10 Facebook Tips to Improve Your Marketing
By the end of 2019, it is projected that people will spend more time on their mobile device than watching TV! While the average Facebook user refreshes their newsfeed 11-15 times per day, there is no doubt that Facebook is still a valuable marketing tool. However, on average only 1.6 to 2% of your followers see what you post. That means, "just posting" isn't enough anymore. Use the following tips to help make your posts and time more effective.
  1. Complete all available information fields within your business page for better search engine optimization.
  2. Increase follower engagement by interacting and replying to post comments and shares.
  3. Post when your audience is online (find this out by reviewing audience "insights" from your page).
  4. Avoid posting overly promotional content such as "click here" or "buy now."
  5. Replace still image posts with videos and use Facebook Live when possible. (Videos should include subtext since most people do not listen to sound on Facebook.)
  6. Post original content instead of "shared" content.
  7. Post content that encourages an emotional reaction such as something funny, inspirational, or sentimental.... remember that baby animals are always a big hit! :)
  8. Get the most out of your investment by choosing paid Facebook ads rather than post boosts.
  9. Consider "motion" and "color" in your ads and posts. Avoid colors like white and blue that fade into the existing Facebook color scheme.
  10. Offer a product giveaway in return for page shares.
Fields of Gold
Meet & Greet Held

Fields of Gold members from Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Shenandoah County gathered at Showalter's Orchard on April 17th to network and learn more about the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. Members were able to enjoy and taste refreshments from Swover Creek Farm and Woods Edge Farm, cider from Showalter's Orchard, and soak in the stunning view from Showalter's recently installed glass event space that overlooks the Valley.

Stay tuned for an upcoming Meet & Greet near you to gain helpful information about membership benefits and meet other like-minded agritourism business owners and operators.
. 2019 Statewide Agritourism Conference

Hosted in Roanoke, April 4-5, this two-day conference featured inspirational success and "failure" stories from agritourism businesses, local farm tours, networking opportunities, and lectures by leading experts.

Congratulations to Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery, a stop on the conferences farm tour, for being recently recognized as a Century-Old Farm!

We also want to congratulate Martha Walker from Virginia Cooperative Extension on her recent retirement and thank her for many years of outstanding service to Virginia's agricultural community.
Help Us Help You
Take this brief six question survey to help provide us with valuable feedback regarding the Fields of Gold program and services. Please complete by May 10, 2019.

Thank you for your time and commitment to creating high quality products and experiences in the Shenandoah Valley.
Oh Shenandoah;
A place where farmers gladly welcome visitors
Fields of Gold Farm Trail members Laurel Fork Sapsuckers, Meadow Croft Farm, Mountain View Farm, Rockbridge Vineyards, and Showalter's Orchard were featured among other Shenandoah Valley farmers in  The Furrow's March 2019 issue.   The Furrow is the United States edition of the worldwide farm magazine published in 12 languages and distributed to over 50,000 John Deere equipment owners across the country.
2017 Agricultural Census Data Now Available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in April the results of the 2017 Census of Agriculture, spanning some 6.4 million new points of information about America’s farms and ranches and those who operate them, including new data about on-farm decision making, down to the county level.
Farmers' Markets Open for Season
The Spring growing season brings an abundance of fresh fruits, berries, and produce to the 356 Farmers' Markets throughout the Commonwealth. Remember to shop at the following Fields of Gold member markets near you to taste the bounty of the Shenandoah Valley's rich farm land and agricultural heritage :
 
The Homesteaders Conference: October 2019

When: October 11-12, 2019
Where: Warren County Fairgrounds - Front Royal, VA

This year's topics range from gardening, permaculture, how to start homesteading, finances on the homestead, processing poultry, raising hogs, beekeeping, off-grid living, homesteading wherever you "are", and more!
Know Your Customer

Fields of Gold uses Google Analytics to learn helpful insights regarding website visitors. Enjoy some interesting facts from our 2018 user report:

  • Almost 15K people visited the Fields of Gold website.
  • Washington D.C, Chicago, and Charlottesville, were the top 3 locations represented by our users.
  • 51% of our users were male and 26% of the total users are between the ages of 25 and 34.

Be sure to connect Google Analytics to your website to gain similar information about your potential customers.
Welcome New Fields of Gold Members:
The Shack, 1 Tribe Farm, and Radical Roots!
"Food lovers from near and far are willing to drive to The Shack in Staunton for a taste of Chef-Owner Ian Boden’s Virginia cuisine" - the Food Network

This award winning and highly acclaimed restaurant sources much of its continually evolving and changing menu from local producers.

Welcome to the Fields of Gold Farm Trail!

Research Study is Looking for Farmers

AgrAbility Virginia is working with Virginia Tech engineers and
physical therapists to create wearable technology (exoskeleton) to help farmers with mobility limitations to work safely
and productively.

If you are a farmer 18 years or older with chronic pain or mobility limitations, you are eligible to participate. P articipation in the focus group is voluntary and should take between 60 to 90 minutes.
Resource Articles

Why agri- and eco-tourism have become popular with city dwellers and busy professionals. Read More...

Look through your "Customer's Lens".

Training Future Farmers in Virginia Read more....

New farming documentary comes in May, 2019 "Biggest Little Farm"

Consider creating a seasonal product guide for your customer! Check out this seasonal guide created by the Local Food Hub in Charlottesville.