Market Talks
2023
Cabot Farmers Market
Big changes this year for the Cabot Farmers Market. They have a new location right in the middle of town at the City Hall parking lot. They also have many new vendors and an expanding customer base. AND, there's even more change scheduled for next year when the city completes a new pavilion adjoining the current location. The one thing that hasn't changed is our luck with the weather. We arrived on a rainy Saturday right at opening (the rain did go away and the crowds turned out a little later). Good luck to some deserving Cabot folks who are always looking to get better at serving their community.
Melbourne Farm to Table Market
The Melbourne Farm to Table Market is just in its second year, but is really making a mark in the community. They opted for Thursday operations to accommodate vendors who have other Saturday obligations. They use sponsored carports to keep vendors and customers cool and dry. The dedication from everyone involved will really help this market continue to grow.
Oak Forest Community Garden
The Oak Forest Community Garden is a hidden gem in Little Rock. From a relatively small space they are making a huge impact in their community. We spoke with Manager Mark Nelson on how the garden operates with it's eager volunteers to not only grow produce, but also operate a Farmers Market on sight. They also are a valued partner with Double Up Food Bucks.
Market at Midtown
The Market at Midtown is a unique venue in Bryant, Arkansas. It's located within the Midtown community in a park designed to host a market. They have two huge pavilions and lots of greenspace. The market has been around for a couple of years with some success, but now with committed management it appears poised for some real growth.
2022
Ferndale Farmers Market
The Arkansas Farmers Market Association spent a hot Saturday morning at the Ferndale Farmers Market in extreme west Little Rock. This growing community market has so much going for it, including an inside/outside venue. You'll hear from Manager Sally Anderson on how the market got started and how it's helping create a sense of community in Ferndale.
Clark County Farmers Market
We ventured to Arkadelphia this week to check out the Clark County Farmers Market. The Saturday market is small, but the selection is great. In this "Market Talk" you'll hear from Floyd Alexander of Alexander's Market Playhouse about why they continue to grow and sell some of the best produce in the state. He also addresses the damaging July heat. Plus, we get to know Erica Hughes from Terre Noire Farms a terrific pork vendor.
Little Rock Farmers Market
The Little Rock Farmers Market is embarking on its 48th year. It's home in the River Market pavilion is a true destination for shoppers and tourists. In this "Market Talk" we hear from the brand new Market Manager Molly Gallaher. She's been a vendor at Arkansas markets for years, but couldn't resist the opportunity to get involved at one of the state's premiere venues. We also spend a little time with another market institution, Uncle Willie of Carpenters Farmers Market Produce.
Stone County Farmers Market
The Arkansas Farmers Market Association crew ventured to Mountain View to visit a market in its infancy. The Stone County Farmers Market is just weeks old, but is finding its footing really fast. This community has been without a regular market for almost five years. Check out how they're doing in this edition of "Market Talk".
Arkansas Farmers Market Week Proclamation Ceremony
June 12-18th was designated as "Arkansas Farmers Market Week". ArCOP's Arkansas Farmers Market Association was proud to accept Governor Asa Hutchinson's Official Proclamation on behalf of all state markets. Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward spoke at the ceremony held at Saint Joseph's Farm Stand in North Little Rock and delivered the Proclamation to our Jeremy Adams. Many area markets were in attendance to enjoy the proceedings.
Jacksonville Farmers Market
The Jacksonville Farmers Market has first rate facilities and a perfect location, but last year they operated as a Sunday market and enjoyed only mixed success. This year they are trying a Saturday afternoon window to bring in more vendors and shoppers who can't make other area morning markets. Hear all about it in this "Market Talk."
Greenbrier Farmers Market
The Greenbrier Farmers Market is just in its second year and in its second location, but the community is already embracing what their local market has to offer. They've got dedicated and experienced vendors and the support of local government. In this "Market Talk", we find out that the rapidly growing city of Greenbrier now has a Farmers Market that will grow right along with it.
Paragould Farmers Market
The Arkansas Farmers Market Association was in Northeast Arkansas for this week's edition of "Market Talk". The Paragould Farmers Market has some exciting changes ahead. We'll hear about their new facilities, the help they've gotten from another nearby market, and the use of T-shirts as a vendor benefit.
Hillcrest Farmers Market
The Hillcrest Farmers Market has a unique niche in Little Rock. It was conceived and is operated by Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. In the decade since it's inception, they have become an irreplaceable fixture in their community. Among the things we hear In this edition of "Market Talk" is the underlying philosophy that has garnered so many loyal customers and vendors.
Sheridan Farmers Market
For this edition of "Market Talk" we arrived in Grant County just as they were finishing setup for the Sheridan Farmers Market. We hear a little bit about the market and get a chance to meet the "Pickle Lady" who shares some wisdom about the farmers market life.
Ray 5 Farm
We went down on the farm for this edition of "Market Talk". Troy and Amberlee Ray operate Ray 5 Farm (although they do get plenty of help from the kids too). They are vendors at the Historic Downtown Hot Springs Farmers Market (among others). Here, they talk about the challenges and gratification of farming and selling at market. It's said Arkansas grows the best, because we have the best growers. We think the Ray family is a pretty good example of just that.
Johnson County Community Farmers Market
The Arkansas Farmers Market Association is back with another season of "Market Talks" featuring markets and vendors from around the state. We think there is no better way to promote and learn about these indispensable people and places than hearing from them directly. We recently made the trip to the Courthouse Square in Clarksville to find out why the Johnson County Community Farmers' Market continues to impress year after year.
2021
Vilonia Farmers Market
Glenn Williams is the Market Manager at the Vilonia Farmers Market. He is also a vendor selling his Magness Creek Farm produce (his farm is also a vendor at the Cabot Farmers Market). In this edition of "Market Talk" he tells us about their small, but growing venue. Plus, he has great insight into the new Food Freedom Act that may produce more revenue streams for farmers.
Downtown Newport Farmers Market
We went to Jackson County to see how the folks at the Downtown Newport Farmers Market were doing this year. The answer... just fine. The Saturday morning of our visit was HOT. Heat advisories kept a few vendors and shoppers home, but the vegetables available were absolutely perfect. In this "Market Talk" we get a little history and hear how they promote their venue.
Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Here's a "Market Talk" from Stuttgart at the brand new Grand Prairie Farmers Market downtown. We arrived just after opening before the crowds and spoke with manager Stephanie Davis about how the community helped establish the market and what the future holds. Also, we hear about ongoing Super Saturday events that tie downtown merchants and the farmers market together.
Hope Farmers Market
Here's a trip to Hope, Arkansas in this edition of "Market Talk". The city has a dedicated pavilion for vendors and market shoppers called "The Hub" downtown. Hempstead County grows a wide variety of produce and it's all available on market days. Among the subjects covered is the unique partnership Hope has with two other area markets.
Heber Springs Makers Market
The Arkansas Farmers Market Association traveled to Heber Springs to see their Makers Market. We were there on the last market of the summer (it returns in September and October). While the market is mostly made up of local crafters, farmers and bakers are welcome too. Great location on the downtown Courthouse lawn makes for a fun visit to one of the state's most appealing little towns.
Downtown Fort Smith Farmer's Market on Garrison Ave.
We dropped by the Downtown Fort Smith Farmer's Market on.a Wednesday morning. It's a new day for the city and the market was smaller than the usual busy Saturdays. The Garrison Avenue gathering has been successful here for years. In fact, their "Friends of the Market" enrollment is in the thousands. We spoke with longtime Market Manager Joe Carr about how they've built their strong community support.
Downtown Conway Farmers' and Crafts Market
In this episode of "Market Talk" we speak with Judith Allen of SalScilla Farms. She is the Market Manager of the Downtown Conway Farmers' and Crafts Market, but she is also a grower. Judith talks about this season and shares how vendors are selected and prepped to succeed at the market. Valuable insight from someone who started in farming just five years ago.
Jasper Farmers Market
We recently stopped by the Jasper Farmers Market on a Tuesday afternoon to record a "Market Talk". Jasper's main market is on the Courthouse lawn on Friday afternoons from 2-5pm, but the Tuesday market is gaining steam after changing days. Trust us any day is a good day to visit this scenic Newton County destination town.
St. Joseph Farm Stand
We spent some time at St. Joseph Farm Stand for this "Market Talk". It's unlike any of the other markets we've featured this season. It's a non-profit who grows much of it's own produce on site, but's it's also become an agri-tourism destination in North Little Rock. You can order online throughout the week for Friday or Saturday pick up. If you shop on Saturday be sure to bring the whole family.
Argenta Farmers Market
The Argenta Farmers Market is located in the historic district of downtown North Little Rock. It's a relatively new market with a wonderful location. The venue is perfect for families to shop or just hang out. In this "Market Talk" we hear more about the area, the vendors, and their plans for the future.
Springdale Farmers Market at Jones Center
This edition of "Market Talk" from the Springdale Farmers Market at Jones Center focuses on Double Up Food Bucks. They've been a valued partner for several years helping SNAP customers in Northwest Arkansas. WARNING: it was terribly windy the morning we shot this so we apologize for the troublesome audio, but we thought it still worth sharing.
Tontitown Farmers Market
The Tontitown Farmers Market is literally a walk in the park. They've got an ideal location for local shoppers and vendors too. In fact, many Saturdays they have over 70 different sellers. In this edition of "Market Talk" we hear how a little hard work and some free marketing helped them go from virtually unnoticed to a thriving market.
Siloam Springs Farmers Market
This edition of "Market Talk" takes us to Northwest Arkansas and the Siloam Springs Farmers Market. Hear what manager Abby Trinidad has to say about online sales and a Kids Day program. Also meet one of the longtime vendors Oppusum Hollow Farms.
Judd Hill ASU Farmers Market
Big things are happening in Jonesboro! We we there on Opening Day as the newly re-named Judd Hill ASU Farmers Market welcomed back the community after a pandemiic-limited 2020. Not only did the public turn out in huge numbers, the market is now getting ready to make significant upgrades to their already teriffic on-campus facility. In this edition of "Market Talk" Dr. Kim Pittcock explains what's ahead.
Conway Farmers Market
We really enjoyed sharing Opening Day in Conway with the managers, vendors, and shoppers. Yes it was a little soggy, but no one's spirits were dampened. In this edition of "Market Talk" we hear about what's ahead for the season and why vendors keep coming back year after year.
Main Street Searcy Farmers Market
We dropped by for Opening Day of the Main Street Searcy market. Their location makes the venue ideal. It's in the shadow of the historic White County Courthouse. It was still early for lots of produce, but the vendors and the public turned out to get the season started right. In this "Market Talk" we speak with Amy Burton about what makes Searcy a can't miss for market lovers.
Downtown Benton Farmers Market
We spent a recent Saturday morning at the marvelous Downtown Benton Farmers Market. It was Opening Day with a great crowd and a nice variety of vendors. Anyone who has spent any time in Benton knows how much pride the hometown folks take in their community and the market certainly reflects that. In this "Market Talk" we speak with Grant Watts who tells us how the market has evolved, how they've navigated the pandemic and what's ahead in 2021.
Hot Springs Historic Downtown Farmers Market
Here's another AFMA Market Talk... We spent Saturday morning with the super folks at the Hot Springs Historic Downtown Farmers Market. The managers and vendors here are so dedicated. Open year round with a great variety of goods and produce. Operations are nearing pre-COVID conditions. Watch this to get a little history and to see how they've coped with the weather and a pandemic.
