PPB September 2018

GROW by Jen Alexander Ag r i cu l t ur e W hether it’s an act of God or an act of Congress, modern U.S. farms face numerous challenges. Efforts to stay profitable and deliver quality product are top of mind with owners and operators, and their business strategies and goals continue to evolve with the needs of consumers and the requirements of legislation. Whether they operate on a hometown or whole-earth scale, farms and ranches, and companies that provide products and services to them throughout the pipeline, can boost business and ensure profit in lean times with creativemarketing strategies that include the use of functional, memorable promotional items. Kristina Beal, a Spokane, Washington-based marketing consultant with distributor American Solutions For Business, says agriculture is much like any other industry, with product needs that cover everyday business operations as well as promotion and recognition. “When working with ag businesses, make sure you are gathering items and ideas that relate back to what the farmer produces. There are also some basics that are needed, such as business cards, brochures, flyers and signage,” Beal says. “Providing a promotional product that can help relate back to the product is always a winner. By understanding the values held by my customer, I can find them the perfect items that align with their personal and professional messages.” Reap What You Sow Targeted agriculture campaigns can build a bumper crop of business for promotional products companies. 56 | SEPTEMBER 2018 |