I'm finishing my second year of membership.  So I haven't been a member very long.

Cost is $5,000 per year.  We have to sign an agreement to be a member for 3 years.  


The main problem I see, is..... it's difficult for new members to catch up to where the members that have been with the program for a number of years, are at.   (I noticed many of  the positive responses you've received are coming from persons that have been members for a number of years, or have actually been with the program since day 1.)   That's been difficult for me.  Frankly, I'm failing at that.  

It's been difficult for me to get away from our farm to attend the meetings they offer.   We have livestock, irrigation, and raise vegetables.   As such, there really isn't any downtime in the summer to allow for me to get away.   Doesn't help that many of the meetings aren't even in my state. 

Personally.... I think they spend a disproportionate amount of time on product trials, to other topics that I feel would be of benefit to me.  I guess I have a bias or negativity towards product trials that are coming from companies that are paying Total  Acre to be trialed.   That just doesn't sit well with me.   Would rather the product trials be the result of member suggestions for products they would like to see trialed.   Maybe some of the products are the result of member suggestions.   But I'm not aware of any products being tested, that aren't paying to be tested.  If I'm wrong about that.... I apologize.  

One of the biggest positives I see is the networking.   The interaction and exchange of information and experiences between members.... can be of huge benefit.  There definitely is that.  

All-in-all, members in my opinion have to be willing to put in the work to justify the cost of being a member.   And much of this required work is needed during our busiest times of the year.   If you don't think you or someone else on your farm has that time.... being a Total Acre member may not meet your expectations.  



gordon