With a surge in farmers embracing direct sales for their specialty crops and niche meats, the whirlwind of daily tasks can sometimes cause them to neglect a pivotal factor: establishing a strong personal brand.

Iowa Farm Bureau is teaming up with Flying Hippo, a branding agency with clients like Nike and Iowa State University, to equip farmers with actionable strategies to establish a unique brand identity that promotes growth and profitability. 

This two-part workshop series will be held at The Monroe in West Des Moines on Dec. 7-8, 2023, and Jan. 11-12, 2024.  

“Competition is fierce among small business start-ups and having a strong brand is essential to attract customers and sustain their loyalty over time,” says Amanda Van Steenwyk, Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm business development manager. “Typically, working with an agency can cost upward of $150 per hour, so we’re grateful to Flying Hippo for working with our farmer-entrepreneurs to help them build distinct identifies that resonate with consumers without breaking the bank.” 

The December workshop will guide farmers in one of Flying Hippo’s branding philosophies: the Spotted Zebra. Just as a spotted zebra would stand out in a crowd of stripes, farmers will leave the session with an idea of how to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. The January session, “Let’s Go to Market,” will explore the digital landscape and offer proven social media tactics to capture target audiences.

Registration is $75 for Iowa Farm Bureau members and $150 for non-members. Register by Nov. 10 using promo code IFBF2023 to get a $25 discount. Discounted hotel rates are available at the Comfort Inn & Suites in West Des Moines. 

For more information and to register, visit IowaFarmBureau.com/BrandingWorkshops.