Build a Thriving Farm
book • online course • consulting • speaking • partnerships
Book
If you’re thinking about creating or converting an existing farm into a pick-your-own, start here. Learn every aspect of the pick-your-own business model as developed by Megan and Jack over their years of success at Pure Land Farm in her first book, Pick-Your-Own Farming. Designed to be a practical guide, Pick-Your-Own Farming digs into agritourism theory, growing strategies, marketing, operations, and more, and is the only resource of its kind on the market.
“This book is genius. As Neubauer points out, farmers markets just don't cut it anymore (a warning from farmer educator Booker T. Whatley decades ago). Today's small farmer has to be more creative and shrewd. Neubauer is a smart farmer, and she shows a path forward: increasing value through pick-your-own agritourism. She explains the theory behind the method and takes you on a deep dive of the highly successful farm that she and her dad operate together. It's a touching story, and the book is full of practical ideas that you can apply right away. If you want to increase profits with less work, pick up a copy.”
— Ben Hartman, The Lean Farm
“The book is a must-read for anyone interested in U-pick farming. Its well-written, concise nature and Megan's depth of knowledge make it an indispensable guide for achieving success. All day long - Five Stars!”
— Paul J. Flatley
“I LOVED this book! It solves the problems of when people come to pick and how many come to pick. We always had a problem in the past of being open all the time. Now there is time for “plant work” and “sales work”. Thank you so much for sharing your system for managing what you grow and how you sell it profitably. Being a reformed accountant I love all the information you have about crop mix and how that translates to profitability. Well done!!!”
— Clinton L.
“Amazing book!!! It has become a primary reference and roadmap for our growing farm. And plus it is hilarious!!!”
— Mario DeMatteo
Online Course
If you’re new to farming, the online course goes much deeper than the book by including the regenerative growing practices in use at Pure Land Farm.
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Module 1: Soil Prep
Healthy, bountiful plants come from healthy soil! Learn how we care for the soil and prepare it for planting at Pure Land.
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Module 2: Plant Prep
From starting seeds through transplanting and then all the way to harvest, learn how we care for our plants at Pure Land.
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Module 3: Crop by Crop
From seed to harvest, see how we raise beets, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cantaloupes, cucumbers, and blackberries.
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Module 4: Before You Begin
Learn the essential components of a successful pick-your-own farm and compliance with zoning, food safety regulations, and insurance.
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Module 5: Crop Planning
Understanding agritourist behavior and crop planning is essential to maximize profit and provide a high quality experience.
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Module 6: Finding Your People
Learn how to use your online presence to build a following and engage with your customers.
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Module 7: Running Your Season
You'll need some stuff, some online stuff, some staff, and clear policies to run a smooth picking season.
Consulting
Sometimes you need a little more help. Thinking about starting a pick-your-own farm or adding agritourism to your operation? Do you run a school garden in need of help with programming, or a nonprofit farm seeking to scale up production? I offer a range of consulting services to farms, nonprofits, and educational institutions working in regenerative agriculture and agritourism. I love working directly with farms and organizations that want to develop or improve their farm businesses, from big-picture strategy to the nitty gritty.
Speaking & Workshops
My favorite thing to do is speak directly to farmers about agritourism and the realities of running a farm business. Topics include, but are not limited to:
Agritourism Theory and Pick-Your-Own 101
Growing Strategies to Maximize Pick-Your-Own Yield, Variety, and Profit
Marketing and Business Strategies for Pick-Your-Own Farms
Half-day or full-day in depth Pick-Your-Own 101 workshop
Partnerships
I partner with companies and organizations that share my commitment to supporting farmers and advancing regenerative agriculture, including those that supply farm inputs, technology, education, consulting, and other farmer-focused services.