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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Director of Agriculture Congratulates Webb City Farmers' Market for Award on Opening Day

(WEBB CITY, MO) – Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler today visited the Webb City Farmers’ Market to congratulate them on receiving the 2009 Market of the Year award and to discuss the importance of local foods and farmers’ markets to the state. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 10th year and recently expanded and improved its facility.

“The Webb City Farmers’ Markets sets an unprecedented example of how to maintain a successful market. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is meeting the consumer’s demand of high quality locally grown foods in a diversified marketplace,” said Dr. Hagler. “Farmers’ markets allow consumers to see where their food comes from. In doing so, farmers’ markets help reduce the economic distance between producers and consumers – placing a high quality product on consumer’s tables and more dollars in the producer’s pockets. It is a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.”

Over the past twelve years, there has been a significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets across the state. In 1997 there were 53 markets. Today there are over 158 markets in Missouri with average sales of $1000 per day.

“The Department of Agriculture has placed an increased emphasis on sustainability, stewardship and local foods,” said Dr. Hagler. “Missouri’s farmers markets embody that emphasis by providing consumers locally grown products.”

The Webb City Farmers’ Market will be open for the 2009 season offering fresh, locally grown products on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. (May-Oct.) and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 noon (June-Sept.). For more information on the Webb City Farmers’ Market, visit webbcityfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

To learn more about farmers’ markets in Missouri, visit www.agrimissouri.com.

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.