Drought Affects Ellisville Farmers Market Vendors

Every week, “rain or shine,” vendors at the bring their foods and crafts to be sold at Bluebird park in Ellisville.

Lately, however, the sun has shined too much.

René Waterhouse-Sackett, director and founder of the Ellisville Farmers Market, says a few of her vendors have not come to the market because of the recent severe drought hitting the Midwest.

“They (farmers) said the growing has stopped,” Waterhouse-Sackett said. “I believe two vendors could not come because they didn’t have enough produce.”

On July 17, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced that all 114 counties in the state were “natural disaster areas” due to the drought. At the same press conference, Nixon said the state will offer low interest loans to assist the farmers.

"My administration will continue to work with Missouri farmers as they endure a drought that is severely affecting our crops and livestock," Gov. Nixon said in a press release. "Today, Secretary Vilsack issued that designation so farmers in all 114 counties affected by drought will have access to low-interest loans and other assistance to help them recover. As a state, we will continue to stand with Missouri farmers at every step of this disaster and throughout the recovery process. Together, we will ensure that a strong agriculture industry remains the backbone of Missouri's economy."

Waterhouse-Sackett said she hopes Ellisville residents will too help the farmers in need. All they have to do, she said, is come to the farmers market, buy local, and have fun.

“We run this market at a loss, and many of the farmers make only cents on their sales,” Waterhouse-Sackett said. “I hope people will start supporting our local food growers. They really could use some support.”

The next farmers market is tomorrow, July 19, from 4-7:30 p.m.

Tell us in our comments section: Do you shop at your local farmers market? Why/why not?