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The ONIE Blog
Here we cover a blend of topics related to healthy living, community resources, food assistance, and project news and events.
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Marketing on a Budget
Discover ways to promote your business across different platforms while maximizing your audience & your budget. This session is geared toward ideas for smaller businesses to incorporate into their marketing plans without busting the budget.
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What’s Growing On? A Look at Small Producers in OK
In 2019, the ONIE Project conducted a survey to determine the needs of small producers in Oklahoma. This session will provide an overview of the needs assessment findings & implications for future practice.
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FSA Loans: Tips for Applications & Success Stories
Applying for loans can be challenging. Walkthrough the FSA loan process with both a loan officer & a successful applicant to find out if FSA loans are right for your farm.
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Social Media Marketing
Social media is everywhere these days, but why should I use it for my farm or market? Social media marketing plays a key role in growing your business & attracting customers. Come learn why it is so important & how to effectively use it.
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Backyard & Small Flock Poultry Basics
Increased food awareness & augmented appeal of urban farming has contributed to the recent boost in popularity of small flock poultry & egg production. Raising poultry can be a fantastic way to bring food awareness to families & provide kids a simple lesson in responsibility. Learn tips on successful poultry rearing & gain insight on selling eggs according to the Oklahoma Egg Law.
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Utilizing Unique Cultural Crops
Oklahoma has a unique cultural history that can be a resource for market gardeners & in agritourism. An
overview of experiences & guidelines from Native American, African-American, Hispanic & Asian cultures will be shared.
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Integrated Pest Management for Market Gardeners
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices will be discussed & practical tips will be provided on how to best use IPM in Market Gardens in Oklahoma.
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Double Up Oklahoma: Serve Families in Need
This session will cover the basics of Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) & the process for participating in the 2020 DUO Pilot Project. The 2020 Pilot Project will focus on Farmers Markets that provide innovative outreach or opportunities to connect with low-income Oklahomans. Participants in this session will have the first look at the application process for the new DUO program.
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Fundraising for Your Market
Hear from the managers of the Lawton Farmers Market & Tahlequah Farmers Market about fundraising strategies they use to sustain & expand their markets.
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Income Opportunity: Value Added Products
Grow your production by adding canned & packaged products with incubator kitchens. These certified kitchens provide a variety of assistance from business development to packaging & distribution.
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Let’s Get Growing with Farm to School
Learn about ways to incorporate a variety of farm to school activities & resources into the local school programs. Each participant will receive resources to incorporate a school garden, help with educating students on where their food comes from & much more.
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Connecting with Customers
This session will cover strategies to connect with customers at the farmers market including how to educate customers about vegetables, promote your products & grow your business with excellent customer service.