Pam Benike's May 15 Blog Explains What it Takes to be a Market Farmer; Benefits of CSA

Pam Benike is the owner of Prairie Hollow Farm, a staple at the Mill City Farmers Market for fresh produce, breads and flours, and artisan cheeses.  Take a few minutes to read this blog from Pam and you'll gain a new appreciation for the people behind the products at the Market.

A Farmer’s Income
May 15, 2012

For most Americans, income is a simple exchange of labor for money.  Go to work 40 hours a week, perform specified tasks, collect a paycheck.

For farmers, especially market farmers, earning an income is far more complex, without any guarantees their labor will produce an income.  Before an income can even be anticipated, a large outlay of cash is necessary.  Land rent or purchase, equipment to till the soil and plant the seed, the seeds themselves, are upfront costs incurred months, and often years, before a crop is ready to harvest.

Click to continue reading the full blog post.

Below, Pam assists shoppers at the May 19, 2012, Mill City Farmers Market: