Flower Farmer Forum

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz and guest expert Mona Bavar discuss the intersection of smart marketing, authentic branding, and the use of AI strategies to enhance customer reach without sacrificing authenticity. They explore the importance of understanding one's brand story, the emotional connections that drive customer loyalty, and the role of AI in modern marketing. The conversation also touches on overcoming skepticism towards AI, effective content creation, and the value of workshops for entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode, Liz wraps up the mini-series on finding your flower farm fit by discussing advanced revenue streams such as workshops, weddings, and selling to florists. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement through workshops, the complexities and profitability of wedding florals, and the nuances of building relationships with florists for consistent sales. Liz shares her personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these avenues effectively, ensuring a sustainable and profitable flower farming business.

Takeaways

Workshops can be profitable if you enjoy teaching.

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Webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz delves into various business models for flower farming, including farm stands, subscriptions, cut flower garden kits, stem bars, U-Pick farms, and nursing home sponsorships. Each model is explored in terms of its benefits, challenges, and suitability for different types of flower farmers. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own business needs and community connections when choosing the right offerings.

Takeaways

Sign up the the free webinar: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces a new mini-series titled 'Find Your Flower Farm Fit.' The series aims to help aspiring flower farmers identify the best model for their unique circumstances, focusing on personal resources, market needs, and financial considerations. The first episode emphasizes the importance of assessing one's time, money, infrastructure, and community to create a sustainable flower farming business. Liz shares her own experiences and insights, encouraging listeners to evaluate their resources and align their offerings with...

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses effective strategies for marketing flowers to florists. She emphasizes the importance of understanding florist needs, pricing strategies, and building professional relationships. Key tips include selling in increments of ten, knowing market prices, and presenting flowers in a way that highlights their value. The conversation concludes with a reminder that successful marketing to florists is about creating partnerships that benefit both parties.

Takeaways

The Flower Farmer Forum podcast (formerly Sunny Mary Meadow podcast) is hosted by Liz Fiedler, a nurse practitioner turned flower farmer in central MN. Learn tips and tricks for growing and selling cut flowers. Located in Zone 4B, the shorter growing season offers some challenges. Her farm, Sunny Mary Meadow specializes in bouquet subscriptions, stem bars, and a you pick flower farm experience.

Look for the bonus PPP episodes on running a cut flower farm and growing your business. The PPP stands for “peddling perishable products”, which is the signature course for her coaching business, www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com<...

Sign up here: www.farmerstoflorists.com

In this short but powerful episode, we’re talking about why florists need better options—and how YOU can be the one to provide them. Imported flowers dominate the market, but local blooms offer something truly special: unmatched freshness, sustainability, and heart.

If you're a flower farmer who grows beautiful, high-quality stems and is ready to connect with florists looking for something better, visit www.farmerstoflorists.com. This brand-new directory is designed to connect florists with farmers who value quality, consistency, and community.

Be part of the chan...

$30 Crop Planning Offer: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/8qKFeNxG

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the critical aspect of crop planning for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding fixed and flexible offerings, managing bloom times, and the mathematical calculations necessary for successful crop planning. Liz also introduces her crop planning course, designed to help farmers streamline their processes and improve profitability.

Takeaways

Find Brandon online: https://seooptimizers.com/

In this episode, Liz discusses SEO optimization for small businesses with Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers. They explore the importance of SEO for small business owners, particularly those in niche markets like flower farming. The conversation covers the basics of SEO, strategies for optimizing websites, the significance of content creation, and the role of video in enhancing online visibility. Brandon shares practical tips on keyword research, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging various platforms to drive traffic. The episode emphasizes the long-term benefits of SEO and the need for patience and...

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the intricacies of growing Ranunculus, sharing her personal experiences, challenges, and future plans. Over the course of the conversation, she reflects on her past growing seasons, the lessons learned from various experiments, and the adjustments made for the current season. Liz also outlines her strategies for future cultivation, including innovations in high tunnel farming and the importance of planning for seasonal flower demands, particularly for weddings and subscriptions.

Takeaways

Reme's website: https://www.rememancera.com/story-connectors-1on1/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY5FvFboY6RqUIx3wsxSoGScfBr0YwbjH9DfjhUwbCiRzHKcmJ1R7Nzx-Y_aem_PUKn4Bv6QKREx_WEB6k3Dw

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen speaks with personal branding strategist Reme Mancera about the significance of storytelling in building a personal brand. They discuss how to find unique stories, the importance of authenticity and transparency in marketing, and strategies for connecting with audiences. Reme emphasizes that everyone has stories to share, even if they don't seem epic, and that repetition and structure can...

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, discusses the importance of embracing one's unique path as an entrepreneur without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations. She shares insights on the judgments faced by ambitious individuals and how to shift one's mindset to own their ambition without guilt. The conversation also touches on the significance of intentional living and surrounding oneself with supportive people to foster personal growth and success.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz interviews Cathy Nesbitt, the 'Laughing Bean Queen' and founder of Cathy's Crawley Composters. They discuss the benefits and methods of indoor composting with worms, including the science behind it, how to manage a worm bin, and the environmental impact of composting. Kathy shares her journey from being an accidental entrepreneur to educating others about the importance of composting and connecting with nature. The conversation emphasizes the ease of composting at home and the joy of nurturing worms as part of sustainable gardening practices.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz speaks with Marilyn about the significance of Google Business Profiles for local businesses. They discuss how to set up and optimize these profiles to enhance visibility, engage with customers, and gather reviews. Marilyn emphasizes the importance of regular updates and content creation to maintain an active presence on Google, which can lead to increased customer traffic and business growth. The conversation also touches on strategies for effectively asking for reviews and the overall impact of a well-managed Google Business Profile on local business success.

Takeaways

First 20 farmers sign up here to waive the activation fee: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/offers/MaYLNyjv/checkout?

Learn more about Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/f2f-farmer

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz introduces FarmersToFlorists.com, a platform designed to connect flower farmers with florists. Liz discusses the challenges faced by florists in sourcing local flowers and how her platform aims to streamline the process. The conversation covers the features of the website, pricing options, and the importance of building relationships between farmers and florists. Liz emphasizes the...

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the pros and cons of growing zinnias, a popular flower among flower farmers. She highlights their ease of growth, high yield, and vibrant colors, making them ideal for casual arrangements and you-pick farms. However, she also addresses challenges such as their tendency to bend, issues with water quality, and poor performance in cooler storage. Liz provides insights on the best varieties for different uses and concludes with a verdict on whether zinnias are a worthwhile addition to a flower farm.

Takeaways

This conversation explores various aspects of flower farming, focusing on spring blooms, growing techniques, challenges faced by farmers, and the importance of both annuals and perennials. The speakers share their experiences, mistakes, and successes in cultivating flowers, particularly in colder climates. They discuss strategies for fall planting, overwintering techniques for specific plants like eucalyptus, and the significance of timing in seed starting. The conversation concludes with insights on wildflower patches and the overall journey of flower farming. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various innovative planting techniques and strategies for flower farming, focusing on specific flowers like peonies, tulips...

In this episode, Liz discusses the valuable lessons learned from attending wedding expos and how they can enhance revenue for flower farmers. She emphasizes the importance of networking, showcasing seasonal flowers, managing client expectations, and the significance of authenticity in building relationships with clients. Liz also shares insights on understanding wedding budgets and the educational role florists can play in the planning process. The conversation wraps up with key takeaways and future plans for expanding her business.

Takeaways

Free Download: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/cut-flower-care-tips

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses how to care for locally grown flowers from the perspective of the customer. She emphasizes the unique qualities of these flowers, the importance of educating customers on their care, and sustainable practices in flower farming. The episode provides practical tips for prolonging the life of bouquets and highlights the significance of supporting local agriculture.

Takeaways

https://www.fsa.usda.gov/

The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program provides financial assistance to specialty crop producers to help them expand domestic markets or develop new markets for their crops.

MASC helps specialty crop producers offset higher marketing costs related to:

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the USDA's...

In this conversation, Liz discusses her goal-setting strategies for the upcoming year, focusing on personal, business, and relationship goals. She emphasizes the importance of writing down goals, evaluating them, and adapting strategies as needed. The discussion also covers the Pedals and Profits Challenge, which aims to hold participants accountable for their goals. Liz shares insights on building relationships within the wedding industry and the significance of SMART goals in achieving success. The conversation concludes with reflections on tools and resources that can aid in reaching these goals.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz Fiedler Mergen discusses the numerous benefits of locally grown flowers, emphasizing the importance of having a well-prepared elevator pitch to advocate for local blooms. She highlights the unique qualities of local flowers, including their freshness, sustainability, and support for the local economy. Liz also introduces a new resource, FarmersToFlorist.com, aimed at fostering collaboration between flower farmers and florists.

Takeaways

Goal Setting Webinar on Dec 17th: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-d3536231-06cf-4e2a-8585-4a5dbb674470

Petals and Profits: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/petals&profits

In this reflective episode, Liz shares her journey of personal growth and resilience following the loss of her husband. She discusses the importance of community, the bright future of agriculture, and the power of storytelling in her speaking engagements. Liz emphasizes the significance of embracing change, authenticity, and the lessons learned through grief and new beginnings.

Takeaways

Goal Setting Webinar on Dec 17th: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-d3536231-06cf-4e2a-8585-4a5dbb674470

Petals and Profits: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/petals&profits

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the significance of goal setting and regular business audits for sustainable success in flower farming. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, resilience, and creating manageable goals that lead to meaningful change. Liz introduces her new course, Petals and Profits Weekly Challenges, designed to help flower farmers set actionable goals and improve their businesses through community support and...

In this episode, Liz and Abbey discuss the book 'Die with Zero' by Bill Perkins, which challenges conventional views on wealth and financial planning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maximizing life experiences over merely accumulating wealth. They explore the concept of giving while alive, the timing of financial gifts, and the significance of investing in memorable experiences. The hosts share personal anecdotes and insights on how to live a fulfilling life now, rather than postponing enjoyment for the future.

Takeaways

Visit Florelie online!

In this conversation, Liz interviews Lorelie from Florelie is a small scale, specialty cut flower farm in Bungaree, Victoria, Australia, focusing on her journey in growing and breeding dahlias. Lorelie shares her experiences from starting with a few plants to growing over 10,000 dahlias. The discussion covers the intricacies of breeding, the importance of genetic diversity, and the techniques used for seed saving and tuber storage. Lorelie also explains the challenges of selling tubers within Australia due to strict quarantine regulations. In this conversation, Liz and Lorelie discuss the intricacies of breeding and evaluating dahlias...

Free Tulip Growing Guide: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/tulipguide

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the intricacies of growing tulips, focusing on profitability, market considerations, and effective harvesting techniques. She shares her personal experiences, including the financial aspects of tulip farming, the importance of understanding growing conditions, and the labor-intensive nature of harvesting. Listeners are encouraged to explore tulips as a viable crop while being mindful of their specific circumstances and market demands.

Takeaways

Download the FREE Tax Planning Guide: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/tax-planning

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses tax strategies for flower farmers in the context of the results of the 2024 elections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding financial planning, overcoming the stigma around discussing money, and navigating the complexities of tax laws, particularly in relation to the Trump tax plan. Liz shares practical tips for tax planning, including the significance of organization, understanding deductions, and strategic financial decisions that can benefit flower farmers.

Takeaways

In this episode, Liz and Jade Delaney discuss the themes of joy and happiness as explored in the book 'Joyful' by Ingrid Fetell Lee. They delve into the importance of creating joyful environments, the role of nature, and how small moments of joy can lead to greater happiness. The conversation emphasizes the need to be intentional about finding joy in everyday life and the significance of celebrations. Personal reflections and experiences are shared, highlighting the impact of joy on mental health and well-being.

Takeaways

Download the FREE Tax Planning Guide: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/tax-planning

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses essential tax strategies for flower farmers in light of recent political changes. She shares her personal journey of financial awareness following the loss of her husband and emphasizes the importance of understanding tax benefits and deductions for business growth. The conversation covers key tax terms, the impact of political decisions on small businesses, and actionable insights for maximizing deductions and ensuring compliance with tax laws. Liz encourages flower farmers to embrace their roles as business...

In this episode, Liz shares her personal journey of building a six-figure flower farm from a small hobby to a thriving business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, including navigating the loss of her husband, scaling her operations, and the importance of community support. Liz emphasizes the need for transparency in the flower farming industry and offers insights into the realities of running a small business, including financial management and sustainable growth strategies.

Takeaways

Summary

In this episode, Liz and producer Abbey discuss the book 'Joyful' by Ingrid Fattel Lee, exploring how design and aesthetics can impact happiness. They share personal anecdotes about the joy derived from everyday objects, the significance of color in mood, and the importance of creating joyful experiences in both personal and professional settings. The conversation emphasizes the need to surround oneself with items that evoke joy and the potential for design to enhance emotional well-being.

Takeaways

In this episode, Liz discusses the upcoming Flower Farmer Forum conference, sharing insights on its purpose, structure, and the importance of community among flower farmers. The conference aims to elevate the industry by providing educational opportunities, fostering networking, and promoting the value of locally grown flowers. Liz emphasizes the need for collaboration and support within the flower farming community to enhance the quality and perception of local flowers.

Takeaways

In this webinar, Liz discusses effective strategies for managing burnout as a flower farmer. She shares actionable tips that have helped her streamline operations, set boundaries, and maintain a sustainable work-life balance. Key topics include creating a standard bestselling offer, establishing minimums for custom orders, utilizing communication tools, and batching work for efficiency. Liz emphasizes the importance of making work enjoyable and sustainable, rather than simply trying to be more resilient in the face of challenges.

Takeaways

FLOWER FARMER FORUM: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, host Liz discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by competition in the flower farming industry. She emphasizes the importance of adopting an abundance mindset, focusing on collaboration rather than rivalry, and leveraging competition to innovate and improve business practices. Liz shares personal experiences and practical strategies for standing out in a crowded market, fostering community among growers, and prioritizing customer needs. The conversation highlights the significance of viewing competition as a catalyst for growth and success in the flower farming...

In this engaging conversation, Liz and Todd Musig discuss the launch of a new self-help book club and the importance of personal growth for business owners. They delve into Todd's journey of publishing and co-authoring, exploring the themes of his book 'Juggling Elephants,' which addresses the challenges of balancing work, family, and self-care. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentionality in managing life's various responsibilities and the significance of celebrating wins along the way. Todd shares insights on future projects and the ongoing evolution of his work.

Takeaways

Register for the FREE webinar on avoiding burnout: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-60063b60-008f-48ef-b083-d9d3ec13ee3e

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses strategies for reducing burnout in flower farming. She emphasizes the importance of growing the right amount of flowers based on customer demand, understanding target customers, and implementing efficient production and pricing strategies. Liz also shares insights on crop planning, tracking production, and setting revenue goals to ensure a sustainable and profitable flower farming business.

Takeaways

Register for the FREE webinar on avoiding burnout: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-60063b60-008f-48ef-b083-d9d3ec13ee3e

In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses strategies to reduce burnout on flower farms, focusing on the importance of hiring help and building a strong team. She shares her personal experiences and insights on transitioning from a manager to a leader, identifying bottlenecks in business operations, and practical tips for hiring the right employees. The conversation emphasizes the significance of teamwork, clear communication, and strategic planning in creating a sustainable and...

In this episode of the Back to Better podcast, host Liz engages with Jones Loflin, author of 'Juggling Elephants'. They explore the themes of work-life balance, the importance of background and shared experiences, and the concept of juggling various responsibilities in life. The conversation delves into the significance of focusing on the right 'ring' at the right time, recognizing when to take breaks, and the role of purpose in achieving happiness and success. They also discuss the importance of communication and support in personal and professional relationships, and how to celebrate successes along the way.

Takeaways

Register for the FREE webinar on avoiding burnout: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/registration-page-60063b60-008f-48ef-b083-d9d3ec13ee3e

In this conversation, Liz discusses her experiences and strategies for avoiding burnout as a flower farmer. She emphasizes the importance of financial management, setting clear goals, and creating boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Liz shares her transition from a seasonal business model to a year-round operation, highlighting the benefits of planning and prioritizing tasks to reduce stress and enhance profitability. The conversation serves as a guide for flower farmers looking to sustain their...