What’s the Deal?: Farmers' Markets

Why they matter, where you’ve seen them, and how they tie into what you eat.

You’ve seen the chalkboard signs. You’ve passed the colorful tents downtown. Maybe you’ve wandered in once or twice for a fresh donut or a tomato that tastes like summer. But still - what’s the deal with farmers' markets? Are they just trendy spots for hipster honey and homemade soap… or are they the real deal?

Let’s dig in.

Where Have You Heard of It?

Farmers markets have been popping up everywhere—from your local park to the plot next to the hardware store. They’ve become a staple of weekend outings and Instagram posts alike. You might’ve heard your health-conscious friend rave about their “farm-fresh kale,” or caught a cooking show where chefs insist on sourcing local. Even grocery stores now borrow the lingo with “market-style” signage and “locally sourced” stickers.

But what sets a real farmers market apart from a store’s marketing campaign? Relationships. And real food.

So… What Is It?

At its core, a farmers’ market is a direct-to-you gathering where local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and makers bring their goods to sell straight from their hands to yours. No middlemen. No shrink-wrapped mystery meats or tomatoes bred to survive cross-country shipping instead of taste.

Instead, you get seasonal produce, hand-raised meat, small-batch goods, and maybe even a conversation with the person who grew or raised your dinner.

Is It Legit?

Yes - when done right, farmers' markets are one of the most transparent and trustworthy ways to shop for food. You’re face-to-face with the source. You can ask how the beef was raised, how the carrots were grown, or what makes the honey taste like wildflowers.

And because these producers often work on smaller, more regenerative scales (like us at Tangen Draw), they’re more likely to prioritize soil health, animal welfare, and nutrient density, not just profit margins.

Should You Care?

If you eat food, yes.

Farmers markets aren’t just a cute place to buy flowers and pies (although, yes, that’s a bonus). They’re also your front-row seat to a better food system - one rooted in flavor, transparency, and connection.

When you shop at a farmers’ market, you’re casting a vote. For more soil care, less plastic. For fewer food miles, more nutrients. For local jobs, vibrant communities, and food that tells a story.

We’re proud to show up at markets when we can. It lets us meet folks like you, share the story behind our bison and beef, and be part of a food culture that feels a little more human - and a whole lot more delicious.

What Should You Ask?

Just because something’s sold at a farmers’ market doesn’t mean it automatically checks every box. 

“Local” is a great start, but it’s not the whole story. Some small farms may follow regenerative or organic practices but skip the certifications - either due to cost, red tape, or a belief that real transparency matters more than a label. Others may still use pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. So ask! 

Good questions include: Do you spray? What kind of feed do your animals eat? How do you improve your soil? 

Ask, learn, and then buy with confidence.

So next time you pass a market tent, stop by. Shake a rancher’s hand. Try a new cut of meat. Ask a farmer how their season’s going. You might just walk away with dinner and a little more faith in where it came from.