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

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

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)

Missouri’s Premier Agriculture Expo Offers New Appeal

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.

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.

Looking for Sweet Corn Growers

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

Highly Successful State Fair Farmers’ Market

The Missouri Department of Agriculture along with the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association and AgriMissouri held the first ever Farmers’ Market at the 2008 Missouri State Fair the past two weeks. After 11 days of running the market in the Agriculture Building on the state fairgrounds the market brought in over $4,822.97 in sales and was a big hit at the fair. All funds raised will go back to the MDA to use for marketing and educational needs to promote the Missouri Farmers' Market industry.

Local produce was sold from eight different Missouri farmers’ market vendors and the market was utilized by fair campers, local Sedalia residents and fair visitors. More than 175,000 individuals came through the Buy Missouri…Buy Local, Eat Local….Got 4 It area during the fair. The area focused on the importance of supporting local farmers and forest product companies. The Buy Missouri area also offered visitors not only a farmers’ market where they could purchase local fruits and vegetables, but information on Agritourism operations and community markets around the state, an interactive area that included two computer set-ups where consumers could log on to the web and find a market near their home, plan their next Agritourism adventure, locate area forest companies and purchase local Missouri forestry products.

More than 37 volunteers, which included MDA staff, farmers’ market vendors and markets masters, forestry industry companies and Master Gardeners from around the state, donated their time to run the area throughout the fair.

Heirloom tomatoes from Fahrmeier Farms in Lexington were showcased and visitors could taste the freshness of Missouri through taste testing of more than six varieties of heirlooms. Other products sold included tomatoes, eggplant and cucumbers from Anderson Produce of Centertown, cantaloupe, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers from The Veggie Patch of Glasgow, peppers, grape tomatoes, onions from Fahrmeier Farms, sweet corn from Lowell Mohler of Jefferson City and David Kottman of Armstrong, watermelons from Freeman Farms in Tipton and peaches from Peach Tree Farms in Boonville and Rasa Orchard in Lexington.

The market not only provided a fun addition to the Agriculture Building this year, but educated consumers on the importance of buying local and eating healthy. In addition, a Missouri Farmers' Market Media Event was held on August 9 to promote Missouri Farmers' Market Week August 3-9, with a reading of a Proclamation by Director of Agriculture Don Steen.

The MDA is already underway planning for next year’s State Fair Farmers’ Market.

Take a look photos from the State Fair Farmers’ Market.

Campers Flock to State Fair Farmers' Market

Story from: The Sedalia Democrat
Published Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Visitors at the Missouri State Fair’s public campground are enjoying a new shopping experiment: the AgriMissouri Farmers Market in the Agriculture Building.

Lane McConnell, a marketing specialist for the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Ag Business Development Division, is heading the new operation.

"Since it’s our first time doing this, we had no way of knowing if campers would utilize the market," McConnell said. "A ton of campers have come back multiple times, as well as fair visitors and people who live in Sedalia looking for farm-grown produce."

Part of the incentive for campers to use the market is the free delivery option. AgriMissouri, a marketing assistance group for Missouri farmers markets, has provided a John Deere Gator and a golf cart to make produce deliveries to the campground.

"All the campers have to do is give us their cell phone number, and we meet them at the gate with their produce," McConnell said.

The market sells fruits and vegetables from nine vendors. The homegrown goods include bell peppers, sweet corn, onions, potatoes and several varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

"I know sweet corn is popular this time of year, but I never dreamed we would sell so much," McConnell said. "I can’t even count how many huge bags we have gone through in the last six days."

Campground Superintendent Rod Baxter said the farmers market gives campers more purchase options because there are only two vendors permitted to sell on the campground. The A OK Co. sells recreational vehicle supplies, and the Sedalia Rotary Club provides a convenience store that sells various food items and toiletries.

McConnell said the delivery service at the market is booming despite the "turnover" Baxter has noticed at the campground.

"Friday evening we had a line of recreational vehicles waiting to get into the grounds," Baxter said. There was another line of people waiting to leave on Sunday, he said.

"I figure the crowds are bigger during the weekend when people are typically off work," Baxter said. "If the weather stays as nice as it is, I’m expecting the same thing to happen this Friday."
Baxter attributes the campground not meeting maximum capacity to its continuing expansion. Two years ago, area was added on the north side of the grounds. Also, more pedestals have been added that provide water, electricity and sewage disposal for RVs.

"I think the farmers market has added a lot of life the Agriculture Building and the fair," McConnell said. "We are looking to have a permanent farmers market set up in Sedalia so people can enjoy this produce all the time."

State Fair Farmers' Market Kicks Off

The Missouri State Fair Farmers' Market kicked off yesterday on the first of 11 days of fair fun. The market is being run by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with these great sponsors: Missouri Farmers' Market Association, Missouri Department of Conservation, AgriMissouri and Missouri Forest Products Association.

The new area at the State Fair, "Buy Missouri...Buy Local, Eat Local," is being supplied with produce from Lowell Mohler of Jefferson City, Kenny Anderson of Centertown, Freeman Family Farms of Tipton, Fahrmeier Farms of Lexington, The Veggie Patch of Glascow and Rasa Orchard of Lexington.

Cosentino's Price Chopper sponsored green cloth shopping bags for the market to give away with each purchase.

Visitors to the area will find taste testing of heirloom tomatoes, watermelon and peaches. Other items that can be purchased at the market are melons, tomatoes, new potatoes, onions, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, eggplant and much more! In addition, visitors can learn more about the importance to eat local food and find a farmers’ market in there area with a Interaction Computer Area that is also available.

You can view photos of the market here.

Missouri State Fair Institutes Recycling Program

The Missouri State Fair is decreasing the total waste generated during this year’s 11-day event by placing 50 bins designated for recycling throughout the fairgrounds. The bins will be placed next to the regular trash receptacles and will be used to recycle aluminum and plastic beverage containers.

“This is the first program of its kind that the Fair has been involved in,” said Missouri State Fair Director Marion Lucas. “We want to make the 2008 Fair a great place for family fun, while doing what we can to help protect the environment.”

While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the national goal for recycling at 35%, the state of Missouri has aimed higher with a goal of 40%. Since 2001, the state has continually exceeded the goal that was established in 1990 by Senate Bill 530. In 2006, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources reported that Missourians recycled or composted nearly 44% of all waste within the state.

Lucas said that in support of Missouri’s impressive recycling rates, the Missouri State Fair wants to work to push those numbers even higher.

“We understand how important recycling is to Missouri and its future,” said Lucas, “that is why we have teamed-up with such great sponsors to ensure this program is successful.”

Lucas said that the recycling bins are being donated by Anheuser-Busch Recycling/County Distributing Co., Inc. Additional support for the program is being provided by Johnson County Sheltered Workshop, Midwest Assistance Program and the State of Missouri Office of Administration. Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission/Region F Solid Waste Management District has donated $1,000 to cover the expense of labor associated with the recycling campaign.

Visitors to the Fair this year are encouraged to look for the red bins throughout the fairgrounds. The recycling containers will be in place during the Fair, which is August 7 to 17 in Sedalia. For more information please contact the Missouri State Fair at 660-827-8150.

State Fair Farmers’ Market

Yes, that’s right you read the headline correctly. The Missouri Department of Agriculture will be setting up a farmers’ market booth in the Agriculture Building this year. The area, called Buy Missouri, will promote Missouri’s more than 140 farmers’ markets, Agritourism industry and the forest industry. The goal of the area is to create consumer awareness on the importance of buy local Missouri products, whether that’s food for your dinner table or wood products for your home!

The area will be decorated with items from the State Fair Horticulture Contest and wooden walls and a barn roof, donated from various forest product companies in Missouri, will be constructed to house a pumpkin patch in the area. There will be a large farmers’ market stand in the middle of the area, where State Fair campers and visitors to the fair can purchase fresh produce, an interactive media area that will feature farmers’ market podcasts and videos, an Agritourism buyers’ guide and videos of forestry companies around the state.

We are looking for market volunteers for the information table in the Buy Missouri booth. If you are interested in helping out this year at the fair please contact Lane or Charlotte.

Hope to see you at the fair this year!

Headed to the Fair

I’m headed to the Missouri State Fair for set-up and horticulture registration August 6-10th in Sedalia; therefore there will not be many blog posts this week.

Be sure and stop by the AgriMissouri Market located in the Agriculture Building to sample products from Missouri and stop in and take a look at the winners of the horticulture contest as well.