The Johnson’s Backyard Garden stand at the Texas Farmers’ Market on Sunday at Mueller (Photo by David Brendan Hall)
After the devastating winter storm system that sustained freezing temperatures and knocked out power and water across Central Texas, regional farmers and ranchers experienced extraordinarily harsh conditions, which in turn affects our entire local food system.
Nora Chovanec, deputy director of the Texas Farmers Market, explained, Being a farmer in general is really difficult, but in Central Texas we have two growing seasons, and our markets stay open year-round (unlike in the Northeast, for example). So our farmers don t necessarily take a lot of breaks. They are used to dealing with inclement weather – we have freeze cycles and drought cycles; it really runs the gamut – but this was an incredibly unprecedented event. Usually when there s a flood or a freeze, out of our ag producers, we ll see a couple of them who are affected by whichever
Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend
Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this weekend
Photo by Maya Coplin Reflect on the words and legacy of Texas trailblazer Barbara Jordan during a virtual conversation this Friday.
Photo courtesy of Barbara Jordan Freedom Foundation
Now, more than ever, we need our neighbors. As Austin starts to pick up the pieces after an unprecedented winter storm, consider participating in these community focused events to help those in need and spread a little kindness. Check out the top five things to do in Austin this weekend.
Austin 360
Central Texas farmers have been devastated by this week s freeze and power outages, and local organizations are already finding new ways to get financial relief to farmers who need it.
One way that people can help farmers whose winter crops have been decimated in the past week is to shop at local farmers markets, which will be open this weekend. Many are waiving booth fees for farmers, who will be bringing produce they harvested before the freeze and any other shelf-stable products they sell, such as pickles. Some vendors will not have anything to sell at the market for weeks as they start over and re-plant, says Nora Chovanec, deputy director of Texas Farmers Markets. Others will have limited inventory.