Fresh, local produce is still available through the winter at the Lincoln University Farmers Market in Jefferson City.
Joanne O'Kelley comes into the bi-weekly market at the university's Lorenzo Greene Hall, 900 Leslie Blvd., for brown eggs.
"I love fresh eggs," she said. "I was surprised to learn they were open year-round."
Amber Johnson comes out once a month to pick up a cut of grass-fed beef.
"I think it's higher quality than what you get at the grocery store, but it's small enough to fit in the freezer and without one big fee," she said.
The most surprising offering at the winter market may be fresh vegetables from Pam Schmutzler's high tunnel.
Broad, green leaves of kale and lettuce sat on her table between a cooler of eggs, loaves of fresh-baked breads and bags of pecans.
Lincoln's year-round farmers market program is unique also in that it allows vendors of non-perishable items too, such as the Meredith Family Farm's home-grown goat milk soap.
Without other festivals and farmers markets during the winter, the Lincoln market - Nov. 5 to March 19 - is the only place for these vendors to share their wares directly with consumers.
Diana Duncan enjoys maintaining personal contact with the public throughout the year. Duncan Family Farms had eggs and broiler chickens at Saturday's market, but throughout the year, they bring a variety of vegetables, berries and pork products.
One of the benefits of the winter market is a pre-order system. Meat suppliers like the Duncans and the Invernos Valley Farm cannot wheel in their freezers for walk-in selection.
However, consumers may go online to order what they want and then pick it up at the 9 a.m. market.
"I love to support local business and to know where my food comes from," Johnson said. "I want to keep these guys in business."
For Schmutzler, the Lincoln market is a place for her to share the excess she already prepares for her family. For Ferguson, this is a retirement enterprise.
Steve Smart and Melissa Lohr from Invernos Valley have been with the Lincoln market for seven years, continuing a 200-year family enterprise in a direct fashion.
And the Duncan family - full-time teachers Diana and Kevin and their sons Gentry, 12, and Hayden, 9 - find the experience educational for their children, as well as for the public.
"I think Lincoln is a real family-oriented market," Schmutzler said.
Consumers are encouraged to visit the Lincoln Farmers Market website Friday to see the list of participating vendors and their available items.
Then, orders may be emailed by the Wednesday before the Saturday market to market manager Maria Isabel Jacome, who also maintains an email list of more than 600 interested in potential products.
"Lincoln provides a good outlet for us to distribute small pieces in a practical way," Smart said. "Whether winter or summer, the Lincoln market is a big secret."
For more information, email [email protected] or visit lincolnufarmersmarket.com.