Farmer's Markets

Yup been twice now … started my Saturday, early morning, Farmer’s Market trek. Never quite know what you will find or what looks good. Guess that is why I like it.

Our Market has this coffee stand where he makes the BEST flavored coffee. Always head there first. I love to walk around, checking out all the flowers (veggies/fruit when they begin to come in) and the few arts/craft stands whose wares are geared for outside. People are always so friendly. Great way to begin the weekend.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Ours is every Friday and Saturday, even during the winter months in an indoor hall.

-- Hooked on Gardening.....Ontario zone 5b

as in participating in or just going to?

I’m trying to start participating in one. Here in Owen county, the first farmers market was held two weekends ago (as in first year for ever having one.)

We’ve been going to the Purdue/county extension where they’ve been holding little get-togethers on the new market and local growers, etc. We’re learning alot and have found alot of doc.s on-line from various universities about farmers markets and stuff.

First one had a few crafters, some starter plants, and a guy with a cooler of meat. That was about it. Lettuce and broccoli is about the only thing showing up around here.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist......Zone out....(USA 5)

I am talking about participating. This was my second weekend. Seems like more and more, they stray away from the “Farmer’s Market” style. (this is my 5th year)
Would you care to share some of your on-line stuff? :)

I have to gather it all up. I have links all over the place. Some of the stuff is no-brainer type stuff about being friendly…and body language and stuff. Other things are pretty good sometimes. I’ll do some perusing this evening and see what I can come up with.

We’re trying to get in on it but don’t have the production levels yet. Hopefully this year though.

The market in Bloomington, IN is normal….alot of amish and alot of experience. The one in my county is going to have to figure itself out….many newbies like me.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist......Zone out....(USA 5)

Try this link. These are a collection of PDF’s that you might find interesting. There’s probably more but I’m still trying to absorb all the info from the meetings.

Purdue

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist......Zone out....(USA 5)

When time permits my partner and I go to the local farmers market. Not bad but not like the one down Windsor Ontario way. We buy natural bread, perogies made by some lady who might be as old as God, but they sure are good. Theres a butcher who has really nice lunch meat, sausages etc but mostly its a great way to get a bit of time without the outlaws and kids.

I went to the “Mennonite Farmers market” down Guelph way once thinking I was going to get frsh, home made organic food but much to my dismay I found that most of the stalls were owned by visible minorities (I mean no offence) and the “Mennonites” ran the cash register…........meaning the food might have come from Loblaws.

As a kid my dad would take me to the “Farmers Market in Windsor Ontario”. We would walk down the endless isles where fresh backyard fruit, produce etc filled the air with smells to die for. A virtual cultural melting pot with every single ethnic food on this earth. Old ladies would let me reach into the olive barrel or cut me a slab of Hallva (greek candy). The meats, the poultry, the heads of livestock, chickens, duck rabbit…....just perfect. Then the bakery section and lastly the fish market. Fond memories. It isnt the same now as it was, its moved but that said it is to this day, the best market I have ever shopped at.

Cheers

-- Central northish Ontario

Thanks Catspaw, realy good info! :)

Here’s another a couple more

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

New Ventures for hoosier types

ATTRA

and

USDA Economic Research Servies

Unfortunately, these links lead to more links which lead to more links….....I can’t hardly stuff my brain with all this stuff.

There’s also a small magazine called Farmers Markets Today….i still have to check it out.

Farmers Markets Today

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist......Zone out....(USA 5)

There is nothing like buying local produce. It is so fresh, and hence much tastier. We go once a week to one: either the one in Guelph, or the one in St Jacobs, or to one in Toronto ( if we are visiting our son and his wife ). One still has to check out the prices. Sometimes they are higher than the grocery stores, and other times, they are much better.

-- jroot