The Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) continues to grow and increase in capacity. MCFM 2021 season ran every Friday beginning on April 2, continuing through November 19, 2021.  Four first time vendors participated with MCFM during the 2021 season. 2021 was the first full – season for MCFM under the newly constructed, larger farmers market pavilion.  The new pavilion was full of market day vendors on Fridays, from June – October 2021.  The larger space can accommodate approximately 50% more producer tables, than the old pavilion. 

The 2021 MCFM season was the first during the 12-year history of the MCFM, where the market charged a $5.00 per day vendor table set – up fee.  The 2021 reported producer income for the season came in at $54, 575.00, an increase of $8174.00 over the 2020 reported vendor income and an increase of $24,104.00 over the 2019 MCFM vendor reported income.  2021 season also saw the greatest number of producer vendors who pre-paid the $75.00 annual membership fee (sixteen), to support the Metcalfe County Farmers Market as a member. 

MCFM and the Metcalfe County FCS Agent increased outreach to customers with SNAP benefits, through flyer advertisement with the Metcalfe County Family Services office, the Metcalfe County Health Department, Public Schools Family Resource Youth Service Centers, and Bowling Community Park USDA Food Commodities distribution program.  These efforts saw significant increase in SNAP benefit usage at the MCFM during the 2021 season, with $ 2,420.00 income from SNAP/EBT an increase of $2265.00 over the reported 2020 SNAP/EBT income and $1680.00 over the 2019 SNAP/EBT income.

In an effort to continue the growth of the market, the Metcalfe County ANR agent is currently working with the KOAP and a local builder to expend the remaining 2019 Farmers Market Grant funds to enclose the former farmer's market building and convert it into a winter market.  Construction is under way and is expected to be completed September 2022 in time for the Fall/Winter season.