Two Rhodes Farm

07/11/2024

25/07/2024

Well said.

The Crisis of Small Markets in Local Agriculture

At the current trajectory, small markets may not exist in the near future.

What do I mean? The viability of small markets, particularly those centered around locally grown food, is under serious threat.

This concern goes beyond Me & McGee Market; it's about the entire small market sector. Several factors contribute to this challenging situation: stringent government regulations in agriculture, the logistical difficulties of entrepreneurship in local agriculture, and the extremely slim operating margins.

I've been involved in this sector long enough to witness many markets start and then fail. I've seen our local farmers aging, with younger generations showing little interest in agriculture. Those who do often find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges.

Our success has been largely due to the love and support of our community and our dedication to the work while not making money. But make no mistake—this is incredibly difficult and draining. The community is the offset that makes it worth it.

If we collectively understood how consolidated the food system is, we would be alarmed. What does all this mean? It means a very focused and controlled system dictates our food supply. This affects all aspects of agriculture, including meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and dairy.

There is very little genetic diversity, leaving us vulnerable to catastrophic losses in the event of disease outbreaks. The only way to mitigate this risk is to buy locally. Purchasing directly from farmers is wonderful, but many farmers are not interested in the retail side of the local food system because it is challenging. Marketing, operations, labor, sourcing, distribution—these are all daunting tasks.

This is why small markets are essential; they serve as the retail arm of agriculture. What's the solution? Again, buy and source locally.

Innately, we know this; we can feel it. This approach encourages more farmers and fosters entrepreneurship within the agricultural food system.

The consequences of not supporting local and decentralized food systems will be continued declines in health and community well-being. If you're unaware of what's happening in the agricultural areas of Arkansas, it's worth exploring. We find ourselves in a precarious situation, and the COVID-19 food supply issues should have been a wake-up call. However, my warnings have often fallen on deaf ears. Even within government and lobbying groups. Wonder why?

We seem more concerned with ensuring the success of multi-billion dollar corporations in a consolidated market, as they employ many and have significant lobbying power, rather than caring for the community as a whole.

The only way forward is to develop localized, regenerative agriculture that supports the health and wealth of individuals and communities, not just as a means for corporations to profit from citizens. This is a call to action for individuals. Every dollar you spend on food either supports the corporate machine or strengthens the local economy.

Local food systems are at risk of disappearing, whether we notice it or not.

15/07/2024

What a great weekend! Thanks to for such a great event Friday night, and another great Saturday morning for the Keo Main Street Market. So much work this week and weekend we finished up with a little fishing trip Sunday evening!

13/07/2024

We're set up in Keo this morning. Sold out of pickles, salsa, and squash and zucchini. We still have a few peppers some BBQ sauce and squash relish and flowers.

12/07/2024

On the way to market! See you

29/06/2024

It's our first Saturday setting up here at Baucum Nut House. We have tomatoes, squash, squash relish, salsa, and a few bouquets of flowers.

24/06/2024

The first batch of salsa for 2024 will begin soon. We will have some available for pickup later this week!

08/06/2024

We made it on time! Come see us in Keo! We have a limited supply of green beans, squash, and are running out of pickles, squash relish, and BBQ sauce fast!

06/06/2024

Freaking vine borer! This is really not good, seems several of our squash were injured. Hopefully most of them recover.

04/06/2024

After the rain yesterday evening we went to pick what vegetables we have so far and we also got to enjoy one of the best sunsets. It was absolutely incredible.

02/06/2024

I once said I had no interest in growing broccoli, I was wrong, it is very fun. I was convinced to not only grow a little broccoli, but we also tried celery for the first time this year as well. The broccoli is very hands on, twice daily we are checking EVERY leaf for pests. If you have any tips please share.

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01/06/2024

We are so close to being able to make our first batch of Two Rhodes Farm pickles, fingers crossed we will have a limited supply for the Keo Main Street market in keo Arkansas June 8th. We will also have some of our Two Rhodes Farm BBQ sauce, flowers, and eggs! See y'all in Keo next weekend!

24/05/2024

Bermuda grass is the worst in the garden, never ending deep roots and runners. When we remove this from the garden we make sure to put it in the yard where we actually want grass. This way we are sure it will never grow again.

23/05/2024

Super excited about the new growing space we put in last fall we now call "mater haven" We have a little under 200 mostly indeterminate tomato varieties in this new space. Its going to be a great year!

22/04/2024

Whew! That was close! First time mowing this spring.

20/04/2024

Does anyone know were to buy straw locally? Square bale preferred, not hay but straw please.

13/04/2024

Come out and see us today in Keo Arkansas! We brought eggs, asparagus, tomato plants and bracelets!