Though there may not be enough room for all of them, several major companies have emerged to serve the agriculture industry. Headquartered in Chapel Hill, N.C., it was initially designed as a cattle auction, but has sprouted into a community for cattle, swine and crops. Available in both exchange and auction format, the Marketplace is now available for swine and will soon be available for cattle. The Manager features real-time market quotes, weather updates, industry research and other decision support services. Other agriculture resources are available such as a bookstore, a chat room and a job bank.
Revenue is earned from transaction fees, subscription fees and advertising.
The site provides farmers with a variety of agricultural inputs including seeds, chemicals and equipment. They don't know who you are. You have to build the brand and the trust. Usually the third order is where the farmer buys a piece of electronics for a couple thousand dollars. He's testing you.