“What makes the farmer’s market such a special place is that you’re actually creating community around food.”

–Bryant Terry

Did you know that farmers markets have been around since ancient times? Some of the first known markets were in Egypt about 5,000 years ago. People there would sell their produce and goods along the Nile River to travelers passing through the region.

Markets came to our country in the 1600s. It was recorded that President Thomas Jefferson bought goods at a Georgetown market in 1806.

Today, there are more than 8,000 farmers markets across the United States. Iowa has around 200 of them in large cities and small towns alike. Our market, here in Fort Dodge, was founded in 1984 by Richard Buske, Richard Brown, and Don Loehr. These men had a passion for bringing fresh produce and goods to their community.

There are a few advantages to buying produce at the farmers market. First and foremost is that your fruits and vegetables are grown locally. That means you will get the freshest produce you can without growing it yourself. There is a likelihood that the produce you buy at the grocery store has been collected while underripe and often treated with gasses to inhibit ripening during shipping. Buying locally ensures that it has been picked at the peak of ripeness, minimally processed and handled. Not only does that make the produce taste better, but it is healthier for you as well.

Another advantage of buying local produce is that the fruits and vegetables are most often non GMO and grown without pesticides.

Lastly, there is a direct connection to where your food comes from. When you buy your product directly from the farmer, you gain a sense of trust knowing that the grower is just as concerned with your health as you are.

We are excited about the 2023 Farmer’s Market. Opening day is this Saturday at 9 a.m. The market will be held at 11 N. 25th St., northeast of Kemna. The market will run from June 10 through Oct. 14. Come join us on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m, and Saturdays from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. If you are interested in being a vendor, contact Kendal Pliner at 515-570-0058 or Diane Peterson at 515-570-2443.