Farmers Market to begin season May 8

By Justin Baldwin

Like the arrival of the first robin of the year, the Vernon County Farmers Market annual business meeting is a sign that spring is on it's way. This year, more than 20 people showed up to elect officers and discuss such issues as market location and starting times.

After a short election process, in which Farmers Market vendors were reluctant to volunteer, the new officers were elected. Sherri Baker is taking over the duties of both the president and the secretary/treasurer while Linda Galhoffer remains vice president.

Kathi Wysong of the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce spoke to the Farmers Market members about the necessity of working again with the chamber to expand the profitability and continuing to make the Farmers Market grow.

In the past, Saturday has been a very slow day, both for vendors and customers. After last year's decision to move the Saturday market from the corner of Austin and Adams to the Square, vendors praised the success of the move and appointed a committee to look into moving the Farmers Market to the Square this year.

Wysong was pleased with the special events that coincided with the Saturday Farmers Market to form Market Square Days last year.

"The first time up to bat and I think we batted 1,000 on it. Honestly, it was so much better than I thought it would be," said Wysong.

One of the issues further defined at the meeting was what was meant by the term "local produce." Members are concerned about "jobbers," people who pick up a load of produce from a Joplin warehouse or someplace like it, transport it to Nevada and underbid local producers. While jobbing is forbidden, some producers expressed concern that prices needed to be set to ensure everyone can make a reasonable profit.

However, some members believed that basic cost-price economics would dictate the market.

Stockton peach grower Joe Pate said, "If you sell green beans under a $1.50 you are cutting your nose off to spite your face."

Market member Allen Carson agreed, "Get good stuff and package it well ... I've sold tomatoes at $1 a pound and the guy right next to me was selling for 50 cents and I would sell out before him."

The first Market Square Day this spring is set for May 8, the day before Mother's Day.

Since there will be little produce available at this time the next market will be held on May 22 and every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday after that, except for during Bushwhacker Days.