I am sure you have noticed. And I am sure you have commented to others in your market. In our market it is a commonplace understanding among those who have attended any length of time. The phenomenon in question is this: No matter how long a lull in customers you have endured, as soon as […]
Articles
Selling by variety: Does it work?
November 27, 2014 Categoriesby Jeanne Boelsma, Bethel Farmers’ Market Two main reasons customers shop at Farmers’ Markets are freshness and taste. I have found that by planting specific varieties with excellent taste and other outstanding characteristics, I can enthusiastically recommend a variety, knowing the customer will be back for more. I like to plant the sweetest, corniest flavor […]
The Question of Sending a Worker to Market
June 12, 2014 CategoriesAt a certain stage of growth in our operations, it becomes apparent that we cannot do everything that needs doing all by ourselves. When this time arrives, we hire helpers to get things done in a more effective and timely manner, as well as to be able to simply do more overall. Hiring the right […]
The Farmers’ Market: An opportunity for self management
January 14, 2014 CategoriesWhat is a Farmers’ Market anyway? At its core, a farmers’ market is a group of farmers (and often other producers) who gather together regularly to offer their wares for sale to the public. In this sense a farmers’ market is itself a business, one whose make up consists of a part of the business […]
Getting out from under
January 14, 2014 CategoriesTransitioning from a sponsored market to an independent market A guide for sponsors of farmers’ markets and members of sponsored farmers’ markets who want to move their market toward greater independence. We recognize that not all farmers’ markets are ready to welcome their market’s independence, nor are all sponsors ready to loosen the reins. But […]
Triple bottom line
February 9, 2013 CategoriesWe don’t just do it for the money… Assuring our ethics is displayed in our economics. The “Triple Bottom Line” is concept that has gained popularity and credibility since its first introduction in the mid 1990’s. TBL, or 3BL, refers to the social, ecological and economic bottom lines of any business, whether for-profit or non-profit. […]
Farm Supplies
February 8, 2013 CategoriesWhere to find… Onion bags, plastic bags, wooden boxes, scales, apple ladders, scissors, clamshells, pint and quart containers, and other packaging, marketing and farm supplies. Know of other good sources? Tell us about them so we can share! Cardboard Trays, Locally Produced. Need corrugated trays for your customers to use? Trays are 17¼ x 13 […]
Evaluating your market’s economic impact
July 19, 2012 Categoriesby Colleen Hanlon-Smith This information is from www.marketumbrella.org. To access supporting materials to conduct polls and economic impact reviews, please create a free log-in at the following website and select “SEED” under the “tools” menu: http://www.marketumbrella.org/marketshare/ Across the USA, public markets, especially farmers markets, are growing by leaps and bounds. But how much is a leap? […]
Missing the point about “Why Farmers’ Markets Fail:” A lesson in radical green economics of yesterday and tomorrow
June 22, 2012 CategoriesThe recent feature article “Why Do Some Farmers Markets Fail?” excerpted from an extension bulletin by Larry Lev, Garry Stevenson and Linda Brewer in the March/April 2008 issue of Farmers’ Markets Today seems to have left out some very important factors leading to the demise of certain farmers markets. The article does mention several factors that […]
What do I need for setting up at a farmers’ market?
June 22, 2012 CategoriesSo you’ve decided to try selling at a farmers’ market. The gardens are weeded, the harvest is starting, and it’s time to sell. What equipment and techniques will you need to help sell your produce? This pamphlet was written by two farmers (Kate Slattery & Tom Roberts) from opposite ends of the state—one with 10 […]