Farmers Markets…they’re a true staple of summer that serve as an invaluable connection between producers and consumers. There’s nothing quite better than driving into town on a warm summer day and picking up fresh fruits, veggies, and breads. With the official start of summer rapidly approaching, more summer specialties are hitting farmers market stands everywhere. Just because life has changed due to the pandemic doesn’t mean the growing season has.
“Last week was the first week strawberries made their debut…and they are delicious,” says Dane County Farmers Market manager Sarah Elliott. “Of course we also see snap peas, snow peas, and shell peas, which get a lot of folks excited.” Elliott says that producers are also rolling out garlic products and “summer is just plugging along.” She notes that the product availability this year is quite different than last. “The growing season here for 2020 has been a pretty lovely growing season.”
The response from customers, despite the Dane County market not being able to operate as it normally would, has been really good. Especially with the summer crops being available. “Customers are always excited about strawberries,” she says. “Strawberries signal the beginning of summer here in Wisconsin.” At this point in time, the Dane County Farmers Market is operating as a pick-up service. Elliot says that roughly 1,000 customers are using the pick-up service each week. During normal operations, Elliott estimates that about 20,000 walk the Capitol Square in downtown Madison to visit the Market. For a full list of Farmers Markets in Wisconsin, you can visit the Wisconsin Association of Farmers Market’s website.
Tom says
looking to work in a farm in the southwest Wisconsin.; any direction please?