Hello everyone!
Please forgive me for not updating the site very often this past season. We got very busy and just couldn’t seem to make time. I really dislike using that excuse because I believe that people make time for what they want to make time for (in general) and if I had made updating the site a priority, I probably could have found the time to make updates. All that said, I am going to try to make it a priority to update the site from now on!
First, a recap from the 2018 growing season. From a growing perspective, things went very well. Here are a few pictures of the produce, flowers and other home produced products that we offered:
We also put the finishing touches on “The Narrow Way Farm Produce Trailer” and was able to take it to several farmers markets towards the end of the season.
Now for a brief report on the Farmer’s and Community Markets that we attended.
Our main focus was the Trotwood Community Market (TCM) because we were it’s only produce providers and it is located in what it known as a “food desert”. I really liked attending the TCM. We had some very friendly regular customers as well as one time visitors. They were often extremely encouraging, complimenting us on our produce, the trailer, our dedication to the farm and community, as well as our children who help with the market. Unfortunately, community attendance wasn’t what it needed to be to justify the continuance of the market, so it was discontinued. While it pains me to think that we won’t be a part of the TCM next year, because we absolutely love that community, we are considering our options and will need to make a decision within the next couple of months.
The Dayton VA Farmers Market , in it’s second season, is a vibrant market. From the vendors to the customers, everyone is friendly and supportive. We only attended this market for the first three weeks that it was held. Extra farm projects and a low profit margin caused us to decide that our time would be more appropriately spent working on farm improvements. We may still apply to be part of this market for the 2019 season.
This was our first year attending the Northmont Community Market (NCM). We attended the first Sunday of each month from July through September. With lots of superb, varied vendors, this market is not one to miss, especially if you are a customer. They also have an awesome market manager, Tasha Jenkins, of Tasha’s Common Scents. There are only two reasons why we are not considering rejoining NCM. 1. It is our opinion that there are already enough produce vendors. 2. We have a new Sunday market that we plan to attend weekly for the 2019 season.
That brings me to the other new market that we attended last year, This Old Farmers Market, located in Beavercreek. This quaint little market has it all, classy (but down to earth) vendors, wonderful repeat customers, and exceptional market managers/marketers. This has to be the best small market that I have ever been to as a vendor or a customer. We attended this market every other Sunday from mid July until early September, however we were offered a weekly spot for the 2018 season, which we plan to accept. We are excited for the opportunity to join them full time.
Other than the markets listed above, we also set up a small stand, short term, outside of Whole Body Fitness. While I haven’t actually exercised at the center (I workout on the farm lol), I have toured the facility and I have to say that it is top notch. Very clean. Erika, one of the owners, makes sure of that! We initially met her when she contacted us during the summer of 2017. She was looking for various health related speakers to speak at her center. We agreed to do a small presentation and had a wonderful time. She seems so dedicated, caring, and excited to help her clients. Late in the growing season (2018), we contacted her and offered to set up outside of her center and she gladly accepted, happy to have fresh (chemical free) produce to offer her clients. We have not yet made a decision about setting up there again next year.
One final note: at this point I hope to update this site no less than once a week, more than that if possible. Okay, I’ll admit it, I just got nervous as I typed that (given my history), but I really want to make updating a priority! Please stay tuned for the latest… This Week on the Farm.
Shalom!
Tia for The Narrow Way Farm
thenarrowwayfarm.com 