Yunding Ranch

Chapter 323 Farm Planning
The atmosphere in the ranch today is very relaxed, and there is a cheerful atmosphere inside and out.Even Tony and the others, who still have work to do, put down all their burdens for the time being, and carnivaled to their heart's content.

With a bottle of beer in his hand, Lu Li and Randy went outside the house to breathe some fresh air. Suddenly there was a burst of laughter from the garden. When he cast his gaze, he could see Li Yitong gesticulating. What, Morgan, Lincoln, Brandon and others stood by and listened, all smiling.

"After the wine is brewed, are we going to have another party?" Randy said with a smile.

Lu Li took a sip of his beer and complained, "Today's party isn't over yet, and you're already thinking about the next party?" He stretched his waist greatly, and after relaxing, he felt at ease. "You'd better enjoy the bottle of beer in your hand first."

Randy looked away and took a sip of beer, which was the best response.

"Now that the wine production is on the right track, it should be the turn of the organic farm, right?" Randy's eagerness to try made Lu Li chuckle, and nodded in agreement, "I thought you were going to Rest and adjust for a few days."

"This is a ranch. Every day is a new situation, and every day is precious. Naturally, there is no time to adjust slowly." Randy waved his hand and said indifferently. "Do you have any plans for an organic farm?"

Lu Li didn't say anything, but just glanced at Randy, indicating that he could express his opinion freely.

Randy scratched his head and smiled honestly.In fact, in the past half a year, he has been in full charge of the organic farm. Lu Li hardly raised any opinions indiscriminately. He gradually got used to this kind of work rhythm.

But this time the situation is slightly different. Now, the organic farm is facing a fork in the road of development. One choice will determine the development direction of the next year or even longer. The transaction amount of each season will be [-]. It's unimaginable for the dollar to go up and down.Randy could clearly feel the heavy pressure, and it was inevitable that his hands would tremble a little for such a crucial decision.

In the past few months, the organic farm has constantly tried different combinations. As long as it is suitable for growing vegetables in Texas, Randy has planted a round of them, trying to find the most suitable choice for this piece of land.

Unexpectedly, the harvest of Yunding Ranch during this period has repeatedly brought surprises. Not only the output slightly exceeded expectations, but the quality is also really satisfactory, which has allowed them to continue their cooperative relationship with HEB Supermarket.This also means that organic farms have more choices.

They can choose to continue to cooperate with HEB Supermarket to grow vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, celery, etc. These vegetables are all varieties consumed in Texas. Once all the [-]-acre organic farms are reclaimed, the output will be even greater. It will rise in a straight line, and it is not impossible to become a regular supplier of HEB in the future.

In this way, they can maximize their local advantages.The model of self-production and self-sale can also reduce transportation costs, and at the same time maintain the existing cooperation structure, which can be said to be very familiar.

But the disadvantages are also very obvious. This method is relatively conservative and the profit margin is relatively small.Because the profits of these vegetables are limited, and the penetration rate is very high, it is not easy to achieve a substantial breakthrough.

They can also choose to break the existing cooperation model and try to break through innovation.For example, grow kale.

As a popular food in recent years, there is no doubt that kale is in high demand. In major cities on both sides of the coast, the supply is almost in short supply, not only New York and Los Angeles, but also Seattle, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston, Las Vegas Kale prices are continuing to go up in Gass, San Diego, and more.

The most direct result is that the profit margin is very broad.If the organic farms are fully cultivated and they devote themselves to the cultivation of kale, the returns will definitely not disappoint.Throughout the year, the income of organic farms will definitely not be inferior to that of vineyards and horse farms.

But again, the disadvantages of kale are particularly prominent.

First, the sales channels must be redeveloped. Texas is not the best kale sales market, and the output that HEB can digest is also very limited, which means that Yunding Ranch has to find new partners.Although Yunding Ranch has accumulated some reputation through half a year of cooperation and publicity, strictly speaking, it cannot be regarded as starting from scratch, but the prospect is still very difficult.

Second, compared with the central region, the real territory of kale is still on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, which also means that transportation costs will rise.All of Lu Li's current contacts are on the east coast, and considering the transportation costs, the west coast is the better choice.On the one hand, it increases the difficulty of cooperation, and on the other hand, it further reduces the profit margin of Yunding Ranch.

To put it simply, kale is like a gamble, the risk is greater, and once it succeeds, the profit will be greater; but the probability of failure is also greater, and Yunding Ranch needs to bear more dedication.

Of course, in addition to these two options, Randy has many compromises. For example, divide a part of the land to grow kale, while the other part still cooperates with the HEB supermarket.But this kind of middle-of-the-road plan, on the contrary, does not go up or down-because HEB Supermarket is also looking forward to Yunding Ranch to provide more products, not this half-baked one.

It is a derogatory term for ranch products that are comprehensive.

All in all, Randy had to make a decision. The [-]-acre organic farm must be put into use as soon as possible, and then truly enter the profitable stage.

Is it steady and steady?Or take the risk?Or return to neutrality?

After receiving Lu Li's encouragement, Randy calmed down a little, sorted out his thoughts, gritted his teeth, and showed a desperate expression, "I think we should plant kale."

Lu Li didn't comment, but just listened attentively.

Randy became a little anxious, "Fourteen, I said, we grow kale, did you hear that?"

Lu Li laughed dumbfounded, nodded in affirmation, and then Randy continued on his own, "I know, this is a very risky choice. We may need to go to the large supermarket chains on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in person. I’m really looking forward to the cooperation with Whole Foods Market. Hehe.”

Randy laughed dryly to himself, but it was tasteless, because he knew how difficult it was.Whole Foods Market, that is not a behemoth at the same level as Yunding Ranch.

"Everything has to start over." Randy himself knew the situation, and his confidence was slightly lacking. "If the cooperation is not successful..." Randy made a tongue-out expression, vividly, "But even if the cooperation is successful, we will not Know what the situation is. The cost of franchising will definitely be higher, and they will have stricter requirements for the quality of the product. It means that we have to take more risks, at least in the early stage."

Randy paused for a moment, looked at Lu Li, "What do you think?"

"I think it's good." Lu Li nodded in affirmation.

"...That's it?" Randy thought that Lu Li would express more opinions. This kind of gap in expectations made Randy feel a little overwhelmed.

Lu Li couldn't help laughing, "Why, are you expecting me to object?"

"No, that's not what it means." Randy waved his hands again and again, "I mean, you promised so simply."

Lu Li smiled and nodded, "I agree with you. Planting collard greens is a better choice."

After taking over the Yunding Ranch, Lu Li's thoughts changed from blurred to clear, and now he understands.If you just rely on conservatism, it is very difficult for pastures to make a fortune, this is true for vineyards, horse farms, and organic farms.

Choosing kale means more challenges and more adventures; but it also means more opportunities.

"For the specific situation, please talk about the specific plan." Lu Li cast an encouraging look, which made Randy excited again, and his body started to move again.

Randy nodded, and then he said, "I figured, let's set aside five acres for everyday vegetables, and that's enough, leaving 95 acres for kale."

"Kale can be sown four times a year, and the harvest cycle is different in different seasons." Randy has obviously made thorough preparations, and after calming down, his thoughts became clear, "We can sow seeds next week. , then planted and harvested in January after a long winter. This will be the first kale to be harvested on organic farms.”

In winter, the cycle of growth and harvest is relatively longer, almost three times that of summer.

"Then sow in January and harvest in April; sow in late April and harvest in early June; rest for about a month in the middle, start planting again at the end of June, and harvest in August. Before entering winter, you can adjust it for one to two months. months." Randy said familiarly, "However, we also need to consider the rainy season in the middle. Because we don't have a greenhouse, the rainy season will be a little more troublesome. In the first year, we can only go through it bit by bit."

Lu Li slightly closed his jaw, but he was thinking in his mind that the 95 acres of land can be harvested four times a year. If he can find a way out, this is indeed an important source of income for the ranch; but because of the huge output, Apart from the east and west sides, there is no effective market outlet at all.

He has already started to think about how to find a partner.

"By the way, we still need to apply to the International Organic Crop Improvement Association, start preparations, and obtain organic food certification. From the land to the seeds, from the processing method to the storage process, everything needs to be tested. This is a long process. , it will take many months. I don't want the HEB supermarket situation to repeat itself."

Randy added again that, obviously, he had already thought about it.

Lu Li took another sip of beer, "It seems that our busy days are not over yet."

(End of this chapter)