We have experienced a season of exceptional rain here on the Panhandle High Plains. It has been years since spring showed up as it did this year, with timely moisture. It will be great to see the outcome at the local farmers market. Look for produce to be available in abundance and expect garlic, onions and peppers to be milder tasting than in previous harvests when drought levels were more severe. If you have been waiting for the perfect year to see a large variety of fresh, locally-produced fruit and vegetables, you’re in luck: 2015 may be that year.
The early season rains are not only filling up rain-water barrels and watering growing plants, the heat, we know will come later this summer, is what makes for pungency in our local vegetables. We can always count on a hot summer on the Panhandle Plains, but we have not always been able to count on the early season rains we have been blessed with this year. Thanks to the abundant showers, we are sure to see a plethora of fresh, locally-grown produce at the farmers markets this season.
June Means Farmers Markets
Across the High Plains, vendors will be taking to the pavement to serve up the finest, freshest, and most lovingly-grown food money can buy. Here is a rundown on a few of the big ones:
Golden Spread Farmers Market
Amarillo
Location: 15th & Pecos in the Sunset Center parking lot off Plains Blvd.
Hours: 7am until sold out
Days: Starts June 1st; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market
– Lubbock
Location: 19th & Buddy Holly Ave.
Hours: 9am – 1pm
Days: Starts June 20th; Saturdays
Midland Downtown Farmers Market @ the Museum
Location: 1705 W Missouri Ave
Hours: 8:30am – 12:30pm
Days: Starts April 1st; Saturdays
There are many other smaller farmers markets that can be found throughout the Llano Estacado region, these are just a few of the larger ones. Below you’ll see several more listed that constitute more year-round markets, CSA’s, and independent farms. For a detailed map of smaller farmers markets and other information, please visit our webpage “Farmers Markets”. If you see a favorite local producer or farmers market that we have missed, be sure and add their name in any of our comments sections.
