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 The University of Kentucky center has compiled price reports for
farmers markets and produce auctions around Kentucky since 2005. In
2013, faculty and Extension personnel at the University of Tennessee
started reporting prices from farmers markets, with assistance from
the Kentucky center. “This year, Illinois became a partner with the
center to create our own statewide price report,” said Deborah
Cavanaugh-Grant, a U of I Extension educator.
Price reports are shared to help farmers learn about prices that are
charged at farmers markets or produce auctions for common products,
Cavanaugh-Grant explained. “Having access to this pricing
information allows farmers to better understand how to set prices
that support profitability of their farm while remaining fair to
consumers and competitive with other producers,” she said. “Price
and sales information is helpful to producers selling at farmers
markets, produce auctions, and terminal markets.”
 Farmers’ market prices are collected weekly and reports are
published on the website early the following week. Using these
reports, producers can monitor fluctuations in prices and determine
which crops are available at different locations or regions within
the state. “These reports are also very useful for new producers who
are starting to market their products through various channels,”
Cavanaugh-Grant said.
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During its first year, U of I Extension will collect data at
11 markets throughout Illinois, from Machesney Park to
Harrisburg, and from Quincy to Urbana. Each week, Extension
educators, program assistants, and/or Master Gardener volunteers
will collect information about the vegetable and fruit crops
being sold. An average price for each commodity is reported for
each of the markets based on information from each of the
vendors at each market. Price information from each of the
markets is then aggregated into a weekly report. There will also
be a one-time report for meat and egg sales.
To access farmers’ market price reports for all three states, go
to
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/price.html or contact
Cavanaugh-Grant,
cvnghgrn@illinois.edu or Bronwyn Aly,
baly@illinois.edu
[Text received; DEBORAH
CAVANAUGH-GRANT, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION]
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