Farmers, Ranchers and Markets

Growing up, how did you spend your summertime? Did you take part in the excitement of flea markets, the amazement of antique shops, or the small town grocery stores? What about the thrill of Farmers Markets?

Times are changing. More and more people are beginning to want to understand where their food comes from. Covid helped push this thought process to the forefront, I believe. Stores being closed, sold out or  unavailable made the world in the way it always ran, hard to come by.

Farming and ranching isn’t a new concept. It has been around for centuries. In our day and age though convenience, is everything. It is wanted right now, and how fast can I get it? The light shone brightest on the chain stores and the produce and meats within those stores. I’m not saying some of the chain stores don’t carry farm raised meats or produce. The point I am trying to make is, is it locally fresh, locally grown?

If you’re following me, what about the farmers? What about the ranchers? These people pour their hearts and souls into their animals, insects, crops, soaps, lotions, etc. They run a business that for the most part doesn’t happen to be within a chain grocer store. They do however run a business with personal intentions, personal bonds and wonderful friendships that only happen when you #knowyourfarmer. Most ranchers and farmers understand the value of the food we grow because of the time and tears put into the process! They are a FAMILY farm, relying on your business and personal investment in them to be sustainable.

So let me ask you, have you been to your local farmers market? The 2019 National Farmers Market Managers survey shows that there are more than 8,690 farmers markets across the country. North Dakota has many to attend near and far. They range from Fargo, Grand Forks and surrounding areas to Devils Lake, Park River, Langdon, Walhalla, Bottineau, Minot, Bismarck and Mandan as well as many more. Since October is here now, please mark your calendars for June of 2024 when the new farmers market season starts up again!

If you are unsure if there is a farmers market to support in your area please do your research. I know you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find!

All in all, please do your research and seek out local family farms before going corporate. Fresh is so much better and the little farms will notice you, they will appreciate you, and most importantly, they will personally thank you for your business.

If you or someone you know would like to try our ranch raised lamb, please don’t hesitate to send us an email. We would be happy to answer any questions you have! Follow and share our Facebook page: MyrvikFamilyFarms.

God Bless

-Kelly