Two weeks ago I visited a couple farms but did not get a chance to update my blog, time just got away from me. I was in Hale, Missouri which is located south of Chillicothe and 36 Highway. Joe Bryson has been a vendor at the City Market for many years and has continued to increase his vegetable production during that time by adding a high tunnel, expanding their walk in cooler and working a 30 acre section of land located behind his home. In addition to growing a great selection of vegetables Joe’s family also grow black raspberries, elderberries, ever-bearing strawberries and mulberries. For additional information visit their web site at www.brysonsfarm.com

I was also in Buckner, Missouri located east of Kansas City. Mark Frye has been a vendor at the City Market for at least 14 years and his father Marlin started selling at the City Market in 2006. In addition to selling at the City Market Marlin and his wife and daughter run a roadside stand on Sibley Road north of Buckner. They have already started growing mums for the fall which will be here before we know it.  Marlin road with me for about an hour taking me to the various places in which they are currently growing produce. One of the stops was to visit a high tunnel a neighbor down the road lets them use which was full of tomatoes. They have a large amount of melons and cantaloupe planted which should be producing fruit soon. The Frye’s are in the Farmer w/ Local Supplement category so are allowed to supplement no more than 50% of what they bring to the market each day. The supplemented product must be harvested within the markets 500 mile radius. The Frye’s supplement peaches and a few other items from Beckner’s Orchard, which is located near Lexington, Missouri. They also bring produce from their son/brothers farm located a few miles away. Mark Frye is at the City Market every Saturday in stalls 27-29 and on Sundays in stalls 139 and 140. Marlin Frye is at the Market on Saturday’s stalls 129-132 and some Sundays.

This week I started my day north of the river on Barry Road. I visited Marlene Ruan who has been sewing since she was nine years old and makes the sweetest baby nightgowns designed especially for bringing a new baby home from the hospital. The gowns are so elaborately done with matching little caps, perfect for that special day. Marlene also makes outfits for little girl and boys to wear when celebrating their first birthday with matching birthday hats. It makes me sad that I don’t have a one year old to buy a birthday outfit for. Her children’s cloths run from newborn to size 6.  Marlene gets a little help sewing from her downstairs neighbor; they will be in the stall together selling on Sundays. When I visit a craft vendor, who sews, I look to see if they have sewing machines, material, threads and other notions. Marlene did and everything was very neatly organized, I do love organization. Marlene and Veronica will be at the City Market on Sundays and possible Wednesday evenings. For additional information visit their web site at www.sweetlyanakarina.etsy.com

My last stop for the day was a bit of a drive to South Greenfield, Missouri which is located near Springfield, Missouri. I visited Mc Dowell Land & Cattle which is a cattle farm ran by John Mc Dowell, his wife and son-in-law. Bill met me when I pulled in and drove me through part of their 1000 plus acre ranch. At any given time they have between 800 and 1,000 cows, which are mostly Red Angus and free range. All of the beef they sell is all natural, hormone-free without antibiotics. In addition to cattle they also raise free range chickens and will be selling the eggs at the Market. As soon as John applies and receives his “Farmer Market Permit” from the Kansas City Health Department he will be selling beef and eggs at the Sunday farmers market. All meat products sold at the City Market are processed at a USDA or State Inspected plant and are sold frozen. The Sunday market runs 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. year round.

I have a few more new vendors to visit next week and I want to try to stop in to see the Guban’s, they sell wonderful table grapes, black raspberries and peaches. The Guban’s are in the Farmer 100% category so only sell what they grow on their farm. 

Don’t forget to stop by the Wednesday evening market from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the live music, stop by the Farm To Table Kitchen for the markets weekly sampling and eat at one of the City Markets wonderful restaurants.