Hello, my name is Taylor Whitley. I am the 16-year-old son of John and Shana Whitley. I am a life-long resident of Elliott County, KY, just as they and at least 4 generations. I come from a long line of farmers. My family, as well as my maternal and paternal grandparents, have always farmed as well. Tobacco, cattle and vegetable gardens have always been in my life and it's where I developed my love of gardening and farming.

In 2018, I was the youngest Elliott County Farmers Market member. Not only was I the youngest in my county, but in the state of Kentucky. I am very proud of this as not only did it benefit me, but some other family members as well. Being involved in the Farmer's Market at my young age piqued the interest of my younger sister as well as my first cousin. Seeing my involvement in the program made them eager to participate as well. There are several different aspects of the Farmers Market and my involvement. I would like to discuss some of these topics.

First, I would like to take a second and talk about my market items. I sell several different vegetables. I, like a lot of others, sell sweet corn, mostly the Honey Select variety. Green beans, such as white half-runners, are also a basic item. Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce and onions round out my vegetables. What sets me apart from other marketers is that I am the ONLY farmer to be certified to sell beef. I am also one of only two individuals at the Elliott County Farmers market that can offer samples to buying customers. I have completed the required 6 hours 'Sampling Class' with our Farmers Market president and friend, Gene Johnson.

I first decided to try selling at the Elliott County Farmers Market because of the interest and help I had from our local Agriculture Agent, Keith Center. Keith has been instrumental in helping me understand the Farmers Market and the needs. He also helped me with soil samples, pricing the vegetables because this was all new to me. Just having him there to help talk me through the process was a big help. Having someone like Keith available to help me set prices and to understand how I needed to present my products at the market was a crucial advantage for me. He also suggested that my father and I visit other markets in surrounding counties in order to find the best way to provide our consumer with the best product.

Some of the most important skills I feel that I have mastered with this endeavor is that of working with people and money. There is nothing harder than trying to sell ten pounds of potatoes and weighing them and taking money, calculating the costs, getting the right amount of change, all while talking, visiting with customers, and keeping everyone in line. I want my customers to be happy, to feel welcome, to feel as they get a one-on-one experience with me so I can answer any questions about my produce if they should have one. I want to provide them with the best answers and information that I can.

I became interested in gardening at a very early age. My papaw, Rhonda! Sturgill, has played a big role in my life as far as gardening goes. When I was little, he would bring me to his garden and had me helping him. He showed me the importance of 'working' the ground, fertilizing, 'laying off' rows, and planting seeds. I am fortunate to have such a mentor who helps me in as many ways as he can. He also made me a 'lay-off' plow in order to help with my rows. Every year, we have a friendly competition of gardens. Who has the biggest and best garden? My family has always been a huge help to me and has always supported me in my farming. They are always willing to help physically and are always eager to help teach me ideas in the easiest ways to understand.

                One thing that most people think helps but in reality, really doesn't is that of cleaning potatoes before going to sell them at the market. The reason I don't clean potatoes is because without the skin and dirt, they potatoes become mushy and easier to bruise. Are they prettier when they are washed? Sure, they are. But I tell my customers this; 'I am not lazy, I just don't think you would like to purchase a bruised tater,' in a jokingly way. Most people agree and this has become a huge selling point with my potatoes, as they taste and stay fresher this way.

Food safety is always my #1 priority at the market. It is a huge concern to me as I am certified in giving samples. Farmers/producers always have a fear of someone getting sick from their item. I've taken multiple steps forward to figure out the cleanest, most efficient way to give samples, sell produce, as well as the correct way to wash produce. I always strive to sell the cleanest, freshest produce I can so no one can or would ever get sick.

Customers vary in a wide range of sorts. However, my average customers are of Senior• Citizen age, that of 65+. This is because of basic age/health related issues, as well as the Senior Citizen Program. I am certified as a producer to accept the Senior Market Voucher coupons, as well as WIC vouchers. The vouchers are in $4.00 increments, so most individuals only buy that amount of vegetables. They usually go to the big items such as corn, beans, and potatoes. I also accept the 'Kid Bucks' that are available as well. I'm very thankful that our county can provide these programs for our seniors, mothers and children. It's a win-win. It helps them to buy healthy food items, and it benefits me as the producer.

While becoming certified in many things, one I am most proud of is of the 'Kentucky Proud' program. I have become a 'Kentucky Proud' and 'Appalachian Proud' Certified farmer. I have used these programs so much in my farming and selling businesses. One example is the 'Best Practice Training.' People will buy off me way faster by knowing I've had the training and can show my Kentucky Proud certificate. I sell my beef using 'Kentucky Proud' bags, and I have stickers. I am very proud of this accomplishment, as I truly am 'Kentucky Proud.'

There are many challenges I have faced while selling at our local Farmers market as well as in the garden. In the garden, things such as cabbage loopers, blight in tomatoes, as well as black birds destroying corn. Some of these are just 'par for the course.' I've learned that no matter how hard you try, sometimes things just happen. I just set more out, hoe that extra row of corn, and hope for the best. The market is the same way. As a producer, you always want to have the best produce and the most variety available. You want it to be clean, look appetizing, and have available what the consumer wants. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Some days are just not the best-selling days. You hope you have enough for the customer’s whole evening meal so they can do a one-stop-shop. That is one reason I began selling beef. There's nothing better than a big fresh hamburger, with a garden tomato, green beans and corn. I have sold just that to many people who have told me they had a great meal that night. Those moments are what makes it all worthwhile.

Personally, to me, the market is not about the money or selling the most. It's trying to make a friend or two and helping any friends, and family in need of getting a fresh, healthy meal. I know myself, as well as most other producers, at the end of the day will give the less fortunate an extra pound or two of potatoes, or extra of whatever they might need just so they know that they are appreciated as my customer. I love to know that they will have enough to eat as well.

             Farming and gardening is a very hard job. There are days that I don't want to hoe or run the tiller or pick beans. But at the end of the day, my arms and legs might be worn out, but my heart is full. Farming and gardening aren't a job, it's a way of life.