News Detail
Denison's farmers' market begins Thursday
6/26/2009 11:33:40 AM
by Emma Struve
Benison Bulletin/Review
The Denison Farmers' Market offers a place to get locally-produced fruits and vegetables with an unmistakably home-grown, fresh taste for those who do not have the opportunity or desire to grow a garden.
Dale Segebart, owner of Segebart Orchard north of Denison and self-described ex-farmer, raises a host of vegetables on his acreage and is one of the founding members of the Denison Farmers' Market. He is also a regular vendor.
When selecting produce to bring to the market, Segebart said he chooses the best items and picks them at most a day or two in advance.
"We're trying to provide a fresh product," Segebart explained. "Fruits in particular...I pick my apple crop when it's mature - for flavor."
Segebart, an avid gardener for more than 30 years, works his crops by hand with help from his wife.
"I continue to do this because I have arthritis so bad. This is good therapy for me...I work at my own pace," he said.
Still, it's a full time job for Segebart. "Over the years I've stayed with the products that work best for me," he said.
Segebart continued, "I've always had a big garden with extra to give away so when I started in the farmers' market, I just increased the volume."
The challenging part of being a market vendor is simply getting the crop in the ground and having it produce the way it's expected, Segebart reported.
Visiting with those who come to shop at the market is the most enjoyable part of the experience for him.
"Growing and selling produce can be lucrative," Segebart offered. The market in Denison is always open to hosting new vendors, either on a part time basis or full-time.
Though, "If you are just going to come once or twice and sell an excess of zucchini and tomatoes it doesn't pay because everyone else has them, too," Segebart warned. "You've got to be a serious vendor."
Segebart also tries to be aware of customers' preferences.
He explained that the older generation used to purchase produce in larger quantities for canning and freezing and the younger generation prefers small quantities that can be consumed fresh. To adapt, Segebart moved his sales location from the orchard to uptown Denison for ease of consumer access.
For those unfamiliar with farmers' markets, Segebart explained that the vendors are not trying to contend with other retailers.
"We can't compete with the big production organizations that supply to the grocery stores," he stated.
Rather, the emphasis is on providing tasty, high-quality products.
"That's the thing people are wanting at a farmers' market," Segebart added. "And it's a place for people to socialize, too."
Abby Gaffey, ISU Extension communities field specialist, presented a program at the Crawford County Extension office last week where she explained additional reasons community residents patronize farmers' markets, which include wanting to support the local economy, the perception that items are of higher quality, expanded selection, the ability to meet the grower, and confidence in knowing how items were grown whether that be naturally, chemically free, organically and so on.
Deb Loftus, Denison Farmers' Market manager through the Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County (CDC), also attended the informational session and encouraged new, potential vendors to explore the program.
Participation in the market costs $100 per season for full-time vendors, or $50 per day on a part-time basis.
New this year, Loftus announced, "We're trying to get any groups that are non-profit, looking to do a fundraiser, to contact our office."
Fees for non-profit organizations are waived, though only one group per week can participate. The CDC is also encouraging vendors to sell more prepared foods this year. Selling these types of cooked foods for immediate consumption does, however, require that the vendors' facilities be inspected by the county public health department.
For more information about becoming a vendor, and the associated regulations, or about the Denison Farmers' Market, in general, contact Loftus at 263-5621.
Facts about Denison Farmers' Market
- Takes place Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from June 25 through October 29 behind Hy-Vee on First Avenue North.
- This year about seven vendors are expected to participate each week, up a little from last year.
- Wares featured at the Denison Farmers' Market, depending on the season, include fresh produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, melons, squash, potatoes, radishes, onions, peas, beans, carrots, peppers, sweet corn, and pumpkins; fruits include apples, plums and cherries.
- New vendors bring new products so the list of produce is always changing and growing.
- The Denison Farmers' Market participates with the Iowa Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (IFMNP) where low income and elderly residents can use waivers to purchase produce. For more information about waivers contact the Crawford County Senior Center in Denison at 263-4950.
- New this year: non-profit organizations wishing to conduct fundraisers, such as bake sales, are invited to participate in the farmers' market free of charge.
