Spring and summer bring many pleasures, including an ever-growing abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Add some flowers, baked goods and locally-raised meat, and you\u2019ve got the perfect farmers market.<\/p>\n
While several of the state\u2019s largest markets operate year-round, many others open when the weather turns warmer and early crops \u2013 lettuce, spinach, asparagus, peas, strawberries and more \u2013 are ready for harvest.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Missouri Grown<\/a> program offers a\u00a0directory<\/a>\u00a0of farmers markets across the state. For information about individual markets, call or visit the market\u2019s website or social media site.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to enjoy fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables is to pair them with locally raised meat. Many farmers markets include meat producers offering beef, pork and poultry.<\/p>\n Another option is to purchase fresh produce and meat directly from farmers. The Missouri Farm Bureau offers a county-by-county\u00a0directory<\/a>\u00a0of meat producers and processers that sell to individuals.\u00a0Known and Grown STL<\/a>\u00a0provides information about farmers in the St. Louis area who sell their products directly to the public.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a sampling of farmers markets located throughout the Show-Me State:<\/strong><\/p>\n Columbia Farmers Market<\/a>, Columbia \u2013 The Columbia Farmers Market is a mainstay for locals to buy fresh foods \u2013 all of which is produced within 50 miles of Columbia. The market is open every Saturday and also hosts musical performances, educational sessions and special events throughout the year.<\/p>\n Historic River Market<\/a>, Kansas City \u2013 Get a taste of global flavors at Historic River Market, the largest farmers market in the area with history dating back to 1857. Open daily, the market showcases regional growers, small businesses and a variety of restaurants.<\/p>\n Farmers Market of the Ozarks<\/a>, Springfield and Branson \u2013 Browse the bountiful offerings of the Ozarks and enjoy musical performances in Springfield and Branson at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks. Farm-fresh foods and hand-crafted products are on offer year-round.<\/p>\n Soulard Farmers Market<\/a>, St. Louis \u2013 Located in an Italian Renaissance-style \u201cGrand Hall,\u201d the Soulard Farmers Market features a whopping 147 vendor stalls. Shop for fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, baked goods, flowers and more every Wednesday through Saturday.<\/p>\n Chillicothe Farmers Market<\/a>, Chillicothe<\/p>\n Fulton Farmer\u2019s Market<\/a>, Fulton<\/p>\n Central Park Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, Hannibal<\/p>\n Brookside Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, Kansas City<\/p>\n Empire Market<\/a>, Joplin<\/p>\n Downtown Lee\u2019s Summit Farmers Market<\/a>, Lee\u2019s Summit<\/p>\n Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers Market<\/a>, Liberty<\/p>\n Downtown Sikeston Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, Sikeston<\/p>\n Greater Springfield Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, Springfield<\/p>\n St. Joseph Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, St. Joseph<\/p>\n Tower Grove Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, St. Louis (three locations)<\/p>\n Washington Farmers\u2019 Market<\/a>, Washington<\/p>\n Missouri farmers, livestock producers and meat processers selling directly to consumers include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Knowlan\u2019s Family Farm<\/a>, Burfordville<\/p>\n Covered-L Farm<\/a>, Centralia<\/p>\n Pasture to Plate Co.<\/a>, Chillicothe<\/p>\n Stuart Farm<\/a>, Gerald<\/p>\n 2M Beef,<\/a>\u00a0Hallsville,<\/p>\n Swiss Meat and Sausage Co.<\/a>, Hermann<\/p>\n Where the Redfearn Grows Natural Farms<\/a>, Kansas City<\/p>\n Barham Family Farm<\/a>, Kearney<\/p>\n Stonie\u2019s Sausage Shop<\/a>, Perryville<\/p>\n Of the Earth Farm + Distillery,<\/a>\u00a0Richmond<\/p>\n Fed from the Farm<\/a>, Sedalia<\/p>\n Bee Simple City Farm<\/a>, St. Louis<\/p>\n Coyote Creek Ranch,<\/a>\u00a0Stover<\/p>\n