Things just keep getting weirder: catastrophic weather events, labor drama, and volatile input prices. What’s a farmer to do?
Access my 30 years of market farming expertise
I started growing vegetables at age 17. I farmed for 30 years at Potomac Vegetable Farms in northern Virginia where I grew 10 acres of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers, along with 10 acres of soil building cover crops; managed hundreds of people over the years, while grossing $42,000 per cash crop acre.
CALL ON THE wISDOM OF yOUR PEERS
You will spend 16 hours with a group of 12-14 peers – all market farmers who have been at this for at least 6 years. Learn from each other about crops, growing practices, pest & weed control, rotations, marketing, sales tips, labor management and more.
I’ve been on Lots of Farms!
Over the last 10 years I’ve had the opportunity to visit and consult with growers around the country. I’ve got data, photos, and anecdotes to share about how they’ve surmounted obstacles, and cultivated opportunities.
Sit Down and Think about Your Business
Take some time out of the field to work on your business, instead of in your business. This is YOUR time.
It’s time for you to get some new ideas, and who better
to ask than your successful farming peers!
changes on your farm.
December 5-7, 2023 |
$1050-$1200 per person
(depending on your lodging option)
Hosted by Ellen Polishuk -
Nationally knowN Consultant, speaker
Author of Start Your Farm
Farmer to Farmer Profile Columnist in “Growing for Market”
and
Chief Wrangler of 3 Market Farmer Masterminds!
My farm business made major changes as the result of the Experienced Organic Farmers network that I took part in way back in 2003. That significance of that event inspired me to create this Mastermind experience for other market farmers. The Market Farmer Mastermind is only for growers with 6+ seasons of commercial vegetable farming experience. This is a unique group experience. There are only 14 spaces total. Farmers will be chosen through an application process. This will be the fourth MM event, and I am excited to share this experience with you.
The single most influential learning event in my 30 years of
farming was participating in an immersive peer group experience.
This is your chance to get that same game changing event for yourself and your farm.
Hear What A Few Farmers Have To Say About Previous Masterminds:
Farmer at Full Earth Farm
Farmer, One Acre Farm
JUST ADDED
Farm Tour at Moon Valley Farm in nearby Woodsboro, MD.
Tuesday, December 5th 1:00-3:00
we’ll head up to Zigbone Retreat Center after the tour to begin our Main Event at 4:00
When & Where
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday December 5-7 , 2023
At Zigbone Retreat Center in Sabillasville, Maryland (75 mins from BWI airport)
The event starts at 3pm on Tuesday and ends Thursday at 2pm. We will share all our meals (catered!) and sleep there at the Lodge. Our meeting agenda will emerge from a survey of the attendees. To find out more, please send me an email. To apply, please click the button below.
Join Me at Market Farmers
Mastermind 4.0!
What to expect:
- A two day retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains in Sabillasville, MD
- Relaxing in the evenings in a gorgeous cozy setting.
- Gathering for 16 hours of group work. Ellen will facilitate the meetings. The group will greatly influence the topics discussed via a pre-Mastermind survey.
- All meals are provided.
Schedule
Tuesday
- Check-in 3:00 PM
- Round One = Each farmer has 15 mins to introduce themselves 4:00PM
- Dinner 7PM
Wednesday
- Breakfast 7:00
- Morning Session 8:30
- Lunch at Noon
- Afternoon Session 1:30
- Dinner at 7
Thursday
- Breakfast 7:00
- Morning Session 8:30
- Lunch at Noon
- Check-out at 2:00
Pricing and Accommodations
Base Cost is $900, which covers the event, facilitation and all meals.
Lodging Options are as follows, price is for both nights. Photos below in order of the room type.
En-suite private room with bath (only one available for any farm couple!) = $400
Private room with shared bath (4 rooms available, 2 w/queen bed, 2 w/2 twins which could be a king) = $300
Shared room with shared bath (2 different bunkrooms, 4 beds in each, all twin beds) = $150
Covid Situation
Nobody wants to get covid at our meeting. Let’s all be a little careful the days before we meet, so that we keep each other safe. I request that all participants take a rapid test before hopping on a plane or starting to drive to the event. If the test is positive, please stay home! I will offer a partial refund at that point.
On-site, masking will not be required. It is your choice. We will be in the same rooms and sharing meals the whole time.