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Farmer's Markets Provide Growing Economic Benefit

Dan Brecht

Wyoming farmer’s markets aren’t just good for community spirit--they’re also making the state money. That’s according to a new survey by the Wyoming Business Council. 

Agribusiness Manager Cindy Garretson-Weibel says the number of farmers markets has been increasing for several years with 49 now in Wyoming. Weibel says some of them are held twice a week, adding up to significant income.

“We did an analysis and surveyed our local farmers markets and basically we found that there’s an over two million impact for the local economy from the sales at those markets. So just a phenomenal impact to the whole state.”

Weibel says she thinks the growing number of winter markets—supplied by farmers extending their growing season with greenhouses—has helped. She also sees a window for more growth in local meats and poultry. Weibel says the markets are also creating long-term jobs for Wyoming residents, paying as much as $650,000 in labor income just this year. 

Melodie Edwards is the host and producer of WPM's award-winning podcast The Modern West. Her Ghost Town(ing) series looks at rural despair and resilience through the lens of her hometown of Walden, Colorado. She has been a radio reporter at WPM since 2013, covering topics from wildlife to Native American issues to agriculture.
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