Weather impact on farmers' markets & other challenges

Not just here - hot and dry - but everywhere. Sometimes it is too much rain rather than none at all. Too hot. Not hot soon enough. Run a Google search for "weather + farmers markets. 

Today an Ohio news station, on of many, reports on the weather impact on farmers' market

"Delay in crops: extreme weather is a growing concern for farmers who make money off summer crops. The spring rain and summer heat has affected sweet corn and a few other crops.

Farmers have to take advantage of what mother nature provides. The amount of rain and heat not only impacts what you may see at a farmers' market but when you may see it there as well."

Why Shop At A Farmers Market?

We've said this before ~ linked, blogged, tweeted it too, but here we come again. Even adjusting for natural hype, there is no denying that the market continues to pick up, steadily developing a broader vendor and customer base. We'd like to more of both, vendors and shopper, especially local. Is anyone is still asking, "Why shop at a farmers market?" If so, here are some answers...

1. Buying Locally

Buying from your local farmer or home grower supports local agriculture and the local economy. This means that the food you are eating comes from nearby, and does not require us to waste lots of energy and petroleum to ship the food half-way around the world. You are eating food in your own environment, where it has perfectly-created nutrients for your specific climate and region. You are also supporting the environment by reducing the usage of fossil fuels.

2. Affordable Organic Fruits & Veggies