Here we are, knee deep in 2025, and maybe the aspirations of treating yourself better this year haven’t yet come to fruition. Some of us at the Dallas Farmers Market might be feeling a bit, well, let’s just say not our best as well. Maybe. But that’s what spring is all about – new beginnings – so shake off the dark months, step into The Shed, and let the farmers market experience cultivate a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle with seasonal produce, free-range meats, fresh eggs, and artisan pantry staples.
In cultivating this healthier lifestyle, having better choices is key. The DFM understands how access to local, nourishing, and sustainable food is critical for ALL Texans, which is why we’ve reached out to other Texas farmers markets to engage in encouragement, as well as hear some of their thoughts on the benefits of supporting local farmers markets.
Meet:
Becky Lovvorn, Market Manager from the Abilene Farmers Market
(Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – noon)
“People deserve to know where their food comes from, how it is grown, what growing seasons are, and the basics of agriculture. Farmers markets are the bridge between the everyday person and agriculture on every scale.”
Multiple research papers indicate that by facilitating farmer-to-consumer interactions, farmers markets shift both purchasing habits of consumers and growing practices of farmers, which leads to the adoption of more sustainable practices.
Whitney Berry, Market Manager from Saginaw and Azle Farmers Markets
(Saginaw: Second and fourth Saturday 8:00 a.m. – noon / Azle: First and third Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – noon)
“Local farmers markets embody the essence of a community food system which is so important as the food we put into our bodies is directly connected to our health outcomes. Offering a space where people can improve their health, connect to their food source, and support those creating our food is essential.”
Produce from local farmers spends more time on the vine, on the tree, or in the ground, leading to better taste and more nutrients. When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, the shorter the time and distance from farm to sale, the higher the levels of vitamins and minerals.
Rachel Weaver from Market Manager Coppell Farmers Market (Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – noon)
“A thriving farmers market helps build resilient food systems as it supports the economy of local farmers, ranchers, bakers, food producers, and small business owners who in turn maintain a sustainable customer base, connect with customers in meaningful ways, and foster community ties.”
Direct marketing farmers are increasingly accepting credit/debit in farmers market settings. Square’s point of sale app reported enabling $52M in farmers market and direct farm transactions just on their platform in 2020. Many farmers markets also accept SNAP/EBT benefits on all applicable items.
Gabriele Poenitzsch Market Manager from Wichita Falls Farmers Market
January to April (Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) May to September (Tues/Sat 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) October to December (Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
“Farmers markets provide an outlet for small-scale farmers to sell their products, boosting the local economy, and promoting agricultural diversity. By reducing transportation distances, they lower the environmental impact of food distribution, helping to combat food insecurity, and support regional food sovereignty.”
According to the Farmers Market Coalition, a national advocacy group, more than 85 percent of market vendors travel fewer than 50 miles to reach their farmers market, and more than half travel fewer than 10 miles. By comparison, fruit and vegetables sold in grocery stores may take seven to 10 days to reach their destinations and travel up to 1,200 miles. (note above fact regarding shorter travel time equating more nutrition)
Gena Morrison from Whitehouse Farmers Market (Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – noon)
“Engaging in a farmers market encourages our farmers to keep doing what they love. Farming is a tough job, but when they connect with the community, it fuels them to keep going. Customers can ask questions of the farmer, get their stories, and develop personal relationships.”
The direct connection of farmers markets allows farmers to understand consumer needs and preferences, potentially leading to better crop choices and a more tailored approach to farming, as well as a better sense of community and fulfillment.
Melissa Awtrey from Hillsboro Farmers Market (Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
“Farmers markets allow the next generation of farmers to make a go of it. Here at Hillsboro Famers Market, we have a scholarship for local agriculture students at Hill College, as well as donate money to 4- H. We also add to the city library seed catalog to encourage growing.”
There are 3.5 times as many U.S. farmers over the age of 65 as there are under 35. Farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs allowing them to start small and test new products.
Small business ownership is a hard gig, farming even more. That’s why we’ve been celebrating small businesses and small North Texas farms since 1941. Stop by The Shed this beautiful spring weekend and enjoy visiting with over 100 of our favorite local entrepreneurs, and as your travels send you far and wide over the coming warmer months, don’t pass up an opportunity to support other local farmers markets. It’s important to everyone.
Just make sure you come back home to the Dallas Farmers Market.
