Posts Tagged ‘farmers markets’

If you're going to learn about organic farming, why not do it at the oldest organic farm in Missouri? EarthDance Farms is seeking new apprentices.

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your hands dirty in the rich soil of an organic farm, head on down to the Ferguson Library this Tuesday for an informative session on EarthDance Farms‘ organic farming apprentice program. Launched in 2008, this hands-on “school” allows Freshman Farmies to maintain their own organic plots at Mueller Farm in Ferguson, while also learning about organic vegetable and flower production from seasoned pros.

Freshman Farmies are required to commit at least 10 hours per week working at the farm and selling produce at area farmers markets. In return, they enjoy a weekly share of the harvest (nine months worth!) and the opportunity to join a lively community of progressive, green-minded people.

For more details about EarthDance, which is actively seeking a diverse group of 25 new apprentices, stop by one of two info sessions being held this week:

Tuesday, December 8 @ 7pm: Ferguson Library, 35 N. Florissant, 63135

Wednesday, December 9 @ 7pm: Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Ave, 63143

The new and improved J. Goeke Produce, celebrating five decades in NoCo

For more than 140 years, farming and produce have been the lifeblood of the Goeke family. In 1867, German immigrant Joseph Goeke began selling vegetables at St. Louis’ Union Market, a Soulard-like market that once operated at Sixth and Broadway. That same year, his brother John also entered the agricultural field, managing what the 1924 History of the Archdiocese of St. Louis called a “splendid truck garden.”

As time went on, many descendants of Joseph, John and their brother Bernard went on to work as farmers or produce vendors, including Tom Goeke, who ran the popular Herman’s Farm Orchard on Shackelford Rd, and John J. Goeke, the founder of J. Goeke Produce Outlet in Old Town Florissant.

Goeke Produce sells Randy's Famous Salsa and a growing selection of other local products.

Like his father and grandfather before him, John J. Goeke started his career as a truck farmer, selling produce out of the back of his pickup. Eventually he entered the wholesale market, serving local restaurants, and then in March 1960, he opened a retail location.

“I guess dad thought that since he had daughters, not sons, a retail store would be the best idea,” says one of Goeke’s four daughters, Karen Ormsby, who now runs the business with her sister Lynne Combest. Her father died in 2002, but his original hunch was spot on. Nearly 50 years later, the produce company that he founded is still going strong.

Just this week, Goeke’s retail store relocated a block up the road – to a much larger location at 449 St. Ferdinand in Old Town. Adding to its already impressive selection of local and non-local produce, nuts, eggs, honey, spices and baked goods, the store also plans to offer fresh, locally-produced meat from the historic Wenneman Meat Market in St. Libory, Illinois (open since 1927).

Produce & nicknacks in one convenient location

“We’re also selling Amish apple butter and local salad dressing, and we’re hoping to get meat from Swiss Sausage in Hermann,” Ormsby says. “Have you heard of it? It’s delicious!”

With its newly expanded retail space, Goeke’s can now peddle even more than just food. It can also sell you the plate to eat it on! Spearheaded by another of John Goeke’s daughters, one-third of the store has been converted into a mini antique shop, where customers can peruse charming vintage housewares and kitchen items, as well as heirloom furniture.

“We’re just trying to create a fun, unique atmosphere,” Ormsby says, noting the store’s cheery yellow walls and old-timey decor. “We also still have the wholesale business, so we sell produce to a number of North County restaurants, just like my dad used to.”

In fact, J. Goeke Produce is more successful than ever – a NoCo gem! – and I’m betting that its roomy new storefront and increasing focus on local foods will lure in even more happy customers. Maybe even you?

Goeke’s Produce: 449 rue St. Ferdinand, Florissant MO 63031; (314) 831-3140. Open Mon-Sat 8-7, Sun 9-6.

Shelves are still being stocked at Goeke's new location, which just opened on November 5th, but many gourmet goods are already on display.

One of the very best things about North County is the Ferguson Farmers Market, which I would happily promote even if I wasn’t a former market employee. I’ve been to every farmers market in St. Louis, and I can honestly say that Ferguson’s is among the very best.

This time of the year, it’s bursting with beautiful fall veggies, meat, nuts, eggs, and baked goods, so shop fresh while you’re still able. The market is only open two more Saturdays.

Now is a perfect time for canning and preserving. Hubby and I just canned some salsa verde using our own fresh tomatillos. It’s easy and fun, and so delicious in the middle of winter!

So hit the farmers market this Saturday – 8am to noon, 20 S. Florissant Rd. The Buckhannon Brothers and Childgrove Country Dancers will be performing live; next week it’s Bob Case.

North County has been home to the award-winning Ferguson Farmers Market for seven years, and now we also have a second successful market. Overland launched its Saturday morning market in May and has had a steady stream of customers and vendors all season.

Located in the 2500 block of Woodson Road, the Overland Farmers Market requires that at least 80% of its vendors be local growers. The day I visited, they had Voss pecans, fresh loaves of bread, homemade salsas, a wide selection of produce, fresh eggs, and an incredible array of honey products from Stinger’s Natural Honey.

The market is open through the end of October – Saturdays from 8am to 2pm. It’s not quite as large as Ferguson’s market yet, but with strong support from the local community and business association, I think it has a bright future.

Joy Stinger and her wonderful honey