In the third installment of our Producers on the Rise webinar series, Freedmen Heirs Foundation welcomed University of Kentucky Extension Senior Associate Savannah Columbia on October 13, 2026, to explore practical strategies for building commercial brand credibility and buyer trust.
This session guides small and mid-sized agricultural producers through the essential tools and communication standards required to successfully transition from direct-to-consumer sales to professional wholesale and retail markets. Savannah walked attendees through foundational steps like auditing digital “curb appeal” across Google and social media, establishing reliable 48-hour response etiquette, and formatting concise availability sheets that turn commercial inquiries into confirmed purchase orders. The discussion also highlighted zero-cost management tools like Google Business Profiles and practical “mock buyer” audit exercises for technical service providers.
