Early bird registration opened today for a two-part branding workshop by Iowa Farm Bureau to help farmers enhance and grow their direct-to-consumer business on Nov. 13-14 and Dec. 4-5 at West 48 in West Des Moines, Iowa. 

The interactive workshops will help participants learn the fundamental principles of great brands through a variety of exercises and activities.  The first workshop, “Creating a Zebra Brand,” Nov. 13-14, will help participants develop their own “Spotted Zebra” brand, to stand out from the rest in a crowded market.  

The second workshop, “Let’s Go to Market,” Dec. 4-5, will help participants understand essential marketing principles and explore the digital landscape and offer proven social media tactics to capture target audiences. 

“Selling direct to consumers presents exciting new marketing opportunities for farmers and has really grown since the pandemic, but an essential and often overlooked component for success is establishing a strong personal brand,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm business development manager. “Typically, working with an agency can cost upward of $150 per hour, so we’re partnering with the Flying Hippo agency to share their expertise with our farmer-entrepreneurs to help them build distinct identities that resonate with consumers without breaking the bank.” 

The workshop is open to Farm Bureau members only. Registration is $50 before Oct. 1 or $75 after that date. Registration fee provides access to both workshops and includes breakfast and lunch at each session. Discounted hotel rates are available at the Comfort Inn & Suites in West Des Moines.  

For more information and to register, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/BrandingWorkshops.