A farmers' market provides local communities with locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and value-added products.  The market also provides a place for producers and customers direct access where they can learn from each other.  In early 2020, Covid-19 created havoc in Kentucky.  Non-essential businesses shutdown, food security was a concern and uncertainty was felt everywhere.  Long before the global pandemic began, the Webster County Farmers' Market had plans underway to open in mid-May to extend the market season; but, it was unknown if that would happen.  On March 19, 2020, Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Quarles, announced that farmers ' markets were essential and were allowed to open.  

The Webster County ANR Extension Agent worked closely with market vendors, emergency management, health department and fiscal court to put a plan of operation together for the Webster County Farmers' Market.  To minimize public health risk, improve traffic flow, better parking and to offer curb-side service, the market location was moved to the Webster County Extension Service parking lot.  As part of the planning process, a "shopping at the market during pandemic" survey was used, via google docs, to determine how customers wanted to shop.  The survey was posted on the market Facebook page.  The results indicated "in person limited shoppers"  was preferred.  A plan was developed to adhere to CDC guidelines to keep vendors and customers safe while still being able to shop.  The plan also offered curb-side pickup to accommodate customers that were higher risk or that preferred this option.  To help minimize confusion, the ANR agent made an infographic outlining shopping guidelines and requirements for vendors and customers.  The market opened on May 20th, 2020.  Vendors sold out in an hour and half.  Total sales for the market was was up substantially from previous years, according to market vendors.  In the words of one vendor, "I went in with low expectation this year due to Covid-19, I was shocked at how well it went...we couldn't have done it without the help of Extension".

The Webster County ANR Agent was responsible for training vendors, ensured customers and vendors practiced social distancing guidelines and managed the farmers' market social media page to highlight shopping opportunities and guidelines, product availability and promote KY Proud Plate It Up recipes.