The Cut Flower Farm Industry
We've been seeing a new customer base at Yoderbilt Greenhouses over the past few years—cut flower farmers. This emerging industry is hitting our region in a big way, and it's exciting to see it grow and afford families so much!
What has been so alluring to us (besides the gorgeous blooms of course!) are the stories behind this new crop of farmers. Some begin it as a hobby, and end up on the career path almost by accident. Usually motivated by a pure love of gardening and all of the benefits it brings, it naturally progresses to a business. Another group tends to be the young, stay-at-home moms looking to supplement their family income by doing something that they enjoy, but also that brings relaxation, includes family involvement, and can begin at a minimal start-up expense. The third group we often see branches from the other two groups. These are full-time cut flower farmers whose primary income streams from this newfound market.
There are several avenues in which they make an income. Farmer's markets are great sources, along with subscription services, becoming a wholesaler to florists, directly selling to brides, providing complete floral packages for weddings, photographers, wedding planners and some allow, cut-your-own evenings from their gardens, whether large or small. Regarding Farmer's markets in particular - if you've gone to one, you understand. There is just SOMETHING about buying fresh and local that feels so great! People love it!
Another thing we have learned is that they don't require much land, but some have acres. The ones who have smaller plots tend to start in what one would consider a "flower bed" and stick to prolific producing florals such as zinnias and sunflowers. They tend to almost thrive in hot, dry beds (although we're big proponents of watering appropriately to optimize your crop), and if you keep snipping them, they keep producing.
So, where does Yoderbilt come in to play? For a relatively low start-up to have your own business, one of our greenhouses reaps the rewards quickly. And, that is why we keep getting orders from these new entrepreneurs. Our greenhouses allow you to grow your seedlings early, therefore producing early and getting that return on investment back. They allow you to skip the garden centers and save money from the very start with seeds. They allow you to also produce gorgeous holiday blooms well past the regular season. Some of our clients force their tulip bulbs to provide gifts throughout the holiday season - something magnificent and different than a poinsettia (although we love those too!)
Once ordered, we build and deliver it fully-assembled, level it, and set it up. You can be planting as we are driving back down your driveway. It appears this new farmer is here to stay, and you just can't beat getting to work with gorgeous florals every day!
