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 M...
May 24, 2021•54 min•Ep. 139
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 manag...
May 17, 2021•56 min•Ep. 138
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 farmer...
May 10, 2021•39 min•Ep. 137
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 ...
May 03, 2021•42 min•Ep. 136
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...
Apr 26, 2021•50 min•Ep. 135
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 ...
Apr 19, 2021•41 min•Ep. 134
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 ...
Apr 12, 2021•45 min•Ep. 133
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 w...
Apr 05, 2021•29 min•Ep. 132
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.
Mar 29, 2021•40 min•Ep. 131
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!
Mar 22, 2021•46 min•Ep. 130
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...
Mar 15, 2021•2 min
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 wha...
Mar 08, 2021•45 min•Ep. 129
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 th...
Mar 01, 2021•42 min•Ep. 128
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...
Feb 22, 2021•47 min•Ep. 127
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...
Feb 15, 2021•45 min•Ep. 126
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 mag...
Feb 08, 2021•49 min•Ep. 125
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...
Feb 01, 2021•39 min•Ep. 124
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 farmersmarke...
Jan 25, 2021•33 min•Ep. 123
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 ...
Jan 18, 2021•40 min•Ep. 122
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!
Jan 11, 2021•43 min•Ep. 121
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 In...
Jan 04, 2021•41 min•Ep. 120
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!
Dec 28, 2020•31 min•Ep. 119
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 approac...
Dec 21, 2020•44 min•Ep. 118
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.
Dec 14, 2020•33 min•Ep. 117
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.
Dec 07, 2020•45 min•Ep. 116
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.
Nov 30, 2020•35 min•Ep. 115
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 ...
Nov 23, 2020•40 min•Ep. 114
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 reta...
Nov 16, 2020•43 min•Ep. 113
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 Mar...
Nov 09, 2020•39 min•Ep. 112
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!
Nov 02, 2020•34 min•Ep. 111
