Do's and Don'ts: Farmer's Market

The Modern Farmer recently posted an article of Do's and Don'ts for Farmer's Markets. I agree that the Farmer's Markets presents an interesting situation on etiquette. It's not like shopping in Walmart and it's not like shopping in a pricey boutique. After attending farmer's markets for years as both producer and consumer, I have my own set of Do's and Don'ts. It differs from the article. I think it gives a little more respect to the producer when you are walking around the smaller markets. The East Troy (village of 3,000) farmer's market is vastly different from Madison Capital Square market on Saturday. Smaller markets demand more communication between consumer and producer. Plus, I think those at the larger markets would appreciate it, too!

Do: Take samples or ask for a sample. I don't think you should just grab something and then after it's in your mouth claim it as a sample. Producers love to show off their hard work and convince your taste buds you can't live without that yummy cucumber. However, producers have a right to delegate how much of a sample you get. It is free to you as a consumer, but not to the producer.

Do: Ask tons of questions! Consumers have a right to know where their food is coming from. Every farmer at the market is not organic. Every farmer is not working on soil health. Not every farmer picked the produce recently. Knowledge is power!

Do: Bring your own reusable bag. The farmer's market is the PERFECT place to show off your stylish eco-bag. Producers usually have some plastic bags, but it's so much nicer when we all consider sustainability. :)

Do: Ask for quantity deals. Most producers have extras at home or are willing to work with you if you are canning or making your own hard cider. Some items are only sold off the farm for legal reasons. You might not notice a sign advertising a producers' special deals, so ask!

Don't: Skip people in line. Yeah, this is a crappy thing to do. Producers work hard on giving as much speedy attention to everyone as they can. Patience will reward you and keep others happy, too.

Don't: Return food. I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the article above. Returning food is gross. It's touched a bunch of other peoples' hands, been rolling around in bags, and been standing out in the heat and often sun for longer than it should be. If food is accepted as a return, it can't be sold to someone else for food safety reasons. Maybe if it's a canned good or something in sealed container, but for our fresh veggies and fruit, no thanks. That being said, if you have a serious problem go back and talk to the producer. Most people are willing to accommodate you in some fashion. (On a side note, we sometimes get people asking for returns when they don't understand what fresh food means. One woman asked for a return on our farm fresh eggs because the yolks were too yellow. She didn't understand that a healthy egg should have a bright and deep yellow color to it. We gave her back her money but also explained why they were great. Sadly she had already thrown all the eggs out!)

Don't: Come to the farmer's market right at close. The fresh items will always be at their best early in the morning or opening of the market. You are cheating yourself by waiting till the end. Producer's don't mind selling to you as they pack up (well, most don't), but remember that these veggies have been out in the heat and sun all day and need to be put in a cooler right away.

Fall Fermentation

I thought I'd pass this great opportunity on to our readers. Not too far away in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, October 4th-13th, the Fermentation Fest will occur. This festival includes tons of amazing classes and talks on ways you can connect to your food. From canning tips to making your own sourdough bread to wine and hard cider making to homemade cheese production you'll explore the vast ways fermentation plays a vital role in our food. There is also a farm and art tour that gives you time to explore the region and, most likely, see some of that great autumn color of Wisconsin!  It looks awesome; I hope to see you there!

Tonight at Wednesday Evening On the Farm we will gather around the a small apple wood fire sip cider and talk about snack packs for school or work.  We've collected 25 ideas to share and get you started creating your own.  See you tonight!

Baby ears for eating!!

Harvesting "Baby Ears" for sale!!

Oriental - Baby orn

Silks are starting to show on our Re orn variety.  Harvesting Baby Ears, putting in jars with 1/2 tsp salt per jar, then 1/2 water - 1/2 vinegar. Blue variety is in tassel.  Rest to follow/

Will harvest 1st pears/apples late this week.  Will trim apple limbs/trunks (not alive) this week.  Grape vines, will be trim as well to allow light into the fruit.

Still fighting improper plant growth.  mow - mow - mow

Posting

My keyboar has lost two letters, so sorry for the "No Posts".  Will get you all up to spee when I get it repair.

Working Hard?

So, obviously the blog posts have gone by the wayside. Sorry about that! The summer is the busiest season. There is weeding and watering, harvesting and replanting for fall crops, and all the livestock. No matter how much you love what you do, there are days when you need a little more to keep you going. My (the almost witty daughter) favorite way to keep inspired is to listen to podcasts while doing field work. I thought I'd share a couple of my audio crushes right now.

If you are feeling like food is boring or you just don't really care anymore, try The Food Craftsman. It's new and has so far focused mostly on California creators. I have hope that as it continues and its audience expands we'll hear more from around the country. The show is short and sweet with great quality. I finish an episode feeling inspired and energized on all the awesome things we can do with the food we eat, not to mention exploring niche business markets!

Scott Mann is brilliant and has created a vast network of very talented people working in permaculture and agriculture. The Permaculture Podcast features interviews with some of the brightest and most entertaining people. It focuses mostly on permaculture which is the agricultural system focusing on care of people, care of earth, and care of surplus. This is manifested in everything from solar power to food forests to local banking. This podcast serves as both an introduction to the many varied world of permaculture and expert details found no where else. It has also quadrupled my reading list, which is an impressive feat! Our farm isn't necessarily a permaculture farm but many of the tenants cross over to our mission and work.

Pat and Les will be back soon with more pictures and updates on the farm. In the meantime, let us know what your favorite podcasts are. How do you stay inspired to use local foods and organics?