Missouri State Fair Brings Local Produce To the Fair

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Share Market News With Us

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.

Farmington Farmers’ Market Has Something for All

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”

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.

Free Promotion for Market Vendors

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

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

What’s Cooking in Columbia

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

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

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.)

Webb City Celebrates 10 Years

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

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.

St. Louis Gateway Greening

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.