And just like that another year of farmers markets is coming to a close. We’re ringing in this new year quietly. 2024 has been full of meaningful connections, community-building and so many conferences. In the coming weeks we’ll be sharing our inTENTions for 2025, tips and how-tos, and new ways to connect. We're cooking up some exciting new things, so stay tuned. Don't forget to register for InTents, the National Farmers Market Conference; we can't wait to see you there.  Thanks for listening all year long, and we're wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Whether you’re observing  a holiday this week or not, remember that you are a gift to your communities every week of the year. We hope you find time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Wishing happy holidays to all who celebrate and peace to one and all.

• Be specific about why you need support
• Explore the best ways to reach your fans
• Give your followers the opportunity to give
• Report back on results and say thank you

• Being timely during the application process
• Ways to build trust with shoppers
• Communicating the "why" helps 
• Remembering kindness counts

Listen in For James' views and tips on:

• Intentionally developing and incubating urban farmers 
• Increasing community capacity from the inside 
• Balancing market growth and operator capacity 
• Weighing community needs and financial security

• Exploring local regulations for under age vendors 
• Deciding whether friendship bracelets fit your farmers market 
• Providing sales tips and training to kids
• Making sure your consistent vendors benefit too

Whether you're a farmer, maker or market manager, if you have a team, providing them with feedback will make their work life and yours better. It doesn't have to be awkward or uncomfortable to discuss workplace performance. (OK, sometimes it can be.) If you've provided employees with expectations and the tools to meet them, this is just a checkup. We're talking today about how we make these chats productive for everyone involved, including: 

• Giving people a chance for self evaluation
• Hire in a hurry? It's never too late to share job descriptions. 
• We're all motivated by know the why behind processes 
• Bosses can benefit from feedback too: listen!

• The pros and cons of serving dinner on a farm
• What to consider when budgeting for your event
• Why fundraising is just one of the goals
• How to use special events to incubate new vendors

• Pros and cons of flat fees and percentage of sales rates
• Calculating processing fees vs labor costs
• Reimbursing for nutrition incentives 
• Understanding penalties for missing markets or late payments 
• Building trust with clear communication