Harvesting community with the “Winters Farmers’ Market”

Pulling into the dirt gravel of Gallatin County Fairgrounds two Saturday mornings ago, it was apparent that the crowd wasn't there for a circus. With reusable bags in hand, Bozeman locals came prepared for the first “Winter Farmers’ Market” of the season.

The first market of this season took place on Saturday, Sept. 28. There, a small circle of vendors offered products such as local produce, cheeses, fresh coffee and hand crafted ceramics to shoppers.

The concept behind having fewer craft vendors compared to summer markets was an intentional decision made by the founders of the market, Matt and Jacy Rothschiller, back when they started the market fifteen years ago, explained Market Manager Carly Brieff.

“Their goal was to create a space for farmers in the winter because there are not many places they can sell unless they have their own shop,” Brieff said. In addition to founding the winter and summer markets, the Rothschillers own their own farm called Gallatin Valley Botanicals. They explained that they saw an opportunity to help their community and fellow farmers continue to thrive during this off season. Brieff explained how they call it the farmers’ market — apostrophe-s — because it’s for the farmers.

Manager of Greycliff Market and Creamery Kevin Woody offered insight into the vendor's perspective of the farmers’ market. “I’ve been making cheese with my wife, Abby, for probably two years now. We found businesswise, direct to [the] consumer is really the best way as far as money goes, yes, but it’s bigger than that. You really get to meet your customers and they get to know you,” he said.

Another benefit of the market is that vendors are able to meet other people and help each other out. For example, Woody has a storefront in Greycliff Mill — a local event space — and collaborates with other vendors to offer another space for them to sell their goods.

According to Woody, the support from the farmers’ market is also making a difference in individual farmers’ lives. “Last year, our storefront stayed open all winter, but it was the farmers’ market that saved us. With temperatures at -20 [degrees Fahrenheit], few visited our store in Greycliff, but many still went to local markets, helping us stay open through the whole season,” Woody said.

The influence of locals on vendors spans past keeping their lights on during the winter, it also positively impacts the products they create. “All the time I’m listening to what people say about my pottery, and I’m learning from them,” explained April Logerstedt of BradCat Pottery, one of the few craft vendors present on Saturday.

For example, Logerstedt recalled an interaction with a elderly woman requesting a handless mug for her cup of wine while she cooks dinner. This led Logerstedt to create said designs and now handleless mugs have become one of her best sellers. “Which goes to show that interaction with that one woman spurred my businesses into something I wouldn’t have considered,” Logerstedt said.

Undeniably, the “Winter Farmers’ Market” plays a bigger role within the community than what meets the eye. By stopping in and shopping intentionally, you're not supporting a corporation, but a real person, explained Logerstedt.

Stop by the Market next Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. To find out more, visit https://www.bozemanwinterfarmersmarket.com/.