I stand looking at 2020 as if seeing it through the rear view mirror. I still see all the challenges that the year brought to our farm and many others, but I am moving forward. As a small business owner, I began this pandemic determined to get through the year and meet 2021 on top. So while the year threw its challenges at our farm, we found new ways, learned new skills, and pressed onward. We survived 2020.
Here are 6 ways our farm business made the most of 2020 so we would come out stronger in the new year.
Six Ways Our Farm Grew In 2020
- Learned a new skill. With all of the sheep and wool festivals closed, I knew I needed to find a new way to sell our yarn. From August to December, I hosted three virtual sales which brought more revenue than I usually make in a festival season. I learned much through this process and even wrote a course to give all the tips and tricks of virtual sales to other shepherds.
- Grabbed opportunities to reach new customers. By hosting LIVE online sales through Instagram, I was able to reach far more customers than possible at any one sheep festival. This broadened my customer base and strengthened relationships with existing customers.
- Brought a greater awareness to our farm. Through the pandemic year, I was a guest of several podcasts where I was able to share about our farm bringing more eyes to our farm website.
- Collaborated with other farms. With the increased desire for folks to have a personal connection with one another, 2020 was the perfect year to collaborate with other farms through social media and sales. We were able to provide starter flocks to a couple different people by combining with another Gotland farm. Our farm was also part of a project featuring 12 different breeds of sheep and the shepherds behind these flocks.
- Created value added products. With the lack of farmstay guests the past year, I was able to focus on adding some value added products to our farm. I began a line of currant infused maple syrup which our customers love!
- Made repairs! Typically it is difficult to get some house repairs and maintenance done on the farm because we have a steady stream of farmstay guests through the summer months. With the lack of guests, we seized the opportunity to focus on some long over due projects.
As I look back on 2020, I am thankful for the new opportunities it presented despite the difficulties and I look forward to moving ahead. I would love for you to leave a comment and let me know what new opportunities came out of 2020 for you and your farm.
