By Gay Bowlin, Manager
Spring? REALLY? That is what everyone is saying right now. Farmers are especially wondering just what Mother Nature has had on her mind lately. I guess we shall. Below normal temperatures are putting this month on track to set a record, challenging the record set in 1907.
The average temperature for the first 11 days of the month was 35.6 degrees – a full 12 degrees below normal. The wintry weather has challenged farmers throughout the state and delayed spring planting.
Our Antique Tractor Drive will be on May 5th in conjunction with the Rend Lake Water Festival Parade. Participation always depends on the weather – if it is rains on Thursday and/or Friday we will have a lot of tractors involved – in 2016 we had 42 total tractors participating and last we had 16 – that is the difference in what the farmers have to do when the weather is nice. Even though they would really like to join us – the work is their most important issue and this year it will be even more so. So with that said, I kind of hope that there are not many participants and they are able to get into the fields.
Most of you by now have heard about the recall on 206 million eggs. The states that are listed on the recall did not include Illinois but I was told yesterday that someone had purchase eggs with the bar codes that were listed in the recall on their eggs. I would just suggest that everyone be very aware of the recall and check all eggs in your refrigerator. I am one of the lucky ones who do not have to do this as I am getting my eggs from a local Young Leader – thank you Ashly Brown for my piece of mind.
Farm City Days is fast approaching – June 9th will be here before we know it and we are still in search of vendors – both for the craft and flea market and for foods. We have some of both and we do not allow for competing products but if you are interested please call the office and we can take your information. The fee is $30 for craft and $40 for food. Everyone will be set up on the square this year and we are looking for a great crowd. This is also the day of the City Wide Yard Sale in Benton so we are looking for those “shoppers” to come back between 4 pm and 8 pm to join us.
Farmer’s Markets will be open across the region soon. In Franklin County we have the following markets opening the first week in May:
West Frankfort – The Moose – Tuesday 3p-6p
Benton – Benton Civic Center – Thursday – 3p-6p
Sesser – 804 E Franklin – Friday 3p-6p
Benton Market is now accepting LINK Cards. When using your LINK Card you will be given tokens in the amount that you request to use as that specific market – The Tokens will be stamped with Benton Farmers Market and may not be used at any other market. You can spend as much as you would like from your LINK Card with the first $20 being matched with coupons to be spent as well.
COUPONS ARE GOOD FOR ONLY PRODUCE.
TOKENS ARE GOOD FOR ANY FOOD ITEM THAT IS PACKAGED TO TAKE HOME.
PLANTS THAT PRODUCE FOOD CAN BE PURCHASED WITH THE COUPONS.
We encourage everyone to utilize their local farmers market and eat health locally grown foods.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
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