Farmers markets play an extremely important role for both farmers and consumers. They bring urban and rural communities together while creating economic growth and increasing access to fresh, healthy foods. USDA data show there are over 8200 Farmer’s Market listed in the National Farmer’s Market Directory nationwide, a 76% increase since 2008. 

  The Beaver Dam Farmer’s Market flourished in 2017. The City of Beaver Dam invested more resources for advertising and marketing the program. More vendors are participating and the Farmer’s market is even being offered at remote locations. So, more local citizens look forward to Farmer’s Market days. 

 With this growth, the Extension office’s role multiplied by becoming more involved in the planning process, providing educational programs to produce growers, so as to provide eye-appealing products, assisting producers’ in meeting safety/regulatory guidelines, such as GAP and Home-based Micro-processing Training, as well as, attending Market days to provide Plate-It-Up Kentucky Proud food samples. Publications on gardening, health, nutrition and safety were also distributed. 

The 2017 season saw an average of 15-18 vendors per marketing day, with a high of 24 vendors, an increase in receipts to $61,700, which was a 100% increase from the average of the 2016 marketing year. 

 In 2017, vendors offered an expanded array of products including a larger variety of farm products, such as, vegetables/fruits, maple syrup, eggs, bread, honey, goat milk soap, beef, pork, fresh flowers, and salsa. While also incorporating the local Artist Guilds and other local craftsman’s works.

 To increase foot traffic at the Market, special guest were featured, such as local Artists, musical entertainment, bookmobile, special classes such as basket weaving, and breakfast sandwiches were offered by a local cook. Special promotion days were held, such as Beef Day, Honey Day, Egg Day and Breast Cancer Awareness, with nutrition and health information distributed. All vendors accept WIC and SFMNP vouchers and one vendor even accepts SNAP.

 For 2018, even more expansion of the Beaver Dam Farmer’s Market is expected and a new Farmer’s Market is being organized for the McHenry community.