Bruce Mink, a new vendor from Rutledge, was at the May 9th Union County Farmers Market with his Herb Wagon. All his plants are grown organically and are watered with rain, not city water. In addition to vegetable plants like tomatoes, he offers a wide selection of herbs, including dill, oregano, basil, mullein, and Amaranthus. While Amaranthus is often used in traditional medicine, the National Institutes of Health states that it is also a good source of both nutrients and antioxidants. Mullein is also a traditional herbal remedy primarily used to support respiratory health, with potential benefits including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. And bunnies! Did I mention he had several baby bunnies just begging to be held! While for sale, Bruce was happy to take your picture with one of them.

Ropes and Wings Ranch in Washburn has been around since 2014. The Cowboy Anthony (Mr. Ropes) and the Angel Angela (Mrs. Wings) Mowery raise both longhorn and black angus cattle on 100% natural grasses. They sold out of most of their meat at the Farmer’s Market Opening Day the week before. Anthony, a paramedic, and Angela, a Critical Care RN, offer a variety of natural moisturizers and healthful face and body cream alternatives that contain no harmful chemicals.

Sophie Carr grew up baking with her mom. She loves the process and started baking for her family and friends. When people suggested that she market some of her goods, Sophie’s Sourdough was created. Not one to make plain sourdough, Sophie experimented with a variety of flavors. There were many sourdough choices to make: Pink Lemonade or Lemon Blueberry scones? Glazed Sourdough Donuts or Everything Bagels? Ably assisted by her sister, Olivia Carr, both ladies were enthusiastic to discuss the products. Olivia’s primary function, I was told, is that of Dishwasher. She is very supportive of her sister’s start-up business.

What does a stay-at-home mom do when raising and homeschooling three young kids (one a beautiful baby)? Why, bake desserts of course! Butter and Batch Home Bakery is a small-batch cookie company founded by Baylee Long Kocausta in 2024. Baylee says that she bakes “homemade gourmet cookies in small batches using simple, high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of love”. Cookies may include Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Butterscotch, Cinnamon Roll Cookie, and many others. She offers rotating flavors and limited-time batches and is happy to do custom orders.

I was raised on egg salad. I’ve made egg salad my whole (long) life, and my husband loves and makes egg salad. Until the demonstration by the UCHS Culinary Arts Chef Zach Hodges and student Seth Welch, I had never tasted egg salad with Creole mustard, lemon, white pepper, dill, and onion. It was fantastic! Regular egg salad will never taste the same. I snagged a copy of the recipe so I could replicate it.

Another interesting, fun, and delicious Farmers Market! Residents are encouraged to sign up for the market’s loyalty program to receive updates, weekly highlights, and rewards. Whether you stop by for your weekly groceries or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, the market offers something for everyone.

The Union County Farmers Market isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a place to belong. Don’t miss the next one on Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at the Heritage Farmers Market on Durham Drive!