What a year for the Farmer's. Between rain during the heavy rains of last summer followed up by Hurricane Ike and then add in a Salmonella scare for tomato eaters nation wide (which turned out to be jalapenos) and then drought through the early part of this year mixed with overnight temperatures reaching freezing .... its a wonder farmer's continue to do what they do. We just last sunday 2-2-09 had the most farmer's at our Farmer's Market we have ever recorded.  17 Farmer's showed up and set up their tables and brought their very best for the week for our community shoppers.  It was a truly wonderful afternoon and although the customers were not as many as they would have liked to have seen, they didn't complain, but instead shared with each other what adjustments they are making to their business to ensure they can continue to do what they know and love. I am in awe of those that bring their produce, frest picked from the evening before or at sunrise every morning.  It is rare to find a Farmer who works as hard as Gus.  In the year and and 10 months since the Wild West Richmond Farmer's Market Began, he has only missed one Sunday,for a family Illness.  My hat and garden gloves are off to him for dedicating his life to his art.  It is an art.  To hear him discuss how he has prepared each field for planting and the process he uses to cultivate the soil and the time he spends watching and waiting for his crop to come in can only be defined as art.  We have  farmer's who bring their eggs, Honey, Herbs, even grass fed beef and Fresh made breads, but there are none who trade places with our own Gus.  He is a Farmer and an Educator of those who would like to learn farming. Come give Gus a howdy do you do next time your by our Farmer's market. Remember No Farms, No Food, No Future!!! Until next time... ...read more