Bring the Farm Stop model to your community!
The innovative Farm Stop model is gaining momentum. With 30 farm stops currently in operation across the country, and about a dozen others in the process of opening, this model is transforming our local food systems by connecting consumers to locally farmed goods.
Over the last 12 years, Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, MI has grown to three locations with an online business, a weekly produce box, and several other subscriptions. In that time, Argus has returned over $30 million directly back to Michigan local farms and food producers.
Argus Farm Stop managers along with other farm stop operators and subject matter experts are excited to share our knowledge and connect with other local food advocates!
The offerings on this page will continue to expand. Sign up for the Farm Stop Newsletter to stay informed of upcoming classes!
Join us for a 1 hour overview of the history of Argus Farm Stop, the Farm Stop business model, and the impact we’ve seen on the local food and farming community here in SE Michigan. We share the reasons we started Argus Farm Stop, facts about our agricultural ecosystem, and some of the impacts on our community.
This free webinar is typically offered on the last Tuesday of the month. Please note the starting time is Eastern Standard Time.
The next few webinars will be held at the following times:
April 28, 10 am
May 26, 1 pm
June 30, 10 am
Welcome to Argus Farm Stop
How to Start a Farm Stop
Interested in what it really takes to open a Farm Stop in your community? Spend three days learning from Argus Farm Stop managers! This course runs for 3 hour blocks for 3 days from 12 - 3 pm EST.
Gain an in-depth understanding of why Farm Stops are needed, how to work with local producers, and what it really takes to fund, open, and operate one. We openly share our experiences and lessons learned to best help accelerate this model taking root in your community. All aspects of opening and operating a Farm Stop are covered, including: financial forecasting and funding, site selection, build out, marketing, establishing and maintaining farmer relationships, staffing and store culture, point of sale selection, consignment accounting, and inventory management.
$595 per seat, reach out to info@farmstops.net for group rates
Click one of the links below to register for one of our next course offerings!
Consignment Crash Course: Merchandising
In this course, learn traditional tools for merchandising, with tried and true techniques tailored specifically for selling local food in a consignment model grocery store. Argus Farm Stop Assistant Manager Rosie Estes teach you how to increase sales through building intuitive shopping experiences for customers while stewarding products from all producers.
This is a remote training course for anyone interested in applying great merchandising concepts to a wide range of products with specific focus on merchandising seasonal local produce and local meat.
90 minute online course
$75 per seat
Click the link below to register! Start time is EST.
Online Operations: How to Sell Local Food Online
Join Laura Matney, General Manager at Argus Farm Stop, to learn how we manage a robust online marketplace for local food.
We offer online groceries via pick-up and delivery service, a year-round weekly produce box, a monthly meat subscription, a seasonal flower subscription, and seasonal special events. We also sell directly to restaurants and institutional customers.
Get a detailed overview of these operations and important lessons learned. Topics covered will include logistical operations, producer communications, inventory management, staffing, customer service, and software.
90 minute online course
$75 per seat
Click the link below to register! Start time is EST.
In this one day, in person training, learn the overview of Argus Farm Stop’s successful systems for managing direct relationships with local producers within a consignment model local food grocery store. We’ll provide you with a hands-on learning experience working within our systems for communication with producers including ordering, delivery intake processes, point of sale system, and consignment payouts.
This is an in-person training course for participants interested in working hands-on with our systems and operations. Participants will be required to follow food safety procedures to participate and will be engaged in standing, bending, and lifting during the training. Accommodations are able to be made with advance notice.
1 day in person training at Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, MI; 8 am - 3 pm
$450 per seat
Click the link below to learn more and register!
Shadow at Argus Farm Stop
Private Consulting
Our hourly private consulting can take many forms and flavors, depending on your needs and where you are in the process of opening/operating a Farm Stop. It could be a phone call, Zoom meeting, or in-person site visit. Some areas we can help:
Financial forecasting and pro forma review
Store design and layout
Developing relationships with farmers
Choosing your point of sale system and related equipment
Local produce merchandising
Online sales of local food
Visits to your site
In person custom training at Argus Farm Stop
Private consulting rate is $75 per hour.
To discuss your consulting needs, please email info@farmstops.net.