| Author | Content |
dave
Jacksonville, TX
(Zone 8a)
 May 25, 2009
05:50 AM Post #6593942
| There are a total of 393 votes:
| Yes, we have a wonderful, organized one with many vendors.
(188 votes, 47%) |  |
| Yes, ours is an informal gathering of local folks with extra produce.
(63 votes, 16%) | |
| We have a Farmer's Market but I've never been. Why?
(60 votes, 15%) | |
| We do not have a Farmer's Market and I wish we did.
(65 votes, 16%) | |
| I am a vendor in our local Farmer's Market. (What do you grow?)
(17 votes, 4%) | |
|
Previous Polls |
onewish1
Denville, NJ
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
05:52 AM Post #6593948
| If there is one nearby... I don't know about it |
Resin
Northumberland
United Kingdom
(Zone 9a)
May 25, 2009
06:02 AM Post #6593962
| Ask at your local town hall - they license the markets, so will know what there is near you!
Resin
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 25, 2009
07:37 AM Post #6594119
| Watch your newspapers & listen to your radio. Farmers Markets advertise!
Many are advertised on Craig's list.
I am a vendor & have been for 24 years. The hardest thing around is getting people to come to the market.
There are many wonderful things there. Ours offers every kind of vegetable you can imagine, farm fresh eggs, locally grown beef, pork, & poultry, fresh flower bouquets & many hand crafted items.
It is like a bazaar!
Our city is 45,000 people. On a good Saturday we might get 3000 at the market. Sad part is they are not all from the city, half will come from surrounding areas.
Apparently most people do not have the craving for local, fresh produce like the members on this site.
The contaminated Jalapenos & tomatoes of the last few years have helped. Do we hope for another one this year to get people's attention that they can buy this local, natural products.
Yes, even if it is not certified organic, local growers DO NOT use harsh chemicals. Most grow without chemicals or use very little!
Look for your local market & keep your money in the community!
Have a Great Day!
Bernie
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
podster
Deep East Texas, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 25, 2009
07:53 AM Post #6594149
| The two nearest FMs are 50 and 65 miles from home and on Saturday mornings when I am at work. So I am envious and try to find local growers that have extra of what I can use but would love to support the markets.
Thanks to all the vendors! |
Calalily
South Padre Island, TX
(Zone 10a)
May 25, 2009
09:05 AM Post #6594417
| I sell at the local farmer's market. It's not the best organized one I've participated in, but at least we have one. I do best in the winter when we have lots of winter Texans. The market is closed in July and August. |
flowerfantasy
Washington, IN
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
09:15 AM Post #6594460
| We don't have a FM but I wish that we did. I have been to them and have bought some wonderful things at them. We do have little local veggie and fruit markets but they only have limited veggies and fruit. I like to go to ones where you can buy anything imiginal. |
bluekat76
Ijamsville, MD
(Zone 6b)
May 25, 2009
09:32 AM Post #6594541
| Love our market just wish they would have more asian veggies. I have worked there the past two years for a local organic farmer. http://www.summercreekfarm.com Lots of fun! Not this year though, letting the college kids take their turn.
-Kim |
dobra1629
Houma, LA
May 25, 2009
09:42 AM Post #6594586
| I am a vendor at a market several miles away from where I live because there is not one here. I sell plants.
Dorothy |
gessiegail
Taft, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 25, 2009
10:17 AM Post #6594722
| Other than some people who sit on the side of major farm road intersections, we don't have a good farmer's market. We grow most of what we like here on the farm.
I will never forget the ones they have in Houston way out on Airline Road on the north side of town. When I lived there, we would go buy everything by the bushel and put it in the deep freeze to last the whole winter. Eventually we got a black eyed pea sheller and a corn stripper for cream corn in the deep freeze.
Some days I think I will actually drive to Houston to fill the car with what we don't have in our own garden. |
threegardeners
North Augusta, ON
(Zone 5a)
May 25, 2009
10:49 AM Post #6594847
| I voted that we had one but I've never been. There wasn't an option for "we have one but it sucks". We do have one but it is not good compared to some I've been to. There are only a few actual "farmers" but mostly it's home made crafts, lotions, gifts, baked goods...fine and dandy but not what I'm looking for in a market. |
Pamgarden
Central, VA
(Zone 7b)
May 25, 2009
11:30 AM Post #6595021
| I love our local farmers' market. The food is grown mostly in a 20 mile radius, picked Friday night and loaded into the truck for the trip to the Saturday morning market. It's a place to meet, greet, and purchase things to eat, and pretty plants and veggies to grow at home. It has doubled in size since starting in 2005. While still relatively small in comparison to adjoining counties, the market has a nice variety and a high level of quality. Prices are comparable to the upscale supermarkets, so it's not cheap by any means. But the veggies taste as they should, eggs are fresh with deep yellow or orange yolks, value added products like cookies, cakes, jellies are fresh and original, beef, lamb, chicken, is grass pastured and no hormones are added. Some vendors are certified organic, and I believe all farmers who are not use those methods, but don't certify due to the expense or paperwork.
If there is a concern, it is one of exclusivity, based on prices and the culture of the market, which is pitched at an upscale and food-knowledgeable consumer. This is not a condemnation of the vendors who are, after all, trying to support their families and/or make enough to support their passion to farm.
One of the posts above talked about low attendance of local consumers being the bane of the farmers' market. Our local market always appears active, but unless the locals come back on a regular basis, I don't think our market could survive. |
SoCal
Huntington Beach, CA
(Zone 10a)
May 25, 2009
11:37 AM Post #6595047
| Yes, we have a FM and I have only been to it 2 times. It is located right next to the Huntington Beach pier in downtown HB. It is always a hard place to park and very costly for parking. I wish it was easier to attend it, I would go every Friday for it. |
Tallulah_B
(Susan) Calgary, AB
(Zone 3b)
May 25, 2009
12:06 PM Post #6595169
| Yes, we have 2 that I know of (in Calgary), and I've been to them a couple of times, each.
Now that I have a car, I should go more often!! lol |
petralittledog
Salina, KS
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
12:22 PM Post #6595245
| We have one but I seldom go. In prior years its probably been over-organized or controled. They are very, very picky about who they allow in it.
It is a little closer to me than it was so may check it out again. |
MsMaati
Newburgh, IN
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
01:27 PM Post #6595536
| Our local market is in the center of the city. Hard to get to. I never go there. |
CarloInTX
Denton, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 25, 2009
02:27 PM Post #6595887
| Ours is on a major thoroughfare and I usually see a couple of pickup trucks there with stuff that usually doesn't interest me. If it were bigger with more variety, I might consider visiting it more often. I've heard that other towns around the area have much better stuff. |
Sheila_FW
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 25, 2009
02:37 PM Post #6595913
| Interesting link I just found. Looks like you can locate FMs all over the US with it. http://www.localharvest.org/album.jsp?st=46&ty=1 |
notmartha
Bay City, MI
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
03:07 PM Post #6596016
| no time to ever go there! |
meezersfive
waukesha, WI
(Zone 5a)
May 25, 2009
03:54 PM Post #6596262
| We have a fairly large one but some of the vendors are just sellers, not growers, playing middleman with stuff you can get at garden centers. There are some good organic growers and I am a repeat customer for them, prices are higher in general than the supermarket, but it is all fresh and in prime condition, not having been packed in a truck and hauled for hundreds of miles.
I buy what we don't have space to grow. We freeze a lot of our own produce. I can't get enough fresh stuff at this time of year, I'm so hungry for new garden peas and lettuce and such. |
dalmatian_fan87
Cascade, VA
(Zone 7a)
May 25, 2009
04:24 PM Post #6596360
| no farmers market here, if you want fruits or veggies you gotta go to wal-mart, LOL! |
cando1
Ozone, AR
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
04:26 PM Post #6596370
| We've got one but only a small group of 3 0r 4. I do buy where ever i find something and we do have a couple of farms where i can buy veggies.
Thank you Shelia for the link. I found one abt 40 miles from here. Can't wait to check it out.
Vickie |
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
May 25, 2009
06:32 PM Post #6596846
|
Our Anderson Township Farmers' Market just started up last year. This summer I think it will gain momentum and I hope the sellers/growers stock will be more varied and interesting. We go quite often during the summer.
I miss the Farmers' Market in Madison Wisconsin around the State Capitol Building. We used to go to that all the time when we were in school there (UW 1977-79). Very interesting offerings and good people watching, too! I hope it's still going. It was really the best farmers' market I've been to.
Also liked the Pasadena CA Farmers' Market and shopped there on most Saturday mornings when we live there. Lots of good citrus and figs galore. Also devine lobster ravioli. We were spoiled! And the 'South Pasadena Farmers Market' on Thursday evenings was fun too. We used to go there for a different 'fast food' dinner~~delish tacos or sausages. Yum! And the healthy veggies, too, of course!
|
dahlianut
Calgary, AB
(Zone 3a)
May 25, 2009
06:37 PM Post #6596872
| We have 10 farmers markets in Calgary proper (big city) which range from 'big business' to group gatherings working out of trucks in parking lots. There are also 4 small markets in the outlying communities. I love the one that is close to my house. In addition to fresh goods from the local growers, they rent space to the BC folks who bring in fruit that we can't grow here. |
meezersfive
waukesha, WI
(Zone 5a)
May 25, 2009
06:41 PM Post #6596900
| tabsco, they are alive and well in Madison. At least one is open in winter. Fabulous goodies, you can graze your way through and not have to find dinner elsewhere. Dane county one is the best I think, at least the biggest. http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/farmersMarket.cfm |
bbrookrd
nantucket, MA
(Zone 7a)
May 25, 2009
06:47 PM Post #6596938
| We go to the local farms here on Nantucket as they are very close to us and are owned by wonderful people or we grow our own, or at least try. There is a farmers market during the summer, but on Sat. I try to avoid going anywhere except to my garden! But when we are traveling, we always try to find them. Went to a nice one recently in New Orleans. Bought local honey and some nice bottled sauces. I would have loved to have dragged back some fine looking veggie starts, but no room in our suitcases. In Vermont we have a great one in West Brattleboro, but we also have a great local farm stand that is even closer to us, plus they stay open year round which is wonderful for us and they have a bakery too. I go to one in NYC sometimes just for fun and have found some very interesting veggies. Patti |
3gardeners
Mableton, GA
(Zone 7a)
May 25, 2009
11:10 PM Post #6598149
| Sat morning 9:00 -12:00 noon I am sleeping or in my garden. I wish they went later in the day. |
roybird
Santa Fe, NM
May 26, 2009
12:09 AM Post #6598415
| I can walk to our farmers market from my house but I am always in class Saturday morning so seldom get to go! D.H. goes more often. It has artsy, craftsy stuff, cheeses and local grass-fed beef, lamb and free range chickens as well as produce and baked goods. The food is excellent and priced pretty much the same as an up-scale grocery store. It is very popular and parking is difficult. |
Katlian
Carson City, NV
(Zone 6b)
May 26, 2009
11:29 AM Post #6599769
| We have Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning markets. I can ride my bike to both and it gives me an excuse to leave work a little early on Wednesday afternoons. Saturday morning market has a lot more vendors and people selling other things like baked goods and hot food. Several vendors drive over from California with produce that is difficult or impossible to grow on this side of the mountains.
My mom volunteers at the big Saturday market at Portland State University. She usually works at the demonstration booth where they show several cooking methods for a particular veggie each week and hand out samples and recipe cards. People get to try things that they might not buy otherwise. Most of the food for the demo booth is donated by the farmers and there is usually a sign that says who donated what. |
Nan
SW, WI
(Zone 4b)
May 26, 2009
11:55 AM Post #6599884
| "We have a Farmer's Market but I've never been." Why?
Because it's just starting (for the first time, ever) this June! |
randbponder
Hornick, IA
(Zone 4b)
May 26, 2009
02:46 PM Post #6600533
| We have an organized farmers market 25 miles away and several vendors set up shop along side the road by Moville 10 miles away.
I usually raise the same things and that provides us with more than we need. So we share. and eat well here at home. |
Kelli
L.A. (Canoga Park), CA
(Zone 10a)
May 26, 2009
03:11 PM Post #6600628
| There is local farmers' market on Thursdays at Kaiser Hospital in Woodland Hills. I only learned about it recently so I have only gone once but I'll be back. It isn't big but they have a good variety. Everything at all of the stands is different. DH says that you usually have to pay to park in the Kaiser lot, but it's free on Farmers' Market day. I have bought stuff at Pierce College though I've heard that they don't grow it there. On weekends, there are sometimes people selling fruit along Kanan Road and Las Virgenes Road and if we're out that way, we'll stop. The strawberries from any of these places are infinitely better than what you get in the grocery store. |
melody
Benton, KY
(Zone 7a)
May 26, 2009
04:28 PM Post #6600926
| We've had several attempts at a Farmer's Market in our town, but they seem to fizzle out. The local feed-n-seed offers free set up for anyone wishing to sell plants or produce, and most Saturdays, you'll find someone with a pickup truck load of something, but it is informal and not organized.
The neighboring town of Murray has a small, but nice one, and you can get things like local honey or fresh fish just about every weekend in the summer. It is only about 12 miles, so it isn't out of the way...I'm 5 miles out of my town of Benton, so it isn't much of a stretch to head to Murray. |
Wulfsden
Riverdale, NJ
(Zone 6a)
May 26, 2009
05:27 PM Post #6601187
| We have at least 6 FMs withing easy driving range. One of them is literally within walking distance. We also have a few local farms with farmstands. Since there is plenty of competition, prices are competitive. The quality and choice is beyond compare.
We know which vendors go to which markets, and we tend to frequent all of them, depending on what produce we need. For example, one that is about 30 minutes away is in the middle of black soil country. Why would we buy onions anywhere else?
Between my veggie garden and the fresh produce available nearby, we buy no veggies at all from supermarkets. We do buy some fruit there, but only because it does not grow around here. NJ is not famous for its oranges. In summer, when all the toxic produce comes in from Mexico, we have no worries, knowing that all our food grew withing 20 miles of our home.
Ed |
dparsons01
Albuquerque, NM
(Zone 7b)
May 26, 2009
05:43 PM Post #6601247
| Couldn't check a box as I don't quite match any of them. We have a number of semi-farmer's markets in town that sell some local produce as it is available. We also have ones that have meet intermittently in season and some cooperatives. Mostly I take advantage of what I can at the semi markets as I do my grocery shopping weekday evenings. Too much else to do with a Saturday. |
Kelli
L.A. (Canoga Park), CA
(Zone 10a)
May 26, 2009
05:43 PM Post #6601252
| Ed, isn't there an Orange, NJ? |
WigglyPaw
Hastings, MI
(Zone 5b)
May 26, 2009
07:04 PM Post #6601540
| Heloo from Hastings Michigan!
We have a nice farmers market. It is on the courthouse lawn, very pretty, with convenient parking right
in front of the vendors, lots of trees and shade. the town is very small, and last weekend, there were
only 5 vendors (us included).
I sell;
home made brown eggs $1.50, organic humane free range fresh
3"x4" watercolours hand done each one in lovely double mats with cellophane $10
heritage rare and named garlics those will be ready end of June, and then the season goes to July for harvesting
perennials, mine are really too small to sell yet.
veg when harvested: lettuces, spices, herbs, tomatoes, fresh flowers
braided garlic wreaths with decor
I might bag up some chicken poop for "top Of the Line Nitrogen Organic systems" something kitchy like that.
Tell folks to make a "manure tea" from it.
Well, thats about it for us at the farmers market.
We don't get that many people, I am hoping that will change, we make most of our money
to live on now with that, and $50 a week is not going to cut it.
Sheri |
WigglyPaw
Hastings, MI
(Zone 5b)
May 26, 2009
07:06 PM Post #6601552
| Attention CountryGardens Bernie:
I read your post about the lamentable showing up of local people.
I have stopped women in the supermarket and asked them why dont they
buy local eggs from farms, and the answer was, "euyyyy, farm eggs?" (meaning UGH).
What gives?
Makes me nuts.
sheri |
staceysmom
(GayLynn) Appleton, WI
(Zone 5a)
May 26, 2009
08:01 PM Post #6601771
| We have a local farmers market. Nice size, nice stuff. But I try to get to the one down in Madison, WI when ever possible. You can spend hours there. It's fantastic and huge! My arms are loaded and my belly stuffed by time we leave. |
Cajun2
Cleveland, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 26, 2009
10:16 PM Post #6602497
| We live about 2 miles from a large flea market. Several vendors sell produce nearly year 'round. When I need something fresh, I make sure I go there before heading 9 miles away or more to a chain grocery store. I've recently noticed a sign in front of someone's home off the main state highway that says 'fresh eggs' ;-)
My nephew raises chickens now so I have a fresh supply of at least 2-1/2 dozen farm fresh eggs. As soon as those are gone, I'll be driving 5 miles from home to get more!
I'm seriously considering selling plants there next spring. I have bought many good sized, healthy, homegrown tomato plants, peppers, etc. there from some of the same vendors. I'd like to sell my Piper auritums, Pineapple Sage, Thai Basil, etc. because I haven't ever seen any up there. I would imagine I could sell quite a few things no one else up there sells and do well. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
May 26, 2009
11:23 PM Post #6602800
| I put "there is one but I've never been" only because I live in a huge city and in all my driving around I've not seen one. If it's not easily spotted in the many travels I have then I've not sought it out but would assume we have some. When I lived an hour north (Bryan/CS area) it was easy to find them and yes, quite enjoyed them.
Just as easy (maybe easier?!) to grow our own veggies though :) quite enjoying that this year. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 26, 2009
11:25 PM Post #6602806
| Our market has grown to the point we are short of room for vendors. The more vendors, the more customers.
Best new thing is the people selling pork & chicken. They got a license to sell cooked food. They are doing Pork Chops on a stick, Brat in a bun, Ribs, & pulled pork sandwiches.
Won't be long & people will be coming just to eat! I had a pork chop for supper right after market. It was delicious!
Beats the heck out of the Burger King right next door.
Our manager is very aggressive. She would like the Market to be a destination for people on Saturday mornings. I think we have a good start on that.
This market is one of the oldest in the state. It's been going since the 30's & well organized since 1985.
We require membership & have a board of directors elected by the members. All fees go to the organization to pay the manager, do advertising & promotions. We pay a small fee to the owner of the lot we use. We have it all laid out & lines painted for vendor stalls & parking.
We have 40 stalls that are all sold out & filled most Saturday's.
Bernie 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 26, 2009
11:28 PM Post #6602818
| Opposite end. This was this past Saturday which was sprinkling all day. Of couse sun came out shortly after quitting time. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Wulfsden
Riverdale, NJ
(Zone 6a)
May 27, 2009
02:07 AM Post #6603190
| LOL Kelli! Yes there's an Orange, NJ. I go there sometimes for Mexican food. ;))
|
Kaelkitty
Adelaide
Australia
(Zone 10a)
May 27, 2009
02:35 AM Post #6603227
| We have ONE big one in Adelaide (population about 1 million) about 8 miles from my suburb, and quite a few in the outer suburbs. They are all reputed to be very good but I can't get to them on public transport (I do not drive, due to disability issues) Instead, I shop at the Central Market in the Adelaide Central Business District. This is an amazing place, not a "farmers market" for the most part as the stall holders are more often resellers than growers, but the produce is of brilliant quality, there is a huge variety, AND I can get there and back on a public bus! Bliss!
Check this out! http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/history
and this search gives you an idea of just how famous this place is: http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=central market adela...
Ciao, KK. |
plantRN
(Beth) L'ville, GA
(Zone 7b)
May 27, 2009
02:05 PM Post #6605150
| We have one in my city but I've never attended. I intend to this year, though! |
momcat
northeast, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 27, 2009
05:56 PM Post #6606109
| There is one, I've never been, not interested in going. I've been to a few others and found mainly sellers, not growers, and what they were selling was pricey. I stick with the grocery store. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 27, 2009
07:31 PM Post #6606467
| It's a shame they call a resale market a Farmers Market.
Our rule states is has to be grown within 40 miles of the market & you can't buy & resell. |
birder17
Jackson, MO
(Zone 6b)
May 27, 2009
08:58 PM Post #6606870
| We have a FM in Jackson that is on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 7. Then there is one on Wednesday am in Cape Giarardeau (15 mi) and another one on Thursday afternoon in Cape G. I have only been to the one on Thursdays. It's the oldest, biggest, and most organized. They sell Amish baked goods, veggies, flowers, herbs, honey, goat soap and fruits. All of them are during the summer. All the parking is free and right "on the premises". Of course, that's the an advantage of living in a rural area.
We also go pick strawberries and blueberries locally every spring/summer. Yum! Then there's the sweet corn stands all around during corn season. |
Gwendalou
Langley, WA
(Zone 7b)
May 27, 2009
10:26 PM Post #6607321
| We have several and I'm a vendor at one. I love markets and have always frequented them wherever I've lived.
Tell me about the pork chops on a stick! I'm looking for good things to sell. I'm doing mostly hot food now until I have more produce. In the PNW, it takes a while for our produce to get ready for market! I also do cut flowers and baked goods, jams, etc. But mostly right now the hot food is selling but I'm a little tired of hot dogs and sausages. Would love some suggestions on what you see at markets that you have tasted and enjoyed. One thing that is hard for us is keeping the food warm for 4 hours without it getting overcooked, dried out, etc. People also don't seem to like to wait.
I've been doing soups and stuff like that but I invested in a fairly expensive bbq for this market so would like to make more use of that.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 27, 2009
10:56 PM Post #6607495
| The people selling the chops & other food have big grill. They make everything at the market. All they do is meat. All our vendors are pretty specialized. One lady has nothing but homemade soaps. Another guy only sells things made from herbs. He specializes in hot things, like chili seasoning. One lady has garlic & canned goods. A couple of vendors do only sweet corn. Another lady makes artisan breads & other goodies. She bakes them in a wood fired outdoor oven. We have a honey vendor, a maple syrup guy, & the list goes on. |
Katlian
Carson City, NV
(Zone 6b)
May 28, 2009
12:31 AM Post #6607907
| Oh Gwen, I know a good one. Our caterer made Bulgoki (Buhlkoki, Bulgogi, etc., Korean grilled beef) for our wedding (our recipe). There are a lot of recipes but look for one that uses a pear and less sugar in the marinade, it's still sweet but has a fruity taste too. Marinate the meat for at least 24 hours up to 48 hours, longer marinating makes it very tender. It only takes a couple of minutes to grill because the slices are so thin, but you need a pretty hot grill to get it right. You can use tough, tasty chuck meat for it because of the thin slices and long marinating. The meat ends up juicy with a sweetish, salty, crunchy crust that is great served with a scoop of rice wrapped in a lettuce leaf. It's easy to eat with your hands too. |
GrammysGardenAZ
Cochise, AZ
(Zone 8b)
May 28, 2009
02:03 AM Post #6608088
| potatoes, sweet potatoes, lettuce, chard, garlic, squash, onions, cucumbers, basil, mint, tarragon, peppers, tomatoes, blackberries, a few strawberries, peach trees(but no peaches this year ;-( ) jams, jellies, pickles. We also have a few bee hives and a few chickens. Not growing some of the hard to pick stuff this year as help is very short and since we finished the kitchen, I am pretty well chained to the stove. |
Gwendalou
Langley, WA
(Zone 7b)
May 28, 2009
12:02 PM Post #6609379
| CountryGardens, I have a big grill too. I bought it esp for one of the markets and am able to leave it locked up during the week.
Katlian, I will look for that recipe online but would also love yours if you want to share. That sounds yummy and perfect for the market. Could I also do it on skewers? I was thinking skewers would be a good one as the meat cooks fairly quickly and then it's easy for people to just walk way with a skewer in their hands. |
Katlian
Carson City, NV
(Zone 6b)
May 28, 2009
12:32 PM Post #6609494
| I will look for the recipe this weekend. We haven't made it in a while because we usually make a large batch of marinade and then freeze the marinated meat in portions that are just big enough for two dinners. I think it would work well on skewers. It also tastes really good with grilled pineapple. You could sell pairs of skewers, one with meat and the other with pineapple :) |
dmac085
Greensboro, NC
(Zone 7a)
May 28, 2009
07:12 PM Post #6611068
| We have a really nice permanant one on Sandy Ridge Road just outside of Greensboro. It's open all year long 7 days a week from 7 am until 5 or 6 pm. I just found out that another DGer is a seller there so that is kind of cool. I'm a nut for the plants of course and although I'm just buying for me I can be counted on to buy 15-30 tomatoes just because I love them:lol: They have two big open-air covered pavilions that a lot of the vendors set up in, a permanant building that has baked goods, dairy, canned goods and some refrigerated cheese and meats. There is also a "real" garden center out their as well.
This message was edited May 30, 2009 9:59 AM |
Tammy
Barto, PA
(Zone 6b)
May 29, 2009
07:53 PM Post #6615654
| We have a selection of farmers markets. I prefer the ones the require the vendors
to be the ones who actually grew/produced their goods. We have one that's huge in
the old Fairgrounds building Thurs, Fri & Sat - they sell everything you can imagine.
Then there's ones only on Thurs, Fri, Sat or Sun. I heard another one just opened on
Mon. Fantastic. |
FrangipaniAz
Phoenix, AZ
(Zone 9b)
May 29, 2009
09:37 PM Post #6615947
| We have one close by but I've slowly stopped going... it went from mostly produce to mostly crafts... no offense to those of you who like having the craft tables, but they've pushed out the produce vendors... I went to support the produce, not buy a painted t-shirt... we also used to have this local snow cone vendor who used native produced honey in his syrup... wow, it was delicious... but he also got pushed out... I drove past it last Saturday and it was craft vendors and one produce vendor... just sad...
Brittany |
WigglyPaw
Hastings, MI
(Zone 5b)
May 30, 2009
12:46 AM Post #6616613
| I was packaging my eggs and my husband told me that our market manager actually
went to a specialized year in school about organizing and running a farmers mkt.
Its good to know that the manager is a serious person and expects the highest
quality fresh produce and the crafts must be juried selection and again, hand made
by the person selling them. No resales here. No "hemp" bracelets, or that type of
stuff is allowed to be sold.
I am glad, Hastings is a vibrant and unusual town, full of loving and close knit
families:Michigan is still about 40 years behind and I like it that way. We have rules
for behaviour and rules for just about everything here, and people cross the street
at the crosswalk and wait for the walk sign. Different holidays mean things happen,
like Memorial Day was the day for everyone to go"upnorth" and open their cottages
and put their boats in the water. I like it like this. Kids in Hastings go away to college,
and come back with their DVM, or their Dental degree, or Doctor degree and open
their practice, or go and join their family practice.
About the food vendors getting pushed out...
I want to sell my eggs for $2 a dozen,just to break even. My husband says I will
never get it because the eggs at the store are .98 for a dozen. Tomorrow, I am
going to try and ask for $2 a dozen. If they don't want them, I will ask why not and
find out what they think they are getting from a supermarket for .98
I have 3 bags of fresh tarragon tomorrow, small bags.
Some of my watercolours and thats about it. I had to package my eggs in
tulle with a ribbon I have no more egg cartons. Maybe they will sell better that way?
Someone at our market sells fresh asparagus. Yummy its good!
Its been so cold here, we have had a few freezes, and the tomatoes
and the lettuce wilted and died. Thank god I kept some back inthe greenhouse,
my husband is pputting them into the ground on Sunday.
I am going to do flowers in the raised beds for sale with my garlics
when they come to harvest. I will sell one bulb of garlic for $1.00
I buy a pound of garlic, about 4 heads worth for about $26.00 for seed
starting quality. That is way crazy expensive, but its organic, huge, named
and heirloom, rare and unusual types. I think its worth it.
Sheri |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 30, 2009
06:16 AM Post #6616969
| "Factory" eggs are as low as 85¢ here. I have been selling mine for $2 all spring. People love the idea of fresh eggs. Do you realize eggs in the store are a couple weeks old before they hit the shelf. Then you also must tell people how your hens get to run free, no cages! Once people find out the difference between fresh & store bought in the frying pan, it's a no-brainer.
Have a Great Day at market, Sheri!
Bernie
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dmac085
Greensboro, NC
(Zone 7a)
May 30, 2009
06:34 AM Post #6616983
| I just went to ours Friday morning. There was only one egg seller--$3.50 a dozen. I don't think that is excessive for farm fresh eggs that aren't raised in chicken mills. I'm a fiend for egg yolks so trust me I can tell the difference:lol:
There was only one "craft" person selling goat milk soaps and lotions. I buy a $7 bar of gardener's soap from him that is gritty and smells awesome. I noticed a lady selling goat cheeses most were about $9 and there were about 12 flavors available. I bought tomatoes, 1 gal of strawberries that were just picked that morning--smelled so good! I only went to the outdoor vendors--didn't go to the permanent produce vendor building.
Plantwise I bought 3 4" pots for $10--a nice clump of gaura, a big pink perennial salvia and an agastache cana that is about 3 ft tall. I also picked up two nice geraniums in 4" pots for $2 each and 2 4" pots of Salvia Black and Blue for $3 each. |
lisabeth
State of..., MA
(Zone 6a)
May 30, 2009
08:47 AM Post #6617282
| We don't have a farmer's market in our town, but there is one two towns over. I visited that one and was pretty disappointed. It was fairly small and everything I would have wanted at a Farmer's Market was not there. I was looking for Organic Produce and cut flowers the one time I went last year and they didn't have any certified organic produce. Very disappointing. There is one that does but it is a 40 minute drive away and they only meet on a Wednesday morning!? So that leaves that out. I end up buying all our produce at Whole Foods to get organic produce, but since they have been labeling where it comes from, I have been less than thrilled. |
Tammy
Barto, PA
(Zone 6b)
May 30, 2009
09:13 AM Post #6617364
| wow! folks sell farm fresh eggs for $4 a dozen around here and never have
any problem finding buyers. Thankfully I have my own girls to give us eggs.
They do taste so much better than the factory hen's eggs too. I read they are
higher in omega3 oil too. (free range hens' eggs)
Tam |
hart
Shenandoah Valley, VA
May 30, 2009
01:02 PM Post #6618059
| We have a couple of things around here that call themselves farmers' markets but they're not what I consider a farmers' market. The produce isn't grown locally, it's brought in from out of state so it's not any different from what is sold in the local grocery stores. The rest of the vendors are selling all kinds of stuff so they're both more like flea markets.
We do have farms where you can go and buy directly certain times of the year, apples a lot since this is apple growing country, but also asparagus, raspberries, corn and other produce. I'm not talking about pick your own but already picked produce grown on those farms.
There are some CSA farms in the area too, which is nice. |
wtliftr
Henderson, NC
May 30, 2009
01:39 PM Post #6618163
| Well, an hour away may not be considered local, but I live 1 hour north of Raleigh, where we the State Farmers' Market. We have vendors from all over the state- and some have some pretty exotic items for Central North Carolina. One example- last summer, a vendor was selling PAPAYA trees! And they were in bloom, too. I love to go there and just see what's there, even if I don't buy anything. |
AlohaHoya
Keaau, HI
(Zone 11)
May 30, 2009
01:42 PM Post #6618173
| We have a number of them...some well organized, some not. Many are just locals who pick up produce at the local shipping company and sell the same stuff as the big Stores. I will only buy local...except for things that won't grow here. Mostly I grow what we eat...
Carol |
birder17
Jackson, MO
(Zone 6b)
May 30, 2009
03:53 PM Post #6618624
| Wiggly Paw: Your town sounds kind of like the "Lake Woebegon" stories! :) BTW, I would love to have fresh eggs. |
kathymac
Citrus Heights, CA
(Zone 9b)
May 30, 2009
05:12 PM Post #6618849
| This question made me decide to go check out my local farmers market, that is held every Saturday from 8 to noon in the parking lot of the local mall, again this morning since I haven't been to it in a couple of years. Now I remember why I don't go there to shop. It is very crowded. The people that shop there are so rude. It's like they go out of their way to walk into you, and don't even apologize. I almost got knocked down a couple of times. Maybe they don't see me because I'm quite a bit shorter than the average person (only 4' 9-1/2"). Needless to say, I left shortly after I got there because it wasn't a very pleasant experience.
On the plus side though, from what I could tell, the vendors are mostly from local and outlying area farms, with lots of nice looking produce. and a couple of vendors who sell potted shrubs, flowers, and herbs. I may try going again in a couple of weeks, but earlier in the morning, when it first opens. Maybe then it won't be so crowded.
|
dahlianut
Calgary, AB
(Zone 3a)
May 31, 2009
01:10 AM Post #6620701
| I have a question. Do your farmer's markets have alot of non edibles ie. arts and crafts or are they edible orientated? I always thought that the difference between a farmer's market and a flea market was: edibles vs. non-edible stuff. I was just wondering if the non-edibles are starting to spill over. Some of the smaller markets here are about 1/2 and 1/2 now I've noticed and although I hope they are successful I am only interested in local fresh edibles myself. |
dmac085
Greensboro, NC
(Zone 7a)
May 31, 2009
03:27 AM Post #6620851
| dahlia-the large one here is mainly edibles and plants many of which are herbs and veggies. I only noticed one craft and if was homemaid goat's milk soaps and lotions.
I remembered that there is also a weekly farmer's market from 6 am to noon or 1 pm on Sat. and Wed. in our downtown area I think. I'm always at work for the midweek one:) |
peony8
Westford, MA
(Zone 6a)
May 31, 2009
08:19 AM Post #6621156
| I answered "We have a Farmer's Market but I've never been" because of the hours. They're open on Tuesdays from 10-4, and I am at work then.
I believe wholeheartedly in supporting local businesses, and I shop at the local paint and hardware stores over Home Depot and Walmart. But I have health issues that almost require that I eat organic fruits and vegetables, and that can be difficult to do locally.
I visited the various farm stands last year, but I found only one that grows organic, and their selection is a bit skimpy. They don't have much in the way of farmlands and do most their growing in a greenhouse. They also sell a fair amount of non-edibles (as do all of the other farm stands), which I am not interested in unless I am looking for a Mother's Day gift. (The honey made one town over is a definitely plus, though.)
I would love to join a coop with other local, like-minded people who were interested in growing organic vegetables. Unfortunately, I don't get enough sun in my yard to grow anything but part-shade flowers. |
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
May 31, 2009
12:09 PM Post #6621959
| I answered yes, we have a wonderful organized farmer's market - because there wasn't a choice for yes we have a farmer's market but it seems like most the stuff is purchased from large commercial vendors and passed off as homegrown.
This time of year (zone 5) we don't have much real harvest yet, many people are offering vegetable plants and herbs, I'm frustrated that many of the offerings have the same commercial pots & tags as the veggies and herbs offered at Home Depot and Lowe's.
It's not what I would like to see in a I farmer's market, I wish it was more like selection 2 "ours is a gathering of local folks with extra produce."
|
peony8
Westford, MA
(Zone 6a)
May 31, 2009
01:25 PM Post #6622250
| When I lived in NH, a local farmer would put out an "honor" veggie stand at the end of his road. Every night after work., I'd stop by for the sweetest beefsteak tomatoes in the word or corn or other things. I'd leave my money in the tin. You could always drive up the road to Seth's greenhouse, but I like that he made it quick and easy.
I haven't lived there since 1989, but my dentist is still up there (and worth the trip), so I drive by Seth's road twice a year. I was happy to see his stand out last week. There wasn't a lot there yet, but you can bet I made a stop.
That's the kind of grower I want to support. Some of the farmer's markets I hear about from friends sound so commercialized and are so crowded, it's not the kind of place an introvert like me would want to go. |
melody
Benton, KY
(Zone 7a)
May 31, 2009
03:25 PM Post #6622711
| We have several 'honor stands' around here too. Makes you feel good that the farmers trust folks in the neighborhood. |
hart
Shenandoah Valley, VA
May 31, 2009
05:09 PM Post #6623133
| Dovey, that's why I don't consider any of the so-called farmers markets here to be farmers markets. If they buy the stuff and resell it, they're not farmers. Might as well buy at the grocery store, which has lower prices for the same stuff.
I can remember decades ago going to the real farmers market in Richmond VA. They had all kinds of real homegrown produce, homemade butter, homegrown eggs, even live and dressed home raised poultry. There was another market downtown that sold fresh caught seafood. I'm sure they're long gone now. |
MarciaGeiger
south central, WI
(Zone 5a)
May 31, 2009
06:29 PM Post #6623431
| The Dane County Farmers Market has become so huge, that other markets have sprung up around the city. I don't know if same rules apply, but DCFM has strict rules about doing own produce, production of products...# of have to's make a booklet. (The indoor winter market allows more craft stuff.) I do love it there, but I don't go as often as before due to the crowds. There are at least 3 others on my side of the town.
The craft booths spring up on the other side of the street and have to deal with city ? rules. |
Tallulah_B
(Susan) Calgary, AB
(Zone 3b)
May 31, 2009
09:38 PM Post #6624223
| CountryGardens - sometimes factory eggs are MONTHS old before they're sold.
I used to get mine from my neighbour's brother who has a farm, but he's not bringing them into the city anymore for some reason... they were good. They weren't of a uniform size, and sometimes we'd get double yolks or some so tiny you'd swear they were robin's eggs (except for the colour, of course LOL), but I didn't mind cuz they were FRESH!!
-Susan- |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 31, 2009
09:54 PM Post #6624317
| We have some that are robin's egg blue.
It's hard to make people believe how old store eggs are.
One of the big convenience store chains must be feeling guilty about over charging for gas. They are selling eggs for 85¢ & milk for a $1 less than the cheapest other places. So why take the money away from the farmers to pay the oil companies.
Bernie
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gwendalou
Langley, WA
(Zone 7b)
May 31, 2009
10:07 PM Post #6624371
| Wow! Organic eggs are $5 a dozen here. If you can find them for $4, it's a real bargain. Even at the farmer's markets. |
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
May 31, 2009
11:36 PM Post #6624802
| My thoughts exactly Hart |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
May 31, 2009
11:51 PM Post #6624854
| We are not to far removed when lots of farms had small flocks of hens. You could get eggs everywhere for like 50¢ a dozen. Lots of eggs advertised on Craig's List & local papers for $1 a dozen. $2 gives me a good return on my investment & also most of the customers are longtime loyal customers. They never quibble about the prices of my produce & I feel like I should treat them fairly.
I sold 42 dozen on Saturday. 88 dozen for the week. So that was a tidy sum. 4 or 5 vendors had radishes for sale. Most that bought eggs also bought radishes from me rather than going to another person.
Bernie |
Gwendalou
Langley, WA
(Zone 7b)
June 01, 2009
02:03 AM Post #6625086
| When there are eggs for sale at our markets, they go immediately, as soon as it opens. There aren't a lot of vendors selling eggs. Most just have a few dozen to sell in conjunction with other produce they sell. I'm in the process of getting my own chickens and will also sell whatever we don't use. Given the scarcity of eggs at our market, I'm wondering if maybe I shouldn't invest in extra chickens to have more eggs to sell. But I think I'll start out slowly and see how it goes. Also to see how much I'd have to charge to make money. I'm sure feed here is lots more costly just because everything on the west coast seems like it's more expensive.
Do chickens know when they're full or are they going to be like my labrador and eat themselves to death? |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 01, 2009
07:02 AM Post #6625441
| Laying hens will only eat what they need. The broilers that are bred for meat will eat until their legs can't carry them anymore. That's why they are ready to butcher in only 6 weeks.
Our hens are on self feeders. I don't put more in than they can eat in a few hours, otherwise they start wasting it.
Bernie |
mekos
Fair Play, SC
(Zone 7b)
June 10, 2009
05:08 PM Post #6669797
| Yes yes |
peony8
Westford, MA
(Zone 6a)
June 16, 2009
08:35 AM Post #6694620
| This week I discovered a local farmstand who participates in the local farmer's market. I am overjoyed. They practice Integrated Pest Management, and their cattle are grass *finished*.
On Sunday, I was given a tour of the farm, and I believe from the bottom of my heart they care about their food and animals. They don't sell chicken meat because they can't find a slaughterhouse they like.
I have decided to join their CSA in order to develop a close relationship with them. My donation will help them during the winter, when they aren't taking in money, and next year I will get 22 weeks of fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
And they are only 3 miles away! |
