A Look at Missouri Farmers' Markets

Missouri State Fair Brings Local Produce To the Fair

2009-09-10T08:14:00.005-05:00

Fairgoers acquired a “taste” for Missouri as Master Chefs turned local foods into delicious dishes during the Missouri State Fair, August 13 to 23 in Sedalia.

The Local Foods Area drew special attention on Opening Day when Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon took time out of their busy schedules to stop by to see Missouri’s fresh produce, share their commitment and appreciation to local foods and proclaim August as Farmers’ Market Month in Missouri.

Fair visitors had the opportunity to learn about local foods and taste more than nine varieties of tomatoes in the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Local Foods Area. The Local Foods Area included a Local Foods Cooking Stage, farmers’ markets and much more!

Fair goers could watch and learn how to prepare fresh recipes on the new Local Foods Cooking Stage, sponsored by Sprint. Chefs from across the state showed consumers how to prepare simple recipes using local fresh ingredients.

The Missouri State Fair Farmers’ Market was a draw for many fairgoers again this year, where consumers had the opportunity to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables and ask industry experts questions about getting involved in direct marketing.

This year the market featured new items including fresh meats, goat cheese, eggs and summer sausage. Also in the area was the Lil’ Sprouts Kids Area, informational booth about buying local food in Missouri.

The MDA thanks the local food vendors that provided the produce, meat, eggs and goat cheese for the farmers’ market this year. Vendors included:

Anderson Produce
Kenny Anderson
12418 W RailroadCentertown, MO 65023
(573) 645-3882
andersonproduce@embark.com

Fahrmeier Farms
9364 Mitchell Trail
Lexington, MO 64067
(816) 289-2496
fahrmeierbros@gmail.com
http://www.fahrmeierfarms.com/
http://fahrmeierfarms.blogspot.com/

Goatsbeard Farm
Ken & Jennifer Muno
11351 Callahan Creek Rd
Harrisburg, MO 65256
(573) 875-0706
kjmuno@tranquility.net
http://www.goatsbeardfarm.com/

Kenny Duzan
9255 E Turner Farm Rd
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 449-8116 or (573) 355-4843
kennyduzan@yahoo.com

Lowell Mohler
4054 Hwy 179
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 353-1444
meadowcreek2@aol.com

Missouri Legacy Beef
Mark Mahnken
31369 Hwy 129
Salisbury, MO 65281
(660) 788-3555
mcc@cvalley.net
http://www.missourilegacybeef.com/

Patchwork Farms
1108 Rangeline St
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 449-1336
timgibbons@morural.com
http://www.patchworkfamilyfarm.org/

Rasa Orchards
19510 Garr Rd
Lexington, MO 64067
(660) 259-2938
rasaorch@myturbonet.com

Sandy Nelson
761 Rodeo Rd
Camdenton, MO 65020
(573) 873-4038 or (573) 346-3346
boxturtleranch@sbcglobal.com

Sellmeyer Farms
Greg & Tammy Sellmeyer
7208 State Rd C
Fulton, MO 65251
(573) 642-1376
gsellmeyer@ktis.net

Show Me Farms
Don Mayse
7750 E Hwy AB
Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 449-4250
sales@showmefarms.com

Veggie Patch
Jim & Paula Thies
County Rd 239Glasgow, MO 65254
(660) 338-2471
jimthies@socket.net

Peter’s Market
1 1/2 miles east on U.S. 65
Waverly, MO
660-493-2368
petersmkt@hotmail.com
http://www.petersmkt.com/

Mother Earth Market
Waverly, Mo
660-493-2615

Washington County Market Podcast

2009-09-04T13:18:00.003-05:00

The Washington County Farmers' Markets, located in Potosi, offers the community a wide array on fun while shopping at the market and some wonderful home-grown goodness.

I've visited this market a couple of times and have always appreciated the community support of the market and the knowledgeable vendors at the market.

Julie Harker with Brownfield made a recent market stop and talked to a few of the vendors about growing a garden for market and what makes this market so special.

Market Trip to the Southwest

2009-08-27T16:12:00.003-05:00

Our Marketing Specialist Tony Anderson has been busy this summer visiting markets acorss the state, learning from our market masters and vendors. Here is a recap from a trip to southwest Missouri:

On Wednesday, July 29 I attended three markets in southwest Missouri. First I headed down to Aurora, 30 miles south of Springfield on Hwy 60. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the Aurora Local Farmers’ Market and the Open Farmers Market of Aurora both set up in Oak Park. On that Wednesday, both markets had approximately 12 vendors each, with a full array of summer fruits and vegetables.

I spent time talking with Deb Lane, who is a long-time vendor of both markets. She was also the founder of the Open Farmers Market. She gave me some of the history of the farmers’ markets and also spoke about some of their future plans. However, what was most fascinating was talking with Deb about her jams and jellies. I think she can make a jam out of anything. By checking out her booth, you can see what I mean. She has the usual fruit jams and jellies, but she also has coffee jelly, soft drink jellies like Coke and Mountain Dew, black walnut jelly, and spiced pickled watermelon rind jelly. This only scratches the surface; she said she can get 4 different products out of one batch of peaches, by using the skins, fruit, and pits. I was just wondering, if she made jam out of Colgate, could I kill two birds in the morning by eating it on my toast? Never mind.

I also spent time talking with Steve Madewell of Madewell Meats. In addition to his usual trailer of meats, he also had a trailer full of watermelons, cantaloupe, corn and peaches. While we were talking, Steve gave me a peach to eat. I told him he was a great salesman, because before I left I had to buy a whole bag of those peaches. (As a side note, I think I’m getting close to eating my body weight in peaches this season, but I’m not complaining they have all been wonderful.)

After leaving Aurora, I headed back north to the Fair Grove Farmers Market. Fair Grove is 15 minutes north of Springfield on Hwy 65. The Fair Grove market only meets on Wednesdays from 3:30-7:00. This year is their 10th anniversary. Fair Grove is a lively market with twice as many vendors as they have room for under their pavilion. Fair Grove also won the 2009 Market of the Year award for “Best Event” with their Growing Kids Club. In addition to those activities they were also having a corn roast fundraiser.

I spent some time talking with market managers Jim Gulick of the Berry Patch and Deb Van Benthusen of Deb’s Gourds. After that I grabbed some blackberries from Pate’s orchard, to wash down the peaches, and headed back to Jefferson City. Another great day visiting markets around Missouri.

Cabool Farmers' Market

2009-08-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Cabool Farmers' Market opened for business for the first time on April 15 and since opening day has made a big splash in the area. The market, held at gateway park on Main Street offers consumers a large selection of locally grown produce, baked goods, soaps and many more items to choose from.

The celebrate the success of the market the vendors are inviting consumers to a taste of the season's finest locally grown foods for a Customer Appreciate Day on August 12 from 12:30 to 5:30 pm. Vendors will provide food prepared from local foods, recipe cards, drawings and many other activities for consumers to take part in.

National Farmers' Market Week- August 2-8

2009-08-06T09:38:00.001-05:00

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today encouraged consumers to visit their local farmers markets in honor of National Farmers Market Week, which will take place from August 2-8.

Currently, nearly 4,900 farmers markets operate nationwide, up from 4,685 in 2008. To make it easier for consumers to locate farmers markets in their states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service posts The National Directory of Farmers Markets online at www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets.

USDA is a leader in government efforts to encourage healthier eating, has operated a farmers market at its Washington, D.C., headquarters since 1996. Open to the general public every Friday, June through October, as many as 14 farmer-vendors set up stands that feature their locally produced items.

USDA supports farmers markets through several programs in addition to National Farmers Market Week. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) awards grants, provides technical assistance, and helps with marketing and promotion. Meanwhile, the Food and Nutrition Service also supports farmers markets through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program by providing coupons that many low-income Americans can exchange for eligible foods at farmers markets and similar outlets.

Markets Visits to Northern Missouri

2009-07-31T08:40:00.002-05:00

Saturday July 18th intern, Jana Haley, made her way up to northwestern Missouri to visit the Chillicothe and Brookfield Farmers’ Markets.

While visiting the Chillicothe Farmers’ Market, Jana saw loads of different produce including corn, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, beets, zucchini, squash and onions. The market also included several different baked goods - for instance, there were pies, cookies and a variety of different types of breads. The market is home to more than 12 local growers that strive to bring their local community the best in local foods.

Jana spoke with Chillicothe market master Beth Weidner about the history of the market. Beth told her that the market has been in Chillicothe for 23 years and stated that she has participated in the market for 21 of those years. Beth was even able to bring out a scrapbook with newspaper articles and pictures from the first year the market opened. Beth also mentioned that in past years there has not been very much market advertising but this year they have began writing articles about a different vendor every week and submitting them to the local newspaper. Beth believes the community “is now connected to the market even more because they are beginning to personally know the vendors.”

The Chillicothe Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from May until October at 8am until sellout, located downtown in the courthouse square.

Jana’s other visit was to the Brookfield Famers’ Market. This market is open from May until October from 8am until 12pm, located in Torney Park off of Main St in Brookfield, MO. Jana said the Brookfield Farmers’ Market was a wonderful place to spend her afternoon, as the market is located in a beautiful park setting.

This market has about 12 vendors, but the market master Fran Graff told Jana that the number of vendors varies week to week. She said sometimes there is double that amount. The vendors were selling all sorts of products from jalapeño jellies, to dip packages you mix into sour cream, and of course local produce. The market also had a couple vendors selling crafts of all sorts.

Both farmers’ markets are great places to visit and both markets have a very diverse set of products they sell to fit any shoppers needs.

Missouri State Fair Will Bring Local Produce from the Farm to the Fork

2009-07-20T09:20:00.002-05:00

Fairgoers can acquire a taste for Missouri as Master Chefs turn local foods into delicious dishes during the Missouri State Fair’s Rural Lifestyles Showcase August 13 to 23 in Sedalia.

Lane McConnell, Missouri Department of Agriculture Marketing and Local Foods Program Manager, is especially excited about the 1st Annual Missouri Local Foods Cooking Demonstrations.

“Visitors will not only have the opportunity to learn about local foods and taste more than nine varieties of tomatoes,” McConnell said, “but they can watch and learn how to prepare fresh recipes on the new Local Foods Cooking Stage, sponsored by Sprint WL, in the Agriculture Building.”

“Chefs from around the state will conduct daily cooking demonstrations centered on using local foods and simple fresh ingredients,” McConnell said.

The cooking demonstrations will last about one hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day of the Fair. An online schedule will be available soon.

Returning to the Agriculture Building will be the Farmers’ Market where fairgoers can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, and ask industry experts questions about getting involved in this business.

“The Missouri State Fair Farmers’ Market will be a terrific family-stop for visitors to the fairgrounds this year,” McConnell stated. “Other new events will be kids’ activities and a mini farmers’ market every other day in the campground.”

State Master Gardeners will also be available to answer lawn and garden questions and provide consumer information on growing small to large gardens.

The Agriculture Building, supervised during the Fair by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is embracing the new Rural Lifestyles Showcase as a way to help the public incorporate agriculture-related experiences into daily living. The building is air conditioned and will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. August 13 to 22 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 23.

Additional topics available in the Showcase can be found online. Soon to be added to the site are building schedules and vendor lists.

The Showcase is included with Fair admission. A regular adult admission ticket is $8, senior is $6 and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. Regular adult tickets can be purchased in advance for a savings of $2 now through August 12 from Break Times, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Orscheln Farm and Homes across the state.

Break Times are also selling an Unlimited Daily Spin Deal ticket for $27, which is a combined offer of one day admission and one day unlimited carnival ride wristband. It is available now through August 23.

The State Fair will be “MOre Fun Than Ever!” with its new focus on country living and its dedication to affordable family entertainment. Visit the Web site for schedules and special promotions.

(Press release couresty of Missouri State Fair)

Farmers Market Coalition and USDA Launch ‘Markets Are Up!’ Campaign in Preparation

2009-07-16T09:33:00.002-05:00

In anticipation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 10th annual National Farmers Market Week (August 2-8, 2009), the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), in cooperation with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), announces Markets Are Up!, an educational and celebratory campaign to help farmers markets and farmers market associations nationwide communicate the vital role that such markets play in improving consumer health, local communities, and economies. As part of the Markets are Up! campaign, promotional tools such as ads, postcards, and templates for press releases and emails are now available on FMC’s website.

Elements of Markets Are Up! include:
• Print-ready images for advertisements, posters, mailers and other collateral point of sale material that illustrate the positive health, community, and economic aspects of farmers markets
• Marketing materials featuring a “I Love Farmers Market” logo, including decals and bookmarks• Fact sheets and Frequently Asked Questions, including statistics, data, study results, and other information about farmers markets
• Glossary of Terms defining over 30 common labels found at farmers markets including “heirloom,” “grass-fed,” “free-range,” and “locally-grown”

Markets are Up! was developed in partnership with the USDA/AMS Marketing Services Division. Support was also provided by a variety of sponsoring businesses and organizations, including Ethix Merchandise and SQN Communications.

USDA/AMS currently estimates that there are approximately 4,800 farmers markets in operation in the U.S. The agency will release its updated tally of U.S. farmers markets for 2009 during National Farmers Market Week. USDA has officially celebrated the first full week of August as National Farmers Market Week since 2000, and in 2008, USDA designated National Farmers Market Week a permanent fixture on the USDA calendar.To access the Markets are Up! materials cited above visit the FMC site.

About USDA’s AMS ProgramThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers programs that facilitate the efficient, fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products, including food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS has about 5,500 employees located throughout the United States. For more information about AMS’s farmers market and direct food marketing activities, please visit the AMS Marketing Services Division’s home page.

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to strengthening farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. Through education, networking, and advocacy, FMC builds leadership and capacity for farmers markets and the organizations that support them.

Download the Markets Are Up! press release here.

Fair Grove Farmers' Market for the Locals

2009-07-15T09:25:00.001-05:00

The Fair Grove Farmers’ Market has provided the local community fresh, local foods for more than 10 years. The market offers visitors not only local foods but activities for children, such as a Growing with Kids Club, where local Master Gardeners teach children about growing different plants each week.

Find out more about the Fair Grove Farmers’ Market and it’s vendors.

MDA Growing Together Community Garden

2009-07-13T09:13:00.007-05:00

First Lady, Director of Agriculture Proclaim July as Local Foods Month and Presents the Department of Agriculture’s Growing Together Garden

Friday, First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon and Missouri Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Growing Together Garden and proclaimed July as Local Foods Month. The community garden, located and maintained at the Department of Agriculture, is the first garden of its kinds on the grounds at the Agriculture Department and serves as a showcase of Missouri’s agricultural products.

“Community gardens are popping up in many cities across the U.S. especially in urban areas. These gardens are a reminder of where our food comes from, improve neighborhoods and provide access to fresh produce for communities,” said First Lady Nixon. “Community gardens develop teamwork, encourage healthy initiatives providing physical and social benefits to employees as well as aesthetically improve the grounds.”

Produce from the garden was donated to the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City. Other picked produce has been given back to Department of Agriculture employees for a donation to the Department’s Activities and Recreation Committee.

Community gardens provide health benefits as well as economic, social, cultural and educational opportunities. These gardens also promote environmental awareness and provide community education. Many community gardens sell their produce at local farmers’ markets. The Growing Together Garden features tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini, green beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, okra, pumpkins, raspberries, fruit trees and a wide variety of flowers and herbs including parsley, dill, oregano, chives, basil, sage and thyme.

“Our Growing Together Garden has given Department employees a chance to work together while also benefiting from fresh, local produce and giving back to our community,” said Dr. Jon Hagler. “We thank First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon for her commitment to locally grown foods and agriculture.”

During the ceremony, garden sponsors were recognized for their commitment to the garden including Morgan County Seeds, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Central Missouri Master Gardeners, Signature Homes, Lowell Mohler, Schnieders Brothers Excavating, Brian Fleischmann, Stark Bros Nursery, Foster Brothers and Schaeperkoetter Sales. Other event sponsors included Chez Monet Bakery Café and Kenny Anderson.

For more information regarding community gardens, farmers’ markets or the Growing Together Garden, visit mda.mo.gov.

View a slideshow of photos from the event here.

(PHOTO: First Lady Georganne Wheeler Nixon and Missouri Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler pictured above.)

Share Market News With Us

2009-07-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

Brownfield Ag News is blogging about our Missouri Farmers' Markets! Brownfield Farm Broadcaster Julie Harker is traveling to market around the state filming video podcasts for the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Farmers' Market Program.

View all past audio and video podcasts here.

Does your market have news to share? Email Lane at Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.

Department of Agriculture Offers Specialty Crop Growers Funds

2009-07-07T08:13:00.003-05:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking grant applications from organizations or groups of individuals interested in enhancing the competitiveness of the state's specialty crop industry. Grant applications are due on July 31, 2009.

Applications will be considered on a competitive basis. Selected applications will be included in the Missouri specialty crop state plan and reviewed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture. Some examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops are research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, food safety and security, plant health, education, "buy local" programs, addressing environmental concerns and developing cooperatives.

In 2009, 15 projects were awarded. Those projects varied from promoting farmers’ markets statewide, to establishing local community gardens and after school-garden clubs, to researching the performance of seedless watermelons and establishing a voluntary online registry to help producers of pesticide-sensitive crops alert applicators to the crop’s location.

An application packet and program details for the specialty crop grant are available at mda.mo.gov or by contacting Tony Anderson at (573) 751-2969.

(PHOTO: Greater Polk County Farmers' Market in Bolivar.)

Missouri’s Premier Agriculture Expo Offers New Appeal

2009-07-06T10:26:00.003-05:00

The best in livestock, crops and farm machinery will be showcased at the annual Missouri State Fair August 13 to 23 in Sedalia along with a new focus that is expected to broaden the appeal of this premier agriculture expo making it a meaningful event for even more Missourians.

The message “Rural Lifestyles Showcase, country living is not just for farmers anymore!” is being promoted by the Fair this year in an effort to tap an audience of people seeking to incorporate more rural experiences into daily living.

Fair Director Mark Wolfe said, “Recent findings on market trends confirmed that the Fair could be more effective by expounding on demonstrations that offer how-to information on topics that visitors can take home and apply.”

In 2006, there were over 27 million households in America that participated in some form of rural lifestyle, according to a study conducted by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, and that number continues to grow.

“Building superintendents along with other partners that spearhead exhibits were asked to cooperate in the new focus, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Wolfe said.

Visitors to the Fair this year can expect to see a mix of unfailing traditional displays along side new and relevant exhibits.

First-time demonstrations in the Home Economics Building that Wolfe believes will be well received are classes titled Sensible Living Tips, Ultimate Couponing, Living a Frugal Lifestyle and On-line Shopping. Educator will be Alicia Myers who has been featured several times on her hometown news station KY 3 television in Springfield, Mo. Typically, Myers charges for these services, but will be providing free crash courses to this year’s fairgoers.

The Agriculture Building, overseen during the Fair by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, will offer a stage sponsored by Sprint WL this year to accommodate new demonstrations that also conform to the Rural Lifestyles Showcase agenda. Among the stage presenters will be Master Chefs from across the state preparing delicious meals using foods found at Farmers’ Markets.

“The Farmers’ Market in the Agriculture Building was a huge success last year and will be back again,” Wolfe said. “The new cooking shows from regional chefs this year will provide fairgoers with tips that they can take home and apply in their own kitchens.”

Additional topics in the expo will include art instruction from professionals in pottery, photography and sculpture, as well as tips from experts in landscaping, gardening and going green.

A complete list of subjects available in the Showcase is on the Fair’s Website to help visitors explore the expo in advance. Valuable features soon to be added to the site include building schedules and vendor lists that can be printed or picked up at information booths during the 11-day event.

The Showcase is included with Fair admission. A regular adult admission ticket is $8, senior is $6 and children 12 and under are free. Parking is also free. Regular adult tickets can be purchased in advance for a savings of $2 now through August 12 from Break Times, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Orscheln Farm and Homes across the state.

Break Times are also selling an Unlimited Daily Spin Deal ticket for $27, which is a combined offer of one day admission and one day unlimited carnival ride wristband. It is available now through August 23.

The State Fair is the largest expo in Missouri situated on 396 acres and home to 15 buildings, of which most are air conditioned and handicap accessible. Approximately 320,000 people visit annually.

Farmington Farmers’ Market Has Something for All

2009-07-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

The Farmington Farmers’ Market serves not only the city of Farmington, but consumers from a 20 mile radius. The market is open Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., May – October and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., April 11 – October.

Hear from some of the expert market vendors on topics such as composting and organic agriculture on this episode of the Missouri Farmers’ Market Podcast Series.

Taste of the Market “Appeteazer”

2009-06-29T09:38:00.001-05:00

Join the Columbia Farmers’ Market on Friday, July 10 at 6:00 PM for the "Taste of the Market Appeteazer" at the PS Gallery. Local chefs will prepare culinary treats from local foods just for you. Be sure an mark your calendars for the Taste of the Market Event, Saturday, August 1.

RSVP by July 8 to 573-823-FOOD. For more information go to the Columbia Farmers’ Market webpage.

Farmers’ Markets Accepting EBT

2009-06-26T10:08:00.001-05:00

Several Farmers’ Markets around the state of Missouri are now equipped with EBT Machines. The EBT Machines are making it more accessible for Food Stamp recipients to purchase fresh and affordable locally grown fruits and vegetables.

The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholder must take the card to the market information table or look for vendors that have signs that read: We take EBT here. When the consumer goes to the information table the market master or another person in charge will ask them how much they want to spend. Their card will then be swiped and they will receive tokens for the amount they charged. Each token normally will represent either $1 or $5.

If tokens are used at the farmers market the vendors will need to meet with the market master at the end of the market day to turn in their tokens. Usually the vendors will receive a check the next week for the amount they sold to EBT users.

EBT cards/tokens can be spent on any food item except hot and prepared foods. It can also be spent on edible plants like herbs or plants that produce food like tomatoes.

The government does not allow the vendors to give change for EBT tokens. If a purchase requires change, the customer can pay the whole dollars in tokens and the change in cash or they can pay the full amount in tokens and give up the change.

Recently a television station located in Springfield, MO covered a story about EBT cards being accepted at the Fair Grove Farmers Market. To read the article, go to KY3’s website.

Missouri Local Foods Cooking Demonstration

2009-06-25T10:46:00.002-05:00

Looking to highlight your superb culinary skills? Want to show off your kitchen handy-work or maybe even your special homemade product? Well here’s your chance!

The Missouri Department of Agriculture Farmers’ Market Program presents the 1st annual Missouri Local Foods Cooking Demonstration at the 2009 Missouri State Fair August 13th-23rd. Chefs from across the state will be demonstrating their cooking skills using foods from local vendors.

Each chef will have a cook top with two burners, refrigeration services and a grill top. These demonstrations will last about one hour between 10 AM and 4 PM each day of the fair in the Missouri Agriculture Building. Also located in the Agriculture Building will be a farmers’ market featuring local foods as well as the AgriMissouri Market which will sell Missouri made products!

Interested in showcasing your skills? Call Cassie St.Onge at 573-522-9245 or via email Cassandra.St.Onge@mda.mo.gov.

From Farm to Fork - Why you should be eating local!

2009-06-24T14:02:00.001-05:00

Advocates of “buy local” programs often emphasize its positive effects on the local economy by “planting your dollars at home.” Just as important as its economical benefits are its health benefit!

Buying local foods, such as items from your hometown farmers’ market, can have a huge payback on the health of you and your family. Research has shown that the average household dinner consists of foods that have been shipped over 1,500 miles! What does this mean for your family? Foods that have been transported long distances are often full of preservatives to increase the shelf life of the item while decreasing its nutritional value.

When shopping at a local farmers’ market for dinner items you’ll know that your produce was vine ripened, and usually picked less than 24 hours ago, giving it great taste and long term health benefits! Buying local also allows for you to add variety to your meal with produce that is not often found in large grocery stores such as heirloom tomatoes or other unique items. Fruits and vegetables purchased from a local vendor gives you the opportunity to ask key questions about where you food came from and how it was raised.

Knowledge really is power when it comes to your family’s dinner menu. Understanding the who’s and how’s of your food production gives you the ability to make healthy decisions for the people around you!

Farmers’ Market GPS Coordinates

2009-06-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has been working very hard to update their website. A new addition to the website will be a page with GPS coordinates to each farmers’ market across the state. The GPS coordinates will show the exact location of the all the markets in the state making it easier for consumers to locate their nearest farmers’ market. The Department of Agriculture hopes this online map will increase awareness for Missouri farmers’ markets.

Intern Jana Haley has been compiling and updating all of the market information. If you know the physical address of a market in your area and would like to help, please send your information to jana.haley@mda.mo.gov.

Ellisville Farmers’ Market Opens

2009-06-22T11:11:00.001-05:00

On Thursday June 11th, intern Jana Haley visited the Ellisville Farmers’ Market, located on the outskirts of St. Louis. The market is located in the Fountain Plaza in the side parking lot of Straubs, a local grocery store. The market is open every Thursday from 4pm-7pm during the months of May-September.

This is the first year for the Ellisville Farmers’ Market and they are doing extremely well. The market has about twenty vendors each week. The vendors provide a diverse set of products including fresh produce, buffalo meat, fresh breads, wine, bedding plants, jewelry, and much more. While at the market I immediately noticed how popular it was especially because it was only the third week the market has been open. The city of Ellisville and Straubs have both been really supportive of the market.

Ellisville Farmers’ Market is mainly sponsored by Straubs. The grocery store is helping advertise the market with their weekly store advertisements. The store not only provides a place for the market but also all of the pop-up tents, the tables, and the table cloths. When I asked the market manager, Gretchen Morfogen, about the partnership she told me that surprisingly the store’s sales have increased some during the market. She also said that the amount of produce bought dips a little when the market is going on but all the other products in the store have seen a slight increase in sales. Gretchen believes people come out to the market and then decide to go ahead and finish their grocery shopping on the same night.

The farmers’ market in Ellisville is doing a wonderful job of attracting consumers to come for a visit. Each week the market includes cooking demonstrations by Chef Cary McDowell. There is also a children’s market that includes fun activities, snacks, and even educational information about where their food comes from.

The Ellisville Farmers’ Market is very exciting place to shop. To learn more about the market visit their website.

USDA Releases Survey of Farmers Markets

2009-06-22T11:01:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the publication of the USDA National Farmers Market Survey, 2006. This report of a survey conducted by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) in 2006, in partnership with Michigan State University, draws a comprehensive picture of farmers markets in the United States in 2005, the year surveyed.

The report presents data from seven U.S. regions. It looks at such information as the number of vendors, the number of customers, the age of the market, the types of goods sold, and the way those goods were labeled, and analyzes the factors that contributed to the success of the markets. The survey also questioned market managers about the assistance they need; the most common request was for help with advertising and publicity.

Average sales at farmers markets in 2005 totaled about $245,000; average annual sales per vendor totaled $7,108. Marketing opportunities at farmers markets were sufficiently favorable in 2005 that, on average, 25 percent of vendors from surveyed farmers markets relied on these markets as their sole source of farm-based income.

With the help of such USDA programs as the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, farmers markets also provide low-income people with increased access to fresh foods. Fifty-nine percent of surveyed managers indicate their market accepted WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, amounting to $17,696 in annual revenue in 2005. Forty-four percent of surveyed managers report their market accepted Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, amounting to an additional $15,654 in average annual revenue in 2005.

The USDA National Farmers Market Survey 2006 is available online at or in print form on request from Shannon Ford, Marketing Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, Room 2646-South, STOP 0269, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250; by phone at 202/720-8317; fax at 202/690-0031; or e-mail to Shannon.Ford@usda.gov.

A Buzz-Worthy Meal

2009-06-18T10:12:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of Sauce Magazine
Here’s an interesting fact: Pollinators like bees make one out of every three bites of food we eat. No wonder they always look so busy! To raise awareness of the importance of pollination in the whole food cycle, next week is National Pollinator Week at the Saint Louis Zoo. Foodies will bee (sorry, couldn’t resist) most interested a pollinator dinner on Tuesday, where many of the foods pollinators help provide will be on the menu. Before dinner, sip mead (honey wine) and honey beer at the cash bar and enjoy a honey tasting.

After dinner, hear a presentation on pollinators by Ed Spevak, the zoo's curator of the insects. In between there’s a buffet that includes seasonal fruit and salads, trout almandine with lemon and fried capers, roast pork loin, grilled herbed chicken with honey mustard glaze, and a host of vegetables and desserts – honey bee vanilla ice cream anyone?

Sauce pick: Pollinator Dinner
Where to get it: Tue., June 23 – 6 to 9 p.m., Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive, St. Louis
Price: $29.95 for adults, $20 for children 12-and-under. All proceeds benefit the zoo.
Info: For reservations, call 314.646.4857.

Free Promotion for Market Vendors

2009-06-17T11:19:00.001-05:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is looking to source local fresh products throughout the Missouri State Fair, August 13-23, at the on-site farmers’ market stand in the Agriculture Building.

We are beginning to place orders with producers for products such as tomatoes (all varieties), melons, cucumbers, peppers, onions, sweet corn, potatoes, herbs, squash, zucchini, berries, green beans and much more!

In addition to produce, the market will feature meat and eggs as well. If you are interested in featuring your product at the Missouri State Fair Farmers’ Market, please contact Tony Anderson, MDA Marketing Specialist at 573-751-2969 or via email at Tony.Anderson@mda.mo.gov.

All products will be displayed with the producer/farm name, contact info and website. The MDA also provides a complete brochure listing to consumers of the locally sourced products at the fair and teaches consumers how to buy local in Missouri.

Wilson's Creek Farmers' Market Offers Up Fun for All

2009-06-15T14:39:00.002-05:00

The Wilson's Creek Farmers' Market has a full line-up of fun for all ages this season...find more on the market blog.

JUNE 19TH IS KIDS DAY AT THE WILSON'S CREEK FARMERS MARKET!
Friday June 19th is Summer Vacation time at the Wilson's Creek Farmers Market. We have planned a variety of activities for kids of all ages for our first annual Kid's Day! The Wilson's Creek Farmers Market is every Friday from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the Battlefield City Park (5434 S. Tower Drive). For more information, call 881-4138 or 224-0325.

FREE BALLOONS FOR KIDS 5:30 - 7:00 PM!
Balloon Artist Linda Spencer will be creating balloon critters of all shapes and sizes!

4-H IS SO MUCH MORE at 6PM!
Explore 4-H with Velynda Cameron, Greene County 4-H Specialist from the University of Missouri Extension! 4-H offers children 5-18 and their families more than 50 project areas that use hands-on learning experiences to teach life skills such as cooperation, problem solving and decision making.

CLOGGING + IRISH DANCE at 6:30 PM!
Performance by Pat's Clogging Studios and Celtic Fire Irish Dance Company. Learn about clogging and Irish dance!

GIRL SCOUTS
Learn about the Girl Scouts and join a local troupe!

For more information about the Wilson Creek Farmers' Market contact Shannon McKaig-Buffington via email shannon@jabuffington.com

Farmers' Markets Bloom at Hospitals

2009-06-09T20:30:00.000-05:00

Some hospitals around the country have gone on a diet: Deep fryers have gone cold, trans fats have been banished, and the glow of the golden arches (and other fast food symbols) have dimmed as leases have quietly gone unrenewed.

Instead, these hospitals are offering an alternative food source: farmers markets.

Read the full story here.

What’s Cooking in Columbia

2009-06-05T10:16:00.000-05:00

Check out What’s Cooking in Columbia (information provided by Columbia Farmers’ Market news release)

While it is still early in the season, much is happening at the Columbia Farmers' Market located in the parking lot of the ARC at the corner of West Ash Street and Clinkscales Road.

Now available during Wednesday’s market are cheeses from Goatsbeard Farm and fresh grilled burgers from Missouri Legacy Beef. Always a favorite, it is great to be able to purchase the award winning goat cheeses at market during the week. The fresh grilled burgers are terrific for a quick dinner or take home a bunch for a late night snack. Missouri Legacy Beef is easy to find, just follow that heavenly grill aroma!

The Columbia Farmers' Market is proud to sponsor the second annual Made to Order Omelet Fundraiser for the Culinary Arts Department of the Columbia Area Career Center. All proceeds to benefit the Culinary Arts Department's two state winning students who will compete at the National SkillsUSA competition. The Made to Order Omelet event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 starting at 8 am. Eggs and other ingredients will be sourced from Columbia Farmers' Market vendors.

Monday’s and Wednesday’s market is now open 4 pm to 6 pm. Saturday’s market is open 8 am to noon with live performances from 9 am to 11 am. The Columbia Farmers' Market has received many awards from the AgriMissouri and the Missouri Farmers' Market Association, such as Best Marketing Idea, Best Motto - 2008 and the Market of the Year in 2004.

For more information about the happenings and vendors of the Columbia Farmers' Market please call the market office at 573-823-6889.

Market Workshop on Rapid Market Assessments

2009-06-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

Kansas Rural Center is hosting a workshop on June 9th in Lawrence focused on OSU's Rapid Market Assessments. With assistance from an Farmers’’ Market Promotional Program grant and support from FMC, we're bringing in Dru Montri from the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

This is a great training opportunity for our market masters. Find more online at the Kansas Farmers’ Market blog.

Wellness Wednesdays: Another Healthy Alternative at City Market

2009-06-03T11:46:00.001-05:00

Shoppers who find themselves in need of additional produce come mid-week or are somewhat intimidated by the City Market’s crowds on Saturdays and Sundays, have another healthy alternative with the Wednesday Farmers’ Market. Access to healthy, locally grown produce has never been easier! Every Wednesday, shoppers can find:

· Fresh, locally grown produce from nearby farms
· SNAP/EBT/VISON cards and WIC vouchers accepted with participating farmers
· Fast, convenient lunch options for budget conscious shoppers
· Easy access, take the MAX or ATA Bus line
· Free Parking

The first Wednesday of each month through October, the Wednesday Market features an expanded Wellness Wednesday component from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. In addition to the weekly farmers’ market, shoppers will benefit from:

· Valuable health & wellness screenings for adults & children, including blood pressure, blood sugar screens and body mass index measurements
· Useful information from area community health organizations
· Every month, the first 100 shoppers at Wellness Wednesdays will receive a free reusable shopping bag

Take that first step toward improving your health and the health of your family. Stop by the City Market for Wellness Wednesdays. (Press release courtesy of the City Market.)

Newman Farm Agri-Culinary Tour

2009-06-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, June 13th, Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork will be hosting the annual Newman Farm University Agri-Culinary Tour, an open house tour and a Gate-to-Plate dinner featuring swine and wine.

Experience a one-day Agri-Culinary tour of Newman Farm in the scenic Ozarks of Southern Missouri, where modern farming techniques meet traditional production methods. Newman Farms’ “University” will give you insight into the uniqueness of Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork, by allowing you to experience first hand why the farm is different.

A meat cutting demonstration will be conducted and the experience culminates in a "Gate-to-Plate" dinner featuring Berkshire pork from Newman Farm. The sessions welcome and encourage open discussion among food lovers and chefs about what they think a quality pork product should be.

For more information about attending the event or to interview representatives from Newman Farm or HFAC, please contact me at 646-277-7110 or katrina@gita-group.com.

View the list of chefs attending.

Webb City Celebrates 10 Years

2009-05-29T13:42:00.002-05:00

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler visited the Webb City Farmers’ Market recently to congratulate them on receiving the 2009 Market of the Year award and to discuss the importance of local foods and farmers’ markets to the state. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 10th year and recently expanded and improved its market facility.

Local Producer Loan Program

2009-05-27T16:21:00.001-05:00

Natural and organic food retailer, Whole Foods Market, announced that its Local Producer Loan Program has provided producers, including grass-fed cattle ranchers and a heritage turkey grower, with $2.5 million in low-interest loans.

Whole Foods launched the program in 2007 with a commitment to fund up to $10 million in low-interest loans. Since then, nearly 50 loans ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 have been made. Loan recipients must meet Whole Foods' quality standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. The company continues to accept applications.

Read more online.

New Summer Interns

2009-05-26T11:17:00.005-05:00

We have a couple new faces at the Missouri Dept of Agriculture that you may be receiving a phone call, email or market visit from over the summer. Cassie St. Onge and Jana Haley are our new summer interns that are focusing on farmers’ markets, specialty crops, agritourism and local food projects.

Cassandra St.Onge is a Marketing Specialist Intern at the MDA. She’s a college student at Truman State University, majoring in Nursing. Cassie is looking forward to spending her summer promoting healthy foods from Missouri’s farmers markets and locally made products.

Jana Haley is also a Marketing Specialist Intern for the MDA. She is attending the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she is a sophomore majoring in Agriculture Education. Jana was raised on a family farm in Eldon. She believe that supporting local producers is important to Missouri’s agriculture industry and looks forward in visiting markets and farms over the summer.

Please help me welcome our new summer interns!

St. Louis Gateway Greening

2009-05-21T13:59:00.005-05:00

I got a chance this Tuesday to go to St. Louis and meet Mara Higdon and Annie Mayrose for a tour of Gateway Greening. Gateway Greening is a community garden organization which promotes urban neighborhood vitality and stability, healthy living and quality of life through community food projects, education and wellness programs, and civic greening. They are working with aproximately 180 gardens, in addition to dozens of schools in St. Louis to improve the appearance of neighborhoods, inspire and educate gardeners.

They also started City Seeds, an urban farming project, whose mission is to foster self-sufficiency in addicted and chronically mentally ill homeless; increase production and distribution of locally grown fresh food for low-income residents, and provide nutrition and food preparation/preservation programs. Much of the produce is sold at Tower Grove Farmers' Market, North City Farmers' Market, and Maplewood Farmers' Market.

Go to their website to find out more, get involved, and volunteer.

Economic Development and Grant Writing Workshop

2009-05-19T07:53:00.002-05:00

Last Friday I went to St. Louis for a workshop hosted by Senator Claire McCaskill. The morning sessions were presentations by various agency regarding various grant opportunities. Federal Agencies such as HUD, USDA, and the EPA, as well as Missouri DNR, DHSS and Economic Development. There were also presentations on small business resources and opportunities from the Small Business Administration and the US Department of Commerce. In the afternoon there was a training session for grant research and writing. One of the main things that I took away from the day was the number of free resources available to small businesses. Great opportunities for business planning and guidance through programs such as SCORE and the Small Business Development Centers. Check it out and give them a call.

NRCS Financial Assistance Supports Organic Growers

2009-05-12T18:12:00.002-05:00

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has $1.5 million to help Missouri farmers produce organic products. State Conservationist Roger Hansen says landowners may apply until May 29 for the funds available through NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

The $1.5 million available in Missouri is part of a $50 million nationwide initiative to provide financial assistance to National Organic Program (NOP) certified organic producers as well as producers in the process of transitioning to organic production. Organic producers also may apply for assistance under general EQIP.

EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install structural conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation.

EQIP may pay for up to 75 percent of the costs associated with installing eligible practices. For those qualifying as beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, or socially disadvantaged farmers, EQIP funds are available for up to 90 percent of installation costs. Payments for organic operations may not exceed $20,000 per year, or $80,000 during any six-year period.
To apply for EQIP or to get more information about EQIP and other NRCS programs, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under “U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture,” or access this website: http://offices.usda.gov/. You can also get information about NRCS programs online at http://www.mo.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.

America's Favorite Farmers Markets

2009-05-07T13:01:00.005-05:00

This summer American Farmland Trust is supporting farmers markets across the nation with a national farmers market contest to promote farmers markets in your community and beyond. This is part of our national campaign to help spread the No Farms No Food message and promote sustainable local farms and food across the country.

We want to send a message to food shoppers everywhere that food decisions are important, and as consumers we can support healthy food, healthy farms and healthy communities just by buying some of our food from the farmers market.

That is why we are launching a three-month campaign to ask Americans across the county to show support for their farmers market by voting in our America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest! The three top markets: one small, one medium, and one large, will win a free No Farms No Food tote bag giveaway for their market customers. Customers will be able to vote starting June 1st at http://www.blogger.com/www.farmland.org/vote <http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.farmland.org/vote> once farmers markets across the country have had the opportunity to opt-in to the contest. Customers will enter their zip code, which will pull up the farmers markets in their area. American Farmland Trust will be helping to promote the contest in your area and will be conducting outreach nationally.

Take two simple steps to make sure that your customers will be able to vote for your farmers market this summer!

1. Read more about the Vote for America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest. http://www.blogger.com/www.farmland.org/marketmanager <http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.farmland.org/marketmanager> .

2. Invite markets to sign-up to join the contest. Market managers can opt-in to the contest by clicking this URL shortcut: http://bit.ly/rgvQW <http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://mail.farmland.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://bit.ly/rgvQW>

Director of Agriculture Congratulates Webb City Farmers’ Market for Award on Opening Day

2009-05-06T14:02:00.002-05:00

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler recently visited the Webb City Farmers’ Market to congratulate them on receiving the 2009 Market of the Year award and to discuss the importance of local foods and farmers’ markets to the state. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 10th year and recently expanded and improved its facility.

“The Webb City Farmers’ Markets sets an unprecedented example of how to maintain a successful market. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is meeting the consumer’s demand of high quality locally grown foods in a diversified marketplace,” said Dr. Hagler. “Farmers’ markets allow consumers to see where their food comes from. In doing so, farmers’ markets help reduce the economic distance between producers and consumers – placing a high quality product on consumer’s tables and more dollars in the producer’s pockets. It is a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.”

Over the past twelve years, there has been a significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets across the state. In 1997 there were 53 markets. Today there are over 158 markets in Missouri with average sales of $1000 per day.

“The Department of Agriculture has placed an increased emphasis on sustainability, stewardship and local foods,” said Dr. Hagler. “Missouri’s farmers markets embody that emphasis by providing consumers locally grown products.”

The Webb City Farmers’ Market will be open for the 2009 season offering fresh, locally grown products on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. (May-Oct.) and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 noon (June-Sept.).

Looking for Sweet Corn Growers

2009-05-05T12:32:00.001-05:00

We've been asked to identify sweet corn growers that wodul be willing to sell to a retailer- at a good cost.

Charlie Benne is a fair vendor that we've worked with in the past and he is looking to buy local sweet corn all summer long- at a good price! He runs Good Time Charlie’s at the Missouri State Fair and operates a Corn Roaster and would like to use all local corn this year.

If you or any of your vendors at your markets would be interested in this opportunity please call Charlie at 660-473-0228

Brookside Market the Place to Go for Organics

2009-04-30T15:13:00.003-05:00

Looking for fresh, local organic produce this season? Look no further than the Farmers' Community Market at Brookside, in Kansas City.

All producers that sell items at this market have to be certified organic growers and local producers.

Briarcliff Farmers' Market

2009-04-29T14:40:00.001-05:00

Visit the Briarcliff Faremrs' Market this season for locally grown products and much more! Located in the parking lot between GreenAcres Market & Trezo Mare.

Outdoor Music & Movies, Grilled Buffalo Burgers at GreenAcres start at 5pm each week, all Shops Open till 8pm. Also come enjoy "health screenings" each Thursday at GreenAcres - check store for listing! Bring your whole family!

Sponsored by: Briarcliff Village and GreenAcres Market
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Date: Every Thursday beginning April 30, 2009 through October 29, 2009.
Location/Venue: Briarcliff Village
Street Address: 4175 Mulberry Dr.
City: Kansas City, MO
Zip Code: 64116
Cost: Free!

Web address: www.briarcliffvillagekc.com or www.greenacres.com

Phone Number for public: (GreenAcres Market) 816-746-0010 or (Briarcliff Village) 816-595-5820.

Tomato Grafting Workshop at Southwest Center

2009-04-27T15:47:00.002-05:00

Everyone's in a stir about tomato grafting, as I've received quite a few phone calls about the producer info about the techniques and who to call for advice. What a great time to have a workshop in southwest Missouri on grafting on tomatoes.

Tomato Grafting Workshop at Southwest Center
By Patrick Byers and Andrew Thomas

While many of us are aware of the benefits and necessity of grafting fruit and nut tree crops, vegetable grafting is not yet widespread or well-known in the US. The idea of grafting tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers, squash, and even watermelon seems far-fetched, but in reality is one of the most exciting and promising recent trends in horticulture. Vegetable grafting is relatively easy to learn and the benefits can be enormous. So that Missouri vegetable growers can keep up with and take advantage of this rapidly-developing technology, we are hosting a Tomato Grafting Workshop at the Southwest Center, Mt. Vernon, MO, on Wednesday, May 6, from 8:30 to 12:00 noon. The registration fee for the workshop is $8.00.

Several diseases can cause economic damage to commercial tomato producers in Missouri, and can also devastate home garden tomatoes. For commercial producers, tomato disease management is a significant production cost. In some cases pesticide inputs are used to manage disease problems; in other cases, there is no adequate pesticide solution for a disease. Additionally, certified organic tomato producers do not have the option to manage disease with pesticides. An important development for tomato growers was the release by breeders of hybrid cultivars with genetic resistance to a range of pathogens, including fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt, bacterial wilt, and nematodes. Diseases that severely limited production could now be managed by cultivar selection. More recently, however, breeders have taken this one big step further, by developing extremely vigorous, disease- and nematode-resistant rootstocks that are specifically selected for these characteristics rather than for fruit production, taste, or quality. By grafting desirable fruit-producing cultivars onto these new rootstocks, yields can be substantially increased while diseases and use of pesticides can be substantially reduced. In recent years interest has grown in the production of heirloom tomato cultivars that offer unusual and unique shapes, colors, and flavors. Unfortunately, these heirloom cultivars generally do not have the disease resistance that is found in “modern” cultivars, and losses to disease are often severe. Grafting weak, disease-susceptible cultivars such as heirlooms onto vigorous, disease-resistant rootstocks can sometimes make the difference between a bountiful crop or no crop at all.

Vegetable grafting is widely used in Asia, where 95% of many commercial vegetable crops are grafted. Korean scientists have even developed grafting robots that can graft hundreds of plants per hour. Vegetable grafting makes so much sense that it is rapidly gaining acceptance in other parts of the world, including the US. While the grafting process requires skill and adequate facilities, with training farmers can develop proficiency in the process, and research has demonstrated that a high rate of success can be expected with affordable facilities.

At the May 6 Tomato Grafting Workshop, Dr. Sanjun Gu, state extension vegetable crop specialist and experienced vegetable grafter from Lincoln University, will demonstrate techniques to workshop participants, who will then practice with heirloom tomatoes and tomato rootstocks. Each participant will be provided with supplies, tomato scions of several heirloom cultivars, and tomato rootstocks. A postoperative healing chamber will be available at the Southwest Center, and participants can pick up their healed plants a few days after the workshop, or take them home that day. In addition, plots of grafted heirloom tomatoes will be established this summer at the Southwest Center for observation.

Pre-registration is highly recommended, as we will limit the workshop to 40 participants. To register, contact MUExtension-Greene County, 833 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802 or telephone 417-862-9284. The registration fee is $8.00

Joplin is Starting a New Market

2009-04-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

The City of Joplin’s Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Farmers’ Market beginning in May, and is currently seeking vendors for this effort. The City is asking farmers who would like to sell whole uncut fruits and vegetable, and/or potted plants and fresh flowers at the Market to participate in this community project. There is a $50 registration fee for the season, which runs from May 21 through September 26.

Interested vendors will also need to have a City Business License. If they currently do not have one, they may contact the Finance Department at 624-0820, ext. 242, for licensing information. The City is asking that items for sale must be grown by the vendor. Other guidelines and vendor forms can be obtained through the Beth Peacock, at Joplin Memorial Hall at
623-3254 Monday through Friday.

The Farmer’s Market is scheduled to be held every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the north end of Memorial Hall parking lot, located at 7th & Joplin Street. The Market will also be held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the City Hall parking lot, located at 6th Street and Joplin.

Opening day for the Market will be Thursday, May 21 at the City Hall parking lot location. The Saturday morning market will begin on May 23.

Columbia Farmers' Market Video Podcast 1

2009-04-20T16:31:00.004-05:00

Farmers' markets around the state began upcoming up about three weeks ago - and shoppers couldn't wait for the fresh and local choices from local growers.

Throughout the season we will be filming at markets all over the state. Viewers will see the "inside" scoop on Missouri markets. The first video is from April 4 at the Columbia Farmers' Market.

Joplin Farmers Market

2009-04-16T13:41:00.001-05:00

The Joplin Farmers Market will be a new addition to the Discover Downtown Third Thursday events. It will be located behind City Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every third Thursday. It will also be held every Saturday morning from 7:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Hall parking lot. The Farmers Market will feature fresh fruit, veggies, potted and fresh cut plants. This is sponsored by Joplin Parks and Recreation. Call Beth Peacock 417-623-3254 for Vendor forms.

New Markets

2009-04-14T16:05:00.006-05:00

It's getting pretty exciting around Missouri. New markets are springing up everywhere. We have new farmers markets in Foristell, Battlefield, Moberly, Joplin, Warsaw, DeSoto, and Ellisville, just to name a few.

Check out the Farmers' Market Directory to find these and many others. The directory gives information for starting dates, days of the market, market times, location and contact information.

I know that I haven't listed all of the new markets, so please post comments about the other markets that are coming to your area. Also post comments about the great markets that already exist around you.

Missouri Farmers’ Market Video Series

2009-04-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

Throughout the season, you might find a video crew poking around your market, interviewing customers and vendors and purchasing some of the home-grown goodness from our specialty crop producers. Not to worry though- it’s just the Learfield Communications video crew that we’ve hired to film farmers’ market videos this season.

The videos will focus on the uniqueness of each market and give consumers an insight to a typical shopping day at the market. Videos will be posted right here on the blog.

If your market has a special event this season that you think would make for a good video, let myself or Tony know so we can try and get you on the video schedule.

On the Move!

2009-04-09T15:09:00.002-05:00

I’m getting pretty good at moving around. I’m still in the process of moving back to Missouri from Texas. Now after almost six weeks at the Department of Agriculture I’m moving offices. But more importantly, I have been moving around the state meeting with people interested in Farmers’ Markets and local food.

Last week I went to Ferguson to give a presentation for the Earthdance Organic Farming Apprenticeship program. The ‘Freshman Farmies’ and I discussed growing and selling at a farmers’ market. The group will be growing produce at the Historic Mueller Farm in Ferguson and selling it at the Ferguson and Maplewood Farmers’ Markets.

I also travelled to meet the market masters at Soulard Market and the Ellisville Farmers’ Market at Straub’s. Straub’s Fine Grocers will have farmers’ markets at both their Clayton and Ellisville stores this year. The Ellisville market will be new this year, but will have many of the producers from the successful Clayton Market. Soulard, on the other hand, is the oldest farmers’ market west of the Mississippi.

On Saturday I took my family to the Columbia Farmers’ Market and then went to their Spring Fling Round-up later that afternoon. My kids enjoyed the honey ice-cream from Walk-About Acres, even though it was pretty chilly. At the Spring Fling I attended a great presentation given by Dr. Kamyar Enshayan on the economic impact of local foods.

This week I had a booth at the School Food and Nutrition Directors Association Food Expo in St. Louis. I discussed local food opportunities and the ‘Farm to School’ program with several school districts from St. Louis to Columbia.

I’m getting ready to head to Moberly for a meeting tonight. Moberly has re-organized their Farmers’ Market with the help of Mainstreet Inc. They are having a vendors meeting tonight at the Randolph County Health Department building at 6pm.

I am planning many more visits and trips to farms and farmers' markets in the coming months.

At the AgriMissouri Social Media Training

2009-04-07T14:07:00.003-05:00

I'm in Mexico today at the AgriMissouri Social Media Training talking about Blogging 101. I'm doing a demo right now (seriously) for folks across the state.

Check back later on for more updates!

Pass the Plate

2009-04-03T13:24:00.002-05:00

Educating children on local foods is a new focus of the Disney Channel’s Pass the Plate, and what better audience to teach than our future youth.

My niece called me the other day to let me know that she watched a program on Disney about the importance of eating locally grown fruit and vegetables. She said the video she had seen on Disney focused on visiting your local farmers’ market and she knew I would be proud! (My niece and nephews often travel with me in southwest Missouri when I visit local farmers’ markets and agritourism operations.)

Tony, our new Marketing Specialist also brought up the Disney Channel this morning and how they were focusing on educating youth on where their food comes from.

Pass the Plate site is a great resources for local food producers. There are food facts, videos and kid friendly recipes that viewers can use to help market towards the younger generation.

Give it a look over today!

(PHOTO: 2008 Missouri State Fair Farmers' Market.)

Moberly Farmers' Market Meeting - April 9

2009-04-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

We are excited to announce the Moberly's Magic Farmers Market New Farmer & Vendor meeting to be held on Thursday, April 9th at 6 pm at the Randolph County Health Department Building on 423 Logan Street in Moberly, Missouri. The market is for local farmers and vendors in Randolph and adjoining counties (Boone, Howard, Chariton, Macon, Shelby, Monroe and Audrain). This will be a "B" style farmers market venue with fruits, nuts, herbs, berries, meats, vegetables, baked goods, some local crafts and value-added items being allowed. We will be looking for committed new farmers and vendors to support our local community throughout the growing season. The agenda will include a welcome from the new board, a health department overview, presentation of the rules and regulations, questions and answer sign-up forum, and light refreshments.

We have been re-organizing the market here in Moberly through the Mainstreet, Inc. and a newly appointed board of farmers and vendors. We just received approval from the Moberly City Council to develop the market in the Historic Depot Railroad Park in Downtown Moberly on Strugeon Street Monday, March 16th. The market has been set to open Thursday, May 7th from 3 pm to 7 pm. The market will close the last week of October.

To RSVP for the meeting, or if anyone has any questions please feel free to have them contact, Dan Nelson at 573-823-5452.

Purdue University Helps Organics

2009-03-31T10:20:00.002-05:00

A new Purdue University Web site helps livestock producers transition into the growing industry segment of organic products.

The Organic and Alternative Livestock Production Systems Web site also informs consumers about organic products and where to find them.

"This Web site is geared toward providing producers the information they need to get started in not only organic livestock production, but also grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and poultry, as well," Paul Ebner, a Purdue Extension animal sciences specialist and the Web site's coordinator, said in a statement. "Producers will learn what changes they will need to make to their existing practices to raise U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic livestock, the kinds of feed that are allowable under the USDA standard and how to properly process organic livestock."

Visitors to the Web site can download fact sheets, Extension publications, PowerPoint presentations and videos through the site's YouTube channel "PurdueOrganic," Ebner said. The Web site also has a weblog that provides daily news from around the world on organic and alternative livestock production. The ag census reported 20,437 farms with organic production in the United States, with total sales of $1.7 billion.

White House Garden

2009-03-30T14:00:00.005-05:00

A garden at the White House…now that’s what I like to hear! Not since Eleanor Roosevelt’s victory garden in World War II has there been a garden at the White House, according to the New York Times.

The organic garden will provide food for the first family’s meals and formal dinners, its most important role, Mrs. Obama said, will be to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern.

Read the entire New York Times article here.

Victory Gardens are popping up everyone across Missouri as well. I've received 7 calls just last week with folks that are interested in starting community gardens.

Welcome the New Marketing Specialist for the MDA

2009-03-27T14:46:00.003-05:00

It’s with much excitement that I introduce our blog readers to the newest addition to the Missouri Dept of Agriculture (MDA) team, working with our local food producers.

Tony Anderson is the new marketing specialist for the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Tony’s responsibilities for the MDA will include promotions and marketing in the areas of farmers’ markets, horticulture, and agritourism. Originally raised on farms in Owensville and Bland, he graduated from Owensville High School in 1991. Tony continued his education at Missouri State University before transferring to the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in Horticulture. He returned to school in 2003 to earn an MBA from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Much of his horticultural passion started as a child, both from growing up on the farm, as well as spending time with his grandparents in NW Arkansas. His grandfather maintained a 4-5 acre vegetable garden with another acre devoted to grape vineyard and apple orchard, while his grandmother developed an impressive ornamental garden and bearded-iris collection. Many of the iris and grapes are still there but Tony has recently helped his parents develop some of the remaining acreage into a small pumpkin farm.

Tony says his career has given him a varied range of horticultural experience that he hopes to draw from in his new position. He has spent time in garden center management, landscape design and installation, greenhouse plant sales and distribution, horticultural consulting and education. His employers have ranged from large companies, such as real estate developer Southern Land Company and Powell Plant Farms, on down to the experience of starting and owning a small business. In addition, he was an adjunct professor for the horticulture program at Richland College in Dallas, Texas.

Tony is very excited to be moving his family back to Missouri. His wife, Sarah, is also a graduate of Owensville High School and the University of Missouri physical therapy program. They also have three wonderful children; Sam, 9, Josie, 6, and Olivia, 3.

I hope you all help me welcome Tony to the blog-o-sphere!

Foristell Farmers Market Meeting- Apil 11

2009-03-19T16:58:00.001-05:00

The Foristell Farmers Market will be holding their first annual farmers market vendor’s meeting on Saturday, April 11th from 11:00 to 1:00 at Valley Farms, 1125 Dietrich Rd, Foristell, Missouri (Between Wright City and Wentzville). The market is for local (within 75 miles of Foristell) growers and producers. Fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, and value added items are allowed. We will be taking new applications and assigning booths for the 2009 market season. The agenda also includes; discussing and selecting day(s) and hours of operation, reviewing rules and regulations, lunch, and a hay ride tour of the facilities. Valley Farms has been a Fall destination location for 6 years and includes a mini-barn hay maze, fun farm animals, barrel train rides, concessions and live entertainment. We want to make this great venue available to the local farmers spring through fall.

To RSVP for the meeting or if you have any question, contact Zell Setzer, Market Manager, at 636-673-7777.

Directions: Take I-70 to Exit 203 (Foristell Exit). Go North on Hwy W for 1 Mile and take Left on Dietrich Rd. Follow Dietrich Road for 2 Miles. Valley Farms will be on your Left just over small bridge.

2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program

2009-03-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites proposals for the 2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant program. The Notice of Funds Available for the FMPP was published in the Federal Register on March 13, 2009. This is the fourth year of the FMPP grant program, which is authorized under the recently amended Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976.

AMS will award approximately $5 million in competitive funds for FMPP in Fiscal Year 2009. FMPP grants are available at levels not less than $2,500 and not more than $100,000; no matching funds are required. Proposal submitted for funding should be designed to assist in promoting, expanding, and improving domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Eligible entities for the 2009 FMPP grants include agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, non-profit organizations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities, and Tribal governments to consider developing proposals for this grant program. Eligible entities must be owned, operated, and located within one or more of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted to AMS and postmarked by April 27, 2009. For information on applying for FMPP grant funds, please visit our website: www.ams.usda.gov/fmpp .

Public Meeting to be Held March 16 in O'Fallon

2009-03-11T19:26:00.004-05:00

Markets around Missouri are gearing up for another season - and many first time markets are organizaing as well. I caught this headline story in my Google Alerts for the upcoming O'Fallon Farmers' Market that is getting started this year. All are invited to attend the event and provide input.

O’Fallon resident Wendy Glidden couldn’t fine the organic produce she wanted in her city. The environmental and nutritional impact of transporting food also troubled her.

“I started wondering why we, in O’Fallon, didn’t have a market,” Glidden said. “I was always driving into St. Louis County to go to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. It just seems unfortunate.”
Glidden, who works at a software company, decided to organize a farmers’ market that would offer locally grown produce.

A planning and informational meeting for farmers, crafters and people who care about locally grown food is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. March 16 in the multipurpose room in O’Fallon City Hall, 100 N. Main St. The meeting will begin with a presentation by Lane McConnell, marketing and local foods program manager for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, followed by an open house from 5:30-7 p.m.

Read entire story.

07 Census - A Starting Point

2009-03-03T08:18:00.002-06:00

At the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture we field a lot of media questions regarding the economic impact of direct marketing, specifically agritourism. Although, the MDA doesn’t at this time have specific data to answer this question, the AgriMissouri Program conducted an agritourism survey this fall to begin the research.

In a recent article I read from SimplyFarming.com the 2007 Ag Census does provide a starting point in collecting data that can be used to determine the economic impact of direct marketing.

According to Jane Eckert, Eckert AgriMarketing, the 2007 Ag Census results have just been released and we finally have some “real” numbers to share with our local economic development officers, tourism officials and everyone else interested to know how many farms are involved in agritourism.

The total number of farms in the 2007 US Ag Census went up 4% since 2002 and we now have 2,204,799 people engaged in farming. The one new question added to the census this year asked- How many sell farm products directly to individuals for human consumption through roadside stand, farmers markets, pick your own, door to door etc.? The number of farms counted was 136,817 - representing $1.2 Billion in Sales.

Go online to www.agcensus.usda.gov to read the complete results. (over 700 pages worth)

Organizers tout lineup for 2009 Women in Ag Conference

2009-03-02T16:12:00.001-06:00

Every year, organizers of annual Women in Agriculture and Ag Landowners Regional Conference tell themselves the previous year's program will be hard to improve upon. After this year's conference, set for March 13 at the Martin Community Center in Marshall, they may be right.

"This one's going to be hard to top," said Cynthia Crawford, director of Saline County's University of Missouri Extension office in Marshall. "We keep challenging ourselves."

The conference, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature everything from a "nationally known speaker to fiddle music to advice on financial planning and landscaping," said Crawford.

Read the entire article.

High Tunnel Workshop March 12

2009-02-26T11:49:00.003-06:00

Attend a day-long high tunnel workshop at the Missouri State - Mountain Grove Campus on Thursday, March 12.

Dr. Ted Carey of Kansas State University studies season extension using high tunnels research and production. He will present high tunnel basics as well as research results from his work at the Kansas State Horticulture Research and Extension Center at Olathe. Other excellent speakers will address the various crops produced in high tunnels.

Many growers use high tunnels to extend the production season for many different horticultural crops – vegetables, cut flowers and even fruit. High tunnels are solar-heated structures, like a giant cold frame, used to extend the traditional growing season at both ends – allowing for earlier plant growth in the spring and later plant growth into fall. Typically, no electricity is used in high tunnels to operate fans, vents, heater, etc. Manual ventilation is instead provided through roll-up sidewalls or through the end walls. Other typical components of high tunnels are that they are irrigated via drip irrigation system and crops are grown in the soil that is under the tunnel cover.

Cost for the workshop is $20 which includes lunch and handouts. PLEASE SEND IN REGISTRATION ASAP TO ASSURE LUNCH AND SEATING.

Get the registration form online or contact Pamela Mayer - via email PMayer@MissouriState.edu or by phone at 417-547-7533.

2009 Farmers’ Market of the Year Awards

2009-02-25T08:53:00.004-06:00

AgriMissouri proudly supports the efforts of Missouri's farmers' markets across the state. Our Missouri markets provide consumers with wholesome, fresh, local products and provide farmers with a way to increase their farm revenues. The Farmers' Market of the Year Awards honor those markets who go above and beyond to make their market an education and entertaining experience for consumers. The Market of the Year will receive $1,000 cash prize, as well as a banner and consumer refrigerator magnets. The Missouri Farmers’ Market Association and AgriMissouri sponsor the annual Farmers’ Market of the Year competition.

Congratulations to the winning markets from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, AgriMissouri and the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association. Awards will be mailed to the winners and press releases for each winner will be distributed in late March.

2009 Market of the Year Awards
Market of the Year
1.) Webb City Farmers’ Market (PHOTO: From the Webb City Farmers' Market)
2.) Fair Grove Farmers’ Market
3.) Columbia Farmers’ Market

Fun Awards
Best Advertising Campaign
City Market

Best Event
Fair Grove Farmers’ Market “Growing Kids Club”

Best Motto/Catch Phrase
City Market “Where the Locals Go”

Best Photo
Webb City Farmers’ Market

Best Marketing Idea
Fair Grove Farmers’ Market (Market DVD)

Champions of the Year
1.) Dan & Melinda Hemmelgarn (Columbia Farmers’ Market: Organizing and Structuring the Market Pavilion Calendars)
2.) Donna Kranjec (Madison County Farmers’ Market: Volunteer Market Organizer and Supporter)

Kansas Farmers' Market Conference

2009-02-23T08:00:00.001-06:00

I’m headed to Topeka, Kansas this morning to speak at the Kansas Farmers’ Market Conference. “Growing Together" is the theme for the conference, which is a great focus this year! I will be presenting in the market track on Effective Communication at the Market: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communications.

The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. program will also include a session on grants and programs that can assist farmers´ markets and value-added businesses in enhancing their direct marketing. Another session will provide an update on recent changes in the regulation of market products to ensure food safety and provide adequate consumer information.

The first half of the afternoon will provide for five your-choice break-out groups that attend multiple sessions, focused on a single
topic:

* Cut flowers and plants,
* Launching or revitalizing a market,
* Meat and dairy,
* Marketing and display, and
* Managers and boards.

The conference organizers are the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC), based with Kansas State University Research and Extension; the Kansas Department of Commerce; the Kansas Department of Agriculture; and the Kansas Rural Center.

Powell Gardens Promoting Local

2009-02-20T08:44:00.002-06:00

Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s botanical garden, is opening a new 12-acre expansion in mid-June. The Heartland Harvest Garden will focus on where our food comes from, and we will be growing more than 2,000 varieties of food plants. Powell Gardens is bringing back several food festivals and will be looking for local produces to source local produce this season such as sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers pumpkins, apple butter, winter squash, apples and much more!

Powell Gardens is looking for the names of farmers who might be interested in two things: supplying Powell Gardens with extra produce to serve to visitors on the food festival days, and bringing produce to sell to visitors.

Farmers that are interested in providing produce or other value-added local food products should contact Jill Draper, Marketing Associate with Powell Gardens at 816-697-2600 extension 207.

The following is the 2009 Powell Garden Schedule:

The Heartland Harvest Garden
In June of 2009, Powell Gardens will open the largest expansion in its history—the $9.2 million Heartland Harvest Garden. What began as a simple plan to bring back a vegetable garden well-loved by visitors in the early days of Powell Gardens has evolved into the nation’s largest edible landscape; a place to reconnect with where food comes from and to celebrate the pleasures of eating well. Set on 12 acres, the Heartland Harvest Garden illustrates in spectacular style the journey of food from seed to plate.

The Entrance Gardens
Visitors to the Heartland Harvest Garden will use all five senses to explore the garden treasures to be found within. A visit begins with the Menu Garden, an “appetizer,” if you will, for what lies further down the path. This garden is an example of a potager garden, a kitchen garden in the French country style. Vegetables, herbs and flowers mingle in a tapestry of colors and shapes that also provide food for the table. The adjacent Seed to Plate Greenhouse illustrates the miraculous process of germination and begins the explanation of where our food comes from.

In the Apple Celebration Court, visitors will follow a spiral brick path to encounter an amazing 54 varieties of apples. The Pear Promenade and Peach Plaza will be a delight as spring blossoms transition to delicious fruits ripening throughout the season.

Plantings in the Vineyard evoke images of the South of France and California wine country. Grapes of all types, from red wine to table grapes, will be planted with roses as a practical and beautiful companion. With gorgeous gates, trellises and water features, this space also will be available for private events.

Rotating exhibits in the Authors’ Garden will bring the philosophies of top garden writers to life. Rosalind Creasy, often credited with coining the “edible landscape” term and widely regarded as the leading expert on the topic, will be featured during the opening season. Creasy, who literally wrote the book on the subject with “The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping” published in 1982, has since published a series of 10 edible gardening books as well as a number of award-winning books on cooking from the garden. Barbara Damrosch, author of “The Garden Primer” and a columnist for The Washington Post, will design an adjacent space in the Authors’ Garden.

The Quilt Gardens
Inspired by the famous Villandry gardens in France, the Quilt Gardens will take advantage of the vast textures, architectural shapes and colors of crops, vegetables and fruits. They will be arranged in ever-changing quadrants symbolic of Midwestern fields and classic quilt patterns. Stunningly beautiful, the four, ¾-acre quadrants will serve as a display for the world’s food plants.

One quadrant, planted in a historic Old Missouri quilt pattern, will celebrate the crops of America’s breadbasket, showcasing corn, wheat and soybeans. The Kansas Star Quilt will display the grasses and legumes that feed our livestock. The Missouri Star Quilt is an orchard garden where visitors can pick up tips for growing fruits in their own backyards. The Villandry Quilt is a true vegetable garden inspired by the Renaissance castle gardens of the Chateau de Villandry. Combining beauty and utility, this garden clearly illustrates the beauty of edible plants.

The Missouri barn and its adjacent observation silo put a contemporary spin on traditional Missouri farm building silhouettes and blend with the Midwestern architecture style for which Powell Gardens is known. The barn houses a garden gift shop and outdoor café. Alongside the barn, the Kansas City Power & Light All Electric Kitchen will be home to cooking classes and chefs’ demonstrations. The adjacent Kitchen Garden will showcase a collection of culinary herbs and will give the home gardener plenty of inspiration for plants to grow throughout the seasons.

Youth Education Garden
For the first time, Powell Gardens will have a permanent garden space designed with kids in mind. The youth education garden will increase Powell Gardens’ capacity for school field trips but also offer discoveries and delights to casual visitors. The Water Conservation Courtyard allows for water play while teaching about wise water conservation practices. The Tutti Frutti Maze lets children run and explore in a maze of edible hedge plants. The Honeybee Haven offers an observation hive and teaches the importance of honeybees in the pollination process. Giant insect sculptures give children a place to climb while also introducing the concept of good bugs and bad bugs. An organic garden introduces the concepts of sustainable gardening and a small greenhouse offers space for hands-on lessons following the seed-to-plate theme.

The Fun Foods garden showcases the food plants behind some of children’s favorite treats—from marshmallows to popcorn. In the Living Off the Land area, children can explore a sod house and learn about the foods that sustained Native Americans.

Throughout the Heartland Harvest Garden visitors will have a chance to taste something fresh from the garden. Tasting stations will move with the seasons, ensuring that every visit will yield a new experience!

The Heartland Harvest Garden at Powell Gardens opens in mid-June with a Midwestern food and wine festival for members only, with the public opening the next day. Stay tuned for more details!

O’Fallon Farmers & Artists Market to Debut Summer 2009

2009-02-18T16:30:00.001-06:00

O’Fallon Farmers & Artists Market To Hold a Community Interest Meeting March 16

In these tough economic times, what could be better than creating another source of revenue in O’Fallon, while benefiting the community with farm fresh produce, specialty items and unique works of art?

After visiting similar events throughout Missouri, O’Fallon resident Wendy Glidden pitched the idea to the City of O’Fallon at a meeting in January. After receiving positive feedback, and identification of an convenient lot site next to O’Fallon’s River City Rascals Baseball Stadium on T.R. Hughes Blvd in O’Fallon, she is enlisting the support of the local community at a community interest meeting scheduled on March 16th at the O’Fallon City Hall Multipurpose Room beginning at 4:30 pm. Lane McConnell, Missouri Dept of Agriculture Marketing Specialist, will be presenting information, a community survey will be taken, and interested vendors will be given applications.

“My hope is that the O’Fallon Farmers & Artists Market will grow to be a jewel in our community,” explains Wendy. “Patrons will be able to shake hands with local farmers who grew the vegetables they feed their family, while trading tips for preparation, tasting homegrown fruit, finding a new plant for their garden, or searching for a one-of-a kind gift for a friend. A Farmers’ Market is an opportunity to gather with your neighbor to uplift the local economy, complete with entertainment and health events.”

"Buying local products means experiencing local flavor and cuisine, and for a lot of consumers, that is what farmers’ markets are all about. Often what you find when purchasing supermarket products is that the majority of your dollars spent goes into shipping and production costs of produce. At your local farmers’ market, you are buying directly from the farmers; therefore, what you see is what you get, and your money stays in your local community," said Lane McConnell, Missouri Dept of Agriculture Marketing Specialist.

So, citizens, do you want the ability to purchase quality local and/or organic meat, vegetables, fruit and one of a kind craft items at a reasonable price, right here in O’Fallon, while enriching and supporting local community? Vendors, here’s your chance to show your green thumb or gift of craft through sales of locally grown, hand made, and/or organic products. Entertainers take note- do you wish for a venue to show off your musical skills, dance ability, or hobby?

Obtain vendor applications, complete a community survey, and meet fellow market supporters who are interested at the following meeting:

GO GREEN!
O’Fallon Farmers & Artists Market Meeting
March 16, 2009
O’Fallon City Hall Multipurpose Room
4:30pm- Meeting; Open House 5:30-7pm
O’Fallon City Hall Multipurpose Room
100 North Main Street
O’Fallon, MO 63366

RSVP/ for more information:
ofallonfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Springfield

2009-02-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I'm headed down south for the Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Springfield, Feb. 16-18.

This year's conference is structured a bit different - to encourage new growers in the industry to come and learn new growing techniques and the basics in small fruit and vegetable production with an entire day dedicated to just that - Back to the Basics Session - on Feb. 16.

View the Back to the Basics schedule here.

Organic Producers Offered New Ideas for Growing Their Small Farms

2009-02-12T12:04:00.001-06:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is sponsoring an upcoming event for organic producers to learn more about sustainable agriculture and how to add more value to their small family farms.

The Missouri Organic Association’s annual conference will be held Sat. Feb. 21, 2009 at the Carver Farm – a research farm and extension of Lincoln University located in Jefferson City, Mo. Topics during the conference will include organic dairy, organic corn and soybeans, improving soil fertility and becoming organic certified.

Read the entire story here.

Pevely Flea Market Opens

2009-02-11T11:07:00.003-06:00

ATTENTION LOCAL GROWERS:
Exciting New Selling Opportunity at Mississippi River Hills Association member, Lynne Parker, owner of Pevely Flea Market is adding a regional Farmers Market to the weekly flea market.
The Pevely Flea Market will feature locally grown produce and Missouri made products.

The Farmers Market features:
• Well established flea market for over 40 years!
• Open EVERY Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Awesome exposure for your farm and products!
• LOW OVERHEAD!
• No long-term commitments – stay a day, weekend or entire growing season!
• 5,000-7,000 loyal shoppers weekly!
• Snack Bar and clean rest rooms on premise!
• Easy access from I-55!
• Only 30 minutes south of the Arch!
• FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING!
• 20-stall covered pavilion dedicated to the Farmers Market.
• 10’ x 10’ space only $8 per day for MHRA members! (Reg. $10/day)

Are you interested in being apart of the Pevely Flea Market ?
8773 Commercial Blvd. • Pevely, MO 63070
636-479-5400 (local) • 636-475-3215 (St. Louis line)
www.pflea.com OR email: info@pflea.com

NAFDMA Bus Tour

2009-02-06T20:31:00.001-06:00

Yesterday started the NAFDMA Bus Tour. What is this? According to the NAFDMA website, NAFDMA’s bus tours are undoubtedly the best-kept secret in today’s world of high technology.

Usually around 50 folks are crammed onto a 300 square foot tour bus for three days touring around the convention state visiting agritourism operations and doing lots of networking with one another. Yesterday, we visited Manning Farms/Vidalia Valley, Pineola Farm, Lane Packing and then dinner at the Rock Ranch.

Today was a fun-filled day of traveling around Georgia as well. We started the day at the Dekalb Farmers’ Market, Cagle’s Dairy and Cagle’s Farm House, dinner at Wolf Mountain Winery and Chateau Elan Winery. Tomorrow we will finish the NAFDMA Convention Bus Tour with visits with Panorama Orchards, Mercier Orchards, R&A Orchards and Hillcrest Orchards.

The tours visit tourist destinations that highlight the culture and environment of the host regions. More important, participants visit the most outstanding farm markets in North America.

View more on the NAFDMA Blog.

Day 3: Blogging from NAFDMA (Participation Day)

2009-02-04T16:41:00.004-06:00

It’s the time to “Get Social.”

That seemed to be main focus of many of the sessions I participated in today’s convention. Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Podcasts, You Tube) to name a few of the social media avenues that many folks might have heard about.

The first “techy” sessions I listened to was on Best Practices in Website. It was an open session where the folks from AKL Maui ( a lavender farm in Maui, Hawaii) presented information about their farm website and store. Then the entire group discussed new ideas for website marketing.

Some of the ideas where:
Have a box on each page of a website that offers visitor to join your mailing list because these names will help you retain clientele.
Include a blog link off your website.
Try adding videos and podcasts to your site so customers can see and get a feeling of your business.
Include seasonal photos and update them often.
Stay in contact with customers all year (not just during season) through a blog or e-newsletter.
Have a language button that can translate your site into another language, for foreign visitors.
Surveys for your customers.
Map link to the farm or market.

The other session I really enjoyed was about Online and Social Media. If you’re a Missouri producer – you’ve heard me say it a million times already – “If you have a business today…you better be online.”

This session was an overview on how direct marketers can incorporate social media into their current marketing campaign. Because let’s face it – social and online media are based on traditional marketing principals.

Ask yourself these questions:
What’s my operation goal?
How can I fit this into my existing communicational goals?
Is there others I can partner with?
Who is the customer I am marketing to?

More and more folks are doing everything online. Yesterday, I posted about culinary tourists – those that are searching for a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else. Those are your customers. Do you know how they are finding information about your farm or farmers’ market? Are they searching online for a market or CSA near them, are they looking for customer reviews about your farm online, are they reading your farm blog and leaving comments…you bet they are!

Technology today can be a little overwhelming with buzz words like (Tweet, Add me as your friend on Facebook, blogging, You Tube Videos….and on and on), but take it slow if you are new to this lingo.

Remember – People are talking everyday about your farm and market. Do you know what they are saying online? Positive word of mouth advertisement is the most powerful marketing of all. By you getting social on the internet you will be able to take part in this new media outlet and stay ahead of the game.

Try creating your own farm or market blog on Blogger or Typepad to start with. Then create a Facebook account. You can always ask other for help as well. I work with many farms, who’s children or grandchildren have helped the farm business get updated into the internet age. Or contact myself or one of your county extension agents as well.

In the meantime- get online and see what others in direct marketing are doing online. You can gather some great starting points from learning from others.

Read more about the NAFDMA Convention events.

Day 2: Blogging from NAFDMA (Culinary Tourism)

2009-02-03T19:52:00.006-06:00

Culinary Tourism…not a word used much across Missouri, but things are changing.

This was the discussion of today’s Education Day at NAFDMA. Culinary Tourism is the pursuit of unique and memorable culinary experiences of all kinds, often when traveling. These types of tourists are normally younger, better educated, highly affluent, visit museums and cultural sites and choose destinations for food and wine experiences. In simple terms: These are the people that want to put a face to their food.

Consumers today want to put a face to their food and what’s a better way to provide them with this need then to open up the farm or market for farm cooking demonstrations, pick your owns, or even progressive dinners.

Today’s “Foodie Tour” opened our eyes on the future possibilities of where the direct marketing industry is headed. We visited eight restaurants/stores around downtown Savannah today and learned about how the Savannah community is promoting culinary tourism to not only tourists, but to locals as well.

On the tour we visited:
Wright Square Cafe
Savannah Bee Company Honey House
Lady and Sons - Side note- I met Paula's Deen sons (Jamie and Bobby Deen) at the restaurant and had them sign a cookbook
Kitchens on the Square for cooking demonstrations
Mom & Nikki's Soul Food
Back in the Day Bakery
Leopold's Ice Cream
Polk's Fresh Market
The Distillery

Read more about the Foodie Tour at the NAFDMA Blog.

Day 1: Blogging from NAFDMA

2009-02-02T19:30:00.003-06:00

The beauty of the south is something special (sweet tea, grits, pralines, seafood and that southern hospitality) you just can’t go wrong. Waking up this morning to a view of the Savannah River was an incredible sight, as I took part the first day of the NAFDMA Convention in Georgia.

(Photo: Convention participants at the trade show, courtesy of the NAFDMA Blog)

Familiar faces from Missouri, Kansas, Illinois and Iowa are all around (some 400 + folks from around the nation and Canada are attending this week long convention).

Today was Innovation Day and participants started the day with an early morning breakfast cruise along the scenic Savannah River on the Savannah Riverboat Queen. Not a bad way to start off a morning…

Networking was the word of the day, as I talked with some of our “new” agritourism operators and met others from surrounding states. Most of the morning was spent discussing with producers marketing ideas such as blogging and e-commerce.

Later in the day started the Trade Show and voting for the NAFDMA Agritourism Awards.

For more information about the NAFDMA Convention head over to the NAFDMA Blog (Yes – that’s right. Everyone is blogging these days. All I can say is “bout time.”)

Savannah Here We Come

2009-02-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

My fellow co-worker Sarah and I are headed south today for the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) Convention in Savannah, GA. NAFDMA is a trade association dedicated to nurturing the farm direct marketing industry. Its members support their family farms by selling millions of dollars worth of farm-grown produce directly to consumers at farm stands, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, consumer-supported agriculture, agritourism venues, and other ever-growing innovations in direct producer-to-consumer agricultural marketing methods.

Each year, NAFDMA hosts the premier farm direct marketing convention in North America. The convention moves to a different region of North America each year. Members get the opportunity to see new markets and hear new marketing ideas in a professional, noncompetitive environment.

The convention includes a three-day Bus Tour, a day of full-day workshops, and a day of Conference concurrent sessions. It also includes a Trade Show.

I’ll be blogging from Georgia this week, so stay tuned!

Webb City Market Seeks Summer Intern

2009-01-30T12:13:00.002-06:00

The Webb City Farmers Market is seeking applicants for an internship from May 1 through September 1, with the preferred candidate being available from at least June 10 through August 1.

The position would require approximately 25 hours per week. The internship will provide substantial experience in community organization, managerial, marketing and horticultural skills.

Compensation will include room and board, if desired, and a stipend of $50 per week. The market will, if desired, work with the intern’s school to meet credit requirements.

Duties include:
Working with the Kids Community Garden participants in the garden and in selling at the market. Visiting immigrant farmers once per week to evaluate and advise. Jay Chism, MU Extension agronomist would be available throughout the season to consult with the intern, as would several experienced mentor growers. Assisting with the market on-site as well as visiting growers as needed. The intern would co-manage the Saturday market. The intern would also participate in mid-season inspection visits to market growers.

In addition, the intern could, if interested, organize and manage the market’s volunteer program and special events. Opportunities for communication experience include writing the market's weekly column in the local newspaper and making monthly appearances on a local television station's cooking segment.

The Webb City Farmers Market is recognized statewide for its innovative programs. The market was the first in the state to accept EBT (food stamps), debit and credit using a wireless device. It was named Missouri's first Market of the Year by AgriMissouri in 2003. A producer-only market, it celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2009.

For more information, contact Eileen Nichols at 417 483-8139 or eileennichols@sbcglobal.net.
Eileen Nichols
One South Main
PO Box 1
Webb City, Missouri 64870
417 673-5866
cell 417 483-8139
fax 417 673-5308
http://webbcityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/M3615

Columbia Farmers' Market Seeking Summer Intern

2009-01-30T08:39:00.001-06:00

The Columbia Farmers’ Market is seeking a summer intern. Duties listed below. Please submit resume with letter of intent to columbia_farmers_market@yahoo.com or PO Box 10012, Columbia, MO 65205. Please direct questions to Caroline Todd, CFM Manager, 573-823-6889. Deadline is March 2, 2009.

Summer Intern Opening:
May 1 to Oct. 31
Saturdays 6am -1pm and hours during the week
Possibly 3pm-6pm on Wednesdays

The intern would work from home, would need access to the internet, be at Market on Saturdays (this is a major requirement). Office supplies would be provided.

Every month the intern would have a special event to promote:
May - Beef
June - TBA
July - Cornfest
Aug. – Summerfest with Slow Food & the Daylily Society
Sept. - Honey, Localvore Challenge
Oct - Pork & Pumpkins

The intern would be encouraged to work with outside organizations to bring more diversity to the monthly events. A children's area related to the monthly special, would be part of it.The intern would be encouraged to develop a volunteer base & coordinate the volunteers especially to do the customer counts.Other duties may include: collecting donations from vendors for the band, helping vendors with physical limitations set up, checking for weights on tents.

This person may also set up 4 tents, arrange tables & chairs; put out at least 3 signs on roadways around the market. Other duties as assigned. Monetary compensation to be determined.

Venture on Over to Kansas

2009-01-29T09:37:00.005-06:00

The Kansas Rural Center announces the statewide Farmers’ Market Conference which is scheduled from 9 am to 4 pm on Monday, February 23 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library at 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.

(PHOTO: Parkville Farmers' Markets, July 2008)

Mercedes Taylor-Puckett, KRC’s Farmers’ Market Project Coordinator, said the “bigger and better” 2009 conference is titled "Growing Together" and is open to all involved with farmers’ markets whether as a producer, market manager, board member or interested citizen.

Charuth and Kevin Loth, of ShadowBrook Farm in Lincoln, Nebraska, are the conference’s featured speakers. The Loths operate a family-owned diversified vegetable farm incorporating cattle, dairy goats and flowers into the 34-acre, organic farm's rotation plan. The couple participates in three farmers' markets and the Nebraska Food Cooperative, as well as operating a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and on-farm market and dairy.

Steve Moris, Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Program Manager, will discuss the recent consolidation of food safety oversight to KDA and review the rules and regulations affecting farmers’ market products. Representatives from Kansas Department of Commerce, Rural Development will also present resources to help grow farmers’ markets and value-added businesses.

In addition, five afternoon breakout sessions will focus on topics including: cut flowers; launching or revitalizing your market; meat and dairy; marketing and display, and managers and boards.

Specific topics scheduled during the breakout sessions include: “Direct Marketing Opportunities for Meat Producers” by Jeff Adair, New Grass Bison Co.; “Know Your Customer: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication” by Lane McConnell, Missouri Department of Agriculture; “Born to Bloom: What to Grow for Beautiful Bouquets” presented by Brian Henry and Jozie Schike, Earth Flowers; “Issues and Opportunities Roundtable and Grow Your Market Workshop” by Jerry Jost, KRC Grow Your Farmers Market Workshop Facilitator, and “Capturing Your Market Share” by Jill Elmers, Moon on the Meadow Farm.

Markets and vendors are encouraged to share their experiences in "Flew or Flopped" presentations during lunch and to bring examples of their promotional materials.

Registration to cover the conference materials, continental breakfast and lunch is $20 per person. Completed registration forms along with fees made payable to the Kansas Rural Center are due by Friday, February 13. Please mail to: Kansas Rural Center, PO Box 133, Whiting, Kansas 66552-0133.Conference schedule and registration information are available for download from the Kansas Rural Center website. Conference brochures are also linked to the calendar maintained by KCSAAC – the KSU-based Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops – on the Web at http://www.kansassustainableag.org/calendar.htm .

For additional information, contact Mercedes Taylor-Puckett at 785-840-6202 or mercedes.taylorpuckett@gmail.com

The Love of Technology

2009-01-26T20:55:00.001-06:00

Yes, there is an entire month of blog posts missing from this blog (December posts to be exact). I’ve had some emails asking me what happened to the posts for December and part of January and all I can say is - sometimes when you mess with technology – you get burned. And burned I did. I was trying to consolidate some of the blog labels I have and accidently deleted about 25 posts from the blog. I could only recover about 5 of the posts I deleted.

As they say, “life goes on.” I promise to be extra careful when messing with technology in the future.

Glad to know that the audience that reads the blog noticed it quite quickly.

I’m out of the office Tuesday, January 27 for the Blue Springs Farmers’ Market Workshop. Back with photos from the workshop on Thursday.

Food Safety Across Missouri

2009-01-26T20:41:00.001-06:00

Food Safety is a growing concern to consumers. Consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it was harvested and how safe it really is. Luckily Missouri is home to more than 150 farmers’ markets scattered across the state that are up on the latest in food safety issues and concerns.Ensuring growers are well educated on food safety techniques is a must in Missouri, and we are assisting in providing our growers with the knowledge and handling techniques to ensure safety in our local food chain.

This past Tuesday I held the first Food Safety: From Field to Market Workshop in Columbia. The next food safety workshop will be held on Jan. 31 at the Ozark Electric Co-op in Mt. Vernon from 9:00 am to noon. This workshop is sponsored by nine southwest Missouri markets (the Webb City Farmers Market, the Carthage Farmers Market, the Fair Grove Farmers Market, the Southwest Farmers Market at Great Southern, the Ozark Square Farmers Market, the Aurora Farmers Market, the Nixa Area Farmers Market, the Wilson’s Creek Farmers Market, the C-Street Market & the Greater Polk County Farmers Market.)If you are interested in attending the southwest Missouri Food Safety Workshop call 417-673-5866 to register.

Topics to be covered:
• Importance of Food Safety – Update on Recent Outbreaks Associated with Fresh Produce
• State Regulations for Selling at Farmers Market
• Food Safety Concerns in the Field: Field preparation & planting,manure usage & crop cultural guidelines
• Irrigation Methods and Associated Issues
• Harvest and Post Harvest Safety

The last food safety workshop will be held in St. Peters, MO on Feb. 10 at the St. Charles County Extension Office.

Iowa Workshops Open to Missouri Producers

2009-01-19T20:43:00.000-06:00

Tis the season of travel, travel, travel. We are in the “heat” of conference and workshop season. The Missouri Agritourism Conference and Annual Missouri Farmers’ Market Association Meeting convened this past weekend at Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. This was the first year for the conference, but you wouldn’t have know it. We had more than 145 conference participants for the two day event – needless to say we were very excited to see the support for the industry!

(PHOTO: My little nephew Luke experiences Missouri blackberries from a visit with me to the Berry Patch in Bolivar this summer.)

Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler also attended the conference and gave the opening address on Friday morning and talked with many producers afterwards.

With all the happenings going on around our state, I want to be sure that our Missouri producers also know about the opportunities to travel a bit north to some events that Iowa will be having for farmers’ market producers as well.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Iowa Farmers Market Association are working together to bring the best possible information on fruit and vegetable production, food safety, and marketing to Midwest producers in a three day conference.

Find more online about the upcoming conference.

New Year...New Opportunities

2009-01-02T22:00:00.000-06:00

A Look at Missouri Farmers' Markets by Lane McConnell on 1/2/09

Happy New Year!

Only 3 ½ months until our first Missouri market opens for the 2009 season. As winter rolls on here in Missouri there are many opportunities for farmers to take advantage of to learn new innovative growing techniques.

January and February are usually the busy time for conference and meetings around the state and this year is no exception.

Schedule of Events:
January 8-10 Great Plains Vegetable Growers Conference - St Joseph
January 13-15 Mid America Fruit Growers Conference – Columbia
January 16-17 Missouri Agritourism Conference and the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association Annual Meeting - Lake Ozark
January 20 Missouri Farmers’ Market Workshop on Food Safety - Columbia
January 27 Missouri Farmers’ Market Workshop on Salesmanship - Blue Springs
February 1-7 NAFDMA- Savannah, GA
February 10 Missouri Farmers’ Market Workshop on Food Safety - St. Peters
February 16-18 Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference - Springfield
February 21 Missouri Organic Association Conference - Jefferson City
March 6 Missouri Farmers’ Market Workshop on Growing for Market – Springfield

The Missouri Department of Agriculture will be represented at all these upcoming events. Hope to see you there.

Buying Local a Trend...Really?

2008-12-29T20:47:00.000-06:00

I found it amusing when I read a news article that Brownfield released a couple weeks ago (yes, I’m a little behind on posting this on the blog, as the holiday season has put me a bit behind). The article was a release from American Farm Bureau on the Top 5 Food Trends for 2008 and big surprise - buying local topped the list. I’m sure many local food producers will agree – 2008 was a record sales year!

So, whether you are a consumer or producer of local foods – get out and show your localvore roots in 2009!

Below is an excerpt from the news article on the Brownfield Network.

The American Farm Bureau is out with their Top 5 food trends of 2008. The biggest trend this year was to local foods, in fact the new Oxford American Dictionary’s word of the year is “locavore”, a person who seeks out and consumes locally grown food. Celebrity chefs were very popular and very influential this year. Another big trend, higher food prices as energy prices rippled through the industry. Food safety and traceability became a big issue as we lived through recalls of beef, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and jalapeno peppers. Also gaining popularity in 2008, food companies listening to consumers Butterball, Wegmans, Starbucks and others changed product offerings in response to consumer feedback.

Looking ahead to 2009, AFBF’s Foodie News says consumers will continue to want to know where their food comes from supporting a growing farm-to-cuisine movement. The economic downturn will also prompt more cooking, baking and eating at home while restaurants will experience more order-splitting among dining companions. Restaurants will also go more high-tech to entice customers. For example, a couple of California restaurants have touch screens where you can place your order and then play video games. American Pinot Blanc will become “the wine” and chefs will make buckwheat the next “hot grain”.

Podcast #10: FFA Specialty Crop Program

2008-12-20T11:58:00.000-06:00

I hear from many growers across the state, whether I’m traveling to visit a market, at a conference or even making a farm visit. One common theme is the need for younger growers in the specialty crop industry, and I agree. But how do we literally “grow, growers?”

We at the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture are working on just that through the Missouri FFA Specialty Crops Grant Program, funded through U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service program to enhance the competitiveness of Missouri specialty crops and to teach FFA youth the importance of specialty crops as a value-added opportunity. The program is a pilot project in the Lexington and surrounding area of the state.

It is imperative that we train and motivate the next generation of Missouri farmers. Through this grant, students will learn from specialists and leaders in the produce and horticulture industry how to grow, sell and market specialty crops. These FFA students are given a great opportunity to become involved in entrepreneurial skills including direct marketing and advertising local specialty crops and have hands-on experience of selling produce and horticultural crops, flowers and value-added products at their community markets. Currently, there are almost 20 students participating in the grant program.

Brownfield’s Julie Harker recently spoke to Danni Heimsoth, who is the Santa Fe FFA President and is growing and selling at farmers’ markets in the Kansas City area.

Listen Here!
Farmers' Market Podcast #10

(PHOTO: Missouri State Fair Farmers' Market 2008.)

It’s all About Local

2008-12-16T20:46:00.000-06:00

Brownfield’s Julie Harker interviewed Mary Hendrickson with MU Extension and the Food Circles Project for the final podcast in this series. Mary discusses the growing increase in local foods by consumers and what this means for the future of local foods.

Podcast: LISTEN here.

Fredericktown Farmers’ Market Workshop Went Off With a BANG

2008-12-15T11:58:00.000-06:00

There were many familiar faces at last week’s workshop in Fredericktown. We had more than 40 participants on the Dec. 11 workshop at the Eagles Lodge.

The workshop covered topics on Growing Techniques for Selling at a Farmers’ Market and from the looks of the participant evaluations, it was a very valuable workshop for growers.Thanks to all the speakers and participants for a great workshop!

The next workshop will be held Jan.20 in Columbia at the Courtyard by Marriott and will cover Food Safety.Be sure and check out the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture Calendar for other upcoming workshops and conferences.

Happy Holidays!

Best Small Business to Start: Manager, Online Farmers' Market

2008-12-09T11:56:00.000-06:00

USNews.com had a great article today about new types of farmers’ markets – online markets.

Manager, Online Farmers' Market
Online farmers' markets cut out a chunk of fuel costs, plus the time it takes to set up and display locally grown produce. They've been popping up as a 24-7 alternative for "locavores" and customers looking for anything fresh, from grass-fed beef to freshly picked apples. Successes include mypersonalfarmers.com (Westchester County, N.Y.) and farmersmarketonline.com (central Idaho). Customers place orders online, and then these companies drive what's been ordered to the customers' houses.

The key is to maintain a product base while introducing new discoveries to keep customers coming back. Unlike many Internet-based jobs, this one involves a lot of face-to-face interaction and outside work. The hardest part of the job is keeping up with and juggling the many farmers who supply the business. They change throughout the season as different crops come to harvest at different times and often have full schedules that need to be worked around. The biggest costs are personnel to man the warehouse, for example, and rent for space.

What does it pay?
The idea of an online farmer's market is quite new, so it is difficult to find wage statistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for purchasing managers at farm product raw material wholesalers in May 2007 was $99,950.

What kind of background do you need?
The main requirements for those involved in managing online farmers' markets are some culinary knowledge and basic tech savvy. Licenses from your state department of agriculture are required, as is a basic knowledge of marketing and promotion.How do you get started?It takes about a season to survey a region and make connections with farmers and bakers. Once established, a company can differentiate itself with specialties. One online market might offer more varieties of honey and cheeses or different organic meats. To operate an online farmers' market, you need a couple of cars, a warehouse, a website, and an ever-changing list of farmers in the area. A big plus is that the driving covers a relatively small area, which keeps fuel costs relatively low compared with other produce businesses. Mypersonalfarmers.com's founder, Maryanne Hedricks, says, "Gas is not a make-or-break thing" for her business.

Learn to Keep your Agritourism Business Looking Bright at 2009 Conference

2008-12-08T11:55:00.000-06:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host the 2009 Missouri Agritourism Conference, themed “The Future Looks Bright”, on Jan 16-17, 2009 at Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo. The conference will be a two-day learning experience for those who are looking to enter the agritourism industry, are agritourism operators or are extension agents.

The conference is sponsored cooperatively by MDA, AgriMissouri and the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association.Conference participants will hear on topics including: Identify Your Potential and Business Planning, How to Conduct School Tours, Running a Retail Shop on Your Farm, Romancing the Media, Bragging Rights: Successful Missouri Agritourism Operations, How to Use Social and Online Media to Brand Yourself, Adding Haunted Attractions: The Pros & Cons, Food Safety and much more.

The Missouri Farmers’ Market Association will hold their annual membership meeting in conjunction with the conference on Jan. 17. Farmers’ market masters and market vendors are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about growing heirloom tomatoes, gain salesmanship skills, innovative marketing ideas and hear the 2008 successes of markets and vendors across the state.

Farmers’ market participants need to register with Missouri Farmers’ Market Association Secretary Eileen Nichols at eileennichols@sbcglobal.net. For more information about the conference program, contact Sarah Gehring or Lane McConnell at (573) 751-4339 or via email Sarah.Gehring@mda.mo.gov or Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov .

Developing Missouri Agritourism

2008-12-04T11:52:00.000-06:00

People interested in developing tourism and promoting local food products will meet Dec. 9 in Hermann to develop plans and identify marketing opportunities in six Missouri counties.

Through its Missouri Regional Cuisines Project, University of Missouri Extension is working with producers and community leaders in the counties that make up the Missouri River Valley region: Montgomery, Gasconade, Warren, Franklin, St. Charles and St. Louis.

The meeting is a follow-up to an Oct. 27 meeting in New Haven. “At that meeting we covered project concepts, but now we are looking for specific input to set objectives and identify marketing opportunities for the region,” said Elizabeth Barham, project director and MU assistant professor.

The meeting agenda includes discussion of a fundraising initiative planned for February or March to support regional coordination, she said.Winery operators, food and agricultural producers, restaurant operators, bed and breakfast owners, craftspeople, artists, economic and tourism professionals, and elected officials are invited to the meeting from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hermann Hill Village, 165 Highway 100 East. A regional wine and food tasting is scheduled following the meeting.

“Marketing wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on the region’s ecological features allows the consumer to distinguish among the unique tastes and attributes of products from different areas,” Barham said. “This identification of Missouri’s products will mean greater recognition and economic opportunities for our state’s food producers, tourism industry and rural communities.”The meeting and product tasting are free, but RSVPs are requested.

To RSVP or receive more information, contact James Vittetau at 800-769-4183 or james@visitjeffersoncity.com. For more information about the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project check out the website.

Keep in Touch with Missouri Farmers’ Markets and Local Products All Year Long

2008-11-05T10:35:00.005-06:00

Although Missouri farmers’ markets across the state are taking a break after this upcoming weekend, Gov. Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) are reminding consumers to visit their markets on or before Saturday to taste the many great fall products that Missouri farmers offer. Consumers will also be able to learn more about Missouri products all year long through MDA web links and retailers throughout the state.

(PHOTO: From Weston Red Barn, Weston, Mo.)

“Farmers’ markets are just one of the many ways Missourians can enjoy locally grown and produced products,” said. Gov. Matt Blunt. “I encourage Missourians to take advantage of the abundant food and local products Missouri farm families are producing at their local farmers' market.”

“Most farmers’ markets across the state will be having their final sales of the season on Saturday, but consumers can continue to find many great Missouri products in grocery stores and supermarkets or check out the listings of locally-grown through our AgriMissouri program,” said Don Steen, director of MDA. “Missouri farmers’ markets continue to offer local, fresh foods for consumers while many retail facilities across the state also provide choices in locally-grown Missouri products.”

Consumers will have the chance during this off-season to learn more about their favorite farmers’ market vendors by visiting this blog and listening to the numerous podcasts – a digital recording of a radio broadcast – featuring Missouri farmers and producers. This month’s podcast features Robert Long, co-owner of Flintrock Bison Ranch in Halltown, Mo. Long sells their ranch’s bison meat at his local farmers’ market. New podcasts are featured twice monthly and feature a variety of topics related to Missouri’s 140 farmers’ markets.

“The new farmers’ market podcasts offer many opportunities to learn about markets and the farmers across the state that produce high-quality local produce, as well as other food products,” said Lane McConnell, marketing specialist with MDA. “Our Missouri markets provide the availability of fresh, affordable and healthy foods to communities, while enhancing the local economies. The podcasts will give consumers an inside look at how local food is grown and harvested and provide valuable information about what our Missouri markets offer visitors."

Another great place to keep up with all that Missouri has to offer during this season is the Department of Agriculture’s AgriMissouri Showcase located at http://www.agrimissourishowcase.com/. This site also offers podcasting and videos about various Missouri products offered in various retail locations.

“As we move into the fall season, many people begin to think about those holiday gifts that might be great for their loved ones. AgriMissouri offers many great products that are perfect for holiday gifts for everyone,” said Sarah Gehring, member services coordinator with AgriMissouri – a program that provides marketing assistance and opportunities to Missouri food manufactures, farmers, producers, agritourism businesses and farmers’ markets. “You can’t go wrong with giving a Missouri-made product including jams and jellies, homemade soaps and candles or a bottle of Missouri wine.”

Looking for Potato Growers

2008-11-04T09:58:00.001-06:00

Spudmaster Colossal Chips is looking for potato growers for the 2009 season.

Ed Pilla is the owner and operator of Spudmaster Colossal Chips, located in Bellflower, Mo. He currently purchases his potatoes from out of state and wants to start using local potatoes. He is looking for producers to grow for him next year.

The Potato variety: ALTURAS. This variety has a good specific gravity and stores fairly well. He is looking for as large a size profile as possible.

If producers are interested please contact Ed at 573-929-3408 or Edpilla@hotmail.com.

Producing Award-winning Goat Cheese

2008-10-28T12:45:00.002-05:00

An eastern Missouri couple takes careful steps in producing their award-winning goat cheese. And this is the first year that Veronica and Steve Baetje have been selling their cheeses at farmer’s markets. Veronica tells Julie Harker about raising goats, producing cheese and the rewards of selling their products face-to-face to their customers.

Podcast 8: LISTEN HERE

Twice a day, seven days a week, the Baetjes get about a gallon of milk from each of the 43 adult females in their herd. The milk, drawn by a vacuum pump and sent to large stainless-steel cans, is carried one room away. There it is passed through a filter into another, larger collector can that chills the milk to less than 40 degrees - the first step in producing the four cheeses sold under the Baetje (pronounced BAY-gee) Farms label at the Soulard, Clayton and Kirkwood farmers' markets and to restaurants, gourmet food stores and wineries in St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve.

2008 Call for Farmer Rancher Proposals

2008-10-27T08:12:00.002-05:00

The National SARE Program and the Farm Bill Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) is funded through the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). SARE was created in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (1990 Farm Bill, Title 16, Subtitle B). The purpose of the SARE program is to generate and disseminate sound and practical information about alternative farming systems believed to have the potential to increase sustainability of agriculture. Sustainable Agriculture is good for the environment, profitable, and good for communities.

The North Central Region (NCR) SARE program of the USDA has allocated about $400,000 for the 2008 Farmer/Rancher Grant Program. Competitive grants of up to $6,000 are available for individual farmers and ranchers, and grants up to $18,000 are available for groups of three or more farmers from separate operations who are interested in exploring sustainable agriculture.

By law, the SARE program is a research and education/demonstration program, so proposals must be intended to test a sustainable agriculture technique that is new to the farm or ranch or to educate/ demonstrate to others a sustainable agriculture technique that could be used more widely in the area. Farmers/Ranchers are invited to submit proposals that test, evaluate, and adapt sustainable agriculture practices for their operations; conduct learning circles, educational events, field days or demonstrations to further disseminate information to farmers/ranchers; develop new technologies; or create or modify equipment.

These grants are for sustainable agriculture research and education projects; they are NOT for everyday farming expenses.

Applicants must identify specific problems and potential solutions to those problems.
Maximum duration for grant projects is 21 months.

Projects that involve whole farm systems and/or a youth component are encouraged. Livestock projects need to comply with reasonable animal care requirements to insure that animals are properly cared for.

For more information about the grants:
NCR-SARE Farmer/Rancher Grant Program
13A Activities Bldg, 1734 N 34th St
PO Box 830840
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0840
E-mail: jbenjamin2@unl.edu

Series of Farmers’ Market Workshops Offer Competitive Edge for Missouri Producers

2008-10-21T08:05:00.001-05:00

Beginning Nov. 21, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) will begin a series of statewide farmers’ market workshops focused on growing techniques for better sales at farmers’ markets, food safety and salesmanship/direct marketing. The workshops will be open to growers and farmers’ market masters.

“Farmers markets help promote nutrition education, wholesome eating habits and better food preparation while providing a boost to the local economy,” said. Gov. Matt Blunt. "These workshops provide a great opportunity for Missouri farm families to learn about new ways they can take part in the growing demand for home-grown food and agricultural resources."

Local direct marketing provides Missouri producers with a profitable opportunity to sell directly to consumers at retail prices. Farmers’ markets are growing in popularity, and in number, as consumers are becoming more health conscious and aware of the benefits of buying fresh, locally grown produce. Recently, Missouri has seen an increase of farmers’ markets with more than 140 markets around the state. These markets are poised to be successful local markets, but more growers are needed to supply a variety of products to satisfy the consumer demand.

"Consumers have the opportunity to find many great farmers’ markets offering local products while increasing rural development in many communities across Missouri,” said Don Steen, director of MDA. “The Department of Agriculture is constantly looking for ways to assist producers with new ideas and to make our state’s farmers’ markets even better. The series of farmers’ market workshops will help producers gain valuable skills in marketing to Missouri consumers.”

The Farmers’ Market Workshops will be held in seven cities across the state. The schedule is as follows:

· Nov. 21 -- Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
Hannibal, Quality Inn and Suites
· Dec. 4 -- Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
St. Joseph, Buchanan County Extension Office
· Dec. 11 -- Growing for a Farmers’ Market
Fredericktown, TBA
· Jan. 20 -- Food Safety, On the Farm and At the Market
Columbia, Boone Electric Coop Facility
· Jan. 27 -- Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
Blue Springs, Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City East/Blue Springs
· Feb. 10 -- Food Safety, On the Farm and At the Market
St. Peters, St. Charles County Extension Office
· March 6 -- Growing for a Farmers’ Market
Springfield, Springfield Library Center

Workshops are $15 per person and includes lunch and snacks. For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact Lane McConnell, marketing specialist with MDA, at (573) 751-4339 or Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.

Consumers Have Lots of Choices at Missouri Markets

2008-10-16T08:10:00.003-05:00

Here is the 7th installment of the Missouri Farmers' Market Podcast Series.

Julie Harker visited with southwest Missouri producer, Robert Long, who sells bison meat at local farmers' markets. Long is the co-owner of Flintrock Bison Ranch in Halltown, just west of Springfield. Robert runs his operation with his wife and kids…from the ranch all the way through processing to their finished bison products.

Podcast 7: Listen Here

Wilson's Creek Farmers Market Community Input Meeting

2008-10-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Calling all professional growers, part-time gardeners, and consumers who are interested in being involved with Southwest Missouri's newest farmers market, taking place in 2009 at the Battlefield City Park.

If you are from Battlefield, Republic, Brookline, Clever, Billings, NIxa, Ozark, Highlandville, Rogersville, Southwest Springfield or other local community, please join us Sunday, October 19th 2-4 PM at the Battlefield Community Room for a community input meeting on the new Wilson's Creek Farmers Market. For more information call (417) 881-4138.

Columbia Farmers' Market Fall Round-Up

2008-10-13T20:13:00.006-05:00

The Columbia Farmers’ Market will hold its Annual Fall Round-Up, Building Your Business, on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Unity Center on Broadway. Please make a reservation with Vera Gelder of Walk-About Acres: 573-474-8837 or walkaboutacres@agristar.net.

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. Fee is $25 per farm which includes one dinner ticket. Additional dinner tickets may be purchased for $10 per person.

Speakers Include:
Phil Stewart of Phil’s Garden
Lane McConnell, Marketing Specialist for Farmers’ Markets, Missouri Dept. Of Agriculture
Melinda Hemmelgarn, Clinical dietician
Dan Kuebler, Pavilion Project Manager
Discussion on the survey results

Dinner will be catered by Café` Berlin and will be served at 6:00 p.m, with food being sourced from the Columbia Farmers’ Market vendors. If you have any products you would like to donate please contact Janice Scheurenberg of Heartland Family Nursery: 573-657-2562 or 573-881-5063.

Homegrown Freshness From the Veggie Patch

2008-10-09T14:05:00.005-05:00

Whether you sell at the Columbia Farmers’ Market or are a shopper you know the name – The Veggie Patch – and think of the brightly colored tablecloth that can be seen each Saturday at the market.

(Photo: Jana Thies-Porter hands a Jarrahdale pumpkin to Sean Nicholson-Crotty last Saturday at the Columbia Famers Market. Photo from the Tribune.)

The Thies Family of Glasgow started their family produce operation long ago when two FFA students (Deanna and Jana, daughters of Jim and Paula Thies) needed an FFA project and decided they wanted to grow specialty crops, instead of having a traditional FFA project like showing cattle or hogs and raising soybeans and corn.

The Tribune was lucky enough to spend some time with the family and share in the goodness of homegrown freshness straight from the Thies family farm.

Jim, who is a FFA teacher in Glasgow, recently won Grand Champion in the 08 Missouri State Fair Horticulture Contest and the Veggie Patch provided the first ever Missouri State Fair Farmers’ Market with local produce from their family this year.

When it comes to bettering the community Jana, the youngest daughter said it best in the Tribune article: “From the beginning, my parents said, ‘This is your business,’ but it really was a family project. We learned a lot. This is about food, family and building community,” said Jana.

Below is the article from the Tribune about the Thies Family.

Homegrown
An FFA family builds a business and keeps roots in agriculture.

There’s a little produce stand out in front of Jim and Paula Thies’ house in Glasgow. A scarecrow watches over stacks of odd-shaped squash and pumpkins. Folks pay by the honor system, picking their produce and putting their money in a little box in the scarecrow’s grip.

Last week, after a long day teaching at the local high school, Jim Thies stood in his driveway looking over the end of the season’s bounty. The Glasgow farmer and agriculture teacher had just picked the last of the pumpkins over the past week. The family grew more than 22 varieties this year.

Read the entire article.

6th Annual Missouri Chestnut Roast

2008-10-09T10:02:00.001-05:00

Celebrating fall harvest season has never been more fun.

Missouri’s agricultural specialty products will be front and center at the sixth annual Missouri Chestnut Roast, Saturday, Oct. 18, at the University of Missouri Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin, Mo.

The roast, sponsored by the MU Center for Agroforestry and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, features fall family fun with chestnuts as the main ingredient. Activities include samples of fire-roasted, Missouri-grown chestnuts, live bluegrass and Caribbean/Spanish guitar music, displays and sales of Missouri specialty agricultural products, farm tours and cooking demonstrations with chestnuts.

The Center for Agroforestry supports the nation’s most comprehensive research program for developing the Chinese chestnut as a nut crop to bring the chestnut back to the nation’s dinner (and dessert) plates. Mike Gold, UMCA associate director, explains that the American chestnut was almost wiped out in the early 20th century due to blight. However, closely related Chinese chestnuts grow well in Missouri soil and are increasingly in demand as gourmet restaurants and food stores discover their versatility.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. The Ironweed Bluegrass Band and Eco Gitano, a group specializing in a blend of Caribbean and Spanish guitar, will provide musical entertainment. The New Franklin High School Athletic Booster Club will operate a concessions stand offering grilled elk, buffalo and beef products for sale.

Craig Cyr, executive chef of The Wine Cellar and Bistro in Columbia, and Eric Cartwright, executive chef at MU Campus Dining Services-Plaza 900, will prepare recipes that incorporate chestnuts and local foods during cooking demonstrations. Attendees can watch the creation of and taste these one-of-a-kind chestnut creations.

Vendors will feature a variety of locally grown agricultural specialty products including chestnut, pecan and walnut products; wines and specialty beers; ice cream; mustard; goat cheeses; tomato products; meat products; and elderberry products.

The Missouri Chestnut Roast is a kid-friendly event. Children will have plenty to keep them busy, including a live bat presentation by the U.S. Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station, at 12:45 p.m.; Missouri Chestnut Roast Fact Hunt; and a straw bale maze.

The Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center is the site of the 1819 Thomas Hickman house, one of the state’s oldest intact brick houses, which is currently undergoing an historic rehabilitation. Tours will be available throughout the day.

There will be guided bus and walking tours of the research center for those interested in learning more about agroforestry practices.

The event wraps up National Chestnut Week, which runs Oct. 12-18.

Admission to the Missouri Chestnut Roast is free. Most activities will take place under tents for comfort rain or shine. Service animals are permitted at the roast, but pets are not allowed.
For directions and a schedule of the day’s events check out the website or contact Julie Rhoads at 573-882-3234 or rhoadsj@missouri.edu.

New Roots for Refugee Program Helps Women Learn to Grow Food for Local Farmers Markets

2008-10-08T08:12:00.003-05:00

If you haven’t heard about the New Roots for Refugees I came across a recent story in the Kansas City Star that highlights the concept behind the up and coming program. New Roots for Refugees is a training program designed to help refugee women develop the skills necessary to sell at farmers markets, like the Farmers’ Community Market in Brookside. The three-year program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture manage the program.

(PHOTO: From the New Roots for Refugee Blog, Pay Lay and volunteer Susan work together at the farmer's market.)

The woman highlighted in the article, Aye Aye Nu sells produce alongside other refugee women from Burma, Somalia and Burundi at the Farmers Community Market in Brookside. According to the article, women like Nu are responsible for over half of the world’s food production, and in developing countries they produce 60 percent to 80 percent of the world’s staple crops of rice, wheat and maize, according to “A Row to Hoe,” says a report published in 2007 by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

Read the entire article here.

A Shoppers Experience at the City Market

2008-10-06T08:41:00.001-05:00

The KC Tribune had a recent article that highlighted a shoppers experience at the Kansas City Market. I found the article very interesting because the farmers’ market shopper revealed the reasons why she shops at the market – the relationships with the growers! This is one key concept we stress to growers – know your customers and interact with them.

Sept. 19, 2008 Article from the KC Tribune:
It was very early Saturday morning, 7 a.m. to be exact, and it had rained for almost 24 hours. The morning air is thick with dew and a crisp but comfortable breeze passes by. The smell of spices, flowers, and fresh vegetables permeates the heavy air. People are busy loading, stacking and arranging crates and boxes of goods. Many languages are spoken, and the sounds all mix together to create a pleasant background hum.

Read the entire article here.

Ag Department Offers Organic Certification Reimbursement

2008-09-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today that through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program, the department is helping to provide cost-share monies to Missouri producers.

The cost-share program provides assistance for qualified organic producers in the areas of crop, wild crop or livestock and handlers of agricultural products who obtain certification under USDA’s National Organic Program.

This program will allow MDA to reimburse each eligible producer up to 75% of their certification costs, not exceeding $750. Since funds are limited, MDA will process applications in the order received until all funds are consumed.

For organic producers to qualify, applicants will be required to complete a signed application and supply a copy of their organic certificates, with an invoice documenting their cost of certification. To obtain an application and complete guidelines, visit the MDA website.

For more information, contact Lane McConnell, marketing specialist, at (573) 526-4984 or via email at Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.

Columbia Farmers' Market Calendars Now Available Online

2008-09-29T10:02:00.005-05:00

Over the past year, local photographer Dan Hemmelgarn and his wife Melinda have met with twelve farmers to produce a unique local product: "Farm Hands -- A Tribute to the Hands that Feed Us." This special work of art is a calendar that depicts the pleasures and challenges of farming, with an understanding of what draws farmers to their work.

While Dan shot the photographs, Melinda interviewed farmers and their families. Each month shares the treasured relationships with land, animals, working outside in natureʼs beauty, and producing "good" food. The images of the farmers' hands -- in sepia tone-- are absolutely beautiful, and speak volumes. There is also a brief insight into the farmer's philosophy about our food system.

"The best part of capturing the images for the Farm Hands calendar was meeting and getting to know Columbia Farmersʼ Market members and hearing their stories," says Dan. "Of course the ultimate reward will be the benefits weʼll all enjoy when the market has a permanent pavilion."
Calendars are on sale at the Columbia Farmers' Market Saturday mornings 8:00 a.m. till noon. Proceeds to benefit the Farmers' Market Pavilion Fund. Calendars make great holiday gifts, and this one's even better because it gives back to the Columbia community.

Dan and Melinda will be at the market to sign calendars on Saturday, October 4th between 9 and 11 a.m. The Columbia Farmersʼ Market is located at the corner of Ash Street and Clinksclaes Road in the ARC parking lot. The Columbia Farmersʼ Market was awarded best slogan, ʽthe Saturday morning place to be,ʼ by the Missouri Department of Agriculture , AgriMissouri and the Missouri Farmers' Market Association for 2008.

The calendars are available online or stop by the Market Oasis while shopping at the market.

City Market Receives Grant

2008-09-25T10:01:00.005-05:00

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced 85 grants totaling $3,445,000 directed by the new farm bill to spread the use of farmers markets. Eighteen of the 85 grants promote a new electronic benefit transfers (EBT) to help low-income consumers buy locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The Missouri Department of Agriculture still has wireless EBT and debit machines available for Missouri markets and producers, please contact me for further information.

The City Market was fortunate enough to be one of the states to receive a grant of $59,500 from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

“Farmers markets are an increasingly popular source of fruits and vegetables,” said Schafer. “Locally grown and locally known sales of fresh produce strengthen the connection between farmers and the community.”

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service helps increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities and improve farmers’ income. The grants are authorized under the amended Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976.

Regional local governments, nonprofit and economic development corporations, agricultural cooperatives and tribal governments in 43 states may use the money to establish, expand and promote farmers markets and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. View the entire list of grantees.

Congrats again to the City Market!