"Everything Begins With An Idea" Earl Nightingale
Angie Day • March 8, 2026
Find Ideas in the NAFDMA Education Center!
How many ideas have you had in the last month? How about the previous week or day? You never know when one person's idea will spark a new idea for YOU!
Did you know NAFDMA has an Education Center? It is a member benefit for both Standard and Premium Members.
Where:
NAFDMA.com hen click on Education Center at the top of the website.
What's Included:
A wide range of topics in a variety of formats. From one-page resources to multi-video workshops.
What Topics:
Do you need inspiration on donuts and/or where to order supplies? Click HERE! How about inspiration for displaying retail merchandising and/or where to order items? Click HERE! Plus, there are so many more topics to get your creative spark started.
What Should You Do:
Set time aside to review ideas from other members of NAFDMA. See what ideas are sparked when you study others' ideas!
RECENT ARTICLES
At Gardner Pie , we know that great pie programs start with the classics—but real growth comes from keeping things fresh, exciting, and impossible to resist. A strong daily lineup should always include customer favorites like Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Strawberry Rhubarb. These tried-and-true flavors build consistency and trust with your customers. As the seasons change, so should your offerings. Adding fall favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan, and Sweet Potato creates timely excitement and taps into seasonal cravings that drive sales. But if you really want to boost repeat visits and increase impulse purchases, consider introducing a Pie of the Week or Month . This strategy gives your customers a reason to return again and again—eager to see what’s new. At Gardner Pie, we’re known for our commitment to Quality, Variety, and Innovation , and our unique flavor combinations help set retailers apart. Specialty options like: Churro Apple Dark Chocolate Cherry Blueberry Lemon Buckle Pineapple Upside Down Very Berry …add a sense of discovery to your display and turn everyday shoppers into loyal fans. Rotating these specialty pies keeps your bakery case dynamic and engaging—encouraging customers to try something new each visit. Built on Tradition, Crafted for Today Gardner Pie is a third-generation, family-owned company dedicated to producing high-quality fruit pies with a true homemade feel. We use only whole fruit and fresh apples, combined with tapioca starch, sugar, and carefully selected spices. Our signature crust is made in small batches to ensure the perfect flaky texture and rich, homemade flavor. From classic lattice to unique top crust designs, every pie is crafted to look just as good as it tastes. Ready to Refresh Your Pie Program? Bring more variety, excitement, and repeat traffic to your store with Gardner Pie. Visit: www.gardnerpie.com to learn more.
Across agritourism, farms are discovering that one of the most powerful experiences they can offer guests isn’t just pumpkins, corn mazes, or fall treats — it’s story .
Supporting the People Behind the Produce Running a farm is deeply rewarding — but it can also be demanding, exhausting, and emotionally heavy. Long hours, seasonal pressure, family responsibilities, and the unpredictability of agriculture can make it difficult to maintain balance between work and personal well-being. At NAFDMA, we believe supporting farms means supporting the people behind them . That’s why our Education Center includes resources focused on mental health, wellness, and work-life balance for farm operators and their teams. These sessions from NAFDMA speakers and members offer practical strategies, honest conversations, and encouragement for navigating the realities of farm life while protecting your physical and emotional well-being. Below are a few examples of what awaits you in NAFDMA's Education Center ! To access these resources: Visit NAFDMA.com Click on Education Center Log in to your account Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Work-Life Balance Mental Health on the Farm This powerful session opens the door to an important conversation happening across agriculture: mental health. As the stigma surrounding mental health begins to fade, more farmers are sharing their experiences and supporting one another. In this session, Christy Heimstra of Clovermead Adventure Farm, Phil Quinn of Quinn Farm, and Colleen McKay of Your Farm Market share personal stories of navigating mental health crises that impacted their families and businesses. Their experiences remind us that no one in the NAFDMA community has to face these challenges alone. Yesterday’s Gone: Thriving in Your Business Today Presented by Bob Phibbs This session focuses on practical strategies for resetting your mindset and creating positive momentum in your daily routine. Bob Phibbs shares tips for starting and ending each day with intention , along with an interactive exercise designed to build a “positive energy shield” to help you stay focused and energized in your work and leadership. Staying Emotionally and Physically Healthy on the Farm Presented by Deanna Black Balancing health and business during a busy farm season is no easy task. In this workshop, Deanna Black explores how farms can support both financial wellness and personal wellness . Topics include: Developing pricing systems and programs that support both profitability and personal balance Reframing the “J.O.B.” mindset — Justifying Others’ Business vs. Joy of Being Maintaining physical wellness during the busiest parts of the farm season Keep Calm and Farm On Presented by Deanna Black Stress is inevitable in farm life — but managing it effectively is a skill that can be learned. This session helps participants: Recognize stress triggers and behavioral tendencies Identify activities that restore energy and focus Utilize tools and resources that support healthier stress management both at home and on the farm Wellness vs. Fitness Within Farm Life Presented by Deanna Black Wellness and fitness are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. This session explores how farmers can understand the difference and create realistic strategies for maintaining both. Participants will: Learn the benefits of both wellness and physical fitness Identify areas of life that support — or hinder — health Develop two practical wellness programs: one for peak season and one for the off-season Positive Farm Fitness Presented by Deanna Black Being healthy on the farm doesn’t require gym memberships or complicated routines. This session focuses on simple, sustainable ways to maintain energy, happiness, and productivity throughout the season. Participants will discover how small moments of movement, laughter, and intentional care can make a significant difference in both personal well-being and farm performance. A Healthier Farm Starts with a Healthier Farmer Agritourism is built on passion, hospitality, and community. But none of those things can thrive if the people running the farm are burned out or overwhelmed. Taking time to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health isn’t a luxury — it’s an investment in your farm, your family, and your future. The NAFDMA community is here to support you every step of the way.