Farm to School Sales: Profiles of Ranches Making It Work

Abstract

An increasing number of schools across the United States are buying local foods to serve in their cafeterias. For farmers and ranchers, schools present a new market channel for their products, provided they are prepared to raise and process their crops or livestock to meet the schools' needs and specifications. This publication profiles two Montana ranches that have successfully sold their beef into area schools. It outlines some of challenges of producing, processing, and selling to schools, as well as the featured ranches' business models, equipment needs, and the ranchers' perceptions of farm to school sales in the future.

Table of Contents

Producers' Role in
Farm to School
Two Stories Worth the Telling
Beef to School at Bear Paw Meats
Beef to School at Lazy SR Ranch
Conclusion
References
Further Resources
Acknowledgments

Note: Digital downloads are in full color. Printed, mailed copies are only available in black & white.