Farmers' Market Celebration

As Farmers' Market week continues...

Here's a "virtual visit" for those who are unable to attend.

vendors arrive EARLY in the morning

setting up

WELCOME

You can find all sorts of things at the Market!

flowers

Fiber

FUN

eggs

donuts

artisan breads

pupusas

hand-crafted wooden bowls

herb plants

dried herbs

exotic mushrooms

luscious goodies

unique gift ideas

fresh ginger

all natural doggie treats

great music

tasty vegetables

fabulous fruit

all sorts of tomatoes

...and of course, CORN

Come visit us in person on Saturday...we're open from 7am to NOON from the first weekend in April until the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

But, get there early...the good stuff doesn't last long!

love this sign from Firkin Pie Company

Hope you enjoyed your little "virtual visit"! 

Thanks to TLeightonWomack photography for the great images. 

To see more, check out  https://www.flickr.com/photos/stauntonaugustafarmersmarket 

Farmers' Market Week 2018

It’s Farmers’ Market week!

This is the week set aside to mark the important part that those 8,000+ farmers' markets across the country play in their communities.

I thought about writing one of those posts extolling the virtues of Farmers’ Markets. How they benefit everyone in the community, enhance the economy, provide for the needy and make the world a better place…blah, blah, blah. But those have been done to death. I know, I’ve written more than a few…check these out:

https://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2016/08/farmers-market-week-2016.html (this one has links to all the others)
http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/its-farmers-market-week.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/does-producer-only-matter.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/visiting-farmers-market-nearly-wordless.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/thankful-thursday-farmers-market.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/up-close-and-personal.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/08/price-wars.html

But.

Still, it is Farmers Market week.

I really ought to write something about the market.

The Staunton Farmers' Market has been a fixture in our lives for more than 20 years now. Twenty years! That’s a long time. And, that alone is some sort of accomplishment.

When we started as vendors, it really wasn’t because we were concerned with the community or the local economy. We weren’t looking to be food warriors or even save the earth. We were scared and broke and hoping to provide for our family. In reality, it was a move that was equal parts desperation and determination.

But, it’s Farmers’ Market week and I’m not here to tell you some sob story.

I’ve been thinking how farmers’ markets farmers are far different from other types of farmers. How some farmers even put air-quotes around those who grow for market. You know what I mean? They refer to us as “farmers” or say that we “farm”.  I don’t think they’re trying to be offensive. Or at least I hope not. Because that’s kinda mean. However, I do understand where they’re coming from. Compared to big grain/cattle/crop producers, the vendors at our market have small operations.

And, this place does not look like your typical farm. It’s tiny, it’s hilly, we actually BUY hay, and we don’t have any cool equipment.

But. We have managed to grow and produce food on a marketable scale for a long time now. That should count for something.

We work hard. We grow a good product. And, like the saying goes… “size doesn’t matter”. The mere fact that we’ve taken 12 acres of basically nothing and turned it into a thriving entity, providing food for ourselves and others is nothing short of a miracle. 

There are those who say the only reason farmers’ markets work is because they charge exorbitant prices. Again..kinda mean. And, SO not true. While I admit we do not charge “loss leader” type of prices, those are just to get you into the store anyway…  We don’t have the benefit of massive discounts for buying in bulk. Our production costs are far higher per single unit that big operations that produce huge quantities. But, our prices (and the rest of our farmers’ market) are generally in line with those at the grocery store. I know. I shop the grocery stores and do regular price comparison research.

Once a guy told us that since he could buy a package of cucumber seeds for 50 cents, grow a whole bunch of cucumbers and GIVE them away, we should be able to do that too. I forgot to ask him if that’s how he paid his bills. I’m pretty sure the guys at the feedstore would just die laughing if the Boss rolled in with a truckload of zucchini to pay for feed.  And, I’ve never tried to pay the electric bill that way. For online payments would I just throw the produce at the computer screen? And, just for the record here, everyone deserves a fair wage for their labors. (and excess produce doesn’t count)

We grow for the Market because that’s what works for us. Not because we think we’re right and everyone else is wrong. And, we certainly do not think anyone else should do things the way we do. We may have a small (okay, minute) operation. But, we’ve produced delicious food for ourselves and others for years. (and made enough cash to pay the bills) We are indeed REAL farmers. Yep, once had a lady tell me that she figured I was as close to a “real” farmer as she was ever gonna get. Still haven’t quite figured that one out. I’m pretty much as real as you get… (definitely no air-quotes)

That being said, the Farmers’ Market is an amazing place. You can find all sorts of food products, meat, eggs, hand-crafted items and more. Live music adds a vibrancy to an already interesting and eclectic experience.

Over the course of our 20+-year tenure, we’ve met folks from around the world. We’ve been exposed to thoughts and ideas that we would have never known otherwise. We’ve found ourselves challenged to learn and adapt in order to keep our business viable in an ever-changing world. Our children learned valuable lessons that they took into adulthood. We may never have met some of our friends if it weren’t for the farmers’ market. Dealing with the concerns of the public has made us far more empathetic (and only occasionally frustrated) that we would have been if we were just to stay here on the hill. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and our world and we’ve honed our message and found a voice for our concerns.

Our journey as farmers’ market vendors is unique, as I suppose each and every vendor’s is. There are those who set out to be the biggest and the best, and those who seek to fill a special niche, some are looking to use the Market as a stepping stone on the way to something bigger, a few do this as a hobby and still others would be hard pressed to pin-point why they have decided the Market is their venue. The stories are varied, the experiences myriad and the differing world visions both interesting and enlightening. That’s just part of what makes the Farmers’ Market so interesting.

A trip to the Market is far more than going to buy produce. It’s a visit with friends, support for folks you know and admire, and you’re almost guaranteed to learn something. And, I, for one, am privileged to be part of such a vibrant and interesting occupation.

Happy Farmers’ Market Week, y’all!

 See you at the Market!

Sunday Walkabout 8-5

It’s been a rather dull, gloomy, stormy…WET…week here on the hill.

After all the worry over being too dry, by the end of the week it was a sloppy, sodden mess. Although nothing compared to other parts of the state. Some places reportedly got over 7 inches of rain from a single storm! And, Lynchburg, VA faced the very real possibility of a dam collapse at one point during the week of rain.  Thankfully, it looks like things will be drying out in the coming week.

view across the valley

misty morning

guard dogs in the fog

queens anne's lace at sunrise

wet web

Extreme shifts in weather bring on new problems. Since this year has been one shift after another, it should come as no surprise that we are experiencing different issues than ever before. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen the Boss shake his head and say, “I’ve never seen anything quite like that!” so many times in a single season.

looks like a mouse or other small rodent
has been having a cucumber feast
yep,
new problem

However, on one of my forays through the gardens it was more of the “same-old, same-old” that got my attention. The broccoli had been looking pretty good last week and many customers were awaiting its return to the Market...

But, the shift in weather had brought on a surge in the harlequin beetle population. And, not to be indelicate or indiscreet, but there was a regular “orgy” going on there in the broccoli, assuring that in the next week there were would be even more beetles and the broccoli would be obliterated.

beetles in broccoli

insect damage to broccoli leaves

So, the Boss put his grilling plans on hold and headed out to do battle with the beetles. Time was of the essence. (and rain was in the forecast)

And, that got me thinking about the number one topic at the market.

Spraying.

Well, that’s probably not quite true. It's not just spraying... But, not a week goes by that I don’t have some conversation about crop production with someone. (and some people ask me the same question every single week---I kid you not)

Spraying, pesticide use, organic production and chemicals are bound to come up at some point. It seems that a lot of people are misinformed and scared. I’ve written countless posts about these topics, but I guess it can’t hurt to cover it one more time.

Read this one, it has a funny story about my childhood in it. https://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/05/im-no-p-s-t.html

This is an open letter to Market customers. https://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2015/08/dear-worried-customer.html

It seems I’ve been writing about this stuff for a LONG time. (and somewhat amazingly, I haven’t actually gone CRAZY yet...tell my family to stop laughing) http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2013/03/aint-seen-me-crazy-yet.html

The very much abbreviated version is this:

-Spraying is simply an application method. In and of itself, spraying cannot be bad. It’s what comes out of the sprayer.

-There are organic pesticides. Don’t believe me? Read http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/organic.html

-Chemicals are not intrinscially “good” or “bad”, they are building blocks. And, make up absolutely every single thing in this world. Nothing is ever “chemical-free”! (the same goes for hormones)

-And, pesticides must be toxic. That is, they must be toxic to the targeted pest. (otherwise they would be ineffective) This does not mean that they indeed have the same effect on the human body.

-Without some knowledgeable intervention on the part of farmers, there would be very little, if any, food for human consumption.

-All that being said, the efficacy of any type of pesticide is not long-lasting. (that means it doesn’t last long) And, there are regulations about any residues.

Now, before anybody wants to yell at me, send me mean and nasty messages (and, yes, I do get those) or tell me that I am part of the problem…please understand that I am only attempting to give you the facts and alleviate some of your fear.

Knowledge is power, people.

beautiful broccoli after the rain

The fact is a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits and proteins is necessary to good health.

It takes some knowledgeable folks utilizing all sorts of farming methods to provide the products necessary.

And, I’m leaving that one right there.

cows at daybreak

We ended up dodging raindrops for the rest of the week as we attempted to get some planting done and get ready for Market.

harvesting peppers

we made a quick trip to the processor's to pick up the latest batch of lamb

look
this truck is BLACK SHEEP trucking

the Boss working on his latest experiment

close-up of the "experiment"

looks like a failed science experiment
but, this is part of saving seeds for next year

"hey, I think she forgot to shut the gate!"
(I didn't...they're just not real bright)

another round of storms

found a thirsty Monarch in the driveway

I think it encountered a dog paw
(see the big white hair on it?)

after another rain shower

it seemed to recover nicely

clearing off

here comes more rain!

be it ever so humble...
there's no place like home

It's Friday evening...
and I think the rain is finally ending

The weather cleared, and the Market had an amazing day.

on the way to Market

Any fears that the Market was “off” and that things had changed vanished as the customers flocked through in droves. It may have been because it was tax-free weekend in Virginia, or maybe because school starts in the upcoming week…or maybe just because everyone was feeling good because it finally stopped raining.

market 8-4

Whatever the reason, it was a busy morning and there was very little left at the end of Market. This is a good news-bad news kind of thing. Few leftovers mean everyone had a good sales morning. (YAY) But, it also means that there is very little to give to the local lunch program that gleans market leftovers to provide for their “guests” during the upcoming week. (that always makes me feel a little sad)

If you’d like to “visit” the Market virtually, be sure to check out this link to the Boss’ photos on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/stauntonfarmersmkt/photos/pcb.10156158733396141/10156158731321141/?type=3&theater

beautiful Sunday sunrise

I realize I always end my posts the same way with “Happy Sunday”.  But, today, I will close this one by saying:

     HAPPY RAM DAY!

(yes, that does say RAM day)  

in celebration of "happy ram day"
lamb sausage and pancakes
Strawberry syrup from Malcolm's Market Garden
YUMMY!

For a little clarification you can read this one. https://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2016/08/happy-ram-day.html (our methods have changed slightly since this post)

So, I hope you’ll excuse me. We’re off to make Angus very happy and get started on the lambchop crop of 2019.  

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful week. Come back and “visit” us again soon.

Oh…wait!

National Farmers’ Market week starts today. Be sure to visit your local Market at some point this week to support those local farmers. And, check back to see if I actually finish my series that I intend to post to mark this occasion. (I’m trying…I’m really trying…)

Have a great week, y’all!