Open Harvest Celebrates Farmer Appreciation Day
By Jackie Barnhardt, Outreach and Membership Director
A gentle rain fell Saturday September 9 as Open Harvest hosted Farmer Appreciation Day, in support of Buy Fresh Buy Local (BFBL) week. We welcomed seven of our local farmers that supply our co-op as they came in to sample their homegrown products. Farmers and customers were sheltered and stayed dry under the extended roof in front of the co-op.
Farmers and customers were treated to live musical performances by Brian Gerkensmeyer, and Lori Allison.
This year, we were excited to introduce new cheeses from local farms. Cheese makers from Branched Oak Farm, Jisa Farmstead Cheese, and Dutch Girl Creamery were received with enthusiasm. Farmers fired up grills and offered tempting samples of fish from Blue Valley Trout, barbecued chicken from Plum Creek, and bison from Egbers Organic Farms. The Grain Place farmers showed up and made organic popcorn and served samples, as well.
We are grateful to the farmers that dedicate their lives to growing food so that we can eat well and enjoy the benefits of local products. Special thanks to Corinne Kolm and Elaine Cranford for joining us promote the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign.
Open Harvest's mission includes support of local producers, and we are represented on BFBL advisory committee.