The next NTCC Farmer's Market is Friday, May 16!
It seems ironic that as little as a generation ago, my grandparents managed to feed their family of eight, either by fishing, hunting, gathering and/or subsistence farming and yet most of our so-called technologically advanced people today would starve if we had to eat only what we could grow. I can remember that my grandparents hardly ever made a weekly trip to the store to purchase any food product that they could grow on their farm. It is from them that I learned to cherish the soil, covet fresh churned butter, and dream of vine ripe tomato sandwiches on homemade wheat bread. Now with the industrial age and new technology ? society has developed primarily large-scale mono-culture food production operations, and to most gardening is often only considered a hobby. But growing one's own food could mean increased security, health, and enjoyment. The biggest obstacle for most desiring to start growing their own groceries is acquiring the skills to do so.
If you have been away from the ?farm? too long or would just like to cultivate your Ag skills ? your first hurdle will be where to start? Northeast Ag program can help you clear that obstacle and many others through their ?Innovative Farmer Tips?. These 20 minute classes are designed to provide you helpful clues to becoming a more productive and profitable farmer or gardener. The class/demonstrations will be held at the Northeast Ag Complex during the NTCC?s Farmer?s Market. The class will be held at noon ? a real lunch while you learn concept. Those interested can purchase lunch and learn a new topic each market day. Lunch will be the now famous, NTCC Burger Basket - $5 and proceeds will benefit the Ag students. The first Innovative Farmer Tip will be ?†?Cultivating Healthy Soil?†during market day on Friday, May 16th†a full list of market dates is available at†www.ntcc.edu/ag. Market hours are 9 am to 2 pm.
So much more than just a place to buy great locally raised food, the NTCC?s Farmer?s Market was established last year to be a service to the community and area farmers. The main goal was to be a ?gathering place? for area farmers growing great things to sell to those individuals looking to purchase those items. Students and instructors work to provide NTCC plants, livestock, and processed canned items to provide our students with direct marketing experience. Local growers are encouraged to come out, learn to present their products, test the markets with various products all at the wonderful setting of the Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Ag Complex and Pavilion. The 2014 season opener kicked off on Friday, May 2nd†beginning at 9 am. There were seven vendors and over 75 people in attendance that day. If you would be interested in being a vendor or would like more information, contact Rene? McCracken at 903-434-8267 or†rmccracken@ntcc.edu.
By: Rene' McCracken, NTCC Agriculture Director
