If you haven’t visited the Longmont Farmer’s Market, you don’t know what you’re missing.  Visiting the market brought back memories of childhood when early Friday mornings, my grandmother and I would travel downtown to the farmers market. 
The market was always crowded and you had to get there early (like 7 a.m.) or you would find that the produce you came to buy sold out.  Although you don’t have to get to the market that early in Longmont, I do recommend you get there before 10:30 a.m. when many of the farmers and vendors sell out.
            The farmers markets of the past, present and future are a vital part of our commu-nity.  It is an enjoyable activity and brings our community together for food and friendship.  In the past, when my grandmother went to market, she would visit with the farmers and friends she met while shopping.  She looked forward to this weekly outing.  This is still true today.  Many patrons visit the same booths week after week and discuss everything from how good the corn is to how their family is doing.
            The Longmont Farmer’s Market began in 1990 as a non-profit corporation.  Its mission was to provide an outlet for the local area farmers to sell their products directly to the public.  In the last ten years, the popularity of the market has resulted in growing from the original eight farmers to over 40 members. 
            Today’s market consists of a variety of professional farmers who farm hundreds of acres as well as the hobbyist that farms just a small garden plot.  It also includes selected craftspersons and representatives from several local food establishments.  According to Laura, President of Colorado’s Farmers Market Association and director of the market, “We try very hard to stay with fruits and veggies.  It is our main focus.”
            Many of the farmers offer organically grown produce.  To achieve this certification, the farmer must not use any pesticides for three consecutive years.  This includes using only organic fertilizer.  The State Inspector from the US Department of Agriculture each year inspects the growing area before the certificate of certification is given.  This certificate can be “withdrawn for cause” should the farmer violate any of the rules governing organically grown produce. 
            According to Laura, “The peak-growing season is from the end of July to the end of September.  The peak harvest is from September to the end of October.”  The Longmont Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 3 until October 28 and Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from July 11 until September 11.  Check out their web site at www.longmontfarmers.com
             Here is a look at just a few of the farmers and vendors at the farmer's market.

Morton’s Orchard

Dave and Mary Morton have been nurturing fruit trees (and children!) in Palisade for fifteen years.  Their daughters were raised on love and hard work as they toiled alongside their parents in the orchards, and now the grandchildren are enjoying “helping” Grandma and Grandpa!
            The Morton's orchards are certified organic by the State of Colorado, and the care that they give their fruit is evident in its’ consistent high quality.  They attend five markets along the Front Range each week, but admit that they love coming to Longmont because the people are so friendly!
            The Morton family brings cherries, apricots, peaches, pears, nectarines, plums and Asian pears to the market. 
            If you would like to contact the Morton's call them at 970-464-7854. 

The Miller Farm

            Chris and Joe Miller, owners of Miller Farms, are from Plattville.  Originally, Chris’ parents, Roy and Dorothy Miller moved to Brighton, Colorado in 1923 and moved to Plattville in 1946.  It wasn’t until 1949 that they began farming.  In 1960, they consolidated the farm.  Today they farm over 180 acres throughout Boulder County.
            According to Mary Miller Smith, Roy Miller’s sister, “If it weren’t for the farmers market, we wouldn’t have any way to sell.  Everything is commercial.”  Mary Miller Smith, 84-years-young, helps sell produce each week in addition to bowling, babysitting and selling Watkins products. 
            Smith states, “Everything is picked fresh the night before.”  They farm yellow, red and white onion, carrots, tomatoes, sweet corn and potatoes.  Great granddaughter Melissa Miller, a senior at Plattville High, reminds us not to miss their Fall Festival held in September. 

Pachamama Organic Farm

            Pachamama Organic Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm made up of 38 acres of farmland with over eight acres of organically and bio-dynamically grown vegetables.  It is family-owned and operated by Ewell and Lauren Culbertson along with their children Amos, Rosa and family companion, Sophie, the family dog.
            Community supported farmers are paid in advance for their produce resulting in a guaranteed market for their produce. In addition, members “share in the risk” of crop failures that is inherent in farming.  In essence, a relationship of goodwill forms in which the bounty and risk is shared among members. 
            A season’s membership at Pachamama Organic Farm entitles your family to 18 weeks of freshly harvested, organically grown vegetables.  A full share costs $540 for the season and feeds three to four people.  A half of share costs $360.  Each week on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., members can pick up their share of the harvest at strategically located sites.
            Pachamama’s provides a large variety of produce.  In the spring they harvest spinach and snap peas followed by sweet corn in summer and pumpkins in the fall.  But that’s not all.  As a member of CSA you will also enjoy basil, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, peas, peppers, radish, salad mix, summer and winter squash, sweet corn and plenty of vine ripened tomatoes.  They also grow edamame soybeans that I am told, are delicious in salads.
            Pachamama Organic Farm is located northwest of Longmont at 10771 N. 49th St. in Longmont.  To contact them, telephone 303-776-1924 or email them at csafarm@ecentral.com.

Holistic Honey

Bruce Kelsch is Longmont Market’s acknowledged expert on bees, having been a beekeeper for 25 years!  He and his wife Diana locate their hives on Zweck’s Organic Farm on Airport Rd., since Bruce says that it is best to eat the honey that is made in your local area for the greatest benefits to your health. 
            The Kelsch's sell a variety of honey products, such as creamed honey, spun honey/cinnamon mixture, raw honey, and bees wax.  The honey produced in this area is clover and alfalfa honey.  Kelsch states that clover honey is lighter in color than alfalfa honey.  The bees produce different types of honey based upon their pollen source.
            Their signature product is the Pollen and Royal Jelly Mix that Bruce says is higher in protein than beef, since it contains all of the amino acids and is high in iron, B complex and zinc.
            If you want a real education on bees or the many benefits of honey, stop by and talk with the Kelschs on your next visit to the Market.  You'll be glad you did!  You may contact them at 303-682-5978.  Be sure to ask about their new products that they anticipate to be introduced; comb honey, and royal jelly-based lotions and soaps!

Duran’s Hobby Acres

            Located four miles north on Route 287 is Duran’s Hobby Acres.  Here they grow the most beautiful flowers and roses. Visit the market, choose from the many bouquets and hanging baskets.  They are sure to look fabulous on your porch or in your backyard.

Colorado Native

            Jean A. Anderson of Wellington, Colo., locally owns Colorado Native.  Anderson sells perennials in the spring and ground cover.  She enjoys landscape and garden design in addition to being a horticultural consultant.
            If you are thinking of redoing your garden or changing your landscape, stop by the market and talk to her or telephone her at 970-568-4282.

The Rose Farm

            The Rose Farm is located in Berthoud where the roses are grown in greenhouses.  They sell beautiful red, yellow, peach and pink roses.  Whether it is Gabriella (Red), Jacaranda, Red Velvet or Kardinal roses, the cost of a bundle of roses is most affordable.  Roses 10 to 14 inches in length are $10 and roses 14 to 18 inches in length sell for $13 per bundle.

Wendy's Herbal Endeavors 

            A Botany class in college started Wendy Fyfe on her lifelong study of herbs and their uses in our daily lives.  She has created a variety of herbal products that seem to offer a relaxing “getaway” for the everyday.
            Stop by her booth in our north aisle and pick up one of the beautiful fabric sleep pillows - it's okay…she encourages “smelling”!  Her Bath Bags are designed to fit over the tub faucet so that your bath fills with the wonderful aroma and relaxing qualities of the herbs of your choice, such as lavender,  peppermint, lemon grass, chamomile or rosemary.  In addition, she offers bath salts, decorative bee’s wax and homemade soaps. 
            Be sure to stop and talk with Wendy about her herbal gifts.  She can answer all your questions and help you to choose just the right gift for you or your friends.

MK Sodas
            While shopping the farmers market, stop by MK Sodas for a cool, refreshing root beer or cream soda.  MK Sodas brew homemade sodas, beer and wine.  At the Farmer’s Market, you can purchase sodas by the bottle or case.
            If you haven’t had breakfast, stop by and have a homemade Burrito.  Be sure to get there by 11 a.m. or else you will miss them.
            If you would like to brew your own or purchase their brew, they are located at 2721 S. College Ave. in Ft. Collins.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Gerardi Bread

            Gerardi Bread is the only farmer owned bakery.  Over 225 farmers share in the ownership of the Mt. View Harvest Corporation.  The bread is sold in 28 states and 11 different countries. 
            Only locally grown fresh ingredients are used to make the bread.  They have a variety of breads such as Walnut, Olive,SourDough, Italian, Parisian, Chipotte and Calamari Olive just to name a few.
            St. Vrain Valley School District School Board Member Mike Rademacher and local farmer proudly sells bread each Saturday morning.  Stop by, say hello… and buy some bread, of course!
            If you’re planning to “put up” some of the wonderful summer produce, stop by the Information Booth and ask the Master Food Preserver for FREE information on freezing, dehydrating and canning.  She has some great ideas for making your food preservation efforts safe, nutritious and easy!
 

Holistic Honey sells honey, creamed honey, raw honey and bees wax.

Photo by C. Komperda