“So that’s about 60 hours in 3 days,” stated Chris Miller. She was talking about how her business, Miller Farms, services around 40 farmers’ markets in a week from Colorado Springs to Cheyenne, and 60 hours is how much she might work…in just three days. Farming definitely isn’t the job for everyone, but as Chris puts it, “That’s what you have to do if you want to stay in business.” Miller Farms has been servicing farmers’ markets for 30 years, so they know what it takes. Business has her planting 400 acres of produce, and just for fun, another 500 acres in field corn. When you’re a farming family, the whole family is involved, and that’s what it takes to make it to market every week.
In response to some farmers’ markets starting earlier in the year, Millers have put in some greenhouses to start tomatoes, cucumbers, and summer squash. Still, with markets beginning in April and May, and customers wanting a supermarket-like choice of produce, Chris says she sometimes purchases produce from other farms to supplement what the Colorado climate allows her to grow. “Understand, you’re still supporting a local family farm when you purchase produce from us,” she says. She is also quick to point out that supermarkets often price their produce at a loss, just to get customers in the door. “A small farmer like us can’t afford to do that.” When you shop at farmers’ markets you’re supporting local farms, and that’s what it’s all about.
LCFM Note: Our market prides itself on being a “growers-only” market; that said weather has a huge affect on our growers and producers. If weather becomes a factor and a grower cannot supply the products that he/she would normally grow, the market does allow them to purchase items from other locations. However, these items must be marked with where they came from—just like at grocery stores. The past two seasons have been tough for our growers—with hail, wind and cool seasonal temperatures.
Miller Farms will have farm-fresh beets, asparagus, peas, lettuce and potatoes available in the next few weeks. Don’t forget about the market when it rains, because rain or shine Miller Farms will have a great selection of produce waiting for you. If you want further convenience, like hand-selected packaged produce waiting just for you, consider the Miller Farms CSA. Buy a share for $600 and get fresh Miller Farms produce all summer long. Go to http://www.millerfarms.net/ for more information.
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