Marshfield Farmers' Market

My son is at the stage where he will stop me in the grocery store, insisting that he needs to give me a hug, kiss, and an “I love you”.  This is so precious it melts my heart every time.  I wish everyone could have this little taste of candy joy from a 3 year old each day.  Can you imagine how great we would all feel?  Well I thought we could each pay some joy forward to our farmers in February.  So this Saturday is the “Love your Farmer” themed farmers’ market.  

The free activity for the kids, or anyone who would care to join in, is to make special I-love-you cards for our farmers, reminding them that we appreciate what they do for us year-round.  Kids can make a card and include a sticker of their favorite produce on it, or draw in an animal or beneficial insect for the many types of farmers we have at the market, like wool from sheep and alpacas, bees for honey, chicken, cows and pigs too.   Kids will be encouraged to show one or more of our farmers their artwork as a way to show appreciation to our farmers.   We’d love to have some adult cards made and given to our farmers too, no matter the age the gift of love is precious and appreciated.

This time of year is the only physical break a farmer gets.  Instead of back-breaking field labor it is planning and paperwork time.  This is the pause before starting next year’s seedlings in the high tunnels and greenhouses.  It is when farmers order seeds and supplies, prepare their barns for birthing of animals, try to get CSA orders sold, and lay out their summer plans.  For me it is a favorite time that gets my heart beating with excitement as I pour over seed catalogs selecting next year’s goodies to plant and purchasing new varieties.    It is indeed heartwarming to feel the hope of the new season and all that it may bring.