News

Columbia Farmers Market has busy opening day

By Kathryn Darnell

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Chilly conditions made little difference to Missouri farmers Saturday as they brought their wares to the opening day of the Columbia Farmers Market.

Two rows of pristine white tents covered vendor tables laden with honeycomb, fresh greens, mushrooms, cheeses, eggs, fresh baked goods, peacock quills and more.

The aroma of pie, coffee and herbs was in the air, and Spanish guitar music played in the background.

“It’s been a long winter,” said longtime customer Ene-Kaja Chippendale.

“This is my favorite way to spend Saturday morning,” she added enthusiastically,

The weather didn’t scare away customers. Kicking off its 28th year, the market at Clinkscales and Ash streets behind the Activity and Recreation Center attracted approximately 850 people from 8 a.m. to noon.

Victoria Day, volunteer coordinator for Sustainable Farms and Communities, said the number of customers was good for so early in the year, but she looked up at somber clouds and added, “sun would be nice.”

Despite the gray skies, some vendors said customers were buying more than expected. Dan Kuebler, who was selling spinach at his stall, The Salad Garden, had already sold out of his 60 pounds of spinach by 10:30 a.m..

“It looks like we’re going to have one of our best first days,” Kuebler said.

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AgriMissouri™ News

Series of Farmers’ Market Workshops Offer Competitive Edge for Missouri Producers

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Beginning Nov. 21, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) will begin a series of statewide farmers’ market workshops focused on growing techniques for better sales at farmers’ markets, food safety and salesmanship/direct marketing. The workshops will be open to growers and farmers’ market masters.

Local direct marketing provides Missouri producers with a profitable opportunity to sell directly to consumers at retail prices. Farmers’ markets are growing in popularity, and in number, as consumers are becoming more health conscious and aware of the benefits of buying fresh, locally grown produce. Recently, Missouri has seen an increase of farmers’ markets with more than 140 markets around the state. These markets are poised to be successful local markets, but more growers are needed to supply a variety of products to satisfy the consumer demand.

The Farmers’ Market Workshops will be held in seven cities across the state. The schedule is as follows:

Jan. 20 – Food Safety, On the Farm and At the Market
Columbia, Boone Electric Coop Facility
Jan. 27 – Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
Blue Springs, Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City East/Blue Springs
Feb. 10 – Food Safety, On the Farm and At the Market
St. Peters, St. Charles County Extension Office
March 6 – Growing for a Farmers’ Market
Springfield, Springfield Library Center

Workshops are $15 per person and includes lunch and snacks. For more information or to obtain a registration form, contact Lane McConnell, marketing specialist with MDA, at (573) 751-4339 or Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.

Starting a Business

Dream of owning and running your own business? Starting a business can seem like a daunting task of rules and regulations. AgriMissouri and the Business Development staff at the Missouri Department of Agriculture can assist you in beginning your dream.


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Missouri Agribusiness Named Farm Direct Marketer of the Year

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Weston Red Barn Farm, located in Weston, Mo., was recently named the Farm Direct Marketer of the Year by the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) – a leader in promoting and fostering the growth of farm direct marketing. Steven and Cynthia Frey, AgriMissouri™ members and owners of Weston Red Barn Farm, were honored at a NAFDMA Convention in Wisconsin.

Weston Red Barn Farm is a children’s educational farm, pumpkin patch and orchard located in Weston, 20 minutes north of Kansas City. The farm offers children, families and groups the opportunity to experience the educational and recreational benefits of farming.

“Red Barn Farm is a shining example of education and agriculture. I am proud to have this facility in Missouri,” said Katie Smith, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “Their commitment to agribusiness in Missouri is shown in their efforts to educate youth on the importance of agriculture in our state. The Weston Red Barn Farm offers an authentic view into the every day life of farming and sets an example for other agribusinesses.”

The farm operation began in 1990 and has grown to an educational experience for children and a place for families to enjoy a true farm setting.

“We strive to provide a non-commercial family setting that gets revisited every year creating a tradition for Missouri families,” said Steven Frey, owner of Weston Red Barn Farm. “In 2007, more than 18,000 children toured our farm with their classmates and thousands of families came to purchase peaches, corn, apples and pumpkins. We provide an entertaining educational experience for children and a place for families to enjoy an authentic farm setting in a safe, peaceful and non-commercial environment.”

For more information on Weston Red Barn Farm, visit www.westonredbarnfarm.com. To learn about other agribusinesses in the state, visit www.agrimissouri.com.