Hello first-timers, welcome back. Today (Saturday ) we had a field trip to the Madison Farmers Market in Alabama. "They say a picture is worth a thousand words" I say once you plant a seed sit back and reap the benefits. These farmers are showing the benefits from their hard labor. We at fist time for me too, get many of our vegetables from local farmers, and butchers. It is important to keep it fresh when you can, and support your community.

It was a treat to chat with the vendors at the farmers market. They bring in their crops for sell to the market. These hard working folks are very nice, and though they were busy, they took time to talk to me about what vegetables they bring to the market. Many farmer's markets, including the Madison Farmers Market are opened in June, and closes in November.  Although many of these markets stands have utilities running all year around, but the farmers are only allowed to operate between those months. There are farmers who have all year around crops for sell and no stand to sell from.

The pictures shown are from many different vegetables stands. I am going to list some vendor's name and talk about what is on their stand.

THE VENDORS/FARMERS OF MADISON FARMERS MARKET:

1. KELLY FARM, has been in business for over 10 years. The owner is Mr. Craig. He has grown over 45 varieties of peppers this year. One of the peppers are Merlot Sweet Pepper. This pepper is black in color and is known as a gourmet pepper. He also grows one of the worlds hottest pepper called the Bhut jolokia Pepper, which it originates from India, and is consider an hybrid chili pepper. Another pepper is called the Lemon Drop and the Peach Drop Pepper. These peppers are pretty, but don't be fooled by their looks because they are part of the habanero family. He dose not work alone. Andrew is a young man, who is 13 years old. He helps with the selling, growing of the peppers. Andrew created the design of the tee shirt. "Craig Peppers".

 
2. WOODY FARMS, is from Scottsboro, Al, which is about 30 miles from the market. He has been in business for 35 years. He grows, red, white and sweet potatoes, alone with other vegetables.

3. CAMPBELL FARMS, is known for their butter beans. The owner is Danny, and is one of the hardest farmers around. He has dedicated himself to farming full time for the last three years. He has 10-12 other stands at different markets. He grows cabbage, white and yellow cauliflower, alone with other fresh vegetables. See for yourself.

4. MONKS MARKET, is from Fayetteville, TN. It is a family business that grows vegetables, apples, corn and many other vegetables all year round. They have been in business since 1958. George took hold of the family business in 1998. They have a huge green house in Fayetteville, TN which we will be visiting in two weeks. Shout out to Gary who helps out his family.

5. J B TURNER FARM, has been in business for over 20 years. He has a farm field located off Wall Triana in Huntsville, Al. They are one of the many stands that will be open the week of Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas. Make sure that you stop by the Madison Farmers Market to pick up your vegetable. Shout out the Dontavius, who is a family member that helps out alone with JB's mom.( the lady in the blue jean jaket)

6. PIN HOOK CREEK APIARIES (beekeepers), is located in Huntsville, Alabama. They have been at this market for three years. There is something sweet about this stand. Oh! it's full of honey. The owner told me that as a young boy he was the beekeeper of many colonies. Today is has over 100 hives and is expecting another 40 by next year. (thanks for the sample) 

7. HUFF FARMS, is operated by Ms. Becky. She said that the Huff Farms ha been in business for over 30. I learned a lot about radishes. Huff Farms growss spicy radishes, and spicy radishes greens. (seen in the first picture)Theses greens looks a lot like mustard greens. I was told that they have a spicy kick to them. I was given some samples and I will be making a dish with them for the first time. (be on the look out for the recipe)

8. POWHATAN-TONEY TRIBE, is one of the oldest farms around today. This stands of fresh vegetables is run by Mr. Enas Ragland. His mother (Ella) and cousin (Olivia), who helps him out at the market. The Powhatan-Toney Tribe has been in business long before Alabama was a state. The family stated the business in 1813. They grows vegetables all year round.

9. COLEMAN FARMS, is another stands that sell fresh vegetables. I could not leave without buying some fresh okra. They also have some beautiful greens. Shout out to Ms. Minnie Coleman.

10. OUR LITTLE KITCHEN, is a food truck that is located on the market lot. It is own and  operated by an amazing lady named Ms. Sylvia Vann. She prepares tasty cuisine for the market vendors and the customers as well. I have had the pleasure of tasting her chicken stew, seafood gumbo, and her peach and apple fried pies. Yummy. When the market closes on Nov 14, she will relocate to the food truck lot off Bob Wallace in Alabama. You can find her cooking up some home cooked meals on Tue & Thursday @ 11am - 1pm. Make sure you stop and check her out.

Well first-timers, that conclude our trip to the Madison Farmers Market located off Cook Rd in Alabama. Thanks to all the vendors who chatted with me and for the many samples that was given. I pray that your crops and business continue to grow and prosper. Thanks from firsttimeformetoo.blogspot.com 

~~~FOR OTHER VENDORS THAT I DID NOT HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TALKING TO, PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IS APPRECIATED~~~