Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the De Soto Farmers' Market. May your new year be filled with seed catalogs and good health!

Dates for 2011 Market Season

Yes, we've already set dates for the 2011 season! Get your seed catalogs ready and call your small engine repair guy about your tiller issues because I'm certain many of you are already scheming planning for next year.
Holidays when the market will be closed in 2011: May 28th, July 2nd, and September 3rd. The committee went over this fore a while. We know that many of you have family visiting for holidays, and you would love to show them our wonderful market. However, the market season is long, and in an effort to not overwork our vendors, we decided to continue with last year's policy of closing for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Opening Day: May 7th! It's the day before Mother's Day, so mark your calendars.
Closing Day: October 22nd!
Plant Sale: We know that many of our vendors have bedding plants, so this year we'll have special dates for plant sales in April. Right now, we're planning on April 23rd and April 30th. We'll get details about those in a couple of weeks, but we've had a lot of requests for opening in April. We were a little hesitant since our season is so long already, but we're looking to do something dfferent with these special days in April. There is a requirement to have 8 vendors committed for each of these dates, so if you have plants that you want to sell, be sure to talk to your network of other growers about selling at the market in April.
Roving Market Days: We will probably have a couple of dates when we set up the market somewhere else. We'd like to do this in cooperation with some of the festivals in DeSoto and work with the city and Chamber of Commerce. We're thinking that May 14th might be on Main St. and September 17th in Walther's Park, but we'll be sure to get more details as plans are finalized.

Merry Christmas!

Food Safety-from Field to Market

Food Safety – from Field to Market
1 to 4 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at
Missouri State University
Fruit Experiment Station
Mtn. Grove, Mo
Faurot Hall 102

Topics to be covered:

• Importance of Food Safety
• State Regulations for Selling to the public
• Food Safety Concerns in the Field: Field preparation & planting, manure usage & crop cultural guidelines
• Irrigation Methods and Associated Issues
• Harvest and Post Harvest Safety
• Food Safety- Field to Market
• GAP- Good Agriculture Practices

Presenters: Russell Lilly, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services

John Avery, State Fruit Experiment Station Fruit Grower Advisor

Patrick Byers, horticulturist, University of Missouri Extension

  

Participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of completion and a laminated sign similar to the one at right for display at their market stand. 

 

Hosted by Missouri State University Fruit Experiment Station Mtn. Grove

 

There is no fee, but please call 417 547-7533 or e-mail PMayer@Missouristate.edu to register if possible. Walk-ins are welcome.

 

Directions: From Hwy 60, take second Mtn. Grove exit (Hwy 95). Turn north, go past Wal-Mart. Take next right (Red Spring Rd). 9740 Red Spring Rd. Mtn. Grove, Mo.

Acidified Food Workshop

Acidified food workshop set for Jan. 13-14 in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. –A workshop to train producers to satisfy requirements for selling acidified foods will take place Jan. 13-14 on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.
This workshop will help participants understand basic food safety principles and comply with federal Food and Drug Administration requirements, said Andrew Clarke, MU food science professor.
Any producers adding value to products that are considered acidified need to attend such a workshop before they can sell their products, he said. The FDA definition of acidified foods includes low-acid foods to which acids or acid foods are added. Examples include fresh-packed pickles, peppers and marinated vegetables.
At the end of the workshop there will be a walk-through of the paperwork needed to file an acidified food process with the FDA. Participants completing the workshop will receive a certificate that they may use to verify the training for FDA and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services records.
Registration fee is $375 for the first person from a company and $300 for each additional person. Registration includes educational materials, lunches and a laboratory analysis of the pH and water activity for one product per participant. Registration is limited to 100. Deadline for registering is Dec. 30.
New or relatively inexperienced producers are welcome and reduced registration will be available for multiple representatives from a single company.
To register, send an e-mail to lewisj@missouri.edu with contact information or call 573-882-4113 for further information.

Grower's Workshops

The first workshop is Tuesday at 6:30 PM. We'll see you there.

Announcing Winter Workshops

As we did last winter, the farmers' market has partnered with University of Missouri Extension to bring you grower workshops. Here's just a preview. We'll get you more information as each approaches.

December 7 – Katie Kammler will talk about apples and peaches. Katie did the berry class this summer, but she's going to go into a little more depth with this offering.

January 18th – Scott Killpack will do a soils class. Scott is an excellent presenter and really knows soils.

February 1st – TBA

March 1st – TBA, but we're hoping for something about growing and marketing fresh flowers.

What's in Store...for October 23rd

This weekend marks the last weekend of our market season. We are so glad that you've shopped and socialized at the market. In addition to the Pumpkin Contest and Apple Pie Contest, don't forget that kids in costume get treat bags at the Market Master booth. There will also be music at the market on Saturday, and you can expect these fine vendors:

Barbra Weston Puzzles-jewelry and perhaps plants

Bardenherer Wine Cellars-wine (sorry, no tasting)

Big River Alpacas-wool hats, scarves, and other items

Carter's Produce-squash, pumpkins, gourds

Dan's Produce-late-season produce

DAP's-baking mixes

DeSoto Historical Society-historical information and maybe some produce

G&J New & Recycled Crafts-craft items made from interested items

Get Healthy De Soto-information about the market and it's parent organization

Grandma Mb's Baked Goods-pies and breads

Harold Ray Underwood-birdhouses and other wooden crafts 

Kurt Lantz-eggs

Lisa Uzzle-soy candles

Mike Long-rabbits

Nick Stateler-cedar furniture

Ott's   Produce-butternut squash and other late-season produce

St. Andrew's-muffins, coffee, and juice

Stuart J. Lippman-birdhouses, crocheted washclothes, and other handmade crafts


We'll see you on Saturday...and don't be surprised if you see one of these!

Vendor Spotlight: DAP's General Goods

DAP's General Goods is owned by Pam. She is located in DeSoto, and can be reached by phone at 636.337.7026. She first started selling at the market in the 2009 season, and we're lucky to have such a great vendor. She sells baked goods, baking mixes, dog bones, dips, & jam. She likes to sell at our market because it's close to home and because we're all such friendly folks. When asked what makes the De Soto Farmers' Market Special, Pam said it's "...meeting local people and learning from others." We couldn't agree more, and we hope you'll visit Pam this weekend.

2010's Very Unscientific but Helpful Survey

We value feedback from customers, volunteers, and vendors. To give you an opportunity to provide feedback, we developed this very simple 5 question survey. It's not a highly scientific survey, and we won't be running a chi analysis on a sampling of the responses. However, it will be a quick gauge for us to determine what has really worked this year...and quite frankly, what hasn't. We want you to be honest with your responses, and if you have comments, there's a place for that as well.

Please share this survey with others that you know have taken part in the market, either as a vendor, volunteer, or customer. Thanks for taking a few minutes to complete the survey!

Survey Link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3W8QCYK

Apple Pie Contest

On October 23rd, the market will host the 2nd Annual Apple Pie Contest. Last year's winners are, I'm sure, already hard at work. Here's a bit about the contest and expectations for the event. If you have questions, please contact Darlene at St. Andrew's since she's the one that heads up the pie contest (586.2472).

Apple Pie Contest Rules

• Pies must be delivered to De Soto Farmers’ Market between 8:00-9:00AM
• Pies should be in a disposable pie plate
• Contest is open to all.

There are three categories:

Junior Division ages: 5-17

Adult Division ages: 18-49

Senior Adult Division ages: 50+

Pies will be judged on Appearance, Taste and Consistency. All pies entered become property of the De Soto Farmers’ Market. (That sounds kind of sinister doesn't it, but there's a good reason.) The pies will then be sold for tasting by market visitors with the proceeds going to the market for next year's event. Winners will be announced on the main stage at the end of judging.

Judging Criteria

Appearance (1-10)

Pre-Slice:

Basic eye appeal. To what extent does the whole pie entice you to want to try it? Is the decoration creative and appetizing?

After Slice:

A single slice unveils the looks and consistency of the filling and crust. Pies should have generous, well distributed fruit as well as, good color and definition. The servibility of the pie will also be considered.

Taste & Texture – Crust (1-30) and Filling (1-30)

Crust & Filling:

The judges will evaluate two primary components of a pie – individually and then as a combined entity. These two components are the crust and the filling. They should first each stand on their own merits; and then blend together into a great combination. The judges will evaluate aspects of the crust first, then the filling. Here are some aspects they will consider:

Flavor:

Nice aroma.

Pleasant, uniform flavors. All ingredients taste fresh and are well balanced. A complimentary use of spices and seasonings that is not overpowering. Generally, crust has a pleasant, mild flavor that complements the filling. However, in some specialty pies, the crust may be used to help create flavor accents.

Mouth feel:

Smooth, uniform liquids, moderately viscous, with no chalky, gritty, pasty textures. Fruit should be well distributed, have good definition and be firm, but not overly crisp. Pastry crust should be flaky and melt in your mouth, should not be greasy or oily.

Crust Consistency:

Pastry crusts should be flaky and delicate, but not fall apart too easily. They should melt in your mouth with a mild, pleasant taste that complements the filling. They should be a light golden color, baked throughout and an even thickness across the side and bottom. The crimp should seal thoroughly all the way around the pie.

Aftertaste:

Generally, most crusts should have very subtle aftertastes. Aftertastes may vary widely in fillings, however, the important aspect of an aftertaste in pie tasting is whether it is unpleasant and for how long it lingers.

Overall Flavor/Taste (1-30)

This is the judges’ final chance to rate the pie overall. What makes a good pie? Here is a brief guideline for what traditional wisdom makes a good pie…

Crust:

Flaky, melt in your mouth consistency that has a mild, pleasant flavor and is baked evenly throughout to a light golden color. The crust should have a tight seal around the edges.

Filling:

Smooth uniform components with pleasant aroma and flavor which matches the advertised flavor, appealing color, and a nice aftertaste. Fruit used in quality pies should be well defined; good size, evenly distributed and have a firm, but not overly crisp, texture.

What's in Store...for October 16th

Fall is certainly upon us. This weekend's weather is supposed to be superb, with just a little chill and a lot of sun. When you visit the market on Saturday, here's who will be vending:

• Au Naturale Jewelry with handmade beads and jewelry
• DAP's with baking mixes and spice mixes
• Gaye Valle with assorted produce and crafts
• Harold Ray Underwood with wooden crafts
• Idle Time Jewelry with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
• Judy Brown with quilts and afghans
• Julie Ott with winter squash, okra, and maybe pumpkins
• Margaret Pillen with apple pies, apple butter, and quilts
• St. Andrew's UMW with muffins and coffee
• Stuart J. Lippman with birdhouses, crocheted items, and butterfly houses
• Weston Puzzles with jewelry and maybe plants
• Wood Unlimited with fine cedar furniture and decor

We'll have music from 9-11 as well. We hope to see you then.

Kids in Costume

On October 23rd, the De Soto Farmers' Market will celebrate the end of another successful year and the close of our market season with Autumn Day. There will be an Apple Pie Contest and a Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and we'll get more details about those next week. (You'll need to go ahead and test your pie recipe this weekend if you want to have a chance to beat last year's winners.)

Next weekend will also be close enough to Halloween, that kids in costume will receive a free treat bag from the market. We'll be giving the bags out at the Market Master tent, so be sure to bring your hobgoblins, pumpkins, and ghosts along on the 23rd.

Pumpkin Contest

The 2nd Annual Pumpkin Contest will be held on October 23rd. We will have separate adult and childrens divisions in the following categories:

• Best Carving
• Best Drawing/Painting on a Pumpkin
• Funniest
• Scariest

So get out your crayons, paints, markers, glue, glitter, and (with adult supervision) carving knives and see what wonderful creations you can come up with.

We promise, no pumpkin smashing!

What's in store for.. Oct. 9th

This Saturday is our last special Art Mart of the season, thus there will be a few more artisan vendors this weekend. So if you like to find unquie gifts for special occasions stop by the market this weekend! We are also approaching the dread frost date so now is the time to snatch up late season produce!

St. Andrews' United Methodist Church - baked goods
*Pam and Stuarts's Old Time Crafts - bird houses and knitted items

Julie's Produce - sweet potatoes, okra, lettuce, brocolli, squash, radishes, beans and peppers

*Joann Lippmann - shawls, handpainted shirts, crochet items, and mittens
Puzzles - plants and jewelry
*Harold Ray Underwood - wooden crafts
*Lori Dycus - Idle Time Jewelry
Grandma Mb's Baked Goods
*Rhonda Lawson - handcrafted glass necklaces
Margaret Pillen - Apple butter, apple pies and quilts
*Loring Donahue - flower harclips, headbands, and hats
DAP's General Goods - convient mixes, dog treats, jams
The Bug Doctor

*Denotes Artisan Vendors

What's In Store...for October 2nd

This Saturday, we'll have music from 9-11 AM. We'll also have this fabulous line-up of vendors:
Shenandoah Soaps with handmade soaps
Steve Heuer with potatoes, okra, and other fresh produce
St. Andrew's with coffee and muffins
Stuart J. Lippman with birdfeeders and crocheted items

Save the Date

Our next special event at the market will be October 23rd. It will also be the last market for the season, so mark your calendars. We'll get more details about what is planned for that date once they are finalized.

Kress Farm Garden Preserve Fall Festival

If you haven't catapulted a pumpkin lately, here's your chance!

Thank You

To all the emergency services personnel, veterans, and active duty military who showed up at Remembrance Day, thank you for your service.

What's In Store...for September 25th

This Saturday, we have a few regulars at the market and a few people that come less frequently. If you haven't seen Lori's jewelry or Padre's paintings, then you might want to stop by. They are fabulous artisans but aren't always at the market. Here's the list for this Saturday:

Padre's Gallery with oil paintings
St. Andrew's with muffins and coffee
Bug Doctor answers all your late season pest questions
Harold Underwood with wooden arts
Idle Time Jewelry with hand-made jewelry
Grandma Mb's Baked Goods with bread* and pies
The Rep Room with EGGS

*If the french bread that you buy from Mary has a chance to get a week old without being eaten, it makes excellent french toast!

September 25th: Remembrance Day

Since plans changed unexpectedly on September 11th, we moved the free cake to this Saturday. Police Chief Ernie Paul will open the market by playing Reverie on the trumpet. He'll also close the market with Taps. There will be a brief ceremony at 10AM beginning with the Star Spangled Banner and then three speakers representing military and service personnel from our community. If you show up in uniform (and we mean service personnel; your band uniform doesn't count), then you'll be served a free piece of cake. De Soto Police, De Soto City & Rural Fire Departments, Valle & Joachim-Plattin Ambulance will have booths to hand out information about their community services. Please come and honor those who serve you.

Our band this weekend will be Sugar Moon, and they'll take the stage from 9-11 AM. We hope to see you there.

What's in Store...for September 18th

We have a great line-up of vendors this Saturday. Here's what you can expect:

Au Naturale Jewelry
Carter's Produce with fresh produce; pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, radishes, and baked goods
DAP's with prepared baking mixes and soup mixes
Julie's Produce with fresh produce; squash, peppers, tomatoes, etc.
Lippman's Crafts
Margret Pillen with jams, jellies, and quilts
Robin Warren with jams, jellies, and fudge
St. Andrew's with muffins and coffee
Steve Heuer with fresh produce; potatoes, peppers, etc.
Wood Unlimited
Less Stress - massage
Dan Buttry - wooden trellis

Farmer and Rancher Grant Writing Workshop

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is offering a grant writing workshop for farmers. There will be four workshops throughout the state, and one of those is in Jefferson County on October 5th from 9 AM to 3 PM. The cost is $20 per person, and lunch will be provided. You do need to register though by calling the Extension office: 636.797.5391.


For more information about the workshop, check out the SARE blog: NCR-SARE's Field Blog

October Gardening Calendar

The October Gardening Calendar is now available from the Missouri Environment and Garden Newsletter. To preview the entire newsletter, click here. To just view the calendar, click here.

Music for Saturday

This Saturday, we'll have music at the market from 8-12, instead of the normal 9-11. Ed Null will play from 8-10 and then we'll have Seniors from 10-12. Bring a chair, or at the very least, sing along as loud as you can!

De Soto Fall Festival

The De Soto Fall Festival is this Saturday. It will be held in Walther's Park and starts at 9 AM. However, the 5K run begins at 8 AM and registration will be at SMCI. The Mayor's Pancake Breakfast will begin at 7 AM and will be held at St. Andrew's. I heard that it will end at 9 AM, but I encourage you to come early. Here's a list of events that will be held throughout the day:

• Volleyball Tournament
• Washers Tournament
• Basketball Tournament
• Hula Hoop Contest
• Three-Legged Race
• Little Miss & Little Miss DeSoto Contest (ages 3-5 yrs)
• Hot Dog Eating Competition (16 yrs & older)
• 5K Walk/Run
• Car Show

The farmers' market will share a booth with Get Healthy De Soto, so be sure to stop by.

Remembrance Day

Saturday is September 11th, and there aren't many Americans that don't know exactly where they were when they heard about the terrorist attacks on that day in 2001. In an effort to honor those that died in the attacks, those that continue to fight to bring the attackers to justice, and those that did so much to rescue those trapped in the buildings that day, we wanted to have a short ceremony. However, with the tragic death of James Ide V, we thought it best to postpone the ceremony. We would still like for everyone to come by the market and take a moment to write any words of remembrance about September 11th on a large banner that we have. We will display the banner at the market on September 25th, which is also when we'll have the postponed ceremony.

The Kids' Corner activity is to make American flags, so your youngsters won't want to miss it. We'll also have pony rides!...now that the unbearable heat seems to be done, and we don't have to worry about heat exhaustion from riders or horses.

Come by the market, talk to neighbors about what you remember from September 11, 2001, and let's all remember together.

What's in Store...for September 11th

This Saturday has several great vendors:

Shenandoah Soaps-see the Vendor Spotlight for items
St. Andrew's-with muffins and coffee
Stuart J. Lippman-with crocheted and wooden crafts
Bardenherer Wine Cellars-with wine
Nick Stateler-cedar furniture
Bug Doctor-bug knowledge galore
Pauline Seidl-
Steve Heuer with tomatoes and potatoes
Margaret Pillen with jams & jellies
Grandma Mb's Baked Goods-she's bringing pies and bread
Kriete Farms-pumpkins, zucchini, & yellow squash
Julie Ott-assortment of produce
Team Miller Homestead-fresh french bread, seasonal produce, and baked goods

The Back Porch Band is playing as well from 9-11 AM. Bring your chair and sit a spell!

4-H Beginning Horsemanship Clinics

The Dreamcatcher's 4-H Club National Horse Bowl team is offering a ten hour, week long course, to introduce new riders to the basic techniques and theory involved in caring for, training, and riding horses.

Youth, ages 8-18, will have the opportunity to groom, lead and ride a horse. They will be taught basic safety in both working on the ground with their horse and when mounted. They will be introduced to theory which will cover horse anatomy, parts of tack, and basic management practices. Youth will also learn exercises which will prepare them to ride with a balanced seat.

Up to 18 youth will be divided into three groups so that each student gets a maximum amount of personalized instruction. The groups will rotate through a ground station, theory station and riding station at each meeting. Upon completion of the course students should be able to safely lead, groom, mount, dismount, and control their horse while riding in an arena. They will also be familiar with the parts of the horse, saddle, and bridle, and have a basic understanding of the management practices involved in owning and caring for a horse.

Students will be enrolled in 4-H as a part of participating in the course, which will enable them to access 4-H materials to continue their study in horsemanship. This clinic is designed to introduce your children to the joy of working with horses and encourage more families to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities 4-H offers.

For more information about the available dates, check out the 4-H calendar of events.

Vendor Spotlight: Shenandoah Soaps

Kelly Berger is the vendor behind Shenandoah Soaps. She's originally from De Soto but now lives in St. Louis. She'll be at the market this weekend selling handmade lye soap, lotion bars, handmade-crocheted washcloths, & handbags. She has a website that you might enjoy checking out: www.etsy.com/shop/kellymarieb, or if you'd like to contact her outside the market, you can always email her.
Kelly is new to the market this year, but she's excited to be a part of our market. Her favorite part is seeing so many people that she knows and meeting the many new ones. She also gave us kudos for emphasising healthy living and for being so friendly and open, so be sure to stop by her booth. You'll have to ask her about her next endeavor: upcycled items! She only sells at the De Soto Farmers' Market, so if you missed her, be sure to check out her website or email her.

Market Closed September 4th

Don't forget that the market will be closed this Saturday. We'll be back next week though! Enjoy the Labor Day weekend.

If you'd like more information about why we celebrate Labor Day, check out this website.

What's in Store...for August 28th

This weekend's headliner will be Silver Moon from 9-11 AM. In addition to the music, we also have these great vendors:

Team Miller-seasonal produce, squash, tomatoes, and peppers (check out the Vendor Spotlight this week)
St. Andrew's-muffins and coffee
Stuart J. Lippman-birdhouses, crocheted washclothes, and butterfly houses
Pauline Seidl-bracelets, key chains, and funky wine bottles
Ray Underwood-wood-worked hangings and decorations
Steve Heuer-seasonal produce, squash, tomatoes, and peppers
DAP's-baking mixes
Kurt Lantz-totally salmonella free eggs and jewelry
Tom Cisco-wood carvings

Salmonella find links 2 Iowa farms to egg recall

(AP)-Investigators found salmonella in chicken feed at Wright County Egg that was used by that farm and also Hillandale Farms. Authorities also found additional samples of salmonella in other locations at Wright County Egg. More than 550 million eggs from the two farms were recalled this month after they were linked to salmonella poisoning in several states.

If the eggs you purchased recently were tainted or part of the massive egg recall, you might consider purchasing some eggs at the farmers' market!

For the full story about the egg recall, check out this link, and enjoy your perfectly safe farmers' market eggs!

Vendor Spotlight: Team Miller's Homestead Produce

Team Miller

This is Team Miller's second year to sell at the market, and you probably recognize Wendy, Jessica, Katheryn, Richard, and Casey by now. The kids are a great addition to the market and have done a lot of work to expand their products. They specialize in freshly baked breads and cookies but also sell produce such as asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers. They also keep bees and sell local honey. Katheryn makes soaps and jewelry, and they often feature items such as painted rocks and plants.

They choose to come to the market almost every Saturday, and it's been a great way to teach the kids responsibility, discipline, forethought, and perserverence. Wendy homeschools the kids, and she never misses a good opportunity to throw in some entrepreneurship. Plus, you can't miss out on the friendly atmosphere at our market!

In the words of Wendy,  the most rewarding part of the market is "getting to know the other vendors. They are incredible people!" Recipes have been swapped, and the Millers have learned a good deal about various skills just by chatting with other vendors and visitors to the market. It really shows their diligence since many vendors are just dog-tired at the end of the market season. There's so much to keep up with, and the Millers are involved in 4-H, the Jefferson County Beekeepers Association, and volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. It's amazing the things that the Millers get done, and they still do a great job of returning each week with a smile and good food.

If you'd like to find out more about the Millers, drop by the market this weekend. If that won't work for you, or if you have a specific request for a product, please feel free to drop them an email: JessexCrew@aol.com.

Dates to Remember

September 4th: The market will be closed for the holiday. Woooooohooooooo! Isn't Labor Day grand?

September 11th: Remembrance Day, a special event where we'll try to honor the victims of September 11th, our military personnel, and local emergency management personnel. There will be free cake for people in uniform! (Don't confuse uniform with costume. We know some of you pranksters out there, and you don't get to eat cake...unless you happen to be a prankster who happens to be a fireman, cop, EMT, Sgt...)

September 18th: Fall Festival in De Soto. For a list of goings-on that day, please visit the Chamber's website. (Seriously, the Fall Festival 5K is the only 5K in Jefferson County that is relatively flat. Take advantage of it!)

What's In Store...for August 21st

Our music this weekend will be Larry Bay with his guitar, and the kids will have plenty of sidewalk chalk to cover the world! We won't tell if some adults want to use some as well; we know how much fun it is. The list of vendors this week is short. We've hit a bit of a lull while folks are taking stock of their remaining goods and gearing up for fall planting. (My lettuce beds need attention too!) However, we usually add some more vendors on Friday, so check back in the afternoon if there's someone specific you'd like to see.

• St. Andrew's with coffee and muffins
• Stuart J. Lippman with wooden birdhouses and knitted and crocheted items
• Steve Heuer with seasonal produce; peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, etc
• Dan Buttry with peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and trellis

We'll see you Saturday morning!

Rams Pre-Season Opener

No, this isn't a review of the Ram's first "game" (although, I think we need to work on developing an offensive line that can carry the ball and protect our million dollar quarterback.) However, there were some vendors who made it to the game last week, and they were caught doing something scandalous! They didn't hold up signs about how great the De Soto Farmers' Market is and throw perfectly good tomatoes after lackluster calls, but they did get caught on the Kiss Cam. I was unable to track down a picture, but David and Elaine Carter were caught on the big screen. Below are the best photos we have of them, but I'll continue to try to find a blackmail photo of their memorable moment.

What's in Store...for August 14th

This Saturday, August 14th, is a special day at the market. It is one of our Art Mart dates, so there will be more artisans at the market than normal. If you're looking to pick up a gift for someone or just want to see some of the handy things that locals make, then please drop by. Here's the artisan line-up for Saturday:

• Padre's Gallery
• Stuart J. Lippman
• Pauline Seidl
• Lori Dycus
• Barb Weston
• Joann Lippmann

We also have several other vendors for Saturday:
DAPS General Store with baking mixes
St. Andrew's with muffins and coffee
DeSoto Historical Society with information about De Soto's historic past
Less Stress with massages and chit-chat

Cyndi Lou's Produce with produce...but she sold out early last weekend, so if you missed her, you'll have to sacrafice a little sleep to get there earlier.

And the winners are...

Last weekend's Tomato Fest was a well-attended event, and His Royal Highness, the Tomato King presided with dignity and...well, you be the judge from the photos...but I think there was a fair amount of diginity and grandeur!

Our Tomato King (septer provided by Hamel & Rowe)

The winners in the various categories were as follows:

Biggest Tomato topped the scales at 1.59 pounds, submitted by David Carter of Carter's Produce.

The Smallest Tomato, the size and shape of a jelly bean, was consumed by the Tomato King to verify that it was, in fact, a tomato after spectators were skeptical. Incidentally, no weight was obtained before it was consumed. It was submitted by Kim Mahoney.

The Tomato King and the ever-supportive Court Jester

Jillian Lutz submitted the tomato with the Most Outrageous Shape, a siamese-twin tomato with the halves joined at the stem.

The "Miss Congeniality"/Best Decorated category drew entries in both the adult and youth divisions. Sean Mahoney was praised for his originality with his winning entry of a spider formed from tomatoes, frosting, and paper clips. Gail Kniffen won the adult honors with her "Mr. Tomato Head" entry.

11th Central Missouri Vegetable & Greenhouse Tour

This is a bit of a drive from De Soto, but it might interest some of you. (We've been discussing doing one of these in our area, but we haven't had the time to devote to it just yet. If you'd like to volunteer to plan one, let us know.)

Central Missouri Vegetable & Greenhouse Tour
Some tour features will be:

• Green bean picker demonstrated (weather permitting)
• Used ornamental greenhouse structure moved to farm for soil grown tomato system with drop down side walls
• New packing/sorting facility shown (GAP compliant?)
• Growing vegetables for your own stores
• 2 million BTU wood fired boiler

Sponsored by:

• Morgan County Ext. Center
• Missouri Department of Ag
• Central Missouri Produce Auction
• Morgan County Seeds
• University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension)

When: Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 Rain or Shine
Where: Meet at the Central Missouri Produce Auction to visit 3 nearby growers of quality fresh produce.

Schedule: (you are welcome to arrive up until noon)
10:00 AM Gather & visit ‘on your own’ the auction
11 until noon Pick up a lunch box compliments of MVGA
12:15 PM A few words from the tour sponsors
12:30 Leave to the first farm*
* Tour will conclude about 3:30 (about one hour per farm). Choose from one of two tour routes. See detail below.

To get your complimentary lunch, a RSVP is needed by Aug. 30th; provide a name and how many will be in your group. Email or call James Quinn; phone 573-634-2824; e-mail QuinnJa@missouri.edu.

Directions:

Located on Highway E, 12 miles south of US 50 or 10 miles north of Versailles.

Central Missouri Produce Auction

37808 Highway E

Fortuna, MO 65034

Auction Facility - 660-337-6227 (Auction days only)

Directions to the farms will be provided the day of the tour. The closest is ½ mile away & the furthest just a tad over 10 miles.

Tour A

First stop/new grower to this tour

Irvin Martin
Irvin has been using a Pixall green bean picker for a couple of years. He successively plants green beans throughout the growing season. Weather permitting the green bean picker will be demonstrated. Bring a bag, as what is picked can’t be stored for the next auction. Rumor has it MVGA is buying the beans!

Second stop/was on the 2008 tour

Paul Shirk
Paul inquired early in 2010 about how to make a new packing/grading/sorting facility ‘GAP’ compliant. So James Quinn resourced what looked reasonable on the web and sent him a ‘packet’. Trouble was, it was probably over 200 pages. Paul will show you what he has come up with. GAP is short for ‘good agricultural requirements’ and is a voluntary program. Some large buyers are asking their growers to become GAP certified. There were no fixed rules or designs for a farm facility like this, but a lot of recommendations for how to meet GAP requirements.

Third stop/new grower to this tour

Philip Shirk (yep, Paul’s brother)
Philip got a new toy this winter, a 2 million BTU wood fired boiler that is wood chip fired (we say a 1 million version of this at Harvey Zimmerman’s last year). Philip needed a larger unit to heat 12,000 sq ft of greenhouse ornamentals and 3,000 sq ft of greenhouse tomatoes. Philip also grows 2,200 mums. For field crops he has ‘a little bit of everything’ for their on farm store sales. He produces some field tomatoes for the auction and as well as a pumpkin field about ½ mile away from the farm place, which will shown last. Paul and Philip have 2 other brothers growing produce, with all the sons learning from their father, Eugene. Eugene’s place is right next door, and if we’re lucky he’ll join us too.

Tour B

First stop/new grower to this tour
Ronald and Denise Nolt- Nolt’s Farm Market
The Nolts have 3 stores which most of their more than 20 acres of vegetables are used to supply. They buy as needed from the auction to round out their needs, as well as sell surpluses. They grow a variety of vegetables, including sweet corn, melons, tomatoes, and a number of others. They also produce fall mums. Their farm is just to the west of the auction with the fields visible from the dock.

Second stop/was on the 2008 tour

James Leid
James was one of a number of growers who picked up some greenhouse structures from Dix Nursery, which was a very large spring plant supplier until a couple of years ago. He brought the structure back and produced tomatoes in it this year. James is one of a just a few growers to sell strawberries at the auction. He has a variety of field vegetables. This year he tried some herbicides with residual activity against germinating weeds- Sandea in the row middles between black plastic beds & Command around some pumpkins.

Third stop (repeat from first stop of Tour A)

Irvin Martin
Irvin has been using a Pixall green bean picker for a couple of years. He successively plants green beans throughout the growing season. Weather permitting the green bean picker will be demonstrated. Bring a bag, as what is picked can’t be stored for the next auction. Rumor has it MVGA is buying the beans!

What's in Store...for August 7th

This week's line-up includes loads of great vendors. (Artisans are denoted with an "A".)

• Amanda Hendrickson (A)
• Bardenherer Wine Cellars with...you guessed it...wine
• Carter's Produce with potatoes, peppers, squash, tomatoes and bread
• Community Gardens with produce from their garden at Loving Care and the Alternative School plot
• Dan Buttry with potatoes, corn, green beans, and wooden trellises
• Julie Ott with squash, tomatoes, peppers, and hopefully corn
• Karen Allison with rabbits, live goats, and farm animal t-shirts and such
• Kurt Lantz with fresh eggs
• Lisa Uzzle (A) with soy candles
• Margaret Pillen with jams, jellies, and quilts
• Mt. Olive UMC with baked goods
• Shenandoah Soaps (A) with various soaps and handmade bags
• Steve Heuer with tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and peppers
• Team Miller with tomatoes, peppers, and baked goods
• The Lippmans (A) with crocheted items, birdhouses, and birdfeeders
• Wood Unlimited (A) with cedar furniture and yard art

Don't forget that the band plays from 9-11 AM and there are several contests that you may want to enter. The Bug Doctor and Healing Hands Chiropractic will be at the market as well. They are fabulous sponsors! Jefferson Regional Medical Center will also have someone on-hand.

Tomatoes Everywhere This Saturday!

This weekend is Tomato Fest, and if you were blessed with rain that soaked (not the torrential downpour that knocked tomatoes off the vine), then you're just about ready for Saturday. Here are the specifics in case you need a recap:

His Highness, the Royal Tomato King will preside over two different competitions. First, there will be a Tomato Contest. You can enter tomatoes in four categories:
1. Biggest Tomato
2. Smallest Tomato
3. Most Outrageously Shaped Tomato
4. Miss Congeniality/Personality (for the best decorated tomato; watch that Bedazzler...it's rough on tomatoes)

Each category has an adult and youth division, so please bring your entries regardless of your age. The Biggest Tomato will be determined based on weight, and the other categories will be at the discretion of the Tomato King; may he be forever fair and just. Entries must be at the market by 8:30 AM.

The second contest that day will be a Vegetable Sculpture Competition. Using fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Missouri (no exotics please, and that means bananas and other things that don't grow here), construct a vegetable sculpture. There will be youth and adult divisions. Winners will be determined by the Tomato King, and entries must be at the market by 8:30 AM.

During the band's break at 10 AM, we'll announce the illustrious winners, and the Tomato King will bestow gifts or certificates on the winners.

Cooking Demonstrations, Part II

This Saturday, Darlene Payne will be our "in loco" chef, and that doesn't mean she's crazy...well, it doesn't necessarily mean that she isn't either. She has agreed to serve as our resident chef at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30, which might mean she is a little crazy. She'll be making a wonderful vegetable stir fry, and after the success of last weekend's demonstrations, you can bet it will be well attended. Samples will be provided, and we'll let you know which of the ingredients can be purchased at the market as well.

Happy eating!

Upcoming Training

Selling Directly to Consumers: A Beginning Farmer Workshop
August 18, 2010 – 3:30 to 8:30 pm
Columbia, MO

Everything you wanted to know to start selling your farm products directly to consumers!
• What direct market channels work best for you?
• What are chefs and consumers looking for when they buy local products?
• What good sales techniques will make your produce sell quickly?
• How do you make your booth at the farmers’ market really stand out?
• How can simple food safety and post-harvest handling practices ensure the quality that keeps customers coming back?

Tour the Wednesday Columbia Farmers’ Market with Chef Mike Odette, Sycamore Restaurant

Taste Great Local Produce from a Chef’s Perspective

Presentations will be by Chef Mike Odette, Columbia Farmers’ Market Master Caroline Todd, MU Extension Horticulture Specialist Jim Quinn and Local Foods Specialist Mary Hendrickson.

Workshop Registration: Preregister by August 13, 2010. Find registration form at mailto:naylors@missouri.edu. Cost of the workshop is $20 for those who preregister and includes educational materials and food. Walk-ins accepted but cost $30 with no food guaranteed. Find registration form at www.extension.missouri.edu/beginningfarmers. Contact Sharon Naylor at 573-882-3776 or NaylorS@missouri.edu

Agenda:
3:30 pm Welcome and Tour
4:30 pm Nutrition Selling Points, Flavor and Quality of Local Produce, Tasting of Local Food (includes heavy appetizers prepared by Sycamore Restaurant)
6:15 pm Post-Harvest Handling and Food Safety
7:00 Evaluating Direct Market Channels, Sales Strategies
7:45 Product Merchandizing
8:30 pm Workshop Ends

Sponsored by the Missouri Beginning Farmer Program a joint project of Jefferson Institute and University of Missouri Extension.

Our Showing at the Fair

There were several folks from the market that won prizes at the Jefferson County Fair, and we'd like to take a moment to highlight their efforts. Some are vendors, others are volunteers, and there are a couple of regular shoppers as well. Congratulations on your hard work and diligence!

• Christie Jonas in the Fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Farm Products category
• Robert W. Lalk in the Largest Vegetable/Fruit Contest
• Lisa Uzzle in Crafts
• Donna Walker in Fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Farm Products; Canned Food; and Baked Foods
• Jim Walker in Fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Farm Products
• Robin Warren in Largest Vegetable/Fruit Contest; Fresh Vegetables, Fruits and Farm Products; Canned Food; Baked Foods; Textiles and Clothing; Arts; and Crafts

Congratulations to all the winners!

What's In Store...for July 31st

This Saturday, we have loads of good produce and some fabulous regular crafters as well. Here's the list:

• Lutz's with tomatoes and a variety of peppers
• St. Andrew's UMW with muffins, baked goods, and coffee
• Stuart J. Lippman and his wife with birdfeeders, bat houses, and crocheted items
• Pauline Seidl with lighted wine bottles, novelty signs, bracelets, and keychains
• Steve Heuer will have tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, and assorted squash, including some spaghetti squash (don't be scared; it's simple to prepare)
• Ott's Produce will have cantalope, spaghetti squash, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, a variety of peppers, and some hot pepper mix that is made fresh...and yes, that's cantalope!
• DAP's General Goods with baking mixes and spice mixes
• Carter's Produce with tomatoes, potatoes, several varieties of squash, and sunflowers
• Team Miller Homestead with baked goods and assorted produce
• Kurt Lantz with fresh eggs
• Grandma Mb's Baked Goods with baked goods, pies, breads, etc.

The band is on from 9-11 and the kids are making Toad Abodes from 9-11 as well. We'll see you there!

New Look for the Blog

You should check out the new look for the blog. Click here to view it.

National Farmers Market Week

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has proclaimed August 1-7, 2010 as National Farmers Market Week. In celebration, De Soto Farmers’ Market is hosting Tomato Fest on Saturday, August 7th from 8 AM until noon. Activities for the event include cooking demonstrations at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 AM, vegetable sculpture competitions, tomato contests (largest, oddest shape, etc.), and an appearance by the Tomato King, who will be judging the contests!

This year marks the 11th annual National Farmers Market Week. Since the USDA began declaring National Farmers Market Week in 2000, the number of farmers markets has almost doubled, from 2,863 markets in 2000 to 5,274 in 2009.

According to the USDA, De Soto Farmers’ Market is one of the approximately 6,000 in the country operating in 2010, of the 167 in Missouri. The De Soto Farmers’ Market began in 2009, and currently has an average of 10 venders selling a wide variety of products, including squash, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, eggs, homemade breads, baked goods, and more. In the most recent season, De Soto Farmers’ Market helped generate sales for these local producers, a valuable economic boost for the region. In addition, the De Soto Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and debit cards to further improve sales and access to fresh produce.

“Farmers markets are good for your health, good for your community, and good for the economy” says Stacy Miller, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition, a nonprofit supporting farmers markets across the country. “During Farmers Market Week, we invite everyone to celebrate the freshest foods from America’s most entrepreneurial farmers by supporting their local farmers markets.”

According to Cindy Valle, Market Master at the De Soto Farmers’ Market, “the…market was formed so our local community could come together and have an access to buy and sell local, fresh produce and wares. Our vendors take pride in what they have made or grown themselves and we are glad we can give the community the opportunity for quality items locally.”

Other facts about farmers markets:

• California, New York, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Kentucky are the states with the most farmers markets.
• The USDA estimates that farmers markets provide income opportunities for at least 150,000 direct-marketing farmers and food producers across the country.
• More than 870 markets operate nationwide between November and May in 2009, a time often considered ‘off season.’ This number is growing rapidly.
• It’s estimated that approximately $1.3 billion in direct farm-to-consumer sales occurred in farmers markets in 2009.
• Farmers markets accepted over $44 million in WIC (Women, Infant and Children) and SFNP (Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program) vouchers in 2009 – making fresh food available to millions of low income families.
• More than 1,000 farmers markets are estimated to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in 2010. Between 2008 and 2009, the amount of SNAP dollars redeemed at farmers markets increased more than 100%.
• Farmers at farmers markets donate hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local social service agencies across the country each year.

Cooking Demonstrations

With some help from the Health Department, we've managed to arrange a couple of cooking demonstrations at the market. The first round of demonstrations will be this weekend, and they will be a sort of practice for doing them the next week during Tomato Fest. Everything seems to be falling into place, and this weekend, Carrie Weatherholt will be doing demonstrations of healthy cooking techniques and healthy food preparation at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30. She'll give away samples of what she cooks at the end of each demonstration, and she'll have copies of the recipe she uses as well. It should be lots of fun!

Tomato Fest Contest Rules

During the Tomato Fest on August 7th, there will be two contests. The Royal Tomato King will be crowned and will preside over two different competitions. First, there will be a Tomato Contest. You can enter tomatoes in four categories:
1. Biggest Tomato
2. Smallest Tomato
3. Most Outrageously Shaped Tomato
4. Miss Congeniality/Personality (for the best decorated tomato; watch that Bedazzler...it's rough on tomatoes)

Each category has an adult and youth division, so please bring your entries regardless of your age. The Biggest Tomato will be determined based on weight, and the other categories will be at the discretion of the Tomato King. Entries must be at the market by 8:30 AM, so get there early to avoid the line at the entry table. The winners will be announced around 10 AM that morning, and we'll be sure to send pictures to the Leader of all the fabulous winners.

The second contest that day will be a Vegetable Sculpture Competition. You'll need your creative juices for this one. Using fruits and vegetables that can be grown in Missouri (no exotics please, and that means bananas and other things that don't grow here), construct a sculpture of whatever suits your fancy. It can be a house, a dog, a file cabinet...the possibilities are possibly endless! And just like the Tomato Contest, there will be youth and adult divisions. Winners will be determined by the Tomato King, and entries must be at the market by 8:30 AM. Once again, come early! During the band's break at 10 AM, we'll announce the illustrious winners, and the Tomato King will bestow gifts on the winners. (Okay, so it might just be certificates for Tomato Contest winners and a free t-shirt or tote bag for Vegetable Sculpture winners, but you'll be the envy of everyone and bragging rights last until the Tomato Fest next year!)

I hope you have toothpicks, tomatoes, paint, and zucchini at the ready. Don't forget, entries need to be at the market by 8:30 AM.

What's In Store...for July 24th

This Saturday, we will have some fabulous produce and a couple of artisans. There will also be a garage band consisting of Larry Bay, Margie Roedel, & Mike Klaus. (Some of the normal musicians are out of town.) Kids' Corner will be from 9-11 and it will be Fun with Bubbles!

The vendors that have signed up so far are:
St. Andrew's United Methodist Women with muffins and coffee
Stuart J. Lippman with birdhouses, crochetted items, and other hand-made crafts
Steve Heuer with zucchini, potatoes, and other produce
Julie Ott with squash, peppers, and a various assortment of veggies
DAP's General Goods with baking mixes
Team Miller Homestead with fresh made bread, produce, and other baked goods
Dan's Produce - green beans. zucchini. wooden trellies and garden gates
Less Stress - massage

We'll keep the Market nice and warm for your arrival! See you Saturday...

Market Swag

The term "swag" has multiple meanings. In this case, we aren't referring to the top part of a curtain or to valuable loot obtained in a questionable manner. Nope, we're talking about promotional items that show off your love for the De Soto Farmers' Market. We have t-shirts and market totes for sale at the Market Master booth. Be sure to ask Cindy about them when you see her, and you too can have your very own market swag.

Canning Basics Class

The Canning Basics Class went really good the other evening. Mary Schroepfer with University of Missouri Extension taught the class, and 21 people participated. The class learned about water bath canning and pressure canning and prepared pints of fresh peaches in light syrup and blanched green beans.


Special thanks goes to Jill Porter and Jim Foster for letting us borrow their pressure canners. Both were good examples of just how many variations there are concerning pressure canners.

We also need to thank Casey Donahue for donating the peaches required for the class. Casey is a member of the Jefferson County Extension Council and has a farm just outside of De Soto. They were the first peaches of the season, and they turned out beautifully.

A good time was had by all, and door prizes (consisting of peaches and canning jars) were dispersed at the end of the evening. To keep in touch with what is happening with the market and its various educational partners, and to learn about upcoming classes, feel free to check out the calendar on the right, subscribe to the blog, and find us on Facebook.

Jefferson County Fair

The Jefferson County Fair is here!

It runs July 22-25, and all sorts of things are happening. Whether you enjoy tractor pulls or Collective Soul, there's a little something for everyone at the fair. For more information, including a schedule, check out the fair's website: http://www.jeffersoncountyfair.net/.

Salsa and Guacamole Increasingly Important Causes of Food borne Disease

Earlier this month, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released a brief analysis of food borne illnesses that highlighted the increase in illnesses caused by salsa and guacamole. The Jefferson County Health Department has long contended that salsa is something you should be careful in preparing because it is an acidified food that is often made and stored incorrectly. It would seem that the numbers agree because the number of outbreaks related to salsa and guacamole more than doubled when comparing the incidences from 1998-2008 to those that occurred from 1984-1997.


Most of the outbreaks were related to restaurants and delis, and the article sites improper storage as a culprit. It also explains that salsa and guacamole are often made in large batches, and even a small amount of contamination can lead to a serious outbreak. (My guess is that the number of restaurants serving salsa and guacamole has also increased as the our nation's demographics change, and that probably contributed to the jump as well.)


At any rate, we don't want to discourage you from eating up yummy salsa and guacamole but instead wanted to remind you that you won't see any home canned salsa or guacamole at the market because of the potential risks. To see the full article from the CDC, click here.

Tomato Fest

Get ready for Tomato Fest. August 7th will be a celebration of all things tomato. We are anxiously awaiting word from the Honorable Tomato King to find out if we shall be graced with his presence. His crown and scepter await him.

In addition to meeting the Tomato King, we plan on having some tomato and vegetable contests. We'll give you all the details later this week, but here's a preview. Be on the lookout for oddly shaped tomatoes like this one. I spied this one growing on a tomato plant outside Kate Bigelow's house. It could be that I didn't find it exactly like this...(I may have added the fu manchu and eyes with a Sharpie, but you get the idea!) Start mulling over your various plants and veggies because we want everyone to be able to enter the contests. Any be on the lookout for the Honorable Tomato King as well.

Horse Riding Postponed until September

Due to the extreme heat, horseback rides will be postponed until September. It's just too hot to travel with horses in a trailer and risk getting delayed in an accident coming to or going from the Market. We'll keep you posted and send a reminder once we have the details.

What's In Store...for July 17th

This week at the market, we will have the following vendors and products:

Don Coke-honey
Shenandoah Soaps-cold process soaps, lotion bars, lip gloss, perfumes, and other hand-crafted items
Steve Heuer-zucchini, potatoes, and more
Less Stress-massages
St. Andrew's-muffins, juice, and coffee
Stuart J. Lippman-birdhouses, bird feeders, butterfly houses, crocheted baby items, and scarves Pauline Seidl-fresh produce and some artistic products
Idle Time Jewelry-hand-made jewelry
Julie Ott-zucchini, beans, and other produce
DAP's General Goods-baking mixes
Community Gardens-squash, zucchini, and other produce
Carter's Produce-patty pan squash, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, blackberries, and some baked items
Dan's Produce-peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and other produce

The Back Porch Band will also perform from 9-11 AM, and the fire department will set up a hose for water fun for the kids. We'll see you there.

Horse Rides

We're going to give the horseback rides another go on July 24th from 8-10AM. Remember that the cost is $1.50 and the money raised goes to help the girls who are competing in the National Horse Bowl Competition in Lexington, Kentucky. We'll send you a reminder about it next week as well, but keep it in mind!

Labeling Reminder

For vendors at the market who sell baked goods: please remember to label your products appropriately. There is an example label in the Rules and Regulations that you can use as an example. Also, if the product is made with a mix (cake, brownie, etc.), it must be listed on the label as such. For example, if you make a Chocolate Cherry Cake that uses the following ingredients: devil's food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, eggs, white sugar, butter, milk, and semisweet chocolate chips, then those items should be listed on the label in order of amount used. You should also state what is in the devil's food cake mix and cherry pie filling so that people are aware of any possible allergens.

Please continue to properly label your goods, so that we can continue to be in compliance with the Jefferson County Health Department. Thanks for your diligence in labeling things thus far.

Bring a Towel

That's right! This Saturday, the fire department will be on-site with a very large hose and access to a fire hydrant. Kids (we won't stipulate an age) are invited to run through the incredible spray of water, and parents are invited to bring a towel for the trip home. With temperatures expected to be in the 90s, that cool bit of water may be just the refreshment we all need on Saturday morning.

What's In Store...for July 10th

I hope you're ready for zucchini and cucumbers. They are turning out to be bumper crops right now, and we'll have plenty for you this Saturday. Here's the list:

Dennis Barnes-produce
Julie Ott-zucchini, herbs, beans, & other produce
Carter's Produce-chocolate covered blackberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and blackberries
Team Miller Homestead-fresh-baked bread
St. Andrew's-muffins and coffee
Less Stress-gluten free cookies and massages
Steve-cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, potatoes, onions, and more
Kim Anderson-string beans and other produce
Grandma Mb's Baked Goods-pies, cookies, and breads
Dan's Produce-assorted produce
Gail Kniffen-plants

Au Naturale Jewelry-hand-crafted jewelry
Bob Novack-dog treats, wood crafts, and more
Stuart J. Lippman-birdhouses, crocheted items, and other crafts
Loring Donahue-crocheted headbands in a variety of colors
Lisa Uzzle-soy candles

The Bug Doctor will also be available to answer questions about garden pests and critters. Ed Null will play music for your enjoyment from 9-11AM as well. We'll see you then.

2010 Jefferson County Fair

The Jefferson County Fair runs from July 22-25th this year, and the information for Exhibitors is now available. There are several categories that might be of interest to Market shoppers and vendors, but the main categories are Home Economics, Art, Craft, Flower, and Photo Exhibits. You can enter anything from a man's jacket you make with funky purple fabric to a photograph of your latest vacation spot! You can get more information about what categories are available, and to print off your own entry form, at the University of Missouri Extension's website:
http://extension.missouri.edu/jefferson/

Entries times will be Wednesday, July 21st, between 3 and 8 PM and again on Thursday, July 22nd, between 8:30 and 10:30 AM at the Hillsboro Civic Club.

What's In Store...for June 26th

Although we had hit somewhat of a lull between bedding plants and fresh produce, that slump is over. Produce started pouring into the Market last weekend, and this weekend promises some of the same great vendors and even more zucchini, cabbage, potatoes, and beets. Here are the produce vendors for this weekend:

Steve Heuer-zucchini, potatoes, beets, and more
Julie's Produce-zucchini, beets, cabbage, black beans, and cucumbers
Kurt E. Lantz-guineas and eggs
Bardenheier Wine Cellars-wine
St. Andrew's UMC-baked muffins and coffee
DAP's General Goods-spice mixes and baking mixes
Team Millers Homestead-produce, baked goods, and crafts
The Patchwork Attic-fruit jams, fudge, and baked items
Dan Buttry-wooden trellises and assorted produce
Grandma MB's Baked Goods-cookies, breads, and pies
Jill and Dan Lutz-peppers, eggplants, and zucchini
Sarah Jabr-goats and bunnies
Primrose Herbs and Gifts-jellies, soaps, and plants

We also have a few artisans this weekend:
Padre's Gallery-oil paintings
Stuart J. Lippman-birdhouses and other wooden items
Harold Underwood-wood crafts and flower baskets
Nick Stateler-cedar furniture and outdoor decor

Bring in your bugs, wanted and unwanted, for identification from the Bug Doctor. He'll be there, along with Healing Hands Chiropractic, another sponsor of the Market.

Of special note this week as well is Kurt Lantz's booth. Did you notice that he's planning on bringing guineas to sell along with the eggs he normally has. If you've ever wanted one of these lovely feathered creatures, this might be the prefect chance.

Bardenheier Winery will also be on hand this weekend. They're our first winery, and we're excited that they are coming. We can't do wine tastings because of various regulations, but they'll have some available for purchase and will be able to tell you about how they process their grapes just down the road in Richwoods, Missouri.

There's a lot going on this weekend, so we hope you can join us!

Vendor Spotlight

For this edition of Vendor Spotlight, we'd like to focus on Grandma MB's Baked Goods. She's a delightful cook, a fabulous dresser, and her apron it simply too cute! You might know her as Mary Chipps, the lady who bakes wonderful breads, pies, cookies, and cakes, but what else do you know about her?

Mary sells at the De Soto Farmers' Market because she thinks it is important to support local farmers and artisans. Although she's a first-year vendor at the Market, her goals are similar to those of other vendors: make a little money and learn about what works and what doesn't. Her biggest challenge is making enough product to keep her customers happy.

She sells at the Crystal City Farmers' Market on Wednesday evenings, as well as her booth at our market on Saturdays. Like so many customers and vendors, Mary likes the atmosphere of the Market; getting to know return customers and what they like, meeting vendors who have unique and interesting backgrounds, and basically visiting with so many good folks! It's what makes the De Soto Farmers' Market such a rewarding experience, and we're happy that Grandma MB's Baked Goods is a part of it.

Free Gift

This blog post is specially targeted to those who do not subscribe to the De Soto Farmers' Market blog: if you will subscribe to the blog, you'll get a free gift. Here's how you do it:

1. Go to the blog (really difficult step, since you're already here), and find the "Subscribe" box on the right hand side.


2. Enter your email address into the box.


3. A new window will open that wants you to verify that you're a person and not some malicious computer doing the bidding of disreputable spammers. Type the letters that you see into the verification box.


4. You will then receive an email that wants you to confirm that you want to subscribe to our blog. That email will come from Feedburner Email Subscriptions and will have the subject: Activate your Email Subscription to: De Soto Farmers' Market.


5. Click on the link within that email to confirm your subscription to the blog.


6. Now, print that email and bring it to the Market Master Tent any Saturday morning. You will receive a wonderful free gift, and be able to know about all the very cool things happening at the De Soto Farmers' Market.

...and GO! We'll see you Saturday.