268: Julie Murphree on Marketing the Direct-Market Farm.
Assisting urban and rural farmers negotiate the maze of promotion and marketing.

Julie is a native of Arizona, grew up on a cotton and alfalfa farm in Pinal County where she was in production agriculture with her parents until 2005. She is the author of two books, Fresh Air and A Farmer’s Guide to Marketing the Direct-Market Farm published by the AZ Farm Bureau.Don’t miss an episode! Click here to sign up for weekly podcast updates
In This Podcast:
When agriculture is a serious passion, then one way or another your path will probably lead you to a place like a state farm bureau. Julie Murphree cares so much about helping farmers find ways to succeed that she wrote a book and tries to personally deliver them when she visits farms in her state. Her years of experience and her network of agriculture resources help her bring a bounty of ideas to new or struggling farmers, as well as to those who are ready to move up to the next level.
Listen in and learn about:
- Growing up on a cotton farm in Arizona
- Helping others connect to agriculture
- Advocating for and with farmers and ranchers of all sizes and types
- Helping small and large farmers market their products and establishing their brand
- Reaching out beyond the borders of Arizona
- Strategies that can be found in A Farmer’s Guide
- Her definition of an urban farmer
- The important thing to remember when marketing your farm
- Getting started as a new urban farmer
- Connecting with the market manager
- Evaluating your capability to meet demand
- Creating an inviting display and how to keep the customer’s interest
- A co-op booth that helps small farmers or those with small niches
- Her book Fresh Air and how the invitation the country life
- Join the farm bureau in your state
- How policies can be sent up the political channels
As well as:
- Her failure – Running for office in her junior high school Four H club with an emotional disappointment and learning a valuable lesson
- Her success – Developing and growing her relationships with her family and friends
- Her drive – Agriculture, farming and ranching
- Her advice – Don’t give up, if you conclude you can’t do it – shoulder with those who are.
Books written by Julie:
A Farmer’s Guide To Marketing The Direct-Market Farm
Fresh Air…: 50 Ways to Experience the Best Things about Country Life Wherever You Live!
Julie’s Book recommendations:
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H McRaven
The Bible
How to reach Julie:
Websites: azfb.org and FillYourPlate.org
Email Juliemurphree@azfb.org
Twitter: @cottonaggie
UrbanFarm.org/AZFB