Generational Farmers
Many of the vendors featured at the State Street Farmer's Market are the latest in a long line of multi-generational farming families.Children, their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and succeeding generations each learn from a legacy of the land. Their lessons are written in the heartbreak of a failed crop, just as easily as from a juicy tomato warmed by the summer sun. While we, quite literally, enjoy the fruits of their labor, we should all be reminded that much of our agricultural heritage is under their stewardship, and take the opportunity to thank them for their contributions.
Generational Farmer's Interview
The State Street Farmer's Market staff will be interviewing one of the many farmers who sell their produce at the market. Each farmer will be asked a number of simple questions.The responses are theirs. Sometimes their sense of humor takes over and other times they are more direct and to the point.
Please sit back and enjoy their stories from the farms of the region.
Cynthia & Mike Landore
Mike and daughter
Cynthia and Mike Landore have been dedicating their lives to farming their eleven acres for 25 years. They say it takes love and lots of hard work which began for Mike when he was a member of the FFA in school.
The Landores say their favorite vegetables to grow are beans and tomatoes.
When Cindy and Mike are not reading, clogging or fishing they like to come to the State Street Farmer's Market to sell their produce. Cindy enjoys the market because the friendly customers come to you and all of the other vendors are very pleasant.
The Landore's have two children Catherine and Lee Ann who are seen at the market helping out almost every week.
Mike and Cynthia are participants in the Tennessee Farmer's Market WIC Voucher program.
Rick Anders
Rick Anders has been with the State Street Farmer's Market since its inception in 1999.Almost every Saturday morning you'll see Rick in his pickup truck pulling into the same space he has manned for the past seven years. Much before dawn, much before any traffic on State Street, sometimes much before the roosters on his farm have crowed he is there in his blue overalls setting out his product for the day.
How long have you and your family been farming?
All my life. I usually put in 10 to 12 hours per day every day.
What is the funniest experience you have had while farming?
Too many to really name, although a couple that really stand out is one where we set out a whole row of tobacco plants upside down because the tractor driver wasn't paying attention. He started paying attention after that.
Once we had some immigrants helping on the farm during tobacco season, one of the guys saw a rabbit and started chasing it with a tobacco knife saying he was going to eat it. He almost caught it!
What do you like about the Farmer's Market?
Meeting new people and keeping in touch with the people we've known for years. To be able to sell these people home grown produce and plants.
What are your favorite vegetables and or fruits to grow?
Tomatoes and beans.
How much land do you farm?
120 acres
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What free time?
Why do you choose to grow the particular crops that you do?
I enjoy the crops that I raise and they just happen to be the ones that bring in the most money.
What do you believe the future holds in store for the next generation of farmers?
I don't see a bright future for the farmer, just hard times.
Did you ever participate in 4-H or the FFA?
Yes, I did. Actually both and held the offices of President, Treasurer and others.
What would you say is the number one crop in Tennessee?
Moonshine
Do you enjoy having the entertainment/ music at the market?
Yes and so do the customers, especially country, bluegrass and gospel.
Rick has served on the State Street Farmer's Market Board of Directors and continues ti serve today. Rick's farm is located in Washington County, VA.
