MC Farmers Market now open

By Jodi Dugan
Eagle Correspondent
Published: May 22, 2008

Where can you find a homemade, local, fresh, budding community with a party atmosphere? The Madison County Farmers Market, which is now in full bloom showing off the county’s fresh produce, meats, herbs and honey every Saturday morning at Hoover Ridge.

The place was full of eager shoppers May 3, the opening day of the market’s second season, which continues through September. Market-goers were ready to stock up on the fresh, in-season lettuce, spinach and asparagus grown right here in Madison County. About eight different farms and growing communities displayed a collection of their foods. With each farmer selling different items, the shoppers had a variety of foods to choose from. Each table housed a little different character and vibe. It’s just the beginning of a potentially explosive growing season.

“It was a great kick off,” Madison County Master Gardener Frank Brummet said on opening day. “Many people came last year and we sold out stuff by 11 a.m. Our guys don’t sell bad stuff — itt’s fresh, spray-free and you can really shop for what you want.”

Others, including Intern Marshall Hart from Brightwood Farm and Vineyards, said the location was perfect. Hoover Ridge is situated in a pastoral, oak-shaded setting that supplies the tables there with an open, fun place to stop and shop.

The Hutcheson family from Sun Rise Gardening have been farming together for more than 22 years. A family member said that the best part of the market was to, “See people eat healthier and it was a neat opportunity to connect with the people eating your food.”

There was also an “info table” staffed by Madison County Master Gardeners. It featured an opening-day theme of bees. People walked, talked, shopped, sampled and bought—all under the banner of local fresh food. There were fresh jams and mint teas to sip and nibble on while you visit each table and selection.

The energy of the market was evident in people such as Shirley and Ralph Ammon, who said, “Honey has become a fun obsession and it feels like a party here.” In asking them how their honey business got started, Shirley shared, “My mom kept honey bees in the early 90s — I just had to invest. Within the past six years it’s just become an obsession I love it!”

And who wouldn’t be? The honey was deliciously available for all shoppers to taste.

Madison County farmers Jimmy and Robin Rider from Backfield Farm Beef mainly focused on their, “Finish beef” products. Samples of meat were given with much feedback on how they raised their steers.

“We are proud of our product, we can make a living on farming but we just need to get in touch with our community,” Robin said. “We are your neighbor.”

So, the Madison County community is beginning to bud with hopeful local foods. If you missed the first three kick-off Saturdays be sure to come ready to shop on upcoming ones. As one opening-day market-goer observed, “You can’t beat local.”

IF YOU GO

• What: Weekly Madison County Farmers Market.

• When: 8 -11:45 a.m. every Saturday through September.

•Where: Hoover Ridge, which is adjacent to Madison Primary School.

• Information: Call Madison County Extension Agent Brad Jarvis at (540) 948-6881 or contact him via e-mail at .