We are about to begin another great Farmers’ Market season in April and although there are many markets in Texas, Winnsboro has one of the finest markets around these parts. With so much to offer, what’s not to love about buying fresh, locally produced goods from your own part of the country? Last season, a customer remarked at the variety we have to offer. It’s true that we almost have it all. At any given Saturday you can find grass fed beef, pastured pork and chicken, raw honey, cheese, baked goods, jams/jellies, and knife sharpening service - not to mention the bounty of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables in season. We are indeed fortunate to have so many farmers and producers dedicated to bringing fresh locally grown products to our and their community. When we talk about local, specifically our products are produced within 50 miles of Winnsboro or in a county that touches Wood County; you won’t find resellers at this market.
More and more individuals want to know all about their food before it goes into their bodies; how was it raised, where was it raised, what’s in it or what’s been put on it. Buying directly from the farmers or food producers gives the opportunity to ask all those questions you can’t ask at supermarkets or restaurants. People are concerned about the increase in the number of autistic children, allergies, attention deficit disorders, early puberty, tumors, and cancer. Can it be directly linked to what we are eating, how our food is processed and produced? Many experts believe it does. The National Academy of Sciences reports that 90% of the chemicals applied to foods have not been tested for long-term health effects before being deemed "safe." According to Dr. Mercola (www.mercola.com) “I have long stated that if you want to be optimally healthy, you should spend 90 percent of your food budget on whole foods, and only 10 percent on processed foods. Unfortunately, most Americans currently do the opposite, and their health suffers as a result. With most foods, the closer they are to nature, the better.”
Farmers' markets, like the Winnsboro Farmers’ Market, are important to the local economy and can bring in additional revenues from visitors and revitalize the local economy by keeping dollars in the community. Mrs. Jones buys her seeds and soil products from a local feed store and brings her products to market where resident Mr. Smith (who just got paid from his local employer) buys Mrs. Jones green beans and then Mrs. Jones is able to buy a bouquet from a local florist for her daughters’ graduation. You get the idea.
Farmers’ Markets can provide a sense of community by being a social gathering place. You can meet up with your neighbors over a cup or cups of complimentary coffee and pastries provided by the market. Just for fun, you can join in a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday May 5; come dressed up as Frida Kahlo to enter a lookalike contest and enjoy some food prepared by La Concita restaurant.

Farmers’ Markets provide educational information about food and food safety and bring to light local and global issues and the effects local weather has on crop production. The month of June is dedicated to the plight of the honey bee and how they dramatically bees affect our food supply. Local honey producer Bill Zimmer, Texas Gold Honey, is personally sponsoring a honeybee awareness event at the market. Every Saturday in June you will see creatively decorated beehives painted by local artists on display. As a result of this campaign and interest, the Wood County Beekeepers Association was formed. Contact: Mary Smith at 903.342.3438 if you want more information.
Farmers’ Markets encourage and promote entrepreneurship and small business development. Many small businesses get their start from trying their wares at their local farmers’ markets. The Texas Cottage Food laws were specifically designed to help home baker’s bring their products to market. You can read more about those laws at www.texascottagefoodlaw.com.
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture 1 in every 7 (14%) working Texan is in an agriculture related job; an important statistic to consider in determining the importance of a farmers’ market in your area. Let’s imagine walking down Market Street this season and see who has signed up already for the 2018 season; meet some of your agricultural producers.
You’re likely to encounter Grannie Annie (Annie McNown) Annie has so many products she uses two spots to make available all her family’s produce and an abundance of jams, jellies, fruit butters, and too much to mention.

Rita Ray has some lovely goats that she’s brought to the market several times to celebrate Old McDonald Had a Farm Day. She makes luxurious goat’s milk soaps and sometimes goat milk fudge.
Wayne Prine has been making lye soap (powder and bars) for over 20 years, the old fashioned way.

Boggy Creek Honey Farm and Texas Gold Honey (Jessie Wright and Bill Zimmer) are our two local honey guys. If you’re looking for honey comb Jessie’s got it and ask Bill about his creamed honey.
Papa Kimo (Kimo Maher and daughter Stephanie Barnett) and his grandkids are a staple at the market and he never fails to surprise with a new bread recipe. His zucchini, apple cinnamon, and harvest chocolate chip breads are delicious.

Rancho Deluxe Redux (Laurie Harberson) would love to talk to you about their organic sustainable practices. They have produce, free range eggs, grass fed beef, plants, and herbs.
Taylor’s Old World Bakery (Jean Taylor). Culinary school graduate with a natural talent for making pastries look and taste delicious. Jean will surprise you with new tasty products.
Piney Woods Ranch (Val Vetter) brings all organic products including asparagus and an assortment of produce and free range eggs almost every Saturday. They are also where Jersey Girls Dairy (Linda & Toey Courtney) farm fresh Grade A yogurt and cheese made from Jersey cows, can be found.
Glover Farm & Vineyard - Muscadine vines, jellies, vinegars, and juice all from their Muscadine grapes.

Ohana – Joji and Leo specialize in baked goods with a Hawaiian flair.

Plains to Pines (Stacy Finley) has beautiful cut flowers along with fresh sustainably grown produce, eggs, plants, and herbs.
Joe Jones is one of several old-school farmers and sells tomatoes, peppers, eggs, and potatoes right from his truck.
Harmony Farm Grower of free range farm fresh eggs.

Beaver Teeth Knife Sharpening - Sharpening knives is their passion! Whether it’s kitchen knives, pocket knives, steak knives, skinning knives, scissors, or machetes, they have the skills required to put a sharp edge on your blade that will last. See them every Saturday.
HIH Farms (Tammy & Andrew Dillingham) bring hay to market and also take orders for square bales.
Laughing Flowers Farm (Mary Smith) has delicious homemade breads like sourdough, 3 grain, and olive bread. Mary’s bread-making skills are renowned.

ONLINE MARKET

New last year in November, the Winnsboro.LocallyGrown.net online market opened for all those customers who wanted to continue getting their favorite vendor’s products year round. Simply go to www.Winnsboro.LocallyGrown.net website and create a free account. Every Monday and Tuesday place an order and Thursday pickup and pay in downtown Winnsboro. More details on the sight. Watch us Grow!