Caldwell Market of Farms Fall 2024

Caldwell Market of Farms Fall 2024

The second Caldwell Market of Farms was another success, especially in the eyes of the 16 different vendors who set up that day. The first Market of Farms, held in March this year, was so well received that community leaders decided to host another one.

“Shoppers we met at the Market of Farms were anxious to learn about how we grow and make our products,” says Sarah Werner of Werner Creek Farms near Winfield. “And they were ready to buy.  It's always a joy to be able to connect with consumers and talk with them about our growing and processing methods.”

The Market of Farms is a unique model because both vendors and consumers come from far away rather than just locally. One vendor who has attended every Market of Farms since the beginning, Rosie Bosse, is willing to drive more than 230 miles because she knows she can reach new audiences. Since she, and many vendors, can ship their products, they know they can expand their reach in these events.

“It was great to have it on Caldwell High School’s Homecoming weekend,” says Jill Kuehny, KanOkla CEO and part of the Border Queen Harvest Hub leadership team. “We had our Native Grass Beef booth and my husband, Brad, had good visits with people from Dallas, Seattle, Springfield, New Jersey and Virginia interested because we can ship their beef home for them.  They were enjoying the idea of knowing where their protein is grown and processed, and especially thrilled that it was coming from their hometown.”

A popular addition this time was a booth and workshop with Alisha Nisly of Sweet and Sourdough of Hutchison. Aside from her booth, which was busy all day, Alisha taught a well-attended workshop about how to prepare, manage and use sourdough starter.

“I really enjoyed the Shop Kansas Farms market and was grateful for the opportunity to participate for the first time,” Alisha says. “It was a fantastic group of vendors with excellent products. Both those putting it on and the other vendors went out of their way to be kind and helpful. The market of farms is a great way to meet new people, gain access to new opportunities, and connect with amazing, local producers.”

“The Market of Farms is unique because it exposes our local vendors to a much broader market,” says Stacy Davis, Sumner County Economic Development Director. “Consumers who come to these come with the purpose to buy. One lady drove an hour and half from eastern Kansas and came in with a small wagon just to hold all the goodies she purchased. She said she was here in March but didn’t have enough bags to hold everything, so she brought a garden wagon with her. From our standpoint, we love this because it is a destination marketing event that draws tourist in with a purpose to shop local.”

“That’s one of the best parts,” Keuhny agrees. “The people who come to shop at the Market of Farms also go to downtown Caldwell to purchase from their shops as well. It not only helps the local farmers, but also our local downtown businesses.”