We at Cornerstone Farms are hoping you are enjoying some rest and relaxation before the upcoming season because spring will be here before you know it!   Here are some suggestions we have to help you prepare for success in 2012:

Attend conferences and trade shows.

Although we have had an "early spring" in many parts of the country, there are still some conferences scheduled. Use the internet to find them in your area.

Agricultural and poultry conferences are a great way to increase your knowledge. Our research shows that if you can learn more, you always learn more! Take advantage of the knowledge that other farmers have!

Begin working on your marketing.

Marketing is the key to making money.   Through our expertise we can help you raise chickens but we've seen many times, that if you can't market your business, all you have is a live thing on the ground that is costing you money! Your marketing should drive everything you do. Contact us to learn more about The Chicken Guy's Marketing Program.

Begin establishing your customer base.

Now is an excellent time to begin contacting your customers and letting them know what products you're going to be carrying in the upcoming year. Begin to look for new products and decide what you can sell at what price. Are you going to change your breed? This is a great question to ask yourself.

Pre-order your chicks from the hatchery.

Now is a good time to call your hatchery and notify them how many you're going to buy. Many times this is a good way to obtain better pricing.   You also want to know when that hatchery's busy season is. There is nothing worse than ordering chicks only to find out they are not available! You can also check the forums on the APPPA website for suggestions from other farmers when choosing a hatchery.

Spring is upon us! Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Begin preparing now for your success in 2012!