The best time will be in the wintertime. The Sikorskis are focusing their marketing efforts on on-farm sales and events in Stevens Point, but are aggressive in researching different avenues for advertising and sales. In the course of a day of visiting other area producers, the Sikorskis discussed, with others and between themselves, a variety of marketing possibilities for small-scale meat producers. Snack sticks and other nonperishable products do better. Some markets draw plenty of buyers, but others do not, she added.
Trade shows can offer good exposure for specialty items.
Some area producers were reporting promising results midway through the Tavern Keepers League convention in Stevens Point in early October. The first is getting the food buyers interested in the idea of buying locally. Yet federally inspected processing plants for small-scale producers are few and far between. Added attractions such as hayrides have helped, and the Sikorskis hope to add more attractions. Farmers tend to think that raising the product is going to be their big problem.