Indiana Local Food News
Field Notes: The role of Farmers Markets and CSA’s in a Wholesale Marketplace.
FARMWISE Indiana specializes in working in the “intermediated market channel” space. In other words, we work to move food from farm to wholesale buyer.
Field Notes: Farm to School Outreach in Southern Indiana
FARMWISE Indiana is proud to lead efforts in southern Indiana as the Regional Lead for farm to school.
Field Notes: Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference
In early March, the FARMWISE Team attended the Indiana Horticulture and Small Farm Conference. Whereas Jodee and Heather have been many times, this was a new(er) experience for our Team Members. Laura Stoltz, Jen Musall, and Becky Landes shared their experiences.
Field Notes: Sorting Through the Data
The FARMWISE Team uses data collected and analyzed to inform how we perform outreach and work with partners. What can feel tedious to some is actually quite informative and points to ways we can do more, grow networks, and help build capacity.
Recently Value Chain Professionals Greg Koehler and Audrey Kaul shared a bit of their insight to projects related to organizational and purchasing data.
Field Notes: Gibson County Farm Markets
Our Value Chain Professionals travel hundreds of miles across their regions each month with the sole purpose of learning, connecting, and collaborating. It is through these miles traveled that we discover opportunity. FARMWISE Indiana Value Chain Professional Laura Stoltz shares an opportunity she recently discovered in her region.
Field Notes: Building Regional Connections
To build a regional food system, and maintain a strong network, you must start with a foundation of communication, collaboration, and listening. This is patient work and can sometimes feel slow or at a pace we are not used to in life. FARMWISE Value Chain Professional shares his impressions of building a foundation to make a connection.
Field Notes: Shaping Future Chefs
We work to connect growers with buyers and also- with eaters. But what about shaping the purchasing decisions of our growing population? These future decision makers are engaged with their food systems in a variety of ways. Recently, FARMWISE Indiana Value Chain Professional Jen Musall spent the day with our future chefs and food buyers and share her experience.
Field Notes: A Winter Dairy Visit
There are no seasonal and weather restrictions in the dairy industry. Cows must be milked and the work must be done- rain, heat, or snow.
Recently, FARMWISE Value Chain Professional Becky Landes visited a farm in her region, and we asked her to share her experience.
Field Notes: Indiana Produce Auction Data
We use data to inform our actions and often times the data comes to us in handwritten notes, voicemails, and via a fax. Several of our Value Chain Professionals have been working with and attending their local produce auctions last growing season. Learn more about how we organize that important produce data.