Podcast
Tent Talk
Hosted by Farmers Market Pros · EN
Tent Talk is a podcast for farmers' market managers, farmers, food makers, and anyone who counts on farmers' markets as a source of income. Please join us as we interview farmers' market experts, talk about ways to improve local food communities, and provide you with tips on building a successful farmers' market business.
Tent Talk is produced by Farmers Market Pros.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 370: Past Tents, Future Tents | Celebrating Market Days
2w ago00:36:15Tap to summarizeCelebrating all the things is an easy way to remind ourselves that we have the best (albeit weirdest) job in the world. We work really hard, whether the public knows it or not. So for vendors, farmers and market teams, a little frivolity can go a long way in making people feel recognized and in relieving the pressure that we're under as we monitor regulations, manage conflict and deal with traffic. If we're also cutting a little cake or getting a bouquet handed to us it can really change the day. Listen in as we talk about everyday celebrations. It's easy to find things to celebrate Recognition of birthdays and anniversaries mean a lot Sharing your team's accomplishments reminds the public that there IS a team Start now to plan bigger celebrations like National Farmers Market Week
Transcribe →Ep 369: Past Tents, Future Tents | Now We're Cooking
3w ago00:38:55Tap to summarizeFarmers markets do everything they can to bring people to the market to shop. And sometimes we go beyond our grocery store in the street identity to make it more fun to stick around. Programming can mean dancing and demos, crafts and cooking. The best weekly offerings tie into fresh food and benefit our farmers. Tune in to this episode to get some new ideas Booking music that complements rather than distracts Making sure cooking demos use market ingredients Spreading the word about your special events Letting kids convince their parents to come back Teaching people to cook makes them more likely to shop Shout out to the Dallas Farmers Market cooking demo by L.A. Farm Girl (pictured) coming up June 11th
Transcribe →Ep 368: Past Tents, Future Tents | Live From InTents: The Future Is Analog with David Sax
4w ago00:53:16Tap to summarizeEven in the age of AI and digital deliveries, farmers markets are growing. People hunger for personal connection, real food and the quality that only comes from human creativity and craft. In this episode recorded live at the 2026 InTents National Farmers Market Conference, Catt Fields White and author David Sax discuss how markets can leverage the power of analog to retain loyal shoppers and make life better. Listen in and consider: • What bookstores, typewriters and farmers markets have in common • The response to high tech is high touch • Farmers markets as cultural touchstones • Emphasizing service and hospitality • The comfort of community in chaotic times
Transcribe →Ep 367: Past Tents, Future Tents | Apply Yourself: Farmers Market Application Tips
May 1100:35:59Tap to summarizeDiscovering new vendors that fill a need for shoppers at your farmers market is like hitting the jackpot. Finding the market that's the perfect fit for your business and your schedule is every vendor's goal. Communicate clearly and everybody wins. This week the Farmers Market Pros are talking about balancing all the pieces that create a smooth, straightforward and welcoming application. With just a little effort on both sides the process can be the start of wonderful working relationships. Start here: Know where you're headed and make your application a map Put that application button in all the places Find the right balance: more welcoming, less gatekeeping When applying, be as specific as possible Auto responders and market management platform tools save precious time
Transcribe →Ep 366: Past Tents, Future Tents Reza Djalal | Putting The Farmers Market in FMPP
May 400:50:09Tap to summarizeThe USDA just opened the Local Agricultural Market Program (LAMP) request for proposals and Farmers Market Promotion Program applications are due on June 5th. This funding has been a moving target the last couple of years, with tight deadlines, slow responses and sometimes sudden terminations to confirmed contracts. Still, the grant amounts are some of the largest available to farmers markets seeking to accomplish big, multi-year projects. This week we're talking to Reza Djalal of the Adams County Farmers Market. He's been part of a successful FMPP grant project and is submitting again this year. Listen in as we chat about: What kind of preparation will help meet this tight deadline Framing your project as one that helps farmers Checking meticulously for typos and math errors The weight USDA gives to naming partners (like Farmers Market Pros) Making your 35 page proposal "beautiful"
Transcribe →Ep 365: Past Tents, Future Tents | What We Learned at The InTents Conference
Apr 2701:00:34Tap to summarizeKicking off this season of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast, we're looking back at last month's InTents National Farmers Market Conference. Our theme for this series is Past Tents; Future Tents so today we're recapping what we heard and saw at the tenth annual conference, and thinking about ways we might come back even stronger in 2028. Listen in and join us in the comments while we consider: • The importance of meeting in real life. Zoom fatigue, anyone? • Messages and ideas that really stuck with us. What were your favorites? • Adding additional tracks for new and experienced market managers to deep dive • Partnering with a friendly non-profit to fund scholarships. Know anyone? • Staying in touch between conferences with live calls, focus groups and more This episode of Tent Talk is supported by the National Farmers Market Survey 2026. You have until THIS Thursday to answer the questions and contribute to a knowledge base that will benefit us all. Click the Michigan State University logo on the Resource page at FarmersMarketPros.com to access the survey today.
Transcribe →Ep 364: Grow Where You're Planted | Maggie Funkhouser: State of Reunion
Feb 900:43:01Tap to summarizeWe're in a farmers market (state association) state of mind. You already know we like all things local and farmers market associations are no exception. This episode of Tent Talk is all about the value of state market associations. Featuring Maggie Funkhouser, Director of the North Carolina Farmers Market Network, we discuss how state specific associations create more resilient markets, better market managers, and stronger food systems. This episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast is supported by Manage My Market.
Transcribe →Ep 363: Grow Where You're Planted | Amanda Edmonds Is Up To Data
Feb 200:36:37Tap to summarizeThe future of farmers markets starts with surveys That's right folks! The National Farmers Market Survey is right around the corner and we're discussing it in detail on this weeks episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast. Featuring local leader, data enthusiast, and food systems advocate, Amanda Edmonds, we're digging into everything about one of our industry's most important and influential surveys. What we're covering: What the survey is and why it matters Who it helps and the impact it has Important dates and deadlines Necessary info needed to submit Learn more and meet Amanda Edmonds at the InTents Conference in just one month: March 1st-4th, 2026. This episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast is supported by Square.
Transcribe →Ep 362: Grow Where You're Planted | Meet, Play, Learn
Jan 2600:36:58Tap to summarizeFarmers markets are based on human relationships and market manager communities are no exception In this weeks episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast, we're highlighting opportunities to strengthen your relationships with other farmers market professionals in your region and across the country. From national conferences to local meet ups, we're covering a range of ways you can engage in-person with the very people whose job is just as weird as yours. What we're covering: The importance of networking with your peers Local conferences coming up Ways we'll be helping to build connections at inTents 2026 This episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast is supported by Loco Canopies.
Transcribe →Ep 361: Grow Where You're Planted | Apply & Demand
Jan 1900:37:45Tap to summarizeIt's time to apply our knowledge towards market applications It's application season at farmers markets across the country! Each year offers a new batch of farmers and entrepreneurs anxious with excitement for the opportunities markets have to offer. But before that 10x10 is popped and in-place, they have to get past one thing: the almighty market application. A critical tool for establishing which markets are right for your business and which businesses are right for your market, applications, when done with intention, help pave a path to long-term market success. Tune in to this episode of Tent Talk: The Farmers Market Podcast as we discuss all things application related. What we cover: How to ensure your application process is an extension of your market's mission Why you should be reviewing your applications with intention How to engage in effective application marketing Ways to evaluate whether a market is a good fit for your market business Listen NOW at the in bio or wherever you stream your podcast. Want to dig deeper into this topic? Join us in March at the 10th annual inTents Conference in San Diego, CA. Tickets available for purchase at intentsconference.com
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