I am up before the local morning news begins. I don’t commute in morning traffic. I don’t punch a time card. I don’t have a boss checking his watch when I arrive at work. I don’t show up at an office wearing expensive suits. I don’t have an IT department to call when something goes wrong in fact most of my co-workers walk on four legs.

I am a farmer. My family depends on me and you depend on me. No time for sick days or sleeping in. I don’t do my job for the pay or notoriety I do it to fulfill my passion for the land, growing, and agriculture. Without that passion I could not do it. My job is hard but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of my favorite days of the week is the day I show up at your local Farmers Market. I can’t wait to show you the beautiful beets, berries or broccoli I just harvested. I look forward to our conversations about what’s in season and the best way to prepare or preserve your produce.

In an era where fast food is prevalent I am proud to make you aware of nutritious and delicious options.

I chuckle when I hear the phrase farm to table. I’ve been doing that for years! I’m excited that our country is seeing the value in farm fresh food and that eating organic is trendy. I want you to be healthy. I want you to reap the benefits of my labor. I love the opportunity to present it to you personally.

I’m thankful that SNAP Benefits are accepted at local Farmers Markets. I believe everyone should have access to farm fresh food. I love witnessing all families enjoying the opportunity to spend a beautiful day at the market, watching children pick out the vegetables they will eat for dinner that night, and knowing that I have helped that family to eat good tasting and healthy local food.

If I’ve never met you at the Farmers Market I invite you to come see me soon. Between my fellow vendors and myself there is something for everyone. I can almost guarantee it will change your perception of grocery shopping and what it means to buy local. I look forward to meeting you and I thank you in advance for supporting me, your local farmer.

What’s being picked this week: Pears, Beets, Cabbage, Kale, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Broccoli, Beans, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Herbs, Peppers, Lima Beans, Eggplant, Potatoes, Squash, Sweet Corn, Blueberries

Recipes: Looking for a healthy snack? Try these salsas!

Photo Credit: United Soybean Board Via Flickr Creative Commons