on the back burner,” said Cutrer at ...