Ashe Farmer's Market Holds Winter Market Saturday

It's time to stock up on delicious, locally produced meats, cheese, eggs and other items when a small group of Ashe County Farmers' Market vendors set up for two winter markets on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Some of the market's vendors have all season products and customers who are clamoring for a way to buy after the market closes. So it was decided at the last Board of Directors' meeting to make the Farmers' Market available to those vendors with products to sell. Visitors to the market can expect a great selection of meats such as pastured pork, lamb and grass fed beef. There will be farm fresh eggs, locally made artisan goat's milk cheeses, fresh herbs, winter greens, organic dog biscuits and goat's milk soap.

Winter farmers' markets are growing in number across the country and this trend is likely to continue as the demand for locally raised farm products increases, and with farmers employing season-extending practices such as cold frames and greenhouses. Though somewhat of an impromptu decision to open the Ashe market, it is a great way to provide a selling venue for some local farmers and to test the waters for possibly adding a more extensive winter market schedule next year.

The Ashe County Farmers' Market is located on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson. For inquires about the market, contact Market Manager Patty Shay at (336) 977-4735.