Tent Talk: Recent Episodes
Farmers Market Pros
Tent Talk is a podcast for farmers' market managers, farmers, food makers, and anyone who counts on farmers’ markets as a source of income. Please join us as we interview farmers’ market experts, talk about ways to improve local food communities, and provide you with tips on building a successful farmers’ market business.
Tent Talk is produced by Farmers Market Pros.
We're talking this month about Building a Bigger Tent at our farmers markets. Let's remember that the more people and communities we welcome to markets, the deeper our variety of produce, products and personalities. Exclusion, whether purposeful or just thoughtless, means we miss out on all the richness that comes with diversity.
Sagdrina Brown Jalal is back with us for this episode, just in time for Juneteenth. While that day of historic remembrance is coming up next week on June 19th, observances and events will start this weekend and extend into next. We're talking about how your market can support that holiday. And we're looking at how organizations like the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative are working to level the playing field and lift up small farmers all year round. Tune in while we discuss:
- Support can be more appropriate than leadership
- The exhausting history of resilience
- Bridging urban and rural division
- Looking beyond Federal funding
- Partnership and collaboration as strength
#Farmersmarkets #Juneteenth #Blackfarmersmarkets #Cooperatives #Belovedcommunity #SageDCollective
This month we’re going to be talking about Building a Bigger Tent and keeping our commitment to making farmers markets a welcoming and opportunity filled place for everyone. We're also getting ready to launch some new ways to share information to make your farmers market more profitable and less stressful for farmers, producers and managers. Don't miss those upcoming announcements. Meanwhile, expect some shorter episodes this summer leading up to our next full season, and the occasional longer one. Dip into the archives anytime: there are currently almost 350 episodes there.
Quick reminder: you have just a few days before registration closes on June 5th for the International Public Markets Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this month. Our own Catt Fields White will be hosting a panel there on market operations. Click the PPS logo on the Resource Page at FarmersMarketPros.com to register.
Wrapping up our series on defining farmers markets, we're chatting in this episode about what a farmers market is, and what it isn't. Whether inadvertently or intentionally, a lot of places and platforms and events are identified as farmers markets that don't meet the definition. Tents alone do not a farmers market make and the same goes for fresh produce. Are there farmers present? Does it happen regularly? We're intent on keeping our word. Speaking up for farmers markets means reminding people what a farmers market really is, and why that matters. Listen in as we discuss * What makes a farmers market * Helping consumers know the difference * Other platforms, other names * Calling out greenwashing * Keeping our word
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by TentCraft
In this episode of our series on defining farmers markets we consider online ordering and delivery services by looking back to a June, 2021 conversation with Christine Farren, Executive Director of San Francisco's Foodwise. Back then, the organization formerly known as Cuesa was redesigning the curated boxes developed on the fly during peak Covid into a delivery service managed with a logistics partner. Tune in as we discuss how online ordering and home delivery fits into the definition of farmers markets as a place where farmers and eaters form relationships. Listen to our conversation about: * Flexibility as a superpower * Sharing other organizations' strengths * Doing the math on delivery * Keeping new systems equitable * The importance of face time
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Project for Public Spaces
Continuing our series on defining farmers markets we like to wonder: what if everyone in a region or in the country agreed on one set of best practices and one set of rules for farmers markets? In this episode we're talking with Dr. Kim Hutchison and Meredith Ledlie Johnson about how the Virginia Farmers Market Association has done just that. Bringing in multiple stakeholders helped create consistent standards. Education and certification of managers and farmers markets provides validation and a sense of pride. Leveraging that recognition to negotiate managers' compensation and public policy are additional benefits. Listen in as we talk about: * Creating consistent standards * Recognizing our industry's strengths * Bringing multiple agencies to the table * Documenting the work we do * How certification affects salaries
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by American Farmland Trust
Defining farmers markets starts with one common thread: the presence of farmers, selling to shoppers. From there all bets are off and protocols and structure can vary widely. This week we're looking back to a conversation with farmer Jake Johannes from the Sacred Sun Cooperative. He shares how the Brookside Farmers Market in Kansas City, Missouri is organized as an almost all-volunteer market. Farmers and vendors serve on the board, actively assisting a paid manager to maintain standards centered on local food and "radically sustainable practices". Listen in as we talk about: • Centering producers • Maintaining market integrity • Avoiding conflicts of interest • Supporting your market manager • Compassionate decision making Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Farmers Market University.
We’re wrapping up this month’s Marketing Methods series with a reminder that social media is just one way to create loyal shoppers for your farmers market operation, and not necessarily the best one. Nowadays rules and algorithms and reach seem to change daily, at the whim of the platforms. Email newsletters let you control your list and your timing, and personalize your outreach to build connections. How do you maximize those results?
In this episode, Erika Tebbens, the Director of Impact at woman-owned and woman-led local food marketing agency Taste the Local Difference, makes a convincing case for breathing new life into your email marketing campaigns. Listen in to this exclusive excerpt of Erika's presentation at the 2025 In Tents National Farmers Market Conference. We've skipped the parts of her session that relied heavily on visuals. Listen in for expert tips on how to keep your content in front of shoppers who will keep coming back to the market, as well as:
- Determining the best email platform
- Building and expanding your own contact list
- Including effective calls to action
Is anyone else going all in on the Spring cleaning vibes? It’s a great time to do a refresh, or even just a review of your market business website. We’ve been saying this a lot lately, but we’ll say it again: have you made it easy for your customers to find you? Is your location front and center? Your website is an opportunity for you to tell potential shoppers not only where you are, but who you are and why your business is unique. Whether you’ve got thousands of social media followers, or you’re just starting to grow your market business, your website is still often the first place a shopper will go to learn more about you. Tune in for another episode in this month’s Marketing Methods series, and follow along as we discuss: * Making sure crucial information is front and center * Landing pages and links * Vendors and sponsors and maps, oh my! * Who updates your website, and how often
Marketing is just one of a market manager's or vendor's full time jobs. So a cooperative effort that benefits multiple markets is invaluable. Add in centralized sales of gift certificates redeemable region-wide and everyone will be harvesting a bumper crop of additional income. Maine Federation of Farmers Markets director Jimmy DeBiasi joined us last year to explain selling employers on using market dollars as part of their workplace wellness programs. He dug even deeper into the how-to at last month's InTents Farmers Market Conference. This week in our Marketing Methods series listen as we chat with Jimmy about:
- The power of cooperative marketing
- The impressive total of sales generated
- How tough is tracking and billing? (Not as hard as you'd think.)
- The key selling points for big buyers
Once folks experience your farmers market or market business you know they'll be hooked. How you get them there the first time, and how you remind them to come back until they form a habit, that's the marketing magic. We're kicking off this month's Marketing Methods series with a look at which social media platforms will most effectively get the word out about your market. Where you’re posting, what you’re posting, and what kind of content performs best is important. Which platforms you trust and want to support is also worth considering these days. Listen in as we discuss:
- What types of content the algorithms reward
- When newer platforms are worth exploring
- Whether going viral should be the goal
- Why cooperation is the new competition
In the last of this month's series sharing farmers market stories, we catch up with Sina War about all the latest ways she's supporting our community. A multipotentialite, she's worn a lot of hats in our industry. She's been a hands-on farmers market manager and developed a food product made from peppers she grew herself. At the Minnesota Farmers Market Association she's shared recipes on local TV and advocated for local food systems at the state legislature. Sina has the heart of an educator, and nurturing new farmers comes naturally. Join us as we hear what Sina's up to next, and discuss:
- Why multiple roles are natural in the farmers market world
- All the ways to speak up for farmers markets
- The little seedling that Sina's focused on right now
- When Grow Your Green will start helping new farmers thrive
For our annual Live from InTents episode, Tent Talk producer Leandra Hays sat down earlier this month with almost 30 attendees of the hundreds at the national Farmers Market Conference in San Diego. They shared what keeps them going and what rewards them in the face of farmers market challenges. Tune in to hear all about it.
Lisa Herlinger is a trained chef turned entrepreneur who launched her gourmet ice cream sandwich company at the Portland Farmers Market back in 2004. More than two decades later, it's a thriving business with wholesale grocery and convenience store distribution, spreading joy and dominating frozen novelty aisles nationwide. Tune in to hear about Ruby Jewel's growth as we share: * Lisa's commitment to locally sourced ingredients * Finding the balance between quality and price * The value of sampling at markets * Financial considerations of scaling to wholesale
Michael Clark is a third generation family farmer who grew up working at farmers markets and on the farm. Over the years JR (for Joe Rodriguez) Organics, his family's business, has expanded to include more than a dozen weekly farmers markets, a robust CSA program and wholesale customers. Mike manages sales and production and still works at several markets a week himself. Listen in as he explains: * Why the farm has a CSA program * How a CSA can work hand-in-hand with farmers markets * Benefits of and obstacles to organic certification * The charms and challenges of working with family
Wrapping up our Recruit and Retain series, we come back to what makes it all come together: shoppers. Remember, we heard from Corinna Smith earlier this month that increasing market attendance is great, but what’s critical is how many of those attendees are buying something at the market. Are they filling those shopping bags and baskets? Then retaining farmers and vendors is a slam dunk. That income will allow you to retain staff. It's a whole ecosystem right there.
In the final installment of this series, let's talk about some Farmers Market pro tips, including:
- Followers are fine, engagement is epic
- More attendees is good, more buyers is key
- Email lists may be more secure than social platforms
- Co-op marketing with local businesses is golden
It's not QUITE too late to register for this year's InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, in San Diego March 10th -12th and live online. Link in bio or click Register Now at FarmersMarketPros.com You need this.
Every farmers market manager knows that curating a well-balanced market is both an art and a science. Whether you’re running a seasoned market or developing a brand new event, recruiting and vetting vendors that fit the needs of your individual community is key. Keeping things balanced so that everyone profits is essential. Maintaining long-term, mutually respectful relationships with each of your vendors creates that consistent set of offerings that will build a loyal customer base.
Listen in as we go deeper and consider:
- Identifying a mission and holding fast to your values
- Walking the line between scouting and stalking
- Considering trends while prioritizing balance
- Matchmaking the perfect vendor and market fit
- Teaching vendors to help you help them
Use the link in our bio to register today for the 9th annual InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, coming March 10-12, 2025 in San Diego. Nothing beats the power of market people coming together.
By any reasonable definition, it's not a farmers market without farmers. Uniquely positioned to foster relationships between consumers and the people that grow their food, farmers markets help farmers thrive financially and feel encouraged and supported by their communities. Let farmers know about the advantages of selling direct, make them feel valued and help them develop sales skills and they'll stay with your market for years to come.
Listen in as the Farmers Market Pros catch up with Corinna Smith of the Columbia Farmers Market in Missouri, where new farmers are blooming and some producers have been selling for over 30 years. Discover tips including:
- How to find new farmers for your market
- Ways to demonstrate the benefits of direct to consumer sales
- Making farmers proud to partner with your market
- Working with other farmers markets to create a local market culture
There's still time to register for the 9th annual InTents the National Farmers Market Conference in San Diego, California 2025. Link in bio or register at farmersmarketpros.com
The team that helps you sell vegetables or granola at your farmers market booth makes all the difference in your income. The staff that sets up and manages the market makes the job productive and satisfying or just a whole lot of work. Learning to recruit the right people will make your market business more successful and just more fun. Creating systems to keep the band together are just as important. Employees with more knowledge and experience are more comfortable on the job and that trickles down. On this episode the Farmers Market Pros chat with Natalie Labejof Farm Habit about hiring and managing staff for multiple markets. Listen in as we discuss topics including: • Detailed job postings save everyone's time • Your team is a key part of the interview process • Vibes just might be as important as skills • Budgeting for training pays off big time Register today for the 9th annual InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, coming March 10-12, 2025 in San Diego. Nothing beats the power of market people coming together.
Where do you start to develop and maintain relationships with your farmers maket's neighboring residents and businesses? Start with outreach, then add big portions of listening and cooperation. Working together will make your community happier and your market more successful. Listen in for how-to tips including:
- Taking your team on a local field trip
- Resolving complaints to gain loyal supporters
- Using surveys to prove rising tides float all boats
- Sharing stories and building friendships
Use the link in our bio to register today for the 9th annual InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, coming March 10-12, 2025 in San Diego. Hotel discounts end soon.
There's no one right way to manage vendor applications for your farmers market. Some managers prefer simple inquiry emails before a detailed form. Some market management platforms integrate applications with online maps and vendor profiles. We all need to know business names and exactly what will be sold. An origin story makes an application more interesting, permit and insurance information generally gets it processed more quickly. On this episode the Farmers Market Pros discuss our experiences and preferences, then we chat with Cara Mae Wooledge of Napa Farmers Market and Chloe Kuhn and SJ Osborne or the Riverside Arts Market. Listen in for a variety of opinions and tips on topics including: * Longer applications lead to good decisions * Detailed instructions save everyone's time * Should vendors visit before applying? * You don't want to miss Michael Jordan
There's still time to sign up for Farmers Market University's live online market manager certification class starting January 24th. Use code FMPROS25 to save when you register at FarmersMarketUniversity.com Use the link in our bio to register today for the 9th annual InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, coming March 10-12, 2025 in San Diego.
How many eggs did Apricot Lane Farms collect in 2024? Eighty three thousand five hundred ninety seven. How do we know that? Because they posted a clever graphic that said so. What does that make us think about their farm? They must be hardworking farmers and have some happy chickens. Use numbers to share your farm, business or farmers market accomplishments and impress your shoppers. Make it eye-catching and fun to be sure it's memorable. Listen in for how-to tips including: * Exact numbers are more impressive and memorable * Should you share products made or sales totals? * Creating graphics doesn't need to be complicated * So much can be counted: how many tents did you pop?
Thanks @apricotlanefarms for the graphic. We love those chickens and those farmers. There's still time to sign up for Farmers Market University's live online market manager certification class starting January 24th. Use code FMPROS25 to save when you register at FarmersMarketUniversity.com Use the link in our bio to register today for the 9th annual InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference, coming March 10-12, 2025 in San Diego.
Farmers Market Day logbooks can store valuable information, customer requests and market history. Whether you use them to track attendance or sales, complaints or comedy, they can be helpful and interesting if you both maintain and read them. Listen in for tips to decide what to include and how to format your market log, based on the Farmers Market Pros' experience and other market managers' and market business owners' input. These are some of our takeaways: * A standard set of information can help predict trends * Multiple team members reporting is most accurate * Open ended questions can yield better insights * Don't spend time collecting info unless you'll use it
#farmersmarkets #recordkeeping #farmersmarketday #smallfarmers #smallbusiness #marketmanagerlife #farmersmarketsdontjusthappen
And just like that another year of farmers markets is coming to a close. We’re ringing in this new year quietly. 2024 has been full of meaningful connections, community-building and so many conferences. In the coming weeks we’ll be sharing our inTENTions for 2025, tips and how-tos, and new ways to connect. We're cooking up some exciting new things, so stay tuned. Don't forget to register for InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference; we can't wait to see you there. Thanks for listening all year long, and we're wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Whether you’re observing a holiday this week or not, remember that you are a gift to your communities every week of the year. We hope you find time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Wishing happy holidays to all who celebrate and peace to one and all.
The season for holiday gifting is here! Whether you're a market manager, farmer or vendor, we have great tips for remembering all the people who have supported you this year. It really is the thought that counts so if gifts aren't in the budget we suggest other ways to acknowledge the people you appreciate. Grab your list, check it twice and listen in to this spotlight episode from 2023 as we discuss: • Who's on our holiday list • Useful gifts for your team • Shopping local, of course! • Big impact on a low budget
For some folks making year-end donations is a tax strategy. Others just feel generous this time of year. It's a perfect time to bolster your farmers market's fundraising efforts and finish the year with a balanced budget. Even though your core market business is hopefully self sustaining, many market organizations also provide educational programs and supplement nutrition incentive programs. Those are efforts your community can help support. Listen in as we talk about how to make that ask effective: * Be specific about why you need support * Explore the best ways to reach your fans * Give your followers the opportunity to give * Report back on results and say thank you
We've been talking about the 4 Ps for market success since we started our Vendor-101 class almost 15 years ago. Product, packaging or presentation, personality and today's focus: Professionalism. Farmers markets are a shopping environment where one vendor's actions and attitudes can affect a lot of people's businesses. Be a most valuable farmer or vendor by remembering some of the things we're chatting about today: * Being timely during the application process * Ways to build trust with shoppers * Communicating the "why" helps * Remembering kindness counts
This week we caught up with James Grevious of Rebel Marketplace in Aurora, Colorado. Since he last joined us on Tent Talk, he’s been addressing challenges around establishing a consistent location and a sustainable business model. Staying rebellious, he continues to create neighborhood food security with a hyper local farmers market. Along with today's update, it's a pleasure to share our talk with James that was originally broadcast in August 2023. Listen in For James' views and tips on:
- Intentionally developing and incubating urban farmers
- Increasing community capacity from the inside
- Balancing market growth and operator capacity
- Weighing community needs and financial security
Inviting young people to vend at your farmers market can foster a new generation of market entrepreneurs and delight your community. Sure, there are challenges. It can be a trick to be sure that kids meet permit requirements. Their grown up is probably going to have to sign for insurance. Figure it all out and watch as family and friends come out to support the youngsters and maybe get hooked on farmers market shopping for the long term. Listen in as we consider: * Exploring local regulations for under age vendors * Deciding whether friendship bracelets fit your farmers market * Providing sales tips and training to kids * Making sure your consistent vendors benefit too
Whether you're a farmer, maker or market manager, if you have a team, providing them with feedback will make their work life and yours better. It doesn't have to be awkward or uncomfortable to discuss workplace performance. (OK, sometimes it can be.) If you've provided employees with expectations and the tools to meet them, this is just a checkup. We're talking today about how we make these chats productive for everyone involved, including:
- Giving people a chance for self evaluation
- Hire in a hurry? It's never too late to share job descriptions.
- We're all motivated by know the why behind processes
- Bosses can benefit from feedback too: listen!
What could be a more fitting fundraiser for a market organization than a dinner featuring local chefs and farm fresh ingredients? Organizing a farm to table dinner or a cultural food festival is a little different than coordinating a farmers market. Kasi Haire of Nolensville Farmers Market in Tennessee assures us that much of the skill set is the same: planning, staffing, renting equipment and marketing. Listen in to hear how and why her market keeps finding new ways to help people do good by eating well, including: * The pros and cons of serving dinner on a farm * What to consider when budgeting for your event * Why fundraising is just one of the goals * How to use special events to incubate new vendors
Bookkeeping is yet another of the many hats that farmers market managers wear. There are so many formulas for setting space rent at markets and, especially post-Covid, a whole variety of ways to manage calculating and actually collecting those fees. Do you use a market management program with built in invoicing? Are you adding up percentages of sales and handling cash at the market? Either way, there's plenty to consider and to communicate to make sure things run smoothly. Let's talk about: * Pros and cons of flat fees and percentage of sales rates * Calculating processing fees vs labor costs * Reimbursing for nutrition incentives * Understanding penalties for missing markets or late payments * Building trust with clear communication
How do you learn and grow in your farmers market career? We met Jessica Mullen of South Carolina's Travelers Rest Farmers Market when she traveled to San Diego for InTents, the national Farmers Market conference. In this episode of Tent Talk, Jessica shares what she finds valuable about InTents and other conferences and networking with other market professionals. She's all about learning, and also about offering educational opportunities at her market.
Listen in for Jessica's tips on:
- Interactive programming for kids
- Simple cooking classes at the market
- Using data to educate your community
- Funding education for farmers and vendors
What's new and exciting, and what's comforting and familiar about InTents, the multinational Farmers Market Conference? Join us for a quick look ahead to what's in store in March 2025. What's NEW: * 2025 Theme: Speak Up for Farmers Markets! * Brand new venue with rooms and meeting spaces under one roof * Central location with shops and restaurants and the beach nearby * Break out tracks for new and experienced market managers * Special sessions for market farmers and vendors
What's FAMILIAR: * Speed-friending session lead by Cara Mae Wooledge * Making your market or business financially sustainable * Tons of networking time with people who get you * Local food, inspiring talks, (mostly) sunny San Diego
While working for a cheese maker at New York City farmers markets, Peter Henry started thinking about ways producers could expand their reach and increase efficiencies. Now, Ten by Ten Logistics serves more than a dozen farmers at markets throughout New York. Peter continues to explore and refine systems of transporting goods to market, managing inventory and using staff based closer to the market than the farm. Listen in to hear what kinds of coordination help farmers sell at more markets and still have time to farm. * Separating packing and driving from farming, setting up and selling * Palletizing so the tent weights are on the truck and the Square is charged * Training farmers' own city-based employees on best market practices * Creating compensation models that benefit everyone involved
It's another Ask the Pros episode this week, with a mix of topics based on listener questions. We always find that discussing one person's question helps others that are pondering some variation of the same thing. If we don't necessarily have THE answer, we have ideas and experience and those might inspire your handy solution. There's nothing quite like the hive mind. This week we're talking about these questions and more: • Where can farmers find online tutorials for building effective marketing displays? • How do market managers control political campaigners at the market? • Can we help farmers kick the plastic bag habit? • What does it actually cost a market to facilitate EBT use? And last but not least, could a chicken salad donut be a thing? We'll have to check with the sourdough wizards at Slow Rise.
The fourth quarter rolls around every year, but somehow we often forget what to do to prepare for it. Listen in as we chat about moving past the September slump. We're looking forward and making plans to make the upcoming season more productive and less stressful. How are you getting ahead of things? * Reminding farmers and vendors that this cycle happens every year * Planning ahead for necessary off days * Using slow days to experiment with new displays and systems * Recognizing that you can do anything, but maybe not all at once
#farmersmarket #holidaymarkets #popupmarkets #marketvendors #smallfarmers #marketmanagerlife
Managing a farmers market is just like managing a craft fair or fall festival, right? Yes. And no. There are similarities and there are big differences between coordinating vendors on a weekly basis and once a year. When experienced annual event managers Patricia and Brett Keller took over a local farmers market after the sudden departure of its founding manager, they learned a few things. Are you a large scale event coordinator thinking about taking on a farmers market, or a market manager planning an annual fundraiser? Listen in while they share those lessons, including: • Ease into changes to an established market to avoid mutiny • Relationships are key to both kinds of events • A permit is a permit is a permit, right? Not always • Recruiting help once a year is different than weekly staffing Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference.
This week we're sharing something a little bit different: a podcast episode where Catt Fields White is the featured guest. Enjoy this conversation from the Fresh Take podcast about the importance of supporting local farmers, small businesses and of course farmers' markets. If Catt doesn't convince you over the next 45 minutes that farmers markets will save the planet, you might want to listen one more time. 😜 Follow along as Catt and Lana over at Fresh Take discuss:
- The transformative impact of farmers markets on communities and local economies
- Challenges farmers are facing today
- Navigating regulations, pricing, marketing, and community engagement
- Preserving healthy food options for future generations
Market participants are a generous bunch, so how do you make sure your farmers and vendors don't give away the farm, so to speak? Freebies and discounts that are shared with market managers, staff and fellow vendors are fun. Still, some guidelines are important. Gifts from the market to your community's worthy causes are the same. Keeping your heart and your business mind aligned is important to keep your whole market family financially healthy. Join us as we consider: * Appreciating generosity while watching out for farmers' well being * Developing guidelines to avoid conflicts * Balancing the costs and benefits of donations * Using donations and giveaways to build loyal shoppers
When The Food Corridor offered a Shared Kitchen-101 workshop at the 2023 InTents Conference, it was a sell out. It's no wonder. In a survey of food businesses operating out of shared kitchens, farmers markets were the most commonly used sales channels, with over 50% responding that they sell at one or more farmers markets. A shortage of kitchens ultimately means a shortage of food vendors at farmers markets, so many markets are exploring developing their own incubator kitchens. Join us as we chat with Food Corridor CEO Ashley Colpaart and discover: • How to find a shared kitchen that has what you need • Like market managers, shared kitchen operators' jobs are weird • Why swim goggles are required while making habanero hot sauce • The excitement about the Shared Kitchen Summit being back in person
Selling farmers market gift certificates are a great way to help dedicated customers introduce friends, relatives and associates to the world of fresher food and local community. Now kick that idea up 350,000 notches. Maine Federation of Farmers Markets proactively sells employers on using market dollars as part of their workplace wellness programs and farmers markets statewide are harvesting a bumper crop of sales and shoppers. Listen in as we discuss that program and other topics including: • The power of cooperative marketing • How tough is tracking and billing? (Not as hard as you'd think.) • The key selling points for big buyers • Don't miss a little tangent about possible changes to SNAP at markets
With election season upon us, managing free speech issues at farmers markets is top of mind. This week we're chatting with Wendy Chen, of the Center for Agricultural and Food Systems at Vermont Law School for a quick update on court decisions that might affect how you manage free speech at your market. And we're spotlighting an episode originally broadcast in 2021, with Lihlani Nelson, also of Vermont Law School, home of the Farmers market Legal Toolkit. Topics today include • Limiting your farmers market's liability with clear guidelines • Whether speech outside the market can be regulated • How your governing structure might affect your decisions • How to access the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit resources
We know you're busy this week. Us too! Catt's on the road speaking at conferences and visiting Midwest markets. Brijet's rocking National Farmers Market Week in San Diego. You're doing the same, right? So take just a minute and tune in while we chat with Erica Meadows of the Mt Washington Farmers Market in Kentucky. They gained the most votes in America Farmland Trust's 2024 America's Farmers Market Celebration and scored the big prize. We also hear from our friend Sagdrina on Farmers Market Week, National Black Business Month and the latest Farmers Market Coalition initiatives. Super Early Bird tickets for InTents, the Farmers Market Conference is live now with big savings: don't sleep on that. Use the link in our bio and save your seat.
We have a mixed bag of topics in this month's Ask the Pros episode. With hot weather advisories, fires and floods becoming more common, we've been getting a lot of questions about when closing a market is justified. Weather or not, farmers need to move their produce so it's not a decision managers take lightly. We're chatting about that and a variety of other questions from our listeners and our online community today Listen in while we chat about these quandaries and more: • Balancing safety, comfort and farmers' and vendors' need to make a living • What to do when you're selling out mid-market • Managing vendor to vendor conflicts that go public • Listening closely to find the source of customer complaints Remember, Super Early Bird registration for InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference 2025 starts THIS Thursday. Watch this space and our email newsletter for all the details and save.
Join us for a report from Catt's trip to the World Farmers Market Coalition's second General Assembly, in Rome, Italy this month. Delegates from some 70 countries and organizations gathered, representing hundreds of farmers markets and policy making bodies. They heard about the international coalition's current projects and contributed to its visions for the future. Maybe most importantly, they shared perspectives, broke bread, and formed and renewed bonds, market operators from a multitude of places sharing the community that is common to farmers market culture.
We're about to share so much news about 2025's InTents: the National Farmers Market Conference. Today, we're starting with the announcement that the Request for Proposals opens in just a few days. We're adding a special farmer and vendor track in 2025, so possibilities abound.
Are you ready to share your expertise about a topic with market managers or participants from throughout the US, Canada and beyond? Submit that proposal!
Do you have a need that you're hoping a speaker or panel will address? Pop us an email or a DM and we'll add it to our targets.
Listen in for some tips on how to create a successful proposal, then stick around as we look back on attendees at the 2022 Conference sharing what makes them keep doing this important work.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many farmers markets and we know that even market managers are sometimes labeled as volunteers. That labor of love is admirable. Is it legal? That depends, and it's complicated. Wendy Chen joined us at InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference earlier this year. Her work at the Center for Agricultural and Food Systems at Vermont Law School includes the newest section of the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit, specifically focused on the role of volunteers at farmers markets. Listen in as we discuss the answers to these questions and more: * What kind of organizations can host volunteers? * Do the market bucks you give volunteers put you at risk? * Who is responsible if a volunteer is injured at the market? * Can a full time manager be a volunteer? * What penalties come with misclassifying team members?
Find the new volunteer resource and more at farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org
It's hard to believe that we've produced 300 episodes of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast, since we started almost five years ago. You'd think we might run out of things to talk about, but nope! There are so many ideas to explore, questions to ponder, and issues to delve into. We love creating opportunities for market businesses and operations to change and grow. We appreciate the endless number of interesting people doing amazing things that generously share their stories with us and our followers. We appreciate you for listening and subscribing. Join us today as we look back and look forward and have a few laughs. Stay tuned, we're just getting started.
Call it internship, apprenticeship or learning by doing, it's all about training the next generation of farmers, foodmakers and market managers on the job. On this week's episode we talk about how interns can help your market and ways to make those programs beneficial for both sides. A true internship provides education and that takes effort. Determine the best time to establish an internship that works, by considering issues including: * Identifying the differences between interns and volunteers * Deciding whether an internship is paid or unpaid * Making sure you get the work your interns produce into that binder * Creating success stories like the one from Williamsburg Farmers Market
Thanks to Downtown SLO Farmers Market for the 📸
It's the 25th anniversary of National Farmers Market Week. Get ready to get ready with the Farmers Market Coalition Toolkit, it's available now. Get ahead of the game with early press releases and outreach to your local policy makers. Order your temporary I Love Farmers Market tattoos. Plan a celebration and don't forget to slip in a little education. This is our week to shine. Join us as we chat with Nino Budabin McQuown of FMC about all the best ways to use the week to raise your farmers markets' profile, including: * Customize your celebration for your community * Request a proclamation or visit from local officials now * Suggest farmers and market vendors use NFMW to promote their businesses * Whether you plan ahead or scramble, make it fun
FMC Toolkit: https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/national-farmers-market-week/
Juneteenth is coming up, are you ready? With the mid-week holiday coming up, we're seeing observances and events scheduled this coming weekend also the following Saturday and Sunday, June 22nd and 23rd, in addition to June 19th itself. Sagdrina Brown Jalal joined us last year to discuss how to honor that day at our markets. This year we'll be amplifying the collective Juneteenth awareness campaign that Sagdrina is leading for the Farmers Market Coalition. Listen in to our brief conversation about this year's plans, and to this spotlight episode originally broadcast in June of 2023, about: * Simple ways to make your farmers market more inclusive * Supporting local organizations already doing the work * How markets are putting the Anti-Racist Toolkit to work * Keeping the momentum going as Black Business Month and National Farmers Market Week intersect
We love a good vendor story almost as much as we love Not Your Nonna's nut-free pesto, full of locally grown basil. Adrianna Zizzo operates her pasta sauce business in six farmers markets a week. Her fledgling business weathered pandemic protocols shortly after she launched. This summer her business is celebrating its five year anniversary. Devoted to using locally grown ingredients and no preservatives, Adrianna has built a devoted customer base and an extended market family. Listen in as we talk about: * Ways entrepreneurial parents set us up for success * Limiting staff turnover with realistic job descriptions * Educating shoppers about eating seasonally * Using customer requests to grow your product line * Her last word on the sauce versus gravy debate
Learn more about our online courses, annual gatherings and farmers market resources at https://www.farmersmarketpros.com. Copyright @ The Farmers Market Pros, 2024.
It's a celebration, it's a contest, it's two exciting things at once and it kicks off this coming weekend. American Farmland Trust has operated America's Farmers Market Celebration for 16 years now. It offers a great chance to make your market more visible and engage your shoppers. The cash prizes are an added bonus. This year's contest is shorter and maybe a little sweeter than last year's, with some new rules in place. Listen in on our conversation with AFT's David Thayer about all the ways the Celebration is designed to advance our shared mission of protecting farmers while promoting farmers markets. Learn about all this and more: * Why the Celebration has a new, shorter timeline * Getting your market registered before June 1st * Creative ways market contestants get out the vote * Remembering that we're all on the same side * Celebrating farmers markets all year
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by American Farmland Trust.
We’re baaaaack! Did you miss us? After our short recording hiatus, listen in to find out where we’ve been and where we’re growing next.🌱 It’s been a busy spring, and we’ve got a lot cookin’ over here. Follow along as we answer burning questions, including:
- How Catt and Brijet keep it real (hint: still schlepping barricades)
- The location for 2025's InTents Farmers Market Conference
- Will the Tent Talk Podcast ever be on video? 👀
- How to find grant assistance and other consulting services
- Where in the world is Catt Fields White, and how many books is she writing?
We'd love to hear what you’ve been up to. Drop a comment and let us know!
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Farmers Market University.
The work you do farming, or bringing small farmers and shoppers together, is vitally important. Brent Preston spoke at InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2019 about his time as an organic farmer, the effects of farming on the environment and how farmers and consumers can change those. His book The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of the Good Food Revolution, shined a light on the complexity of our food systems. Brent continues to do the good work, on his farm in Southern Ontario, Canada, and as current president of Farmers for Climate Solutions.
This episode was recorded and originally broadcast in March 2019 and we think it's still relevant and important, for long time listeners to review and newer followers to discover. It’s a pleasure to share it with you again now.
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by the national Farmers Market Coalition.
Would you get a chiropractic adjustment or purchase a time share at the grocery store? If you answered no, then why would you expect to find those services at the farmers market? This week on Tent Talk we discuss the pros and cons of hosting service providers and informational/promotional booths at your farmers market. Knife sharpeners, food prep services, masseuses, real estate agents, home cleaning services, and bike mechanics all offer valuable services that your market community may desire. However, integrating them into your farmers market requires some strategy. Listen along for tips on how to curate your markets service providers in a way that aligns with the mission of your organization.
This episode was recorded and originally broadcast in August 2022. Enjoy this encore for long time listeners, and helpful information for our newer followers. It’s a pleasure to share it with you again now.
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Project for Public Spaces
Pirate vendors, aargh! No, we’re not talking about buccaneers that sail the seven seas, we’re talking about sellers and solicitors that set up in or around a farmers market as unofficial vendors. Though usually well-intentioned, hawkers, buskers, petitioners, and street vendors can confuse shoppers about where and when the actual farmers market begins, encroach on sales, and could potentially be a liability for farmers market operators. Tune in for some commiseration and brainstorming about what to do and how to handle these unofficial farmers market vendors.
This episode was recorded and originally broadcast in January 2023. We thought it was worth an encore for long time listeners and a great way to provide newer followers with this valuable information.
This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Opening a new farmers market or starting a new season at an existing one is exciting. A lot goes into getting ready to launch, and building up to a truly grand opening. Building awareness and anticipation for both the community and your family of farmers and vendors means a busy opening day. Planning for the natural cycles of a new market will keep everyone's enthusiasm and commitment strong. New and established alike, there's no part of farmers markets that just happens. You make it happen and keep happening for your team and your neighbors. This episode of Tent Talk was originally recorded and broadcast in May, 2022. We thought it was worth an encore for long time listeners and a great way to provide newer followers with this valuable information, including: * Scheduling an intentional opening date * Getting the word out in all the ways * Making shoppers feel welcome * Understanding the natural ebb and flow of attendance * Staging to maintain the excitement
This episode of Tent Talk is supported by Marketing for Markets, providing online marketing tools and tips to farmers market managers and participants.
Communicating with your farmers market community can take a lot of forms nowadays. Do you send emailed vendor advisories? Use a private Facebook or Instagram group? Smoke signals or carrier pigeons, maybe? One way or another it's important for farmers, vendors and managers that everyone stays in the loop. In this episode Catt and Brijet and Justine are joined by market directors Gina Johnson from Madison, Illinois, and Rebecah Boynton from Nashville, Tennessee. This episode of Tent Talk was originally recorded and broadcast in July, 2022. We thought it was worth an encore for long time listeners and a great way to provide newer followers with this valuable information, including: * Subject lines that get your emails opened * Why written communication is important * Determining the right timing for reminders * Facilitating conversations open to everyone * Using social media platforms and tools
This episode of Tent Talk is supported by Vendor-101, providing online education to prospective market farmers and vendors and helping small businesses succeed.
What do farmers market people bring home from vacation? Our first stop is always is the local market, and farmers market merch is our favorite souvenir. Selling shopping bags, t-shirts, water bottles and magnets can add to your income stream and also provide a valuable marketing tool. Depending on local regulations, farmers and vendors can also use swag to remind people of where they found that amazing tomato or bread. Join us as Catt and Brijet discuss all the tips for how to produce and sell your memorable market merchandise (say that 5 times fast), including: • It all starts with shopping bags • Determining your real cost of goods • Creating effective designs and displays • Budgeting for lost inventory • Counting and reordering This episode of Tent Talk is supported by Square, providing simple, efficient ways to track inventory and make on-site sales.
Your Info or Welcome Booth is your market home away from home. It's often the place that shoppers and farmers and vendors find your team, where you sell fun merchandise, and where you process SNAP EBT transactions. All the things that apply to making farmers' and vendors' booths effective apply here too. Listen in as Catt and Brijet discuss how to make your Welcome booth, well, welcoming! Discover tips on: • Making your Info booth visible and attractive • Keeping your booth staffed or letting folks know when you'll return • Making sure your team provides a welcoming presence • Handling prospective applicants effectively • Why local restaurants should be feeding your team This episode of Tent Talk is supported by American Farmland Trust. If you haven't updated your market information in preparation for the next America's Farmers Market Celebration, do that today. And if you want to keep farmers farming, become a member now.
What project could you complete if you had funding? The deadline for submitting Farmers Market Promotion Program grants is just 51 days away. This week, we chat with Melissa Siwiec, executive director of Pennsylvania's historic Lancaster Central Market, about the process of applying for and then implementing an FMPP funded project. The process seems intimidating, and the rules and guidelines are rigorous. USDA is very clear about what's required, so priority number one is following instructions. Melissa's pro tips include: • Deadlines and required formatting are clearly stated and strictly enforced, don't try to skirt the rules • A plan and a goal come first, chasing funding for its own sake is not sustainable • Set some time aside, writing a winning proposal takes time and focus • Partnerships are a required piece of FMPP grants, identify compatible community organizations • Grant funding is released as reimbursements, you'll need reserves to get your projects started As Ben Feldman pointed out at last month's InTents Conference, plenty of types of activities are funded by Federal grants, none of them any more important or deserving than supporting farmers, farmers markets and food access. FInd more information and the FMPP grant application form by clicking USDA on the Resource Page at FarmersMarketPros.com Need one on one grant writing help? Contact Melissa Siwiec here. This episode is supported by Farmers Market University, helping market managers hone and certify their professional skills.
Our Live from the InTents Conference episode has become an annual tradition, and it's one of our favorites every year. Tent Talk producer Leandra Hays sat down with conference attendees and asked them to share the best part of their market day. They made us laugh, and cry and sometimes say, "What the heck?" Drop a note in the comments to share the part of your market day that is your favorite. Big thanks to the wide variety of people who shared their experiences from markets coast to coast (we see you, New Brunswick!)
Moving a market is not as simple as scooting a tent or two down the street (not that scooting any tents is without drama.) Sometimes you lose part of your site to a construction project, sometimes a conflicting annual event happens and you have to move the entire market for a day. Finding a new site that can accommodate an established event is a puzzle. You know where the driveways and trees and giant dumpsters are at your current location. What surprises will your replacement venue hold? And how will your shoppers and vendors know where to go? Listen in as Catt and Brijet discuss the ways they've found to ease the pain as much as possible, while you're away from your home sweet home site, with tips on: • Identifying a replacement site • Surveying neighboring businesses and residents • Mapping to minimize disruption for your vendors • What wedding seating plans and market maps have in common • Timing your announcement to avoid confusion • Keeping regular shoppers in the loop and attracting new ones This episode of Tent Talk is supported by Square, helping farmers, vendors and market managers process payments and invoicing in the tents and at the desk. Don't miss next week's Live from the InTents Conference episode!
Are you a farmer or small food business trying to navigate finding spaces to sell at farmers markets? Are you a farmers market manager buried in application emails and trying to find the perfect needles in that haystack? In this episode we're chatting about how we process applications for our markets and approaches used by some of our fellow market managers. Yes, you can have an amazing product and still not be a perfect fit for a specific market. Learn how to narrow down your targets if you're a producer. Listen in to find ways to help a diamond in the rough shine if you're a market manager. Find tips on: • Telling managers everything they need to know about your business • Balancing your market's offerings • Application red flags • Helping new vendors launch successfully
Plenty of us have a love-hate relationship with social media.There's nothing like it right now for keeping shoppers up to date on market offerings days and times, and helping your farm or bakery stand out at a busy market. It's free, sort of. It takes so much time. It's so effective, until they change the rules. It's a trick to find the sweet spot between sharing honest views of your business and your life and maintaining boundaries. Listen in as Catt and Brijet discuss the best ways for market managers and vendors to work together to increase sales, including: • Specific tips for markets and farmers and vendors to amplify each other's posts • The challenges of outsourcing farmers market social media • Defining "free" and remembering that time is money • Using social media to make your booth a magnet at a busy market • Making sure all your eggs aren't in one basket, in case someone trips Need more marketing help? Check out our online Market for Markets class https://www.farmersmarketpros.com/marketing-for-markets
Farmers Julie of Stoner Family Farms has diversified her products to achieve better sales at her farmers markets. Her farm is a family operation, and the market business is her baby. Bringing her daughters into the tent helps lighten the load, and teaches them all the things that small business owners learn along the way. Listen in as Julie shares: • How she decides which markets work best for her • Where farmers markets land on the list of top income streams • Why she decided to diversify her product lines • Ways she's helping new market farmers improve their business Find Julie's blog with resources for market farmers at www.sffvalpo.com/blog
The 8th annual InTents Farmers Market Conference is just around the corner, starting 3 weeks from today. Listen in to hear more about this year's schedule and what's coming up here in San Diego and live online. There's still time to register, just use the link in our bio or on the home page at farmersmarketpros.com Learn all this and more in this year's sessions: • Join hive mind roundtables to discuss how we define "farmers market" • Determine staff members' roles and avoid labor law issues • Map your market to minimize drama, tempt consumers and maximize sales • Create places of belonging beyond the Anti Racist Farmers Market Toolkit • Attract sponsors to support operating costs at any size market
We've known Maya Madsen since the beginning of her phenomenal Black woman-owned business' journey. You've heard from her before. We check in often enough to consider her an unofficial Tent Talk podcast co-host. From the start she told us she meant to create a vegan cookie empire and she's done what it takes to accomplish that. She not only makes delicious cookies, she collects tons of data. She asks for professional help to analyze trends and inform her next moves. Basically, she treats her happy, gorgeous bakery business like a business. Join us to learn from Maya about: • How a fractional CFO and operations consultant changed her business • Becoming a more profitable business with laminated SOPs • Where farmers markets fit in a business with brick and mortar stores • The origin of this year's Black History Month cookie collection • Ways markets can celebrate and not exploit Black History Month
How can talented food makers learn to be successful farmers market vendors? In this week's episode of Tent Talk we're chatting about vendor education. Being passionate about your product is important; being fully prepared will increase sales and reduce stress. That makes small businesses enduring. Whether you're starting a new business or you're a market manager thinking about providing support to new and existing vendors, listen in to hear about all this and more. • What do prospective vendors need to know? • Finding local resources to help new and existing vendors • Customizing Vendor-101 for your own markets' needs • What it takes to develop your own course offerings • Should you invest in small business education?
Enjoy this week's Vendor Story episode. Hot sauce is a fast growing category at our farmers markets nowadays, and Chef Saeed is on fire with his fermented sauces featuring unique flavor combinations. It's not just the taste that makes a food business successful though. In our Vendor-101 program we talk about the 4 Ps: Product, Packaging, People and Professionalism. Folks go to a grocery store to grab a familiar product off the shelf. They come to the farmers market to discover new things and get to know the people that feed them. Listen in to hear about Saeed Samad's story and tips for building a successful market business.
With lots of new farmers markets ramping up for their first or second season, let's take it back to the basics. Experienced manager? Stay with us, sometimes a little refresher can be a great thing. Farmer or vendor? Let's see if you think this is sound advice.
There's a lot to know and a lot to do to launch a farmers market and get through those early months. Thinking things through and taking the time to do it right in the first place is a lot easier than fixing mistakes. Locations, budgets, vendor mix and mapping are all key to making a good first impression on vendors and shoppers alike. We’re here to help you think through:
- What's the start up budget and where is the funding coming from?
- Location, location, location! What makes a good site?
- When do you start marketing a new event? (Yesterday)
- How do you recruit farmers and vendors?
- What to consider when you make your market map
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by InTents, the farmers market conference and all of the speakers and attendees that make it happen. Register now and we'll see you March 4th, 5th and 6th, in San Diego or online.
It's a new year, a blank slate. January always feels like a good time to think about what's working, what's not, and create your list of things to change and things to do at your market, and personally. We're all about setting InTENTions (see what we did there?). Market managers and market vendors coast to coast, from Florida to British Columbia, join us today to share about what they'd like to concentrate on in 2024. Listen in to hear what we're reflecting on and looking forward to, and what kind of goals some of the folks in our online community have in mind. We'd love to hear about your 2024 intentions: drop a note in the comments.
Happy New Year! 2023 was a lot, full of changes, excitement, highs and lows. We're welcoming 2024 and looking forward to focused growth, outreach and some exciting collaborations. Unless the universe throws us onto a whole new roller coaster of course, and then we'll do what farmers market pros do: we'll make the very best of whatever we encounter. You will too. For now, take today to relax and we'll be back with a full episode of Tent Talk next week with 2024 In-Tent-ions (see what we did there?) from market friends coast to coast.
Whether and however you're celebrating Christmas today, we hope you're getting a day off from at least most of your duties and chores. Farmers are still feeding animals and food makers may yet be delivering holiday orders. 2023 has been a lot: happy, sad, busy, full, and all of that has been better because we've done it together. Community is the greatest gift. Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating and our warmest wishes for peace to one and all from all of us at Farmers Market Pros.
How do you go from zero to 60, or maybe 90, in a bit less than three short years? For Christy Campli, some keys were starting with experience in local food systems, and building on an established brand. Now she manages multiple year-round weekly farmers markets, regularly scheduled artisan markets and several annual events with a small but mighty team. Listen in as we talk with Christy about the finer points of managing multiple types of markets and events.
- How some systems overlap and how some differ for different types of events
- Scheduling vendors intentionally to avoid cookie cutter events
- Collaborating with other types of food outlets to benefit farmers
- Finding camp buddies for life along with new ideas at the InTents Conference
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Food-4-All, pioneering online order systems to connect local farmers, makers and markets with their communities.
Farmers markets are always a good time! The question is when is the best time for your market? Setting market hours is a foundational decision. There are a lot of factors at play. Whether your market lasts for two hours or six can be influenced by everything from farmer commutes to parking disputes. Fortunately, the beauty of markets is that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Success means finding what works best for you and your market community. We’re here to help you find the right fit by considering things like...
- Giving staff, farmers, and vendors enough time to set up and breakdown
- Adjusting your market hours to meet your shoppers' needs
- Looking at other nearby markets' hours and filling a gap
- How to effectively manage a change to your days or hours
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by InTents, the farmers market conference. Register today while pro-order rates are still in effect, and join us online or in-person March 4th to March 6th, 2024.
Tis the season for holiday gifting! Farmer, vendor or market manager, it's time to remember your employees, volunteers and maybe some of your great customers or loyal CSA members. If material gifts aren't in your plan this year, we’ve got tips for other ways to acknowledge people who have supported you this year. It really is the thought that counts, and a special thank you can go a long way. Grab your list, and check it twice as we discuss:
• Who's on our holiday list and why
• Useful gift ideas for your team
• Shopping small and local, of course!
• Fun ways to show appreciation on a budget
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by the national Farmers Market Coalition.
Social media is a perfect example of a blessing and a curse. Engaging with your online community can strengthen existing connections, while inspiring and educating potential new shoppers. Navigating the comments? That requires a whole different skill set and sometimes a tough skin. There's nothing more fun than conversational volleys with your followers. But as we all know, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows in the comments section. 🌈🫠 Join us as we discuss...
• Practical tips on effectively interacting with your audience
• Using critical comments as an opportunity to educate
• Counting on your followers for support
• When deleting comments is justified
• Transforming potential PR crises into opportunities for growth
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Tent Craft.
Whether or not you have a robust social media presence, your website is your markets' home. Whether you're a market manager, a farmer, or a vendor, use your website to tell people the who, where, what and maybe why of your farmers market business. This is a great time of year to take a look at what's there, what should be, and what might be streamlined. Tune in as we talk about: • Putting the basic info front and center • Landing pages and links • Vendors and sponsors and maps, oh my! • Who updates your website Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Grapevine Local Food Marketing.
Survey says: surveys can help you take the pulse of your market! Many of us are winding up our seasons, so why not take some time to listen, gather some data, and look at our markets from a different perspective? Opening a channel for honest feedback can help you improve, understand, and grow your market. No matter what you’re asking, surveys are one more way to communicate with your farmers, vendors, and shoppers. Join us as we chat about:
- Who to survey and why
- Creative ways to incentivize responses
- Different survey methods and what to expect
- The value of open lines of communication in your market
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Market Wurks.
Ever wonder why farmers markets and small farmers don't have a bigger say in public policy? Us too! This week on Tent Talk, we brought in an expert to help shed light on the big issues that small farmers are facing. We learned a lot and it confirmed that the old addage is true: the squeaky wheen gets the cheese! Join us for this week's episode in which we get schooled by the one and only Kathy Zeman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Farmers Market Association, volunteer treasurer at Cannon Valley Farmers' Market and owner of Simple Harvest Farm Organics in Nerstrand, Minnesota and winner of the 2021 Gus Schumacher Award. Having spent most of her career in agriculture Kathy leverages the reach of the Minnesota Farmers Market Association to build strong collaborations with diverse groups, paving the way for successful public policy efforts in Minnesota and beyond!
This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Unpopular opinion: inspections can actually be great! Of course, as market managers, farmers, and self-employed business owners, we definitely like to make our own rules, but it’s important to remember that inspections provide value in maintaining a market’s integrity and keeping things safe. Tune in while we help you navigate the regulations that keep your farmers market playing by the rules. Let's talk about:
- Making friends with your inspectors
- Scheduling farm visits
- Educating versus policing
- Prioritizing transparency
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Market Wurks.
Say it together, folks: OUR JOB IS WEIRD! Minnesota Farmers Market Association Director of Engagement and Inclusion Sina Pleggenkuhle chats with us about how widely varied experience qualifies us for all kinds of positions in the farmers market world and adjacent. She’s developed skills on skills on skills, soaking up all the knowledge this business and others have to offer. In her free time, she’s cooking up new, delightful ways to contribute to and learn from her community. Let Sina inspire you to take a page from her book and:
- Shine a light on your skills
- Combine "real jobs" and creative pursuits
- Use market honed skills in related industries
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by American Farmland Trust. Keep farmers farming.
It’s the beginning of the end…. end of year planning, that is! Heading into the fourth quarter means the holidays are upon us, folks. Get planning for Halloween costume contests, thanksgiving recipes, special holiday markets and events, and if you’re lucky, latke cook-offs. It also means tackling some less exciting clerical stuff and reports. It's a short episode today while we're tackling holiday event applications, so tune in for Pro tips on:
- Making holidays inclusive
- Surviving holiday markets
- Managing boundaries in a busy time
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Manage My Market, offering proven solutions to eliminate paperwork and streamline your market management tasks.
We all advocate for farmers keeping the full retail price of their products by selling at farmers markets. So are produce distributors competing with markets for chefs' dollars and sometimes home shoppers? Or are they providing one more valuable income stream for farmers? Chris Cirkus manages the award-winning West Windsor Community Farmers Market in New Jersey. She also sells for Zone 7, a special kind of produce distributor. Listen in as we discuss:
- Innovative ways to promote your market
- Creating a food security programs that benefit farmers
- The pros and cons of farmers market awards programs
- When produce distributors do the right thing
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Gusto, making it easy to process payroll and supporting your HR needs.
This week we celebrate 5 WHOLE YEARS OF TENT TALK! 🎉🎉🎉 It has been an absolute delight creating this podcast week after week, and it wouldn’t be possible without you, our listeners! Come party with Catt and Brijet as they reminisce over:
- Our amazing guests and followers
- Swoon-worthy accents
- Helping markets and vendors world-wide
- What we’ve gained through all these meaningful connections
- The future of Tent Talk 👀
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by InTents, the only national farmers market conference, coming back to San Diego, California March 4th-6th, 2024. Find your people, learn new things, discover valuable resources, and tune in to the power of the hive mind. Register now for super early bird pricing at: InTentsConference.com.
This week on Tent Talk, Cara Mae Wooledge of the Napa Farmers Market invites us into the world of successful fundraising for farmers markets. From sturdy tents to the compostable trash liners, it costs money to make a market go. It can feel uncomfortable asking your community to contribute financially to your market beyond simply shopping there. It helps to remember that it’s not just a money ask, it’s an invitation to be part of what we do, and an opportunity to grow community connection around local food. Follow along as Catt, Brijet, and Cara Mae discuss:
- Successful methods of outreach for fundraising
- Overhead costs of various fundraising methods
- What incentives most inspired the community to donate
- The hearts and minds dividend when people contribute
Today’s episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Yiftee, creating and managing custom gift cards for your whole market or your entire community. Yiftee's Community Cards link your market's farmers and vendors to a single Gift Card to make it easier than ever to ensure people spend their money at local markets and shops.
Has anyone else been feeling exhausted lately? The weather has been all over the place from triple digits to alleged "hurricanes", and that makes scheduling farmers markets hard. It’s been a long, busy season, and the holidays are right around the corner. We know being a grower, vendor, or market manager is not a job for the faint of heart. The danger of burnout is REAL, Y’ALL! Don’t forget to make time for yourself and take a deep breath once in a while. We’ve gathered some tried and true tips from industry pros on how to conserve energy and set boundaries. Tag along as Catt and Brijet discuss:
- The frustration of navigating the changing climate
- Practical steps you can take to protect your time
- App & system recommendations that can make your job easier
- Scheduling self care into your busy routine
Today's episode of Tent Talk, The Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Social Pilot, helping small farmers, food makers, and market managers keep up with social media posting. Regular posts that feed the algorithm help you reach shoppers more effectively, and scheduling in advance means better control of your schedule.
Are farmers markets a space for long term business success, or a springboard for your product to make it into wholesale? Short answer: yes. Long answer: It all depends on your product, your goals, and of course, your market. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking wholesale is the only path to success. Tune in as Catt and Brijet dive into:
• The benefits of staying in Markets long term
• Common misconceptions about what it takes to sell at a Farmers Market
• Farmers Market to Wholesale success stories
• Common pain points in the transition process
• The hybrid option: por que no los dos?
• Things to consider when deciding what model is best for your business
Today's episode of Tent Talk, The Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Square, helping small farmers, food makers, crafters, and market managers increase their incomes by making it easy to process credit and debit card sales on the street and in the tents.
This week on Tent Talk, Farmers Market Pros and InTents Conference founder Catt Fields White takes us inside the evolution of InTents: The National (actually, multi-national) Farmers Market Conference. From the start, the purpose of the InTents Conference has been to educate, connect, share, and build community in this wonderfully weird world of farms, food and event management! Because we all know, farmers markets are so InTents.
Listen for the inside track on:
- How the conference started and where it is now
- Who comes and who should come to InTents
- How to join the livestream online
- What’s new for the 2024 conference
- How Farmers Market Pros is building a bigger tent
Join us at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference in March 2024. If you have knowledge to share with farmers market managers, participants and policymakers, submit your proposal now at www.conferencerfp.com A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets will be available on August 28th.
This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks, the online platform for market management.
We're talking with James Grevious of Rebel Marketplace in Aurora, Colorado. He's creating neighborhood food security with the hyper local farmers market he has developed and managed, featuring urban gardeners and farmers. Listen in For James' views and tips on: • Intentionally developing and incubating urban farmers • Increasing community capacity from the inside vs outside intervention • Market growth pacing based on operator capacity • Funding education for farmers and vendors • Balancing financial security and community needs James started Rebels in the Garden, then the Rebel Marketplace farmers market, and now Urban Symbiosis, a non-profit focused on education and fundraising. Join us at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference in March 2024. If you have knowledge to share with farmers market managers, participants and policymakers, submit your proposal now at www.conferencerfp.com A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets will be available on August 28th. Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by The Kitchen Door, connecting food entrepreneurs throughout the US with well-organized and equipped shared-use kitchens.
Today we’re chatting about what to wear and what not to wear at your farmers market. Find that perfect blend of comfort and creativity in staff uniforms to make your team stand out and be recognizable. Encourage your farmers and vendors to do the same for their teams.
Listen in as we discuss everything from punny t-shirts and safety vests to comfortable shoes and how we wish everyone from farmers and vendors to shoppers wore name tags. You look amazing!
Today's episode is supported by Blue Owl Promos, helping market managers and vendors create additional income streams by supplying branded tote bags, hats, water bottles, and staff uniform shirts to meet any budget.
InTents 2024 is March 4-6 in San Diego and proposals are open! Submit your ideas here.
B. Griffin, Farmers Market Support Program Manager for Community Farm Alliance, a non profit serving farmers markets throughout Kentucky. In this episode:
- B. gives us a rundown of the new Electronic Farmers Market Nutrition Program that was recently rolled out in Kentucky and the problem-solving efforts CFA has put into action.
- We also get an update on the impact last summer's floods in Kentucky had on their local food system and what the rest of the country can learn from their disaster response and relief efforts.
This week's episode is made possible by support from Farmers Market Coalition.
We'll be digging deep in some coming episodes on climate change and its impacts, and how we can plan ahead to manage our responses to natural disasters.
Are you a farmer or small food business trying to navigate finding spaces to sell at farmers markets? Are you a farmers market manager buried in application emails and trying to find the perfect needles in that haystack? In this episode we're chatting about how we process applications for our markets and approaches used by some of our fellow market managers. Yes, you can have an amazing product and still not be a perfect fit for a specific market. Learn how to narrow down your targets if you're a producer. Listen in to find ways to help a diamond in the rough shine if you're a market manager. Find tips on: • Telling managers everything they need to know about your business • Balancing your market's offerings • Application red flags • Helping new vendors launch successfully If you have knowledge to share with farmers market managers, participants, and policy makers, submit your proposal now at www.conferencerfp.com Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Vendor-101, helping vendors launch and succeed, and streamlining the application process for managers. Find the help you need at www.Vendor-101.com
How do you learn and grow in your farmers market career? We met Jessica Mullen of South Carolina's Travelers Rest Farmers Market when she traveled to San Diego for InTents, the national Farmers Market conference. In this episode of Tent Talk, Jessica shares what she finds valuable about InTents and other conferences and networking with other market professionals. She's all about learning, and also about offering educational opportunities at her market. Listen in for Jessica's tips on: • Interactive programming for kids • Simple cooking classes at the market • Using data to educate your community • Funding education for farmers and vendors Check out the clever ways the Travelers Rest Farmers Market shares their impact. Jessica will be on stage at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference 2024. If you have knowledge to share with farmers market managers, participants and policy makers, submit your proposal now at www.conferencerfp.com Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by American Farmland Trust, protecting farm and ranch land to help foster a new generation of farmers. Voting in AFT’s annual Farmers Market Celebration is underway now at https://markets.farmland.org
National Farmers Market Week is right around the corner! Sometimes we plan way in advance for this important week, and sometimes it sneaks up on us. Guess what happened this year? Not to worry, we all still have time to take advantage of this national campaign to bring attention to our local markets. Tune in today as we discuss this year's theme and how to finish this sentence: Farmers Markets are changing the way...
Check out this past episode of Tent Talk for more on the history of Farmers Market Week:
Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Farmers Market Coalition, advocating for farmers markets on a national level and providing invaluable tools for local markets. Don't forget to order your I Farmers Markets tattoos today.
The Information Booth is open! It's time for another Hot Topics Q&A episode of Tent Talk, where we provide some answers and insights around recent questions that we've heard from vendors, farmers and market managers. Our social media direct messages and our private Farmers Market Pros Community on Facebook are full of great discussions this month and always. We also hear about hot topics from the other forums we moderate or participate in, and from small farmers and vendors at the markets we manage. Tune in today as we discuss:
- Evaluating air quality issues and how to reduce the harm to farmers, vendors and shoppers when you have to close a market to keep folks safe.
- Will staying in your booth throughout a market increase your sales? If you're a market manager, can you help vendors find that answer?
- How to encourage - or require - inclusivity and discourage - or prohibit -discriminatory sales practices at your market.
Sharing perspectives from our listeners helps everyone in the market community to figure out how to handle challenges. because only another market member knows exactly how truly #ourjobisweird.
Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Sticker Mule, providing printed labels and promotional products for farmers, vendors, and market managers to support their businesses.
School's out for summer and that means even more kids at the market, both in the aisles and in the tents. Whether developing programs for kids visiting your market, or putting teens to work in your booth, this episode is full of ideas to help you make the most of this season for market fans of all ages. Tune in today to hear:
- Ways that markets, farmers and businesses are putting their kids to work this summer
- Ideas for fun kids' activities that will engage the littlest shoppers
- All the ways to make your market the village that local parents need to raise healthy, happy children
Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Vendor-101, helping new farmers market businesses launch successfully and streamlining vendor inquiry processes for market managers.
We recently celebrated a bigmilestone at the Little Italy Mercato farmers market - 15 years! - and a not-so-big milestone at our Chula Vista market - 1 year!
Whatever milestone you have coming up at your market, whether it's big or small, this episode is packed with tons of tips to help you celebrate your vendors, your community, and your farmers market family.
Tune in today to hear:
- How to secure a MARCHING BAND for your big farmers market anniversary
- Tips for fun things you can do that won't break the bank (succulents anyone?)
- Tons of examples from our farmers market friends around the country about what they did to celebrate their anniversaries
Today's episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market Podcast, is supported by Yiftee, creating and managing custom gift cards for your whole market or your entire community.
Jorge Bustamante had a problem. Covid-19 completely shut down his thriving transportation business and he wasn’t sure what to do next. He knew one thing, however, people loved his family’s pozole recipe. So he formed a business plan, took our Vendor 101 course and My Pozole was born. In just a few short years, he’s grown his business so much that he’s at farmer’s markets seven days a week and recently opened a food truck!
Listen to this episode to learn:
- How Jorge turned his family’s recipe into a thriving farmers market business
- Business tips from Jorge and the business book he read when he got started
- The number one piece of advice he has for people thinking about starting a small business
Today's episode of Tent Talk. The Farmers Market Podcast is supported by Square, helping small farmers, food makers, crafters, and market managers increase their incomes by making it easy to process credit and debit card sales on the street and in the tents.
A few years ago our guest and friend of the show, Sagrdrina Jalal set out to create the anti-racist farmers market toolkit. Sagrdrina was the founding executive director of the Georgia Farmer's Market Association and is the lead facilitator of the anti-racist farmer's market toolkit and related communities of practice. Tune in today for:
- Tips for making your farmers market more inclusive
- The history of Black farmers in America and the ways in which we can better represent them at our farmers markets
- How farmers market managers can honor and recognize the Juneteenth holiday
This week's episode is made possible by support by the National Farmer's Market Coalition, giving farmers markets a voice in public policy and strengthening farmers' markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.
What happens when farmers market managers from 50 countries assemble in Europe to talk about strengthening local food systems, shortening food chains, preserving biodiversity, and protecting small farmers?
Listen to this week's episode where we follow Catt on the road as she attends the FIRST general assembly of the World Farmers Market Coalition in Rome! Their mission is to cultivate and promote intentional, managed farmers markets and we were thrilled to attend.
- Hear our takeaways from the exciting event including chatting with Tent Talk fans from around the globe
This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks, the online platform for market management.
Last time Daniel and Kasi Haire were on Tent Talk, back in early 2020, we were all adjusting our farmers market operations to accommodate COVID-19 protocols. In the time since, this farmers market power couple who manage the Nolensville Farmers Market have become invaluable contributors to our online community, sharing brilliant market hacks and solutions to the sticky situations market managers constantly find themselves in.
We're thrilled to welcome them back again to Tent Talk this week to learn about:
- The benefits of collecting data at your market
- How you can apply that data to everything from increasing vendor sales to grant applications
The numbers help inform Daniel & Kasi when making decisions about bringing in new vendors, applying for grants, and have even changed their whole approach to pulling in sponsorships! Time to get your calculators & spreadsheets ready, folks!
This week's episode is made possible by support from Marketing for Markets.
Our guests this week are Jonathan Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid, owners and bakers at Proof Bread in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. Jon and Amanda took over an existing farmers market and wholesale bakery business in 2017 when their favorite bread vendor decided to retire. After four years of baking in their garage, Proof Bread has expanded into a commercial bakery space and is now sold at 5 weekly markets across Arizona.
Tune in this week to hear Jon and Amanda's incredible story of how they've expanded their business while staying true to their farmer's market roots. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
Spring is just around the corner and it's time for market managers, farmers and vendors to get in the zone for peak farmers market season! This week on Tent Talk we're chatting about all the things you need to do to get ready for those excited shoppers who'll be flocking to your market. Tune in to hear what you should be doing a few months, a few weeks, and a few days before the start of your market season. This week's episode is made possible by support from California Palms.
This week on Tent Talk, we're chatting about big changes at Farmers Market Pros just in time for a spring refresh! Tune in to hear about our favorite takeaways and moments from InTents 2023, our travel plans this spring, and what we're looking forward to in the future. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week on Tent Talk we’re joined by our friend, Tamara Cameron, former farmers market manager and Executive Director of the Boise Farmers Market. Tamara worked for the Boise Farmers Market for over 4 years, implementing new software programs, harnessing an impressive volunteer force and leading them through the trials and tribulations of COVID-19 by implementing systems to keep farmers farming and shoppers shopping! Her most recent accomplishment was helping the Boise Farmers Market organization find and train a new leader as she transitioned out of her role and moved to a new state and away from hands-on market life. Tune in for an insightful conversation about what it takes to find your own replacement, the steps to take for a peaceful transition of power, and what market managers should be doing whether or not they plan to leave their job. This week's episode is made possible by support from Food4All.
Do dietary supplements, nutritional powders, health and CBD products have a place at the farmers market? Well, it depends! This week on Tent Talk, we tackle the topic of vendor products that straddle the lines between food, medicine and dietary supplements. Join us as we discuss what types of nutritional supplements and products make sense in a farmers market setting based on the mission of your market, how to develop clear policies around non-food ingestibles, and what to consider when vetting vendor applications. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
This week on Tent Talk, our guest is Chef Michael Ceraldi, owner of Ceraldi on Cape Cod. Chef Michael opened his namesake restaurant in 2014 and has become well known for his rotating 7-course tasting menu of upscale fare with an Italian accent, focusing on hyper-local ingredients sourced from Cape Cod purveyors. Tune to hear his fascinating chef journey, what led him to his philosophy and devotion to seasonal menus, and how he's built close relationships with local farmers and purveyors. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
The clock is ticking! USDA FMPP Applications are due May 2, 2023, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time! This week on Tent Talk we chat with Amanda Cross, Programs Manager for the Oregon Farmers Market Association about applying for grants for your farmers market. Amanda has been working in and around farmers markets for twelve years and she joined OFMA in 2019 to support Oregon farmers market managers, coordinating OFMA’s Farmers Market Learning Network, and providing technical assistance to markets needing guidance in offering EBT/SNAP programs. Amanda has experience applying for grants, implementing grant awards and reviewing FMPP grant applications, so she knows how grueling the grant applications are, from tricky forms to acquiring matching funds. Listen along to this week's episode for some practical advice, helpful tools and words of wisdom for applying for farmers market grants. This week's episode is made possible by support from Grapevine Local Marketing.
This week we’re sharing another live recording from the InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2023 held in San Diego last month. In this Tent Talk Live episode, you’ll hear a presentation titled “Marketing: It’s Not Just for Shoppers Anymore” from Christine Hawks who manages Columbus’ Worthington Farmers Market, the largest year-round market in Central Ohio. As a Certified Farmers Market Manager and recently certified Ohio Master Urban Farmer, Christine serves as an ambassador for local food and entrepreneurs. She believes that food is transformative, affecting change in community health and wellness, access, equity, education and understanding. Fueled by that belief and a recent grant award, Christine is expanding her farmers market’s outreach through an experiential learning collaboration with a local high school and with a variety of cooperative programs with other local organizations. This week's episode is made possible by support from USDA, Square, Market Wurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor and American Farmland Trust.
This week we’re sharing a live recording from the 7th annual InTents: the Farmers Market Conference which we hosted in San Diego and online earlier this month. In this Tent Talk Live episode we hear from shiny flanary, a queer Black farmer and founder and manager of Come Thru Market, a Black and Indigenous incubator farmers market and farmer training program in unceded Chinook and Cowlitz territory (so-called Portland, Oregon). In her session “Creating and Retaining Confident Vendors”, shiny lays out a toolkit for extensive farmer and vendor orientation and models how she establishes a culture of learning rather than assumed expertise and builds vendor comfort, relationships and retention. This week's episode is made possible by support from USDA, Square, Market Wurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor and American Farmland Trust.
Earlier this month we hosted hundreds of farmers market managers and participants at our 7th annual InTents: the Farmers Market Conference. Farmers market folk flew in from all over the US and Canada and even more tuned in virtually for 3 days of learning and growing with people who understand that #ourjobisweird. It’s no secret that being a farmers market manager draws on an eclectic set of skills and we were curious to find out what talents our attendees wield in their day-to-day. So over the course of the conference, we invited our attendees to share their farmers market superpower. Are you a logistics mastermind, or an expert vendor-wrangler or a community partnership genius? We asked, we found out and in this episode of Tent Talk, we’re sharing those answers! This week's episode is made possible by support from USDA, Square, Market Wurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor and American Farmland Trust.
As the current US Farm Bill is set to expire later this year, legislators and policy-makers are hard at work behind the scenes, negotiating and developing the massive omnibus bill that will eventually impact all of us. The details of the final bill aren't clear yet but it's never too soon to start paying close attention to the policies that will impact farmers, market managers and anyone working in the agricultural industry! To get in the zone for the 2023 Farm Bill, this week on Tent Talk, we're chatting with Ben Feldman, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. In this episode you'll get some background info on what the Farm Bill is, who and what it impacts, and why we should be making friends with our congressional representatives. This week's episode is made possible by support from the USDA.
This week the Farmers Market Pros team is busy hosting the 7th annual InTents Conference in San Diego, California so we're replaying our interview with Melissa Maltais, past conference speaker and Membership and Program Lead at BC Farmers Markets, from last Spring. Melissa is a brilliant marketer, fundraiser and advocate for farmers markets in Canada. This episode is jam packed with tips on marketing your market through community outreach and simple ways to reel in sponsors - all the things you’re likely thinking about as you enter your 2023 farmers market season! Enjoy this Best of Tent Talk episode & we’ll have another great episode for you next week. This week's episode is made possible by support from our incredible Farmers Market Pros partners including the USDA, Square, The Food Corridor, MarketWurks, Farmers Market Coalition, American Farmland Trust and more!
Eek! April 15th is just around the corner! It's time to get your receipts gathered and your books in order so you can file those 2022 taxes. This week on Tent Talk our guest is Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstarter Accounting where her and her team help entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. In this episode Danielle gives us a pep-talk & much-needed reprogramming on how we approach bookkeeping. She shares her philosophy on judgment-free accounting and provides insight on what small business owners should be doing to prepare for tax season. Whether you're a farmers market vendor, market operator, or just someone with anxiety when it comes to finances, this episode is for you! This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
As state legislatures across the country rethink laws on food safety and street vendor permits, farmers market managers are having to rethink their market guidelines and policies. This week on Tent Talk we go over some of the various regulation changes that have been rolled out and implemented and how they are impacting farmers, food makers and local farmers market communities. Listen in for updates on recent shifts in public policy, how these changes are shaking out on a local level and what market managers should be aware of when it comes to food and vending legislation. This week's episode is made possible by support from Food4All.
Our guest this week is Sean Kirkpatrick, co-owner and the culinary creative behind Down to Ferment Hot Sauce. Sean has cooked professionally for all his adult life, filling roles as an Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Manager and Culinary Director. At the on-set of the pandemic, his love of fermented foods coincided with his dissatisfaction with corporate cooking culture and in early 2021 he and his business partner launched their line of vinegar-free hot sauces at local farmers markets in San Diego. Join us this week to learn how Sean applies his corporate training to his farmers market business from sourcing ingredients to keeping labor costs in balance. We also dig into the spicy double meanings of his hot sauce flavor names and discuss the vision behind his playful brand voice. This week's episode is made possible by support from TentCraft.
While we tend to focus mainly on farmers markets, here on Tent Talk, we love food markets of all shapes, sizes and persuasions! So this week we were delighted to speak with John Wang, founder of the Queens Night Market, an open-air night market in Queens, New York. Every Saturday night from April-October, the Queens Night Market features up to 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food as well as small-scale cultural performances, celebrating the rich cultural diversity and heritage of its borough. Now heading into its eighth season, the wildly popular and uniquely affordable event has launched over 350 new businesses in NYC and represented over 90 countries through its vendors and their food. In this episode we hear about how John got this project off the ground, how he curates his diverse roster of vendors, and his philosophy behind the $5 price cap on food sold at his market. This week's episode is made possible by support from Yiftee.
This week we’re discussing an issue that all market managers seem to face: pirate vendors. No, we’re not talking about buccaneers that sail the seven seas, we’re talking about sellers and solicitors that set up in or around a farmers market as unofficial vendors. Though usually well-intentioned, hawkers, buskers, petitioners, and street vendors can confuse shoppers about where and when the actual farmers market begins, encroach on sales, and could potentially be a liability for farmers market operators. Tune in for some commiseration and brainstorming about what to do and how to handle these unofficial farmers market vendors. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Ever wonder why farmers markets and small farmers don't have a bigger say in public policy? Us too! This week on Tent Talk, we brought in an expert to help shed light on the big issues that small farmers are facing. We learned a lot and it confirmed that the old adage is true: the squeaky wheel gets the cheese! Join us for this week's episode in which we get schooled by the one and only Kathy Zeman, Executive Director of the Minnesota Farmers Market Association, volunteer treasurer at Cannon Valley Farmers' Market and owner of Simple Harvest Farm Organics in Nerstrand, Minnesota and winner of the 2021 Gus Schumacher Award. Having spent most of her career in agriculture Kathy leverages the reach of the Minnesota Farmers Market Association to build strong collaborations with diverse groups, paving the way for successful public policy efforts in Minnesota and beyond! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Farmers markets are often touted as a key to revitalizing failing downtowns. And while they aren't a panacea for all Main St. issues, when executed well, they really can turn around a business district in a special way. Our guests this week represent one of those Main Street success stories: Ivy Hagedorn and Lindsay Gagnon, of the Downtown Joplin Alliance and Joplin Empire Market. Back in December of 2016, the Empire District Electric Company donated to the Downtown Joplin Alliance over 33,000 square feet of buildings on 3.34 acres in the center of Joplin. Downtown Joplin Alliance re-purposed this historic building and its attached 11,000 sqft. garage as the new four-season Empire Market which opened in April 2018 and is now home to a growing roster of farmers, vendors and a brand new shared use commercial kitchen. Not only did the Joplin Empire Market reactivate a lackluster business district, it also breathed new life into a defunct historical building! Listen along to hear this incredible story. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
This week we’re joined by the dynamic duo behind City Gates Events, Brett and Patricia Keller. Since 2012, this husband & wife team has designed and executed high quality festivals that bring communities together, create connections, and encourage commerce. In 2021 they were recruited to take over management of the San Marcos Farmers Market, and though they had nearly a decade of experience pulling off large-scale events, this was a whole new ball game! In this episode Brett & Patricia fill us in on how they wound up working as event planners, what they've learned since adding weekly farmers markets to their roster of events, and what farmers market operators should consider if their thinking about launching an annual event. This week's episode is made possible by support from the InTents Conference.
What does a brand new farmers market manager need to know? Well... kinda a lot! Join us this week on Tent Talk as we discuss all the must-have tools, some tricks of the trade, and helpful advice that novice farmers market operators need to make a smooth transition into their new role. Don't tune out if you're a longtime market manager—even the most seasoned farmers market professional is bound to learn or thing or two! This week's episode is made possible by support from Manage My Market.
Happy Holidays from us here at Tent Talk & Farmers Market Pros! This week we have a very special treat for you! We are airing an episode of The Meaningful Marketplace podcast which is co-hosted by our dear friend and farmers market whiz Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce. A couple weeks back, Farmers Market Pro & Tent Talk co-host Catt Fields White joined Sarah and her fabulous counterpart Sarah Missoni to chat about the wild world of farmers markets. Listen along to hear Catt share her story of how she launched San Diego's largest farmers market and all that led up to her career in food. You can find more episodes of The Meaningful Marketplace on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
Change is hard, especially when dozens of small farmers and vendors are involved, but that doesn't mean it can't be done! On this week's episode we hear from Lauren Wolfer, Program Director for the Palm Springs Cultural Center about big changes at Certified Farmers’ Markets of the Coachella Valley. During the pandemic Lauren stepped in to replace the longtime farmers market manager and then this fall CFMCV implemented a big change in their weekly market schedule, shifting their Palm Desert farmers market from Wednesday to Sunday. After years of discussing this move, it was finally put into action right before their busy winter season. Listen along to our conversation with Lauren to hear how the schedule shift has impacted their organization, how farmers and vendors are adjusting, and what the shopper response has been. This week's episode is made possible by support from Marketing For Markets.
Eek! The end of 2022 is rapidly approaching! Join us this week as we look ahead to another wonderful year of making farmers market magic happen. In this episode we discuss what market operators should be considering as the calendar year wraps up and how to plan for 2023. Time to pull out those calendars and start dreaming of all the awesome things you're going to accomplish in the next 12 months! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week on Tent Talk we’re joined by Lisa Herlinger, founder of Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches. Lisa is a trained chef turned entrepreneur who launched her gourmet ice cream sandwich company at the Portland Farmers Market back in 2004. Now, almost 2 decades later, it's a thriving business with wholesale grocery and convenience store distribution, spreading joy and dominating the frozen novelty aisle nationwide. Tune in to hear about Ruby Jewel's origin, what steps Lisa made to push her farmers market business to the next level, and how she was able to scale her business without sacrificing the quality of ingredients. You're gonna love this farmers market success story! This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
Our guest this week is Laura Robbins, Owner of Wild Robbins Farm located in Sherborn Massachusetts. While farmers markets weren't part of Laura's original business plan when she established her farm in 2019, she's found them to be the perfect venue for her to sell her meat and eggs direct to customers who can't make it out to her farm store. She's also discovered the power of value-added products to draw in new customers and reduce waste. In this episode Laura shares how her chicken pot pies became an undeniable revenue stream and what farmers should know about the value of value-added! This week's episode is made possible by support from Thriving Farmer Value-Added Summit. Register for this free online event by clicking the Growing Farmers logo at https://www.farmersmarketpros.com/partners!
It’s Thanksgiving week, so we thought we’d replay an episode that highlights what we’re most thankful for: our incredible farmers market community! On this Best of Tent Talk episode you’ll hear thoughts from 2 dozen farmers market professionals that we interviewed earlier this year at the 2022 InTents Conference in San Diego. Over the course of the 3 day conference, attendees sat down with Justine to share their “why”. Why do they do what they do? Why do they get up at 4 am to make farmers market magic happen week after week? Why do they keep going when they feel like they can’t? And as expected, the answers were enlightening, heartfelt, and inspiring. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we do! This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference.
This week our guest is B. Griffin, Farmers Market Support Program Manager for Community Farm Alliance, a nonprofit serving farmers markets throughout Kentucky. In this episode B. gives us a rundown of the new Electronic Farmers Market Nutrition Program that was recently rolled out in Kentucky, the difficulties farmers and market operators have faced implementing it, and the problem-solving efforts CFA has put into action. We also get an update on the impact last summer's floods in Kentucky had on their local food system and what the rest of the country can learn from their disaster response and relief efforts. This week's episode is made possible by support from Farmers Market Coalition.
Join us for a magical episode this week as we talk with Denise Alvarez, farmers market vendor, artist, photographer and owner of Click Bloom, a desert inspired gift company based out of Arizona. She has a deep love for gift-giving and a knack for connecting with her fellow vendors and farmers market shoppers. In this episode Denise breaks down her philosophy of marketing through "magic moments" and shares tips for how to stand out at the farmers market. We also discuss what crafters can do to feel at home at food-centric farmers markets and endear themselves to market managers. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
Our guest this week is Yvette Lippert, market manager for the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market. Since she was hired back in 2018, Yvette has revitalized the decades-old market and overseen its growth, connecting with various businesses and organizations in the community along the way. Now, as a part of that growth, Yvette's market has embarked on an exciting long-term construction and relocation project. In this episode Yvette walks us through the different phases of this project and how the Yakima community and her farmers market community has responded. We also discuss some pros and cons of moving into a fancy new market location. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
If you're a farmers market operator, chances are you've been recruited to lend your expertise to some other large scale event. Our skills as farmers market professionals are extremely applicable to special occasions such as neighborhood block parties, artisan fairs, community fundraisers and annual holiday markets! In this week's episode of Tent Talk we share some helpful tips to successfully executing special non-farmers market events with other event organizers. Listen along as we discuss the importance of choosing your events wisely and tools to collaborating with other event planners. It's all about implementing direct communication, clearly establishing roles and delegating tasks! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by two special guests with insight on making farmers markets more inclusive for every body. In this episode we chat with writer and researcher Ragen Chastain and Resource Libraries Coordinator for the Farmers Market Coalition, Nina Budabin McQuown about recognizing and combating weight stigma at farmers markets. In our conversation Ragen and Nina educate us on what weight stigma is, how these biases present in a farmers market setting, and what market managers and vendors can do to ensure all shoppers feel welcome. Join us for an enlightening discussion! This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents, the farmers market conference.
There may still be 75 shopping days left until Christmas but if you're just now starting to plan for end of year holidays, you're already behind! In this week's episode we chat about all the fun ways to get your farmers market festive for the numerous holidays sprinkled throughout the last few months of the year. We also discuss what you can do to make your market marketing more inclusive and how to use food-centric holidays and themed market activities as a way to drive foot traffic. Time to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa and create a strategic plan for the most wonderful time of year! This week's episode is made possible by support from Marketing for Markets.
Our guest this week is Stuart Nealy, Director of Market Operations for Heritage Farmers Markets. We met Stuart at the InTents Conference back in March and he stood out as one of the fresh faces of a new, ambitious generation of farmers market managers. On this week's episode, Stuart shares how he and his team bring fresh food to Southern Californians across various counties at 4 farmers markets a week and how their organization differentiates itself from all the other food pop-ups and makers markets in the area. We also discuss the future of farmers markets and what a younger cohort of market managers might bring to the industry in years to come. Listen along for an interesting discussion! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
Hanging onto farmers market vendors can be like herding cats! Often times they are creative, independent business owners who like to do their own thing. While it's true that vendors will come and go and the occasional turnover is just part of farmers market life. However there are numerous things market managers can do on an organization level to keep vendors consistently coming back week after week. In this episode of Tent Talk we discuss strategies for retaining farmers market vendors, maintaining longterm vendor relationships, and how to coach new vendors through the first few months of a new market. Tune in to hear how you can keep a consistent roster of farmers and vendors season to season and year over year. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
This week our guest is Michael Clark, sales and production manager for JR Organics. Michael is a third generation family farmer who grew up working markets and on the farm. Over the years his family's business has expanded to include more than a dozen weekly farmers markets, a robust CSA program and wholesale customers. In this episode Michael explains the origins of his farms CSA program, how it works hand-in-hand with his farmers market operations, and the benefits of offering farm box pick-up at the market. We also discuss the pros and cons of maintaining organic certification and ins and outs of working closely with family members. This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
Time flies when you’re having fun and somehow we’re already wrapping up the third quarter of 2022! Because we've only got a couple months left in the year, this week on Tent Talk we're chatting about what market managers should be doing to make 2023 even better: budgeting and sponsor outreach! In this episode we discuss the importance of budgeting for your market and why you should be connecting with potential sponsors now, rather than waiting for "charitable giving" season. We also give you some helpful tips on the most effective ways to reach out to sponsors. Listen along and then get excited about making 2023 more profitable and less stressful! This week's episode is made possible by support from Sarah Delevan Consulting.
Happy Labor Day! The Farmers Market Pros team is taking a break today and we’re bringing you a Best of Tent Talk episode that originally aired last fall. On this week’s episode you’ll hear our conversation with Jenny Heck, market manager and communication manager at Mill City Farmers Market in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we discuss the impact grant funding can have in helping markets incubate new farmers and vendors. As farmers age out and vendors struggle with staffing issues, supporting those participants can have a big impact on filling and strengthening farmers markets. We’re excited that Jenny will present at InTents 2023, the multinational Farmers Market Conference, about supporting farmers and vendors and growing your markets. Register today and save big with Early Bird pricing! This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by our podcast friend, farmers market royalty, cookie maven, vegan business mogul and founder of Maya’s Cookies: Maya Madsen! In this episode Maya spills the tea on what she’s been up to: pitching her cookies on the Home Shopping Network, reeling in an ex NBA star advisor, opening her second brick and mortar location and still maintaining a presence at farmers markets and events. She also shares some insight into dreaming big and accomplishing her longterm goals. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
Would you get a chiropractic adjustment or purchase a time share at the grocery store? If you answered no, then why would you expect to find those services at the farmers market? This week on Tent Talk we discuss the pros and cons of hosting service providers and informational/promotional booths at your farmers market. Knife sharpeners, food prep services, masseuses, real estate agents, home cleaning services, and bike mechanics all offer valuable services that your market community may desire. However, integrating them into your farmers market requires some strategy. Listen along for tips on how to curate your markets service providers in a way that aligns with the mission of your organization. This week's episode is made possible by support from Local Food Marketplace.
This week on Tent Talk we welcome back Sarah Delevan of Sarah Delevan Consulting and the Good Food CFO podcast. We first spoke with Sarah on Tent Talk back in 2018 and since then she’s presented numerous times at our annual InTents Conference, sharing her experience as a financial coach with a knack for understanding, diagnosing, and improving the financial performance of food businesses. In this episode Sarah makes a strong case for adopting a profit-first approach to budgeting for farmers market businesses. We also discuss some of the common financial mistakes small business owners make, why mission-driven businesses should extend the concept of sustainability to their budgets, and the importance of making a profit - even when your farmers market is operated under a non-profit organization. Tune in for this interesting and enlightening conversation! This week's episode is made possible by support from Gusto.
Last time Daniel and Kasi Haire were on Tent Talk, back in early 2020, we were all adjusting our farmers market operations to accommodate COVID-19 protocols. In the time since, this farmers market power couple who manage the Nolensville Farmers Market have become invaluable contributors to our online community, sharing brilliant market hacks and solutions to the sticky situations market managers constantly find themselves in. We're thrilled to welcome them back again to Tent Talk this week to chat about the benefits of collecting data at their markets and how they apply that data to their market operations. From vendor sales to weekly foot traffic, the numbers help inform Daniel & Kasi when making decisions about bringing in new vendors, applying for grants and have even changed their whole approach to pulling in sponsorships! Time to get your calculators & spreadsheets ready, folks! This week's episode is made possible by support from Marketing for Markets.
WOW! 200 Episodes of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast! Listen along as we celebrate this huge milestone by looking back on some of our favorite podcasting moments from the last year. We also discuss some surprising similarities between podcasting and managing farmers markets and chat about where we find our inspiration. Big thanks to our amazing Tent Talk listeners for sticking with us all these years! This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
This week we have two special guests (Greg Plotkin, Director of Digital Communications for AFT and Corrina Smith, Executive Director of the Columbia Farmers Market) who give us all the details on the 2022 America's Farmers Market Celebration hosted by American Farmland Trust! Running from June 20 to September 19, 2022, the 14th annual celebration showcases the essential markets across the nation making a difference for farmers, ranchers, and communities. In this episode Greg shares AFT's vision for the contest, some updates on this year's celebration, and step by step instructions on how market managers can update their profiles and get the vote out. Then we hear from Corrina who led her market to victory and nabbed the grand prize back in 2021! Corrina gives us an inside peek into her marketing strategy and all the awesome benefits that come with winning. Listen in to get excited, then find out more at markets.farmland.org! This week's episode is made possible by support from the Farmers Market Coalition.
While we strongly believe that farmers markets should focus on farmers, we also recognize that non-food vendors and crafters add a special element to the farmers market shopping experience. So this week, for the first time in Tent Talk history, we're chatting with an artist who sells at farmers markets! Our guest is Jess Pickering, fiber artist and owner of Jess Makes Macrame. In this episode Jess explains what led her to trade in her cushy 9 to 5 job for a 10 x 10 tent and a new life as a full-time artist. We also chat about what market managers can do to better support artists and crafters at their markets, tips for building a social media following, and how to find inspiration amid the weekly grind of production and selling at markets. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
This week on Tent Talk we dive deep into best practices for communicating with your farmers and vendors. From email to social media groups to texting services, there are numerous ways market operators can keep in touch and provide vital information. Tune in for helpful hints from market managers Cori Veverka (Oswego Country Market), Gina Johnson (Madison Farmers Market) and Rebecah Boynton (Richland Park Farmers' Market). We can’t promise we know the secrets to getting your farmers to open your emails or read them, but we do have some creative ideas! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Value-added products come in all shapes and sizes and flavors: pies, salsa, guacamole, fresh-squeezed juice, soups, salads! The list goes on and on and on! This week on Tent Talk we define what value-added means and talk about all the tasty forms they can take. We also discuss some of the barriers of entry for farmers to make value added products and how market managers can help. For more information about value-added products and the USDA value-added producer grant, visit usda.gov. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Max Petrich, Vendor-101 grad and founder of San Diego Tempeh. Max sells his soy-free fermented products at farmers markets in San Diego and has also built a thriving wholesale business. After a brief hiatus from farmers markets, he’s back with a banging new display and a spring in his step! In this episode we hear the story behind San Diego Tempeh and how Max and his team are pushing full steam ahead into the wholesale game. We also chat about the benefits of taking a temporary break from markets to avoid burnout. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sarah Delevan Consulting.
Our most favorite week of the year is just around the corner! Of course we're talking about National Farmers Market Week, which is August 7-13! In preparation of festivities we're catching up with our friend and Communications Manager for Farmers Market Coalition, Hannah Fuller. In this episode Hannah shares FMC's focus for this year's celebration, how your market community can prepare, and tons of creative ideas for engaging your vendors and shoppers. We also discuss the return of the National Farmers Market Poster Contest and American Farmland Trust's annual Farmers Market Celebration. This week's episode is made possible by support from Farmers Market Coalition.
As many farmers markets are held on city streets, occasionally other large outdoor events disrupt a market's regular location. When special occurrences such as parades, art festivals, sporting events or expos require the temporarily relocation of weekly farmers market, it can be a headache. Luckily, this is something the Farmers Market Pros are well-acquainted with! Listen in this week to hear us discuss all that goes into shifting a market footprint, rearranging vendors, and spreading the word to the public about changes to a weekly market due to a special event. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
Opening a new farmers market is no small feat! There is endless behind the scenes preparation that happens long before your first market day: research, permitting, vendor recruitment, and so on. This week on Tent Talk, we're focusing on the fun part: the grand opening! Tune in for tips on how to prepare for, promote and execute the first day of a brand new farmers market and what you can do to ensure that shoppers continue to show up week after week. This week's episode is made possible by support from our new online course, Marketing for Markets! Register today at farmersmarketpros.com and gain access to the self-paced course materials.
In this week's episode we're joined by with Emily Emmons, Executive Director of Hoʻōla Farms—a nonprofit that serves military veterans, caregivers, first-responders and their families by providing opportunities to heal, through agriculture educational training and hands-on experiences. In addition to beginner farmer education, Hoʻōla Farms operates a weekly online farmer’s market with curbside pickup and recently just purchased their own commercial kitchen to better serve the farmers and foodmakers in their area. Stick around to the end of the episode for a special mini-interview with Hailey Edmondson about the role commercial kitchens play in the farmers market community! This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
This week our guest is Sina Pleggenkuhle, Director of Programs & Partnerships and Market Manager at the Minneapolis Farmers Market, Minnesota’s largest open air farmers market. Sina is such a ray of sunshine, it's no surprise she's able to keep her farmers and vendors joyful seven days a week, no matter the weather! In this episode we chat about how to make the market your happy place, the pros & cons of hosting resellers at your farmers market, and the importance of listening when it comes to DEI measures and supporting immigrant farmers and vendors. Listen along for a cheerful and inspirational conversation with a kick-butt market manager! This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
This week we're joined by Michelle Pusateri, Founder and Granola Master at Nana Joes Granola. After spending years working as a pastry chef in high-end restaurants in San Francisco, Michelle set off on her own venture in 2010 and launched Nana Joes Granola at local Bay Area farmers markets. Over a decade later, Nana Joes is a multi-million dollar company and Michelle’s delicious granola can be found in grocery stores all over Northern California, online and of course, still at farmers markets! Tune in to hear us chat about her move from the restaurant industry to starting her own business, the important role farmers markets play in her bottom line, and an inside look on how CPG brands are adjusting in today's current economy. This week's episode is made possible by support from Gusto.
Ok market managers, time to get real! This week we’re tackling the tricky topic of "uninviting" a vendor from your market. Maybe they can't follow the market rules, or they're burnt out and the quality of their product has slipped below your standards...or maybe it's a personality mismatch. If approached correctly, breaking up with a vendor doesn't have to be messy. In this episode we'll cover all the bases on how to approach vendors having a hard time and how to try to get them back on track, steps to take if it's time for them to move on from your market, and how to keep things professional. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Our guest this week is Jake Johannes, farmer at Sacred Sun Cooperative Farm and Board Chair at the Brookside Farmers Market in Kansas City, Missouri. As a year-round farmer and vendor-run organization, the Brookside Farmers Market has a unique perspective on what it takes to operate a farmers market that serves its community and its participants. In this episode Jake gives background on how the Brookside Farmers Market came to be and explains how the organization works with an active board made up of vendors and community members. We also chat about his market's extensive vendor application requirements and the benefits of bringing on a full-time farmers market manager! This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
"How much does it cost to pop-up a tent here?" If we had a nickel for every time a potential vendor asked us this question, we could retire from managing markets! No two markets are the same when it comes to collecting rent and fee structures vary greatly depending on a market's operation costs, number of vendors, location, length of season, foot traffic, and so on! Determining your fee structure can be tricky, so this this week we’re diving deep. Tune in to hear us talk about how to structure fees, how to establish fair rates, and what to do if you need to increase your fees. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week we're joined by farmers market manager and market musician, Kristin Eggen. Kristin is in her second year of managing the Decorah Farmers Market in a rural area of northeast Iowa. One of the many ways she makes the Decorah Farmers Market feel welcoming is by bringing talented musicians to the market each week. Tune in to hear us chat about the pros and cons of hosting musicians at your market, how to fund compensation for your musical talent, and some tips for booking performers. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
Our guest this week is Sadie Scheffer, CEO and founder of Bread SRSLY. Sadie launched her gluten-free sourdough company in her home kitchen in San Francisco back in 2011. While her initial business plan was focused on selling direct at farmers markets in the Bay Area, after giving it a few goes, Sadie decided the market life wasn't for her. Listen along as we chat about gluten-free baking, farmers market trial and error, and how to find your own version of success. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sarah Delevan Consulting.
This Tent Talk Live episode is from long-time farmers market vendor and InTents Conference veteran, Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce in Portland, Oregon. Sarah’s 2022 presentation “Can We Talk About Burnout?” will help you gain useful self-care and conflict management tools for market managers, vendors and employees, and accept that we’ve been through a lot and it’s ok to be feeling it. This week's episode is made possible by support from our sponsors including Square, MarketWurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor, American Farmland Trust and more!
This week on Tent Talk we're sharing another live recording from the 2022 InTents Conference! In his presentation “The State of the Market: Claiming our Place in the World," you’ll hear farmers market advocate and practitioner, Richard McCarthy, share some surprisingly good news from the world of farmers markets. You’ll learn about new market awareness, new models and new infrastructure linking rural to urban opportunities, and recent Market Cities and World Farmers Market Coalition developments to support markets worldwide. This week's episode is made possible by support from our sponsors including Square, Market Wurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor, and others!
Earlier this month we hosted hundreds of farmers market managers and participants at our 6th annual InTents: the Farmers Market Conference. Over the course of the conference, we invited our attendees to share their “why”. Why do they do what they do? Why do they get up at 4 am to make farmers market magic happen week after week? Why do they keep going when they feel like they can’t? And this week on Tent Talk, we’re sharing those whys. Grab some tissues folks, this is a good one! This week's episode is made possible by support from our sponsors including Square, Market Wurks, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor, American Farmland Trust and more!
This week on Tent Talk we tackle a question we frequently receive from market managers: where do you find new farmers market vendors? Whether you're looking to fill a specific vacancy left by a long time vendor who retired or your market is moving to a bigger location with more room, we've got some tips and tools to help you in your hunt for new vendor recruits. Tune in to this week's episode for ideas on where to find new vendors, ways to get potential vendors to seek you out, and how to avoid stepping on other market managers' toes. This week's episode is made possible by support from Marketing for Markets.
Hi Tent Talk listeners! This week we’re just doing a quick check-in to remind you that the Farmers Market Pros Team is busy hosting our 6th annual InTents, the Farmers Market Conference! Many thanks to our awesome sponsors including Square, Market Works, Farmers Market Coalition, The Food Corridor, American Farmland Trust and more, who are making the conference possible this year. We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market podcast, so meet us back here then.
This week our guest is Jorge Bustamante, Vendor-101 grad and owner of MyPozole. When COVID-19 forced Jorge to shut down his previous business, he saw a new opportunity to follow his dreams and share a special recipe that had been in his family for generations. Now MyPozole continues to grow thanks to Jorge’s hard work and all the farmers market customers that enjoy and recommend his delicious product! In this episode Jorge shares tips on standing out at the market, the benefits of a focused product line, and what prepared food vendors can do to keep customers coming back. This week's episode is made possible by support from Square.
Spring is just around the corner and it's time for market managers, farmers and vendors to get in the zone for peak farmers market season! This week on Tent Talk we're chatting about all the things you need to do to get ready for those excited shoppers who'll be flocking to your market. Tune in to hear what you should be doing a few months, a few weeks, and a few days before the start of your market season. This week's episode is made possible by support from California Palms.
In the last few years we’ve seen a huge increase in online services that allow shoppers to pre-order from local farmers and vendors and get their groceries delivered. Though these services may offer convenience, they're rarely able to foster relationships between producers and consumers the way that farmers markets are able to. This week on Tent Talk, we weigh the pros and cons of online grocery delivery services and what to consider if one of these services is interested in partnering with your farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Our guest this week is Melissa Maltais, Membership and Program Lead at BC Farmers Markets in British Columbia, and facilitator of that organization's Hatch & Hype incubator program. Melissa was one of our favorite presenters at the virtual 2021 InTents: the Farmers Market Conference and she’ll be back with us for our 6th annual event, live onstage in San Diego next month! In this week's episode Melissa shares how to market your market through community outreach, simple ways to reel in sponsors, and a gives us a little teaser of her 2022 InTents Conference presentation! This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
This week we're joined by Devon Van Noble, of Van Noble Farm in Trumansburg, New York. Devon raises, roasts, cures and sells his pork products at the Ithaca Farmers Market and at his on-farm butcher shop, and also caters special event pig roasts. In this episode we chat about Devon's transition from selling wholesale to direct, how farmers markets helped him diversify his revenue streams, and some of the challenges small farmers currently face. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
Our guest this week is Emily Josenhans, Vendor-101 Grad, farmers market vendor and Founder & CEO at Domaine Santé. After working as a clinical and private nutritionist and witnessing the struggles of her clients’ sugar addictions, Emily set out to develop a healthier alternative. By combining her nutritional knowledge and interest in viniculture, Domaine Santé California Grape Nectars was born! Tune in to hear how Emily educates her customers on her unique product line and her keys to converting samples to sales. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sticker Mule.
Since no two farmers markets are the same, it's only logical that there are many different ways they can be operated. Organizational structures vary greatly, but whether a market operator is an employee at a parks department or a manager on contract with a business development group, clearly established job roles and boundaries are vital! This week on Tent Talk we explore the pros and cons of different farmers market management options and provide some tips on how to make sure your market's manager is set up for success. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks
This week we’re joined by our good friend Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce and her daughter Adeline of Adeline’s Bunny Puffs. Sarah is a long-time vendor at Portland, Oregon area farmers markets and her daughter Adeline (age 8) is a newer market vendor, who sells her freeze dried snacks right alongside her mom! In this episode we catch up with Sarah about what's going on with Marshall's Haute Sauce and discuss all the ways to get families and children involved at farmers markets, both as shoppers and participants. We also hear from the mini-marketeer, Adeline, about her new farmers market venture. This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Lauren Wood, Director of The Fresh MARTA Market, a pop-up farm stand that sources produce from local farms and brings them to five MARTA public transportation stations in Atlanta, Georgia. Lauren shares how the Fresh MARTA Markets work and explains all the benefits of having ready to purchase local food at metro stations. Tune in and hear how Community Farmers Markets has successfully partnered with Atlanta's public transportation service! This week's episode is made possible by support from Farmers Market Coalition.
Happy Holidays! The year is almost over, but it’s not too late to post a last minute appeal for funds while your farmers market shoppers and fans have a few days left to earn 2021 tax deductions for their donations! Enjoy this Best of Tent Talk episode from last May, and find out how Kathy Newsom of The Corner Farmers Market in Greensboro, North Carolina gains financial support from community members, vendors, and local businesses.
And just like that, 2021 is coming to a close! This week on Tent Talk we look back on all we accomplished this year and chat about our favorite episodes from the last 12 months. We also reflect on how well we did with our New Years Resolutions we made last December and set new goals for 2022. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101 and our incredible Tent Talk listeners (like you!). Happy Holidays!
Our guest this week is Charlie Blonkenfeld, founder and owner of Bagelfeld's Bagels in Phoenix, Arizona. Charlie launched his bagel business in 2020 and he’s found a devoted following at farmers markets across the Phoenix area. His bagel operation quickly outgrew his rented commercial kitchen, so he launched a Kickstarter to cover the costs of expanding production and a brick and mortar location. Listen in to hear us talk about the trials and tribulations of launching a new business venture, the deep emotional bonds people create with bread, and how to pull off a successful crowdfunding campaign. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
We're so glad to welcome back our farmers market friend and unofficial 4th host of Tent Talk, Maya Madsen, owner & founder of Maya's Cookies! Maya just celebrated the 6th anniversary of launching Maya's Cookies and 1 full year since she opened her first brick and mortar location. In this episode we check in with Maya to see how she's holding up during her busiest time of year and we talk about the benefits of non-farmers market foodie events like vegan festivals and holiday pop-ups. As always, Maya has tons of great advice for farmers market foodmakers and small business owners! This week's episode is made possible by support from Loco Canopies.
Creating an end of year report for your farmers market is a great way to reflect on all that you've accomplished in the last year and can also be a helpful tool to communicate the impact your market makes in your community. This week on Tent Talk we discuss how to develop an annual report, what an annual report looks like, and who to share it with. We also chat about how to collect farmers market data and what to include in your end of year report if you don't have any hard numbers. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week our guest is Stefanie Stauffer, farmers market manager at the year-round Ann Arbor, Michigan Farmers Market, where farmers and vendors have been bringing fresh produce, farm products, prepared foods and artisan items to their community for 102 years! In our conversation, Stefanie tells us about the history behind this long-lived local institution and what it's like operating a market that's run by the Parks Department. We also chat food access and longterm DEI initiatives in farmers market communities. This week's episode is made possible by support from Market Link.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Beth Satterwhite, farmer at Even Pull Farm a small, first-generation farm offering responsibly-grown produce and cut flowers in Yamhill Valley, Oregon. Beth and her partner Erik have been farming since 2014 and are a mainstay at the McMinnville Farmers Market. A few seasons ago they transitioned away from a traditional CSA and now offer a unique market share program. Their pre-pay system makes it easy for their regulars and helps cover the farm's operation costs in the off-season. Talk about a win-win! This week's episode is made possible by support from California Palms.
There's no better time than the end of the calendar year to update your farmers market budget! This week on Tent Talk, we chat about the need for a realistic and accurate budget and how it can help you grow your business. We'll also give you some tips for staying within that budget and how to make those tough decisions if you find yourself overspending. Making a budget for your business doesn't have to be scary! This week's episode is made possible by support from Gusto.
It's November 1st and the end of year holiday countdown has begun! This week on Tent Talk we discuss how to make the most of the holidays at your farmers markets. We cover how to address tricky scheduling challenges, promotion and marketing opportunities for your market, and some vital holiday event logistics. Make those lists and check them twice! This week's episode is made possible by support from Food Business Success.
For farmers market vendors operating on tight budgets, purchasing the tools or inventory necessary to get their business running at a higher capacity can be an on-going challenge. If only they had a couple thousand dollars, they could really push things to the next level! This week our guest is Jenny Heck, market manager at Mill City Farmers Market in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jenny oversees the Next Stage Grant Program, which was launched in 2013 to provide funding to local farmers market vendors who are growing toward the “next stage” of their local food businesses. In the years since, this program has granted over $240,000 to local farmers and food makers and improved the quality of farmers markets across the state! This week's episode is made possible by support from WhatsGood.
It’s that time of year again! Kids are going back to school, tourists are starting to head home, and there’s a slight chill in the air. Since many farmers markets across the country are wrapping up their 2021 seasons soon, this week we're sharing tips for closing out your market season on a high note and what to do during the “off season” to make next year even more successful. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Our guest this week is Vendor-101 grad, Libby Lefanowicz, the owner, founder and Chief Maker of plant-based desserts at Kula Ice Cream. In 2019, Libby founded San Diego’s first and only completely gluten-free and vegan ice cream company with a catch… her dairy-free frozen dessert actually tastes like real ice cream! In this episode Libby explains how she juggles increasing production and developing new flavors while also selling at multiple farmers markets a week, the importance of a well-trained staff, and future plans for her newly-opened commercial kitchen and scoop shop. This week's episode is made possible by support from Local Food Marketplace.
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Ashley Drakeford of The Capital Market in Capitol Heights, Maryland. As a 6th generation resident of Prince Georges County, she is deeply committed to seeing her community thrive and spearheading equitable change through access to fresh and healthy food. In this episode Ashley shares the story behind The Capital Market and the role it plays in bringing food justice and equity to her community. We also chat about the importance of vendor training and The Capital Market's produce buyback program. This week's episode is made possible by support from Nutrition Incentive Hub.
It's been 18 months since the first round of COVID-19 shutdowns and some farmers markets that closed in response to the pandemic are just now starting to reactivate, or are planning to do so in 2022. But reopening a farmers market isn't as simple as flipping a switch! There's a lot that goes into jumpstarting a market that has been dormant. This week Catt, Brijet and Justine talk about what it takes to reopen an inactive market, from recruiting vendors to community outreach. This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference.
Our guests this week are Jonathan Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid, owners and bakers at Proof Bread in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. Jon and Amanda took over an existing farmers market and wholesale bakery business in 2017 when their favorite bread vendor decided to retire. After four years of baking in their garage, Proof Bread has expanded into a commercial bakery space and is now sold at 5 weekly markets across Arizona. Tune in this week to hear Jon and Amanda's incredible story of how they've expanded their business while staying true to their farmers market roots. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Punita Patel, owner and chief buffalo milker at Backyard Buffalo. Punita raises water buffalo and sells gorgeous Indian specialty foods at farmers markets in Jacksonville Florida, while advocating for sensible regulation of small, local dairies. In this episode we chat about balancing farmers market dreams with reality, how to adjust your product line to fill the needs of consumers, and what market managers and market vendors can do to ensure everyone succeeds. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
Happy Labor Day weekend! The Farmers Market Pro Team is taking the holiday weekend off and we're revisiting an episode from early 2020, when Catt and Katie Green of Wild Hare Organic Farm met up at the Washington State Farmers Market Association Conference in Tacoma. They chatted about what makes a great farmers market from a farmer's point of view and how Katie juggles markets, farming, a successful CSA program, and family life. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
Tune into Tent Talk this week for another round of questions and answer from our Farmers Market Pros online community! Catt, Brijet and Justine dive deep into updating farmers market sampling protocols, managing EBT/SNAP and market match programs, making sure your farmers market is ADA compliant, how to keep people from driving through your market during operating hours, and much more! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
Our guest this week is Andrew Plotsky, Creative Director at Farmrun, a creative studio in Vermont that works with all types of clients (from food and agriculture to politics and culture) to develop brand strategy, logos, and web design. Farmrun is located at Stitchdown Farm, which Andrew co-owns and co-operates with his wife, where they grow specialty cut flowers and offer floral design for all occasions. In this episode we chat about what a brand is, common branding mistakes new business owners make, and how to develop a brand strategy for your farmers market business. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sticker Mule.
If you build it they will come. But if you tell them where you built it, chances are more people will show up! This week on Tent Talk we're going back to the basics on farmers market marketing. A combination of social media, email newsletters, print advertising, and community engagement can drive excitement about and attendance at your weekly farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference. Join us March 7-9, 2022, in San Diego, California! Register today at FarmersMarketPros.com!
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by sustainability expert, educator and social entrepreneur Dianna Rose. In addition to running her own zero-waste catering company, Jars of Delight, Dianna founded the only farmers market in Queens, New York! Sovereign Markets, brings food equity to New York City’s Queens communities, while amplifying local businesses and culture. Tune in to hear how Dianna is growing her urban farmers market, fostering social enterprise and creating food sovereignty in her hometown. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketLink.
This week we discuss how to re-establish farmers market systems and protocols that were modified or may have fallen by the wayside as market managers were focused on enforcing COVID regulations. Now that many markets have moved away from density limits, social distancing, and mask enforcement, it’s time to reinstate some standard farmers market systems and ways of doing things that we abandoned during the insanity of the last year and a half! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Across the country we're seeing record-breaking heatwaves, summer downpours and an early start to fire season. As extreme weather becomes more and more common, farmers market operators have to get creative and develop contingency plans to keep their farmers market up and running while also keeping their farmers, vendors and shoppers safe. In this episode we discuss how to handle inclement weather and other environmental issues that impact your outdoor farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from Campbell Risk Management.
It's almost that time again! National Farmers Market Week 2021 is coming up in just a couple weeks. Since last year most market managers were barred from doing anything fun at farmers markets, this year we are going to make National Farmers Market Week extra extra special! Tune in to hear Catt, Brijet and Justine share various ways you can get your whole community involved in the festivities. This week's episode is made possible by support from the Farmers Market Coalition.
There’s a lot of talk among farmers market operators about how to bring diversity, equity and inclusion into the farmers market space, and a lot of confusion about how to do that. This week on Tent Talk we dive deep into this topic with our guest Shiny Flanary, a Black, queer farmer at Scrapberry Farm, the Director of Markets at Black Food Sovereignty Coalition and the founder and manager of Come Thru Market, a Black and Indigenous market in Portland, Oregon. In this episode Shiny shares how and why she launched a BIPOC market and provides a treasure trove of practical ways to make farmers markets a space for everyone. This week's episode is made possible by support from EcoFarm.
Our guest this week is Kendall Ballantine, farmer and owner of Central Park Farms in British Columbia, Canada. Kendall is a first-generation farmer who has built a devoted customer base through a combination of farmers market hustling and effective digital marketing. In addition to raising livestock full-time, Kendall shares her digital marketing expertise via Instagram, group coaching and online workshops. In this episode we chat about the cross promotional opportunities the farmers market provides and how to connect with your target customers online. This week's episode is make possible by support from Vendor-101.
Farmers markets are like big families and occasionally you have to say goodbye to a loved one. It's not only a difficult situation for your market staff and vendors, but it can be confusing and sad for shoppers as well. This week on Tent Talk we discuss what happens when a farmers market vendor moves on or passes away and how to support your farmers market community through sad goodbyes. This week's episode is make possible by support from the Farmers Market Coalition.
It isn't often that we get to chat with reality television stars, so we were very excited when we found out that Top Chef Season 18 contestant Sasha Grumman had launched her new business at farmers markets in Houston! This week on Tent Talk, we learn all about Sasha’s Focaccia (what a perfect name!) and what it's like to transition from back of house to front of tent. She also shares her 2 year, 5 year and 10 year plan and the logic behind using the farmers market as a launching pad for her new food brand. Tune in to hear Sasha's story––don't worry, no Top Chef spoilers! This week's episode is made possible by support from Food Business Success.
This week on Tent Talk we check in with Christine Farren, Executive Director of CUESA (operators of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market since 1999). We spoke with Christine back in April of 2020 as farmers markets around the country were scrambling to stay open under the threat of a public health emergency. After a year of running a curated market box and pick-up service, CUESA is evolving and adapting their market box program to better serve their shoppers, vendors and farmers market community. Listen in to hear how Christine and her team are boldly moving their market forward! This week's episode is made possible by support from Campbell Risk Management.
Farmers markets come in all different shapes and sizes, depending on the communities they serve. Some are big, some are small, some urban, some rural, some seasonal and some year round! This week our guest is Megan Harris, market manager for the Downtown South Boston Farmers Market in Virginia. Megan started her farmers market journey as a farmer and vendor, but now she is a full-time market manager and feels like she's found her true calling in life! In this episode we learn about what it's like for Megan managing a smaller market in a rural area. While some rules and regulations differ based on locality, many of the realities of farmers market life are universal! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
Our guest this week is Darlene Wolnik, Farmers Market Support Program Director at the national Farmers Market Coalition and official farmers market Data Wizard! Darlene has worked with FMC since its inception and currently oversees market support projects including network facilitation, development of the farm-direct portion of the GusNIP Hub, Farmers Market Metrics data collection and evaluation resources, and risk management tools including the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit. In this episode Darlene shares her 20+ years of experience supporting farmers markets through the best of times and the toughest of times. This week's episode is made possible by support from Nutrition Incentive Hub.
This week our show is all about hard-learned market manager lessons and what we would tell ourselves if we could travel back in time! With new markets opening and new market managers on-boarding all over the country, we’re sharing advice for new market managers, and managers navigating new market conditions with tips from our Farmers Market Pros Facebook community. We also have exciting news about InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2022! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week we welcome farmer and educator Michael Kilpatrick as our Tent Talk guest! After blowing us away with his jam-packed presentation at InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2021, we had to have him on the show to hear more about his farm education projects Growing Farmers, Small Farm University and the Thriving Farmers podcast and online forum! With years of experience under his belt as an educator and consultant as well as farmer selling at farmers markets, and a stint as a market manager, Michael has tons helpful info to share! Tune in to hear us chat about how to increase your production and make a comfortable living selling at the farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
The last year has really turned farmers market marketing on it's head. Though we still want to draw shoppers to our markets, attracting large numbers of visitors is not currently ideal. This week on Tent Talk we speak with Heidi Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of theFarmBoard, about developing a value-based marketing strategy for your farmers market business. Heidi shares ways to develop loyal customers who actually shop at the farmers market. She also explains how her app theFarmBoard helps farmers and market managers reach their target customers. This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
It's time to put the FUN in fundraising! This week on Tent Talk we chat with Kathy Newsom, Market Coordinator for The Corner Farmers Market in Greensboro, North Carolina about the innovative fundraising programs she uses to balance her market's budget. Thanks in part to their robust market sustainers program, The Corner Market has been able to implement pre-order and pick up services for the last year as well as and support a paid market staff. Fundraising is no easy feat, but Kathy has lots of great advice and creative ways to gain financial support from community members, vendors, followers and local businesses! This week's episode is made possible by support from WhatsGood.
Our guest this week is Christopher Hudson, owner and operator of Benny Blanco Tortillas, which has become a main attraction at the Gilbert Farmers Market in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Prior to working as a vendor, Christopher was an avid farmers market shopper. When his favorite tortilla seller put his business up for sale, Christopher leapt at the opportunity and purchased it! 3 years later, Benny Blanco has a devoted farmers market following and continues to sell out week after week, no matter how many tortillas they produce. Christopher’s customers keep coming back for his delicious product and his great sense of humor! This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
Spring has sprung and markets across the country are opening for the season! In a normal year there's a lot that goes into prepping for a new market season, so with COVID-19 restrictions still in place in most areas, there's even more work to be done. We received lots of comments and messages from market managers in on our Farmers Market Pros community about some of the challenges they are facing reopening on-site markets after a long, strange year. Listen along to hear Catt, Brijet and Justine chat about getting your market staff, vendors and shoppers prepped for opening day! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
This week we're joined by fisherman, farmers market vendor and consultant, Cynthia Wallesz. When she's not in Alaska harvesting and processing wild salmon, Cynthia is in Idaho, selling her fish at the Boise Farmers Market and providing consulting services to farmers market managers and foodmakers. In this episode we hear all about the impact COVID-19 had on this year's fishing season, how Cynthia balances her busy market life schedule, and the importance of establishing clear values and mission statement for your farmers market business. This week's episode is made possible by support from Loco Canopies.
Last time we heard from Nathan Macaulay, Director of Sales at Apricot Lane Farms, was at the 2020 InTents Conference (right before COVID-19 turned the world and farmers market operations upside down). Over the last year, Nathan and his team have adjusted and adapted, and this week on Tent Talk, he updates us on the goings on at Apricot Lane Farms. To learn more about this incredible biodynamic farm in Ventura, California, check out the film "The Biggest Little Farm" now available on Hulu! This week's episode is made possible by support from Local Food Marketplace.
Our guest this week is Hannah Fuller, Communications Associate for the National Farmers Market Coalition. One of Hannah’s projects is the popular guest Instagram program where markets from throughout the country take over FMC’s account and provide new perspectives. In this episode Hannah explains the nuts and bolts of running an IG takeover and how online collaborations can amplify your farmers market's voice and expand your reach on social media.
This week's episode of Tent Talk is a live recording from the very last session of InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2021! Catt, Brjiet and Justine reflect on their favorite conference sessions, answer some questions from attendees, and unpack salient points made over the course of the four day virtual event. Tune for an #InTents2021 conference debrief!
This week we’re just doing a quick check-in to remind you that the Farmers Market Pros Team and 437 of their closest friends are hanging out live online right now at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference. We’ll be there March 15th through 18th sharing talks from experts and experienced farmers market professionals all week. If you’re not already there, it’s not too late to join us. Jump over to farmersmarketpros.com to register. Choose a Learn and Grow registration and if you’re joining us late you can access anything you’ve missed later this year. We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market podcast. Thanks for listening!
This week our guest is farmer Matt Sylvester of Happy Acre Farm. Matt and his wife Helena farm on 2.5 acres in Alameda County, about 30 minutes outside of Oakland, California. Before starting his farm and selling his produce at farmers markets, Matt worked as a farmers market manager. But at the end of 2019 Happy Acre Farm transitioned away from farmers markets and now they focus their CSA program. In this episode we chat about the pros and cons of markets vs. CSA and get the inside scoop on what market managers can do to support their small farmers.
It's farmers market conference season, Spring is on its way, and it feels like there's a glimmer of light at the end of this long COVID-19 tunnel! But none of that changes the fact that farmers markets aren't going "back to normal" any time soon. On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we discuss how markets are feeling the impact of "pandemic fatigue," why there are currently so many farmers market job openings, and the exciting news about PPP loans for small businesses. Only 2 more weeks until the fifth annual InTents, the Farmers Market Conference, MARCH 15-18th, 2021! Tickets are still available, so register today. Enter TALK21 at checkout for a discount on your registration.
Our guest this week is Sari Kimbell, market manager and CPG expert. Through her education and consulting service, Food Business Success, Sari helps packaged food vendors grow and succeed at farmers markets and beyond. In this episode we talk about steps food makers can take to build a solid foundation for growth, the perks of launching your product at the farmers market, and the importance of seeking expert advice when expanding your business. To find out more about Sari and her CPG coaching and Farmers Market Masterclass, visit https://www.foodbizsuccess.com.
This week we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Gail Myers, Agri-Cultural Anthropologist and co-founder of Farms to Grow, Inc. In our interview we chat about the inspiration for Farms to Grow Inc., what it takes to run a community farmers market with a mission, and the importance of studying the history of our food systems. Dr. Myers and her team are currently wrapping up post production on a multimedia documentary that explores the history of Black farmers in the United States. Support her efforts during Black History Month by visiting https://www.rhythmsoftheland.com/ and donating to that project!
It's been a minute since we've had a farmer on Tent Talk, so we were thrilled to be able to speak with JM Fortier, the author of the international best seller The Market Gardener, creator of The Market Gardener’s Masterclass, and now publisher! In this episode we geek out about our love for farmers markets and the community they build and JM shares how markets played an integral role in launching his career and growing his farms. He also gives us the inside scoop on his latest ventures into magazine publishing and designing tools and workwear for farmers. Visit growers.co to find out more about JM's exciting new project.
Value added products aren't just fun for farmers market shoppers, they're extremely beneficial for farmers, ranchers and beekeepers looking reduce waste, increase their bottom line and expand their product offerings throughout the year. Our guest this week is value added expert Ellen Rawley who enlightened us on why value added products can be so helpful for farmers and changed our perception of what "value added" even means! She also walked us through the requirements for the USDA's Value Added Producer Grant (applications due March 22nd) which she dives deeper into in her Grant Writing Mentorship program. To find out more about the USDA Value Added Producer Grant visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants and https://www.ellenrawley.com/vapgreplay.
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Corrina Smith, Executive Director of the Columbia Farmers Market and President of the Missouri Farmers Market Association. In our interview, Corrina reflects on what her market has been through in the last year and shares what it's like implementing COVID-19 safety protocols in her part of the country. We also discuss what we're looking forward to at this year's InTents: The Farmers Market Conference! Join us March 15th-18th - register today at farmersmarketpros.com/conference.
Bad days happen - even at the farmers market. Sometimes market managers and staff have to face disgruntled shoppers and tense situations. After almost a year of stay at home orders and COVID-19 restrictions, it seems like everyone's feeling a little on edge. On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we share some helpful tips and resources on how to de-escalate conflict at the farmers market. We also discuss the importance of relaxation and self-care in between market days. For more info on COVID-19 and ADA compliance, visit https://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/resources/
This week we're joined by members of the Chicago Farmers Market Collective: Sheree Moratto of the Glenwood Sunday Market and Stephanie Jokich of the South Loop Farmers Market. Their organization brings more than 20 unrelated Chicago area markets together to share best practices and address challenges. In our interview, Sheree and Stephanie tell us how their collective was formed and the magic that happens when you get a bunch of farmers market managers in the same room!
For this week's episode of Tent Talk we bring you another presentation recored live at InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2019. In this talk Brent Preston, organic farmer and author of The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of the Good Food Revolution, shines light on the complexity of our food system. Though he doesn't claim to have a quick-fix solution to these large issues, Brent offers an interesting paradigm shift for the way we approach food production. Register for the 2021 InTents, the Farmers Market Conference, MARCH 15-18th, 2021 and purchase the LEARN AND GROW ticket to receive access to a full year of exclusive content and extended Tent Talk interviews. Take advantage of super early bird pricing and register today at farmersmarketpros.com. Enter TALK21 at checkout for a discount on your registration.
2021 is almost here! It's still unclear how this year will pan out, but we're cautiously optimistic. This week on Tent Talk, we reflect on the past year and share our personal and farmers market resolutions for 2021. We also have a big update about the fifth annual InTents: The Farmers Market Conference. Tune in for our final episode of 2020!
This week on Tent Talk, our guest is Alison Einerson, executive director of Urban Food Connections, who oversees the Downtown Salt Lake City farmers markets. In addition to the trials and tribulations that all of us have faced in 2020, Alison and her organization have survived 2 natural disasters and had to relocate their indoor winter market just a few weeks before opening day! In our conversation, Alison shares how her markets have had to pivot in this unprecedented year and her clever approach to finding a new market location.
With the end-of-year holidays underway, market managers must decide how to adjust market schedules to accommodate their vendors and shoppers. Do you close your market if it lands on a major holiday? Or do you shift the hours or size of the market footprint? Or do you operate business as usual? It all depends on your vendors and shoppers! Today on Tent Talk we discuss what goes into making the call on whether to stay open, or take a day off.
It's rare for us to focus an episode of Tent Talk on anything other than farms or food, but 'tis the season to be crafty! This week we chat about the benefits of bringing non-food artisans into your farmers market mix, especially during the holiday season. Listen along for tips on how to curate your crafters, adjust market booth fees for non-food vendors, and how to integrate them into your farmers market marketing plans.
Now that it feels like midnight when it's actually only 4:30 pm, outdoor farmers markets have to adjust to the cold and dark that winter brings. This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Catt, Brijet and Justine share some tips on how to keep your winter outdoor market bright and cozy for shoppers and vendors. We also discuss shifting holiday marketing strategies due to COVID and how to get shoppers out to your market despite inclement weather.
This week on Tent Talk we’re sharing a presentation by Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce, recorded live at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference in 2019. Sarah shares helpful techniques to care for yourself, your team and fellow market participants while you nurture your business. In this unusual holiday season in an unusually stressful year, these thoughts are more important than ever. Register for the 2021 InTents, the Farmers Market Conference, February 15-18th, 2021 and purchase the LEARN AND GROW ticket to receive access to a full year of exclusive content and extended Tent Talk interviews. Take advantage of super early bird pricing and register today at farmersmarketpros.com. Enter TALK21 at checkout for a discount on your registration.
We love when our friend Maya Madsen, Vendor-101 grad and founder of Maya's Cookies, drops in to talk with us! Earlier this year, Maya had to pivot (like the rest of us) to stay afloat when COVID put a damper on farmers market operations. Then, in early June after her online store was included in a viral post highlighting Black-owned businesses, she had to hustle to fill thousands of unexpected orders. Now, not only is Maya the #1 Black-owned vegan cookie company in the US, she just opened a retail cookie shop! Despite what 2020 threw at her, Maya put on her big girl pants and made it work. Listen along to this week's episode to hear how Maya has juggled her farmers market operations, online sales and the opening of her new storefront.
Our guest this week is Cara Mae Wooledge of the Napa Farmers Market. Before taking on her current role as farmers market manager, Cara Mae had a career in public health with a specialty in infections disease, so the events of this year have given her the opportunity to apply many of her skill sets! In this episode we talk about how her market has adjusted to COVID-19 and what farmers market managers can do to promote shopping safe and shopping local this holiday season. To watch the CalFresh Market Match video the Napa Farmers Market team produced, visit napafarmersmarket.org/community/calfresh/.
This week on Tent Talk, we talk a little about where farmers markets are now, and what’s next. We don't dare make any predictions about what 2021 may bring, but we can make tentative plans and prepare for the best and worst. We also share some exciting news about our annual event. Registration for InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2021 is live! Reserve your ticket today at farmersmarketpros.com/conference and use code TALK21 at checkout for a Tent Talk discount!
As the weather begins to cool, many farmers markets across the country are transitioning into their winter season. However, COVID-19 is still a present danger and poses numerous challenges to planning indoor markets and events. This week on Tent Talk we speak with Shawn Menard of Seacoast Eat Local in New Hampshire about overcoming some of these challenges. Shawn provides helpful advice on how to keep indoor markets open and safe for vendors and shoppers this winter.
This week our guest is Tent Talk co-host Justine's business and life partner Dave Mead! We talk with Dave about how his life as a musician led him to launch his farmers market business Baby Clydesdale Small Batch Hot Sauce. Dave also shares helpful insight into successful branding, attractive packaging, and honing his sales skills.
On this episode of Tent Talk we reveal some preliminary details of the fifth annual InTents: The Farmers Market Conference! Save the date for our live, online event February 15-18, 2021! We also answer some questions from our Farmers Market Pros Community about touchless shopping, vendors who've tested positive for COVID, and holding on to applications and market documents. Join us for an info-packed episode!
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Lihlani Nelson, Associate Director and Research Fellow at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School. In cooperation with the Farmers Market Coalition, the Vermont Law School developed the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit, which provides free legal resources, best practice recommendations and case studies. In this episode we discuss free speech issues at the farmers market and what market managers can do to reduce common legal risks. To access more free information, visit https://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org!
This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine discuss what happens when the management of an established farmers market changes. In this year full of changes that may be happening even more than in the past, for a variety of reasons. Whether you're a longtime market manager considering your exit strategy, a new manager who's inheriting a market, or a farmers market vendor curious about all that goes into a changing of the guard, you'll find this episode helpful! Listen along for tips on how to make that management transition as smooth as possible.
Way back in February we had the privilege of meeting Tamara Cameron, market manager for the Boise Farmers Market, at InTents: The Farmers Market Conference. Much has changed since we last spoke, so this week, Tamara joined us on Tent Talk to share how she's forging ahead with her market season, despite the trials of COVID-19. By implementing new software programs, harnessing an impressive volunteer force and producing a creative socially-distanced fundraising event, Tamara has turned her seasonal market into a year-round drive-through farmers market to feed her community in Boise!
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Darian Washington, creator and operator of Oatmeal & Company, based in Austin, Texas. After her corporate job took an unexpected turn, Darian and her young son turned their side hustle into a thriving business at local farmers markets. Listen along to hear the inspiring story behind Darian's leap into farmers market success!
This week Brijet, Catt and Justine answer some tough questions from Tent Talk listeners and members of the Farmers Market Pros Community. Listen along for tips on how to handle CPR certification and first aid at the market, managing gift certificates, and longtime vendors returning to markets after a COVID hiatus. Do you have a question you'd like us to answer on Tent Talk? Drop us a line at connect@farmersmarketpros.com or dm us on Instagram @farmersmarketpros.
Since farmers market managers across the country are dealing with fires, floods and pandemics, we decided to revisit our conversation with Sara Matlin of Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market from last summer. On this Best of Tent Talk episode, we discuss how to manage a market in an region with extreme temperature variances and enlisting the help of volunteers and interns to keep your market functioning. Want more Tent Talk content and access to extended interviews? Become a Farmers Market Pro member! Visit farmersmarketpros.com/support for details on how to sign up.
This week we welcome back Chris Quinlan, our trusty farmers market conference friend and creator of market management software MarketWurks. In Episode 4 of Tent Talk, Chris shared his experience during his 8-year tenure managing the Whistler Farmers Market in British Columbia. These days, Chris devotes himself full time to running Marketwurks, and consulting with farmers market managers to make their operations more efficient. On this episode, we catch up with Chris about how he's assisting market managers through the current challenges they're facing and what he thinks the future of farmers market-centric conferences will look like. To hear our full un-cut conversation with Chris, become a Farmers Market Pro member! Visit farmersmarketpros.com/support for details on how to sign up.
The Farmers Market Pros are thrilled to release the 100th episode of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast. Over the last 2+ years co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine have had some incredibly enlightening conversations with farmers, food makers, market managers, policy experts and each other. In this episode we celebrate by sharing our favorite episodes and also make a few exciting announcements about new Farmers Market Pros projects that we've got brewing. We hope you'll join us this week, and the next week, and the next as we keep this podcast party going!
This week on Tent Talk, our guest is Greg Plotkin, Digital Communication Manager for American Farmland Trust, an organization focusing protecting agricultural land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Greg shares how farmers markets can participate in AFT’s 2020 Farmers Market Celebration, now underway. We also chat about the connection between farmers markets and agricultural conservation and how American Farmland Trust is supporting farmers through COVID-19.
Find out more about the 2020 Farmers Market Celebration at https://farmland.org!
The USDA recognizes more than 3,500 farmers markets and direct farm marketing organizations as eligible to accept SNAP-EBT, though many markets don't. With record numbers of people out of work or underemployed during COVID-19, these programs are even more important than ever. On this episode of Tent Talk, co-hosts Catt, Brijet and Justine talk about how accepting SNAP-EBT at farmers markets not only increases food security, but can also bolster vendor sales.
Also, happy National Farmers Market Week!! Visit www.farmersmarketcoalition.org for free resources and information on how to celebrate this year. Remember: farmers markets are essential!!
This week on Tent Talk, we’re checking in with Maya Madsen of Maya’s Cookies to hear all about surviving and thriving after an unexpected large boost in her Black owned farmers market business! Maya updates us on all that her business has been through these past few months. Listen along to hear about Maya's hurdles, wins, losses, celebrity shout outs, missed calls from Netflix execs, supply chain issues, awesome customers, coming back to the farmers markets and on and on!
In preparation for National Farmers Market Week, which is coming up August 2-8, our guest this week is Stephanie Fenty, Manager of Operations and Strategic Engagement at the Farmers Market Coalition. We talk about all the different ways markets can participate (while still adhering to COVID-19 safety regulations) and the amazing promotional resources the Farmers Market Coalition provides. You can download the free National Farmers Market Week Resources and Templates toolkit at farmersmarketcoalition.org!
In various parts of the country, farmers markets are still open, just opening, operating differently with drive throughs or curbside pickups or not opening at all. This week on Tent Talk, we’re talking with Ashlie Pesic, the farmers’ daughter at Da Le Ranch, about staffing to sell at multiple farmers markets and pivoting during COVID-19. Da Le Ranch is a Southern California meat and poultry farming operation that operates in several counties and cities, so they continue to deal with a variety of changing conditions and are well-versed in adapting to different farmers market health and safety requirements.
This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine talk about the importance of vendor education. When new vendors take courses such as Vendor-101, or have a general knowledge of what it takes to sell at the farmers' market, it lays a strong foundation for a successful farmers market business future! Listen along for tips on where to start if you have no experience as a vendor, or if you're a market manager, how to launch a vendor education course of your own.
Farmers’ market managers and vendors are dealing with even more than the usual regulations, physical labor and day to day jobs right now. In these trying times, when we can't gather in person, online communities provide some much needed support. For this week's episode of Tent Talk, we chat with some of the members of our Farmers’ Market Pros Facebook community about how your tribe of market industry people can provide support online and off.
This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine catch up on what's been going on in farmers' market communities across the country. From face masks and contingency plans to the nuances of social media messaging for your farmers' market, this episode covers a lot of ground! Listen along for tips and tricks from your farmers' market pros.
Listen along to this week's episode of Tent Talk for an in-depth conversation between co-host Catt and Erin Tormey, farmer and director of Coastside Farmers Markets, recorded at the California Small Farms Conference back in February. They chat about creative ways to pull in farmers' market sponsorships and the reciprocal benefits of community-supported markets.
On this week's episode, Tent Talk co-hosts have an important conversation about the civil unrest taking place in many parts of the country and what that means for farmers markets.
"Farmers market people are people who do things. Let’s band together. Let’s work for change." - Catt Fields White, founder of Farmers Market Pros
Black Lives Matter.
This week on Tent Talk, we’re replaying our inspirational 2019 interview with Eric Dobbs of Seven Seas Roasting Company. Eric’s passion for coffee led him from the military and law school to Vendor-101 and the farmers market where he launched his coffee roasting business. A few years later, Seven Seas is still in farmers markets even now that they have 2 successful brick and mortar coffee shops.
As areas begin to reopen and loosen restrictions surrounding COVID-19, many farmers' markets are reopening for the summer season. This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine discuss how reopening cities, businesses and public spaces may impact farmers' market operations.
This week on Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine look on the bright side and discuss the silver linings they've discovered in spite of the many changes farmers markets have faced in the last few months. Listen along for a sliver of optimism!
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we hear from Daniel and Kasi Haire of the Nolensville Farmers’ Market in Nolensville, Tennessee about how they implemented a drive-through format to adjust to new farmers market health and safety guidelines.
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, co-hosts Brijet, Catt and Justine catch up with with Maya Madsen of Maya’s Cookies. They discuss how farmers market food makers are coping with stay-at-home orders, farmers market restrictions, and pivoting to online sales. Listen along for tips from Maya on how her business is surviving and thriving amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
We’re still talking about the current public health emergency since, like everyone else, farmers, food makers, and farmers market managers are still operating under conditions that change daily. On this week's episode, we chat with Christine Farren, Executive Director of CUESA, about how to cover operations costs when your farmers market has been modified to operate under current public safety guidelines. Listen along for creative ideas on new revenue streams, fundraising, and utilizing volunteers.
Stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders are still impacting the lives of farmers market managers, small farmers, food makers, and…everybody in the whole world. On this week's episode Catt, Brijet and Justine discuss some of the nuts and bolts of dealing with reformatted farmers markets as we enter the frayed nerves stage of COVID-19.
While many states, cities and counties have different rules about keeping farmers markets open during COVID-19, on this week's episode of Tent Talk, we chat about the important role farmers markets play and why they should be considered one of the "essential" businesses allowed to remain open.
In this week's episode, Catt, Brijet and Justine discuss the impact of COVID-19 on farmers markets and how market managers, farmers and food producers are pivoting their businesses to adapt.
As concerns surrounding COVID-19 increase, the roles farmers markets play in local food systems become more and more important. This week on Tent Talk, Catt, Brijet and Justine discuss the importance of keeping markets open, while also implementing heightened safety measures. Listen along for logistical tips for managing markets, while also keeping staff, vendors and the public safe.
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet discuss the current challenges faced by farmers, food producers, and market managers in midst of growing public health concerns. Listen along to hear how markets around the country are coping with COVID-19.
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This week on Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet will teach you the four A's that will help you manage your time and avoid burnout. Avoid! There's another A!
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On this week's episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet answer a listener question about the challenges of using social media for your markets when your event is owned by the city. Tune in for tips for navigating this tricky subject.
This week Catt is at the Washington State Farmers Market Association Conference in Tacoma, so she caught up with fellow conference speaker, Katie Green of Wild Hare Organic Farm. Katie shares what makes a great farmers market from a farmer's point of view and how she juggles markets, farming, a successful CSA program, and family life.
This week we bring you another episode of Tent Talk, live from the 2020 edition of InTents: The Farmers Market Conference. Listen along to hear an informative presentation from Nathan Macaulay, sales director for Apricot Lane Farms, which was featured in the hit film The Biggest Little Farm. In an ever changing employment environment, Nathan shares his methods for recruiting, training and retaining staff to keep all their markets running smoothly.
On this special episode of Tent Talk, we're sharing a highlight from the 2020 edition of InTents: The Farmers Market Conference. Speaker Sarah Marshall, co-owner of Marshall’s Haute Sauce, author of Preservation Pantry and host of The Meaningful Marketplace podcast, shares how she builds community inside Portland, Oregon farmers markets and out in the greater food system that surrounds them.
Just a quick "hello!" from the 2020 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference! We are knee-deep in conference happenings right now, and will be back next week with all new content- keep an ear out for 'live! from the conference' episodes of Tent Talk!
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet are talking about making decisions today that will benefit your market or business for the long term. It's not always easy, but it's important!
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we chat with Sena Wheeler of Sena Sea, a successful fresh fish operation in the Seattle area and Eastern Washington farmers markets. We chat with Sena about how her plan to sell fish direct to consumers took a big turn when she discovered direct sales at farmers markets, and how markets made her family business a success.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet discuss market turnover. Are you a manger seeing a lot of changes to your vendor mix right now? Are experienced farmers leaving the market? If you're a vendor, do the food makers leaving your market know something you don't? Listen to today's episode for those answers!
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet discuss a simple strategy to make your farmers' market business more successful- tell people where to find you! You may think everyone knows where your market business is every week, but believe us - many people are bombarded by so much information and so many events happening, they may forget where you are, especially after the busy holiday season. Just tell them! Post your list of markets on social media, on your website, in your email newsletters. Start off the new year (new decade!) with a re-introduction of yourself and your business. People love to be reminded of who you are and the face behind the Market, or favorite farm or food product they love- and your new customers will love getting to know you.
On today's episode, Catt and Brijet discuss some great New Year's resolutions for Farmers Market folks. Thinking of becoming a farmers' market vendor in 2020? Make sure you plan ahead before you make that leap. Want to expand your business in the new year? We'll discuss some education courses to check out and why finding your market community is so important for long-term success. Looking to manage more markets? Make sure you remember that Market Feasilbilty strategy. It's also important to remember that expanding and scaling up is not always the best resolution! Maybe digging in and doing the best market business you can do, right where you are already, is the best thing for you in the New Year.
Catt and Brijet are just popping in to say "Happy Holidays" to all our wonderful Tent Talk listeners! We hope you enjoy this busy season and find time to relax.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet have big news: our InTents: The Farmers Market Conference speaker list is shaping up and you're going to love these guests! Tune in to find out who will be at the 2020 conference and why we think you need to hear them speak. The countdown to the conference is on... will you be there? Farmers’ market work is the best work ever, and nobody really understands its special challenges except the other managers, farmers and food makers out there on the streets. It’s so intense In Tents. That’s why no matter how excited we are about the speaker lineup for our 4th annual Farmers Market Conference coming up February 2-4, we’re most excited about seeing all of you there.
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30+ speakers and panelists include Darren Chapman of Tiger Mountain Foundation, Nathan Macaulay of Apricot Lane Farms, photographer and food stylist Lori Rice, Alfonso Morales of Farm2Facts, marketing guru Charlotte Smith, Beverly Grant of Mo’ Betta Green Markets, Pascale Le Draoulec of Morning Glory Markets and author and food system activist and trainer Mark Winne
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet speak with Leigh Sloss-Corra, Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham, Alabama. Under the direction of Leigh and her team The Market at Pepper Place has helped to revitalize Birmingham’s downtown and has become an economic force in that city. A large market with some unusual expenses, the market helps defray overhead by working with a slate of almost four dozen sponsors ranging from banks to local restaurants. We ask Leigh how she makes all that work so well!
Today's episode is short and sweet and full of gratitude. Catt and Brijet take a minute to give thanks to all the wonderful listeners of Tent Talk and our incredible Farmers Market Pros community. We give a few quick hints for things Market Managers, Farmers & Food Vendors can do to show their farmers' market community gratitude this week and all year long. Thank you for listening!
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet talk with Master Herbalist Meghan Dolly, owner and founder of The Loose Leaf and The Loose Leaf Tea Bar in Oceanside, California. Meghan is a hands-on business operator, whether she’s standing in the tent at one of six local farmers markets, coordinating employee schedules or packing boxes of her signature tea blends for wholesale. How does one business juggle market, retail, and online sales? Let’s ask Meghan.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet discuss how to celebrate various winter holidays at your market! This is a great season to remind your community where to shop for gifts and ingredients for holiday meals. Have you considered operating a holiday market in conjunction with bigger holiday festivities in your neighborhood? We'll give you tips for how to make that work and the many benefits it provides your market for the whole year. Have you registered for the 2020 InTents: The Farmers' Market Conference yet? There's still time to take advantage of Early Bird pricing, get your tickets now at: www.FarmersMarketPros.com
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet speak with farmer Annie Newman, co-owner of Sylvanaqua Farm in Montross, Virginia, about permaculture, farming while married, and pink egg cartons.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet answer questions from our listeners! What's up with Square's new fees and should you switch to cash? (no way!) How can you keep your seasonal relevant in the off season? What do you do if your business is slowing down at the market? Hear answers from the Farmers Market Pros to these questions and more.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet address a Tent Talk listener question about whether or not to start a new farmers' market. They discuss the issues to consider; from location, to the day of the week, to what it means to invest time, money, and energy into starting and sustaining a brand new farmers' market. Farmers and food makers who are trying to decide whether to add a new market to their schedule will find this discussion helpful!
On this episode of Tent Talk, Brijet & Catt discuss guests who show up at your farmers market uninvited. From buskers to petitioners to those cute little Girl Scouts who end up negatively impacting your regular baker's sales... How can you manage people at the market who show up unannounced? We'll talk about some professional ways to deal with market interferences and how to keep your market on track no matter who is there.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Brijet & Catt discuss ways to connect to your happy market neighbors and those who may not be... yet! Running a farmers market for a few hours a week in a neighborhood that has businesses open every day means you may have to put a little extra effort into showing the community that you want the market to fit into, and be a contributing piece of, that neighborhood. Whether it's becoming a regular at the coffee shop, or attending other events in the 'hood, we give you some tips for making those connections that really count!
On this episode of Tent Talk, Brijet & Catt discuss looking at your budget for next year and doing some strategic planning! We talk about reviewing your actual vs. projected budget for this last year and how to that information can help you set yourself up for success for the coming season or year ahead.
On this episode of Tent Talk, Catt and Brijet speak with Emily Lawrence, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia, a non-profit cooperative of over 30 farmers markets. Emily gives us great tips for making the most of your social media presence, things to avoid and new ways to leverage the power of social media to build your farmers market business.
On this episode, Catt and Brijet discuss ongoing education opportunities for market managers, and farmers and vendors who sell at farmers markets. There are some great conferences coming up! How will you expand your knowledge for the coming season and year ahead? Of course, we think InTents: The Farmers Market Conference is a must for everyone listening, but there are some other great conferences to help you network, learn, and continue to help you turn your passion into bigger profit!
On today’s episode of Tent Talk, Brijet and Catt welcome Megan Goehring of The Certified Farmers Markets of the Coachella Valley. They chat with Megan about the challenges in running markets that need to be indoors to escape intense heat part of the year, the extra cost involved in doing that (and how she attracts and retains sponsors to help) and criteria for making an average-sized market stand out.
It’s back to school time so we thought we’d review the 4 P’s! This is just a little of what we teach in our Farmers Market Vendor-101 course each month and we’re sharing them today with all our Tent Talk listeners. Because whether you’re just getting started with your farmers market farm or food vendor business, or you’ve recently started managing a market, or you’ve been doing this farmers’ market job for a while, it’s always a good time to brush up!
On this week's episode, Brijet & Catt discuss how you can celebrate National Farmers Market Week (Aug 4 - 10) at YOUR market! They also have fun market-ing tips and tricks for you, and discuss ways to leverage special events at farmers markets!
On this week's episode, Brijet & Catt discuss the busy summer market season, listener feedback, "what's in a name, anyway?", and announce some big news about OUR name change! Plus, early bird ticket information for the 2020 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference and how to get them!
This week we are revisit Alli Ball's episode on branding, sales techniques at markets and expanding into wholesale. We have some branding news of our own coming up, so don't miss next week's new episode of Tent Talk for some special announcements!
On this week's episode is all about the importance of booth behavior and appearance. Hosts Brijet and Catt provide tips to increase sales by making simple improvements to your display, creating a welcoming vibe in and outside your booth, and engaging with your customer.
On this week's episode, hosts Brijet and Catt answer a listener question about bad weather on farmers market days. Listen along for tips on how to handle weather issues at your market before, during, and after they happen.
This week we bring you a Best of Tent Talk episode! In our conversation with devoted farmers market shoppers, Tiffany and Terence Cooke, we chat about the perks of making friends with your local farmers market vendors, the keys to a successful weekly meal planning process, and how they capture their delicious homemade creations in photos.
Farmers markets have operated all over the world for centuries, and today they are an important element in many farmers, food makers, and communities' economies. This week on Tent Talk, co-host Catt Fields White reports on her recent visit to London for the International Public Markets Conference, where she connected with other market managers and operators from around the globe.
Ever wonder how to keep momentum going at a year round farmers market when the weather changes drastically from one season to the next? This week on Tent Talk we chat with Sara Matlin of Phoenix Public Market about her solutions to extreme temperature variances, how to bring the community together with intention, working with volunteers and interns, and making it to the 15 year anniversary mark.
Many farmers market food makers stay in farmers markets for years and years, others use the markets as a launch pad to create a wholesale empire or open brick and mortar restaurants. On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we talk with Eric Dobbs of Seven Seas Roasting Company, a coffee vendor that recently launched their first retail outlet after years in local farmers’ markets, about what it takes to keep all those balls in the air.
On this week’s episode of Tent Talk, we talk with Sena Wheeler of Sena Sea, a successful fresh fish operation in the Seattle area and Eastern Washington farmers markets. We chat with Sena about how her plan to sell fish direct to consumers took a big turn when she discovered direct sales at farmers markets, and how markets made her family business a success.
How do surrounding businesses get along with their neighborhood farmers markets? Find out on this week's episode! We chat with the team at Waypoint Public, a local restaurant who shares their storefront with a busy weekly farmers' market. Listen along to learn how markets can synergize with the businesses around them.
This week we bring you a Best of Tent Talk episode! In our interview with Amber Holland, operations director for Portland Farmers Markets, we discuss efforts to reduce waste at farmers markets, challenges she's overcome as a market operator, and creating new programs to enhance her markets.
On this week's episode of Tent Talk we're joined by Trish Watlington of Two Forks Farmand Farm to Fork San Diego. We chat about the challenges restaurant owners face in buying direct from farmers, how to make the system work better, and how to leverage the power of farm to table commitment to increase business for both farmers and restauranteurs.
This week on Tent Talk, our guests are Melissa and Taylor of Quantum Microgreens. In this episode they share the story of how the made the leap into farming on a micro scale. We also chat about the importance of continual learning when it comes to farming and entrepreneurship, and how Melissa and Taylor share that knowledge with their customers at the farmers market.
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we chat about the recent InTents: The Farmers Market Conference, held in San Diego, California in February 2019. We reminisce about our favorite parts of this year's event, what we'd like to add to future conferences, and why we think it's important to bring the market community together.
This week's Tent Talk episode is the last in our series of Tent Talk Live episodes recorded at the 2019 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference in San Diego, California. The presentation "Using Our Voices to Create Change" was led by Amelia Moore Program Coordinator for California Alliance of Farmers Marketsand Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition, Ben Feldman. Listen along for tips on how to engage in farmers market policy!
For this week's episode of Tent Talk we bring you yet another live episode. In his presentation "The world needs less food," recorded at the 2019 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference held last month in San Diego, organic farmer and author, Brent Preston dives deep into the complexity of our food system. Though he doesn't claim to have a quick-fix solution to these large issues, Brent offers an interesting paradigm shift for the way we approach food production.
This week on Tent Talk, we bring you another special episode recorded live at the 2019 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference in San Diego. InTents Conference alum Sarah Marshall of Marshall's Haute Sauce returned to the main stage to share her insight on how to avoid farmers' market burnout. In this episode Sarah explains why working as farmers market vendor is tough and provides a helpful roadmap to avoid wearing yourself out.
This week on Tent Talk we bring you a special episode recorded live from the 2019 InTents: The Farmers Market Conference in San Diego! In this panel discussion, moderated by Marcy Coburn, CEO of CUESA, panelists discussed why new markets are great, when a new market isn't a good idea, and everything in between.
In this week's episode we tackle another round of tough questions sent in from our market manager listeners. Listen along for sage advice from our resident market manager experts. We cover complex issues like booking market musicians, rearranging vendors when your market site is under construction, and what to do about Yelp reviews.
On this week’s episode of Tent Talk we made good use of our own expertise and answered some tricky farmers’ market questions we received from vendors. In this episode you’ll get advice from the Tent Talk hosts on various issues that vendors face. Listen along for tips on sampling your product, incentivizing employees to increase their sales numbers, and what makes a good farmers' market business name.
This week on Tent Talk we are joined by Candread Gadaga, farmers market vendor and farmers market musician! On this episode Candread tells us about his journey from playing music at the market to starting his own hot food vendor business to packaging his own sauces for sale.
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Lisa Kivirist, farmer, advocate for women in sustainable agriculture, and author of Soil Sisters: A Toolkit for Women Farmers. In this episode Lisa shares her passion for cottage food law, how the community of female farmers is growing, and why she loves going to conferences.
This week on Tent Talk we are joined by Dr. Gail Myers, Agri-Cultural Anthropologist and co-founder of Farms to Grow, Inc. Over the last 15 years Dr. Myers has been busy lecturing, researching, teaching, writing and documenting stories of African American farmers, sharecroppers, and gardeners. In our interview we chat about the inspiration for Farms to Grow Inc., what it takes to run a community farmers market with a mission, and the importance of studying the history of food systems.
Our guest this week is Joe Hargrave, founder and CEO of Tacolicious. What started as a pop-up taco stand, then became a mainstay at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco is now a 6 location enterprise across the Bay Area. In our interview with Joe he tells us about the bumpy road that led him to tacos and why Tacolicious will always have a booth at that the farmers market. If you're a farmers market vendor dreaming of one day opening your own brick-and-mortar, this episode is for you!
For our first Tent Talk episode of the new year, we welcomed Ross Graham of Food Liability Insurance Program to the show. Ross is a licensed insurance agent and strategic partnership manager focused on helping businesses find the coverage they need at an affordable price. In or conversation with Ross we talk about all things risk management at the farmers market and how to protect vendors and market managers.
Our guest this week is Sagdrina Jalal, founding Executive Director of the Georgia Farmers Market Association. Sagdrina works hard to provide support and education for farmers market managers in Georgia and across the country as a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Market Coalition. In our conversation with Sagdrina we discuss the pros of participating in a farmers market association, some of the challenges market managers face, and the importance of education for farmers market managers and vendors.
Our guest this week is community activist and farmer Karen Washington. She has spent decades promoting urban farming as a way for all New Yorkers to access fresh, locally grown food. In our interview we chat with Karen about how community activism got her interested in farming, how Rise & Root found their product niche for the farmers market, and her hopes for the next generation of farmers. Listen all the way to the end for Karen's insightful advice on getting young people interested in agriculture!
This week on Tent Talk we are joined by Food Cost & Strategic Sourcing Consultant, Sarah Delevan. Sarah works with food makers, restaurants, caterers, and retail markets throughout the US to help them become and remain financially sustainable. In this episode Sarah provides tips on sourcing quality ingredients, shares keys to understanding your food financials, and identifies mistakes food-driven businesses can avoid.
This week we welcomed Anastasia Plakias as our Tent Talk guest! Anastasia is Co-Founder and Vice President of Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm; Co-Founder of City Growers; and author of The Farm on the Roof: What Brooklyn Grange Taught Us about Entrepreneurship, Community, and Growing a Sustainable Business. As a native New Yorker she is dedicated to making the city that raised her a greener and more sustainable place to live. In this episode Anastasia gives us the lowdown on how Brooklyn Grange came to be, fills us in on the what it’s like to grow food in an urban environment, and explains the importance of collecting data and understanding return on investment.
Our Tent Talk podcast guest this week is Ben Grimes from Dawnbreaker Farms in North Carolina. Dawnbreaker Farms specializes in pasture-raised, non-GMO chickens, forest raised pigs, Thanksgiving turkeys and grass-fed lamb. In our interview Ben shares his techniques for selling meat at the farmers market, tips on retaining customers and increasing sales, and his passion for informing people about the food choices they have.
On this week’s episode our guest is Marcy Coburn, CEO of Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture in San Francisco. CUESA operates five weekly markets in the Bay Area which have been a proving ground for many incredible food makers. In our conversation with Marcy, we talk about diversifying farmers market communities, the importance of food education, and what it’s like to be a bellwether of food culture in California.
This week our guest is Amber Holland, operations director for Portland Farmers Markets. In our interview we discuss PFM's efforts to reduce waste at farmers markets, the challenges of placing vendors when your market becomes a construction zone, and Amber's passion for creating inclusive community gathering spaces for Portland residents and visitors. Listen along for some great ideas on how to make your market more eco-friendly!
On this week's episode we interviewed two of the most devoted farmers market shoppers we know: Tiffany and Terence Cooke (AKA @cookesinthekitchen)! Listen along to hear about the perks of making friends with your local farmers market vendors, the keys to a successful weekly meal planning process, and how they capture their delicious homemade creations in photos.
Our guest this week is Ben Feldman, the Policy Director for the national Farmers Market Coalition, which is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets across the United States. Ben tells us about his passion for farmers markets, gives us an update on current Farmers Market Coalition projects, and clues us in on important food system issues. In this episode we get a little nerdy and dive deep into some food policy!
On this week’s episode of Tent Talk, we answered another round of questions we received from our listeners. In this episode you’ll get advice from the Tent Talk hosts on various issues that farmers market managers face. Listen along for tips on curating your market, giving prospective vendors constructive criticism, marketing on a budget, and what to do about tardy vendors.
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Reidy, Chef De Cuisine at Ironside Fish & Oysterin Little Italy, San Diego. In our interview, Chef Mike gushed about his love for farmers markets, he clued us in on a day in the life of a busy chef, and explained how chefs can make connections with local farmers.
On this episode we spoke with Jennifer and Eric Halverson of JenEric Foods. Jennifer and Eric make jun (rhymes with fun!) kombucha and sell their delicious beverages at farmers markets in Southern California. In our conversation, Jennifer and Eric told us about what makes their kombucha special, how they turned their love of food and drink into a business, and what it’s like to work with their spouse. Do you have a dream brewing? Go for it!
This week's Tent Talk guest is Kelli Diann Billips, the Operations Manager and Media Coordinator for the Seattle Farmers Market Association. SFMA operates the Wallingfordand Madrona markets, as well as the Ballard Sunday market, which is the largest farmers market in Washington State! In this episode, we chat with Kelli Diann about how to promote your farmers market, maintaining an interest in your seasonal markets, and surveying your shoppers.
Our guest this week is Sarah Marshall, creator, owner, and producer of Marshall's Haute Sauce, author of Preservation Pantry: Modern Canning From Root To Top & Stem To Core, and vendor at the Portland State University Farmers Markets. In our conversation Sarah shares about her background in canning and preservation, how she found her place at the farmers market, and where she gets inspiration for new recipes. This episode will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen!
Our Tent Talk guest this week is Neal Gottlieb, founding twin and CEO of Three Twins Ice Cream. Neal shared with us the story behind his ice cream empire, the value of staying in farmers markets while also operating brick & mortar locations, and how giving back is part of the Three Twins brand. In this episode you'll learn about what it takes to scale a product from farmers market to national grocery chains.
For this week's episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Brent Preston of The New Farm. Brent is a farmer and the author of The New Farm: Our Ten Years on the Front Lines of the Good Food Revolution. He told us about his experience finding his true calling in life and how he was able to build an organic farm that is environmentally and financially sustainable. In this episode we also tackle some big questions about the future of farming and re-thinking our current food systems.
This week's guest is Alli Ball, creator of Retail Ready and Allison Ball Consulting. Alli teaches classes and provides one-on-one consulting for all types of food businesses. On this episode Alli shares her tips for breaking into the retail scene, ways for food makers to find the voice of their brand, and how to have a rockin' display at the farmers market. If you're a farmers market vendor curious about selling your products to stores, this episode is for you!
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, instead of interviewing a farmers market expert, we made good use of our own expertise and answered some tricky farmers market questions we received from vendors. In this episode you'll get advice from the Tent Talk hosts on various issues that vendors face. Listen along for tips on differentiating your product from other vendors', solidifying your prices, finding your bearings in a new market, and what information to include on your labels.
For this week's episode we were joined by Forrest Pritchard of Smith Meadows Farm and author of Gaining Ground, A Story of Farmers' Markets, Local Food and Saving the Family Farm. Forrest is a sustainable farmer and New York Times bestselling author. Forrest told us the story of saving his family's farm, explained the impact of farmers markets on farm profitability, and shared how he's able to manage his career as a farmer and an author. This episode is inspirational, yet down-to-earth - it may be the push you need to become a farmer, or to finally sit down and pound out that book you've always dreamed of writing!
On this week's episode of Tent Talk, our guest is Kelly Foss, Director of the Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, Iowa. Kelly shared with us her strategy for slowly but surely growing her market from about 40 vendors to nearly 300! We also learned about her new role at the Farmers Market Coalition and what they’ve got planned for the 2018 National Farmers Market Week. This episode contains some helpful leadership advice from a pro farmers market manager!
For Episode 5 we had the chance to sit down with Nick Burton from Paris, Texas. Nick is owner of Victory Gardens Farm and Victory Lunch Club, and founder of State of the Soil. He's also the creative director for Bootstrap Farmer and co-hosts a podcast called Bootstrap Farmer Radio. In this episode you'll hear Nick's perspective on selling value added products and the benefits of having your own commercial kitchen. We also talk boot-strapping, side-hustling, and mocktail-drinking!
In this week's episode we chat with Chris Quinlan, the market manager of the Whistler Farmers Market in British Columbia. Chris gave us the run down on how he manages a busy farmers market in a location where the growing season for produce is short. He also sheds light on the pain points of market managing that led him to launch the software company MarketWurks. Chris inspired us to think of techie solutions to farmers' market conundrums!
This is the intro episode of your new favorite farmers market podcast! In the first episode of Tent Talk hosts Brijet Myers, Justine Marzoni-Mead, and Catt Fields White explain how they came to be a part of the farmers market world and why they stayed. Learn about what makes farmers markets special.
For our third episode of Tent Talk, we sat down with Maya Madsen of Maya's Cookies. Maya sells delicious vegan cookies at 3 weekly farmers markets in San Diego. She told us the story behind her award winning cookies and shared tips on how to stay on top of perishable inventory and hungry employees. In this episode you'll receive tips on keeping detailed records (of everything!), charting your farmers market sales, and keeping your employees happy.
On episode 2 of Tent Talk Charlotte Smith, of 3 Cow Marketing and Champoeg Creamery, tells her story about how she built a successful dairy farm and ended up becoming a small business marketing guru. She shares tips on developing loyal customers through email newsletters, social media, and face to face interaction. What's her secret to success? It's all about relationships!
Tent Talk is a podcast for farmers market managers, farmers, food makers, and anyone who counts on farmers markets as a source of income. Please join us as we interview farmers market experts, talk about ways to improve local food communities, and provide you with tips on building a successful farmers market business.