Richard VanVranken

Vegetable Growers Gaining Speed to Plant Faster Than They Can Sell It
Technology that helps reduce labor costs and boosts sustainability is a good investment in the long run.
An Industry Expert’s Inside Take on Two Farm Marketing Guides
Myrna Greenfield’s “Marketing Your Farm” and USDA’s “Scaling Up Your Vegetable Farm for Wholesale Markets” have quality tips on improving your operation.
Produce Marketing Perspective for Growers: Wholesale vs. Retail
At its heart, marketing yourself to your commercial customers isn’t all that different from marketing to consumers.
How Farm Markets Can Use Tech but Keep the Charm
Customers want a farm experience when they visit your market. No reason why you can’t deliver that while also using new advances.
Profit Potential of Farm Stays Worth a Look
Want to earn extra money with vacation leases on your farm? Here a few things to consider.
Why Growers Should Consider Alternative Crops Market Opportunities
When adding unique selections to your crop mix, make sure to do your homework.
A Healthy Dose of Smart Farm Marketing Can Do a Grower Good
A renewed focus on the health properties of fruit and vegetables is opening new markets for growers.
A Few More Yacon and Agritourism Tidbits, and an Unexpected Twist [Opinion]
American Vegetable Grower columnist Richard VanVranken revisits a couple of his columns with a few updates.
Here Are Some New Ideas To Help Agritourism Grow
Farm marketing has always been diverse. I recently found a couple new concepts worth considering.
Look Before Jumping into a New Vegetable Crop
Growing a new vegetable is the easy part. Finding the right customers is the real challenge!
Ways to Keep Agritourism Relevant Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Here are some tips on how to keep your customers safe and still make a profit this fall.
Vegetable Farmworkers Are Essential Irrespective of Farm Size
Reliable labor remains to be the lifeblood of American operations.
Colorful, Smart Produce Displays Appeal to the Senses and Drive Sales
Using color and other merchandising tools makes customers pause and engage with your produce.
Experiential Marketing – the Produce Shopper’s Alternative to Bland Online Shopping
Farm markets give consumers the immersive experience they crave.
Want to Build Your Farm Brand? Plot How You Can Get TV Exposure
Recent television shows spurred my wife and me to pack our bags and plan a vacation around farm visits.
Should You Add New Domains to Your Farm’s Web Address?
Tempted to add new extensions to your domain registrations? Here are a few things you should know first.
When Talking With Reporters, Farmers Should Choose Words Wisely
Rick Vanvranken says writing good press releases about crop performance can be savvy marketing; but think carefully about how you tell your story — good or bad.
Whose Sustainable Standard Wins?
Retailers’ race to win the most sustainable produce prize leaves growers trying to keep up with fast-developing demands.
No Need for Hysteria Over Reports of Listeria in Romaine Lettuce
A recent Purdue study says current food safety practices aren’t killing listeria in romaine lettuce tissue. Rutger’s Richard VanVranken says the report isn’t as alarming as it sounds.