Peaches, 95 percent lost. Apples and tart cherries, 90 percent gone. The United States Department of Agriculture puts the losses of apples, sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, asparagus, peaches, and juice grapes at $223.5 million, 62.2 percent of the seven commodities’ 5-year average combined value of $359.6 million.

“It’s bad,” Babbit said. “My first year on the farm, 1968, I froze out. But then we had at least a little a bit of stuff. This is worse.”
He said he surveyed his orchard Tuesday morning. “I’d be surprised if we’ve got a bushel of Honeycrisp all together (in the entire orchard),” he said. Babbitt, a former Allegan County Commissioner, is retired and runs his orchard now as a hobby, he said.

The Breakdown

• Total Loss $223.5 million
• Apples: 90 percent loss, $110 million
• Blueberries: 10 percent loss, $15 million
• Juice Grapes: 85 percent loss, $18 million
• Peaches: 95 percent loss, $14 million    
• Sweet Cherries: 80 percent loss, $15 million
• Tart Cherries: 90 percent loss, $50 million
• Asparagus: 10 percent loss, $1.5 million

 
“The people who are in it for a living, it’s gonna hurt, it will hurt bad. They’re coming off a good year, and they’ll mostly weather it,” he predicted, but, “it’s not going to be good.” Newer farmers, who have a debt load, will be hardest hit, he said.
“Years ago when these things happened the banks and farm credit people were understanding, but I’m not sure that’s true today,” he said.
All of the businesses that support the fruit packing and processing industries will be hurt, too, Babbitt said. “I haven’t ordered hardly any spray material, and I assume other growers are doing the same. The people that supply that, their people will be twiddling their thumbs. They’re sitting on a whole pile of inventory that no one is going to buy. “

“I had growers last night (at a meeting) who had already sent workers home,” Longstroth said. “There are growers with tree fruit left in their orchards, but most growers do not have any fruit or not enough to justify spraying and harvest of the small amount in the field.”
Processing plants may not need their normal number of full and part-time workers, he said. “It’s going to have a ripple.”

He said MSU Extension workers are scrambling to help growers shift gears and explore their financial options. Farm markets, too, are scrambling, some seeking fruit from other states, Longstroth said.

The Causeway will also be under construction, closed at times to all traffic. If you are coming to the Market from North Muskegon, take M-120 east to US-31, follow US-31 south to the Muskegon downtown exit and take Skyline Drive to Spring Street and turn left.

We are expecting a great year starting with flowers galore for your planting pleasure. Perennials will be eagerly awaiting your smooth shovel and a new yard to beautify. Annuals want to come to your house to give a pop of color. Veggie plants will keep you fed with happy, healthy choices during the season. Our wonderful farmers will have tender greens, radishes, and hopefully asparagus to sell you for your first market dinner of the season.

Remember, Bridge card holders may purchase food-bearing plants including herbs with food tokens. Trying to get the kids to eat healthy? Plant a pizza garden. We will help you design your container garden if you want!

Flowers, produce, meats, fish, eggs, cheese, baked goods, garlic, salsa, honey, popcorn, dog bones, candles, aprons,  specialty clothing, and big smiles all here at the Muskegon Farmers Market!

The Ryerson Creek Improvement Project is almost done. The project has placed a larger culvert for a smoother flow, better water runoff and shelter for wildlife. A spawning area for fish & other aquatic critters has also been added to the lower property called “Green Acres”.  This wildlife habitat will be fun to watch grow and become home for many.

See you in May!

Click here:  Market Rules and General Procedures  

Q: How can I become a vendor? (GENERAL)

A: Stall space at the market is rented on a daily basis at the discretion of the market manager. Items allowed for sale at the market are all farm produce (fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh meat from a licensed packing facility, poultry, eggs, cheese, etc.) flowers and bedding plants, baked goods, and handmade arts and crafts. Priority is given to farm produce and all new vendors are required to grow or make a minimum of 80% of what they sell. Daily vendors must see the market manager for a stall assignment prior to setting up in the market.

As a first time vendor, it is helpful to first contact the manager or assistant manager:

• by phone: (231) 722-3251
• by e-mail: muskfarmermkt@frontier.com  or
• stop by the Market to discuss stall availability and vendor requirements.

There are no reservations for daily stall rental. Open stall space is rented at 7:30 am each day from our office. Once July arrives, space on Saturdays is limited.

All vendors selling edible items (produce, baked goods, etc.) are required to carry a minimum of $500,000 product liability insurance and name Muskegon Farmers Market on their rider. Proof of this insurance (Accord 25) will be required to be submitted to market management prior to your attendance at the start of the market. If you have questions about this rule change, please feel free to contact the market staff.

All vendors are required to comply with the Department of Agriculture and other State and Federal regulations. If you are interested in selling baked or processed goods, vendors are required to supply the market manager a copy of their license or certification from the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture. The Muskegon Farmers Market does allow the sale of goods produced under the Cottage Food Law on Tuesday and Thursday only.

Vendors seeking to sell arts and crafts are required to supply the Market manager in advance with an application as well as proof of the handmade nature of their craft, and a copy of their sales tax license.

For the 2012 season, stall fees are $10/stall on Tuesdays, and Thursdays, $20/stall on Saturdays. For complete details on vending at the Muskegon Farmers Market, please refer to the official rules.

All beginning vendors are considered to be “daily vendors”. Seasonal (reserved) stalls are limited in quantity; currently, there is a waiting list for these spots. Frequency of attendance, product mix and seniority are all taken into account when awarding new seasonal spots. The market takes into account product mix when assigning stalls and allowing vendors to rent space at the market.

Due to this, there are a few types of non-produce vendors that have reached market capacity and not currently accepting for our daytime market hours. These include: beef, poultry, pork, fish, and certain types of baked goods and popcorn. Other types of goods may be at capacity on certain days, but not others, please contact market staff to check stall availability for your product type.

Farmers

Q: What should I be made aware of as a farming vendor?

A: The Market is focused on the diversity of agriculture that West Michigan has to offer. If you grow your own produce for sale, we would love to have you join our market! As a farmer, you have priority for stall assignments over other food products. We will always have availability for farmers on Tuesdays,  and Thursdays. Typically, Saturdays are full during peak season and there is no guarantee that you will get a spot. If a farmer attends the Market regularly on any of the weekdays, they will be more likely to get a guaranteed spot on Saturdays when one becomes available.

No produce may be cut at the Market unless the vendor has all appropriate equipment and licensing. However, fully intact produce may be handed out as a sample. Signage identifying name and location is required for all vendors. Signs are required on any items that are not of the vendor’s own production. The Market reserves the right to inspect any vendor’s farm at any time for any reason as a condition of the privilege of selling at the Market.

Plants & Flowers

Q: What should I be made aware of as a Plant or Flower vendor?

A: Plants and flowers are second in priority for stall assignments. Space is available on Tuesdays, andThursdays. Saturdays are available at the beginning and the end of the season. For questions regarding Saturday stall availability, please see our Market manager.

Sale of perennials requires an inspection license to be on file in the Market office. Inspections are required to ensure that disease or invasive pests are not transmitted to other plants and gardens. Information on perennial inspections is available through the Michigan Department of Agriculture

Baked Goods/Processed Foods

Q: What should I be made aware of as a vendor of baked or processed foods?

A: Baked goods and processed  foods are Third in priority for stall assignments at the Market. Space is available on Tuesdays, and Thursdays.  Saturdays are available at the beginning and the end of the season. For questions regarding Saturday stall availability, please see our Market manager.

All processed foods must be made in a licensed facility. Foods under the Cottage Food Law are permitted on Tuesdays and Thursdays only.  Vendors who wish to sample their goods must follow all Department of Agriculture guidelines, must be pre-approved by the Market manager and have a signed sampling contract on file in the market office. For questions on licensing or proper sampling procedures, please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture or click here.

Artisans & Craft Vendors

Q: What should I be made aware of as an artisan or crafter?

A: Artisans and crafters will receive stall assignments after all perishable item vendors have received a spot. Stalls are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on a first come first served basis after checking in at the office. On days when space is limited, vendors will receive a ticket in the Market office and a lottery will be held at 7:30 am for any remaining stalls. Lottery tickets will not be given out after 7:30 am sharp.

Hot Prepared Food/Concession Vendors FAQ

Q: Can I sell hot prepared foods (i.e. hot dog carts, etc.)

A: Due to the nature of the design of the market, there is not enough space for vendors of these types in the market itself. Lines tend to form and block other vendors’ stalls and the aisle way, causing unhappy customers and vendors.

Once a year in the winter, the market releases a Request for Proposals (RFP) for concession type vendors. If you are interested in applying and wish to be notified when the RFP is issued, please leave your contact information with the Market Manager or Assistant Manager in the office.  Please contact market staff for further information: call 231-722-3251 or email the Market Master.

When to Plant Perennials

You can transplant perennials any time of year, but the best time is autumn when the air is cool and the ground is warm. In  the fall, the growth cycle concentrates more on the root growth necessary for a long productive life. They’ll also bloom the following summer, while the spring-planted perennials don’t usually bloom the first year. Perennials generally stand up to cold weather better than hot, but they need several weeks of mild growing weather to get started.

We have a wide vairety of perennial plants on sale at the Farmers Market.

Click here to read how Laughing Tree Brick Oven Bakery makes their signature bakery products. They make their own yeast, use solar energy and burn locally-cut wood to fuel their huge oven. Every Saturday at Market they sell out. They have many loyal customers who rave about their products. Come to the Muskegon Farmers Market to see and taste for yourself.

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