Life Sciences Commons^™

The Success Of Plain People’S Produce Auctions And Partnership With Missouri Extension, James Quinn, John Kruse, Londa Nwadike, James C. Piñero, David Trinklein

Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies

The number of produce auctions led by plain Anabaptist producers has surged since the mid-1990s. Typically grower-owned, these businesses are centralized facilities providing a wholesale market to area growers for a diverse group of buyers. For growers seeking an adequate living from growing produce, these facilities help reduce marketing time and product transportation, and provide frequent sales events that guarantee payment. As such, they have developed into a solid and long-standing market for local produce. However, plain growers have experienced challenges trying new crops or scaling up production. This article details how Missouri Extension assisted plain farmers with their challenges …