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14 Opportunities to Support Oklahoma’s Small, Family-Owned Farms

oklahoma market sign

While some people question whether travel is prudent in this era of climate change and economic struggle, I still eagerly scroll rental and airline sites. It doesn’t matter how much I love my home life. Adventure is always calling my name! 


So instead of staying home, I make my travel matter. 

When I swipe my card I want to know that the money is going to good people. Of course, we can’t know everything about a company, brand, or business owner. But we can do our best to research, and, when all else fails, just choose the little guy.


One way to use your almighty dollars to do good is to prioritize supporting small, family-owned businesses wherever you stay. As a farmer in east Norman, I’m eager to highlight one type of business that’s near a dear to my heart – the small, family owned farm.




Shopping at Farmers Markets When Travelling


Farming and ranching is big in our state. In 2022, there were 70,380 total farms, but what’s fascinating is that over 4,500 of those are farms have less than 10 acres. Those are the farms you’re likely to see at a Farmers Market, selling direct-to-consumer.


When you stop at a Farmers Market booth, you often get to talk with the farmer themselves. You can ask questions about their products, practices, and processes. And when you make a purchase, your money goes directly to keeping a small family farm afloat.


I’m not going to get into the weeds too much here… but I think we all underestimate the importance of a strong local food network. When the big boys drop the ball – and they will – it’s us little folk that are going to have to run with it. And we’re going to need all the support we can get.



What do people sell at a Farmers Market?


Well-run markets include a variety of vendors. To be a certified Farmers Market in Oklahoma, food must make up 75% of sales. Not all markets have all food products, but here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of things I’ve regularly seen at my local market.


  • Sourdough breads, bagels, cookies, granola, etc…

  • Pasture-raised & farm-processed chicken

  • Grass-fed ground beef, steaks, and roast

  • Pork chops, sausage, bacon, etc…

  • Sweet potatoes, radishes, and other root vegetables

  • In-season produce like tomatoes, squash, lettuce, and so much more

  • Canned goods like pickles, salsa, sauces, and jams

  • Drinks, like kombucha or lemonade

  • Soup and baking mixes

  • Dehydrated snacks

  • Seasoning mixes

  • Desserts


Besides food items, you’ll find lots of handmade crafts, body care products, and jewelry. Farmers Markets are a great place to find little gifts to bring home!


shopping oklahoma local bread

Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets


If you’ve never been to a Farmers Market before, you’re in for a treat! But it’s nothing like a typical shopping trip, so here are a few tips to make the most of your visit.


  • Get there early for the best selection. Some high-demand items, like fresh eggs and sourdough bread, often sell out quickly.

  • Feel free to walk the entire market before purchasing. Just remember how quickly things can fly off the tables.

  • Bring cash, even if you plan on using cards. Vendors may have limited mobile payment options and some offer a small discount for cash purchases.

  • See if your rental keeps reusable bags to bring. Having a large tote or cooler bag can come in handy instead of having several small bags from vendors.

  • Expect dogs. Not all markets allow them, but many do. If you want to bring yours, just check the rules before you go!


Whether you stock your entire AirBnB fridge or plan one special meal around farm-fresh fare, you’ll be supporting the local economy and strengthening small family farms.


Farmers Market Etiquette Tidbits


Every market I’ve been to has differed in layout and vendor list. But they’ve all been welcoming, inclusive, and made up of genuinely wonderful people… shoppers and vendors alike! Still, new experiences can have you feeling unsure of others’ expectations. These etiquette tidbits can help you know the unspoken “rules” of the Farmers Market scene.


  1. Only bring well-behaved dogs, if allowed. Markets get busy, and indoor ones get loud even without lots of barking. There are a lot of smells to explore, so a strong “Leave it” command is essential.

  2. Don’t haggle over prices. I’m a huge bargain hunter, as my husband can attest. But markets aren’t garage sales. Vendors are running businesses, not trying to get rid of excess stuff. 

  3. Ask questions if you have them! Entrepreneurs are passionate people and we love it when people are interested in what we do. Just be careful; we may end up talking your ear off! 

  4. Be aware if there’s a line behind you. See if we have a card or website to follow up later if it’s getting busy. Some farms even open their doors for events and farm visits and would love to chat in a more relaxed environment. Just ask how to stay connected!

  5. Post about your visit on social media. Word-of-Mouth is the best marketing tool, hands-down. Giving a small business a shout-out online will make their day and maybe even boost their sales. 


It really is a wonderful place to hang out, mingle with the locals, and enjoy a morning, afternoon or evening. You can usually find a Market that fits your traveling schedule. Let’s look at some of your options in central Oklahoma.


14 Farmers Markets in Central Oklahoma


Norman Farm Market at The Well

  • Location: The Well, 210 James Garner Ave, Norman, OK​

  • When: Saturdays, 8 AM - 1 PM (April–October)​ & Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM (November–March) - Tuesdays, (April–July) 4 PM - 7 PM

  • More Info: https://thewellok.org/norman-farm-market/ 


Choctaw’s Friday Nights in the Park

Scissortail Farmers Market


Edmond Farmers Market


Newcastle Farmers Market

Blanchard Farmers Market

Slaughterville Farmers Market

East Side Fresh Farmers Market

  • Location: 3748 N. Lincoln Blvd, OKC 73105

  • When: May 7-Oct. 15 on Tuesdays, 4-7 p.m


King Fisher’s Farmers Market

  • Location: 505 N Main St, Kingfisher 73750

  • When: First and third Saturday, from May to October, 8 AM – 12 PM


Moore Farmers Market

  • Location: 700 S. Broadway Ave, Moore, 73160

  • When: May 3- Sept. 20, Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM


Noble Farmers Market

  • Location: 304 S Main St, Noble 73068

  • When: 8 AM – 1 PM every Saturday, May – October


OKC Farmers Market

  • Location: 311 S Klein Ave, OKC 73108

  • When: Year-round, Saturdays,  9 AM-2 p.m


Wheeler District Farmers Market

  • Location: Runway Blvd, OKC 73108

  • When: Fridays, May-Oct., 6-9 PM


Wild Horse Gardens Farmers Market

  • Location: 1201 N Mustang Rd, Mustang 73064

  • When: June through September, Wednesdays, 6-8 PM, Saturdays, 8 AM-noon




Where to Find Petrichor Farm Goods


If you end up visiting the Friday night market in Choctaw or Saturday morning in Norman, swing by and say hi! You can enjoy our pastured chickens, various canned and baked goods, and whatever produce the garden decides to give us. You can also visit our website and schedule an order to pick up at our farm.


We’ve been sharing the bounty of our little 10-acre farm for a year now, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. So many out-of-state visitors stop by and buy local goods to bring home and share with friends and family. Our sourdough granola has been from one end of the country to the other! 


It’s encouraging to see so many people taking their spending power seriously. Why not join them by visiting a Farmers Market the next time you travel?


screenshot of website

Bio - Petrichor Jess is a farmer, freelance writer, wife, mother, Nature-lover... Between her business, hobbies, family, and a deep need to be alone sometimes, she spends her time juggling about a million balls. Sometimes she drops them… and is learning that that’s okay.  You can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as on her own website. 



 
 
 

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