The Rutherford County Farmer's Market is now officially open for its 40th season! The local venue for area agriculture is at the Lane Agri Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., every Tuesday and Friday from 7:00AM to noon. The season continues through October.

In addition to cash, the local Farmer's Market has a booth that allows you to use bank cards and EBT cards. Of course, the old stand-by, cash, is still accepted. And Extension Agent Janie Becker told WGNS that later in the season they will be able to use a grant from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). This basically will double the value of EBT credits that are used to purchase farm produce.

NewsRadio WGNS was there Friday morning (5/8/2015) to talk with the many vendors. Here are some of those conversations . . .

• George Martin tells about local honey.

• Angela Moore tells about the Parker Family Century Hereford Cattle Farm.

• Alex Noble tells about goat cheese and milk.

• J. R. Stroud tells about Jones Mill Farm.

• Amanda tells about goat milk soap from Dogwood Creek Farms.

• Learn about David Wall's Farm in Rockvale.

• Haskell Evans tells about his produce farm in Lebanon.

Upcoming 9:00AM Classes

May 12th

"Local Treasures: Middle TN Native Plants" is the topic on Tuesday, May 12. Use environmentally responsible and wildlife friendly native plants as valuable additions to your home landscape. This is presented by Richard Lee, Certified Master Gardener. This Rutherford County Farmer's Market class is free and begins at 9 a.m. in the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, located at 315 John R. Rice Blvd.

May 15th

On Friday, May 15, the topic is "Mushroom Gardening" This class starts at 9 a.m. as well and will be given by Certified Master Gardener Floyd Adams. Learn to grow your own bed of mushrooms ar home! This Rutherford County Farmer's Market class is free and begins at 9 a.m. in the Lane Agri-Park Community Center, located at 315 John R. Rice Blvd.

If you need additional info on these or other classes, please reach Janie J. Becker, Extension Agent 615-898-7710.

"Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment."