About Us

The Community Farmers’ Market of Owen County began in 2008 and was renamed the Owen County Farmers’ Market in 2012. The Owen County Farmers’ Market (OCFM) is committed to supporting locally grown and produced foods and bringing our community the best and freshest of the season.  The OCFM is a producer-only market, so you can shake the hand of the farmers who grow your food and meet the artisan who made it by hand. Our mission is to provide local producers and their neighbors with a gathering place that fosters the connection between our food, culture, land, and environment.

A nine-person Board Member Committee governs the Market, and a Market Manager oversees the Market Season.   Board members’ terms are three years, with the election of new members in December to fill vacancies.

The Market offers entertainment during market days when available. Also, volunteers host workshops on various topics during market hours when available.

Vendor items include produce, meat, baked goods, eggs, jams, garden plants, flowers, dog treats, and artisan crafts. The Owen County Farmers Market has something for everyone, so we hope you will come by for a visit!

Our 2024 Board Members

  • Chris Pashley – President
  • Paul Starks – Vice President
  • Shaneal Leach – Treasurer
  • Rachel Bailey – Secretary
  • Shirley Kinney
  • Jennifer Starr
  • Angela Paris
  • Brenda Miller
  • Lori Fender

Meet Our Market Manager

After immersing herself in Seattle’s culture, food, environment, education, and community for 15 years, Lori returned to Owen County in 2022. During the week, Lori is a Financial Administration Coordinator for the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University.  In her free time, Lori volunteers at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, is an active Owen County Garden Club member, dances at the Spencer Pride CommUnity Center, enjoys live music, and is in the process of building a home with her husband, Dail, and her two cats, Butters, and Ghee. As the new Owen County Farmers’ Market Manager, Lori is very excited to work with the Owen County Farmers’ Market board to bring excitement and grow the sense of community.

 

Supporting the Market

Volunteer for Friends of the Market

The Market is forming an advisory or Friend of the Market group for those who want to help with the Market or plan activities. If you’re interested, please send us a message.

Donating to the Market

If you appreciate the local fresh produce, the specialty vendors, special events, and the music each week at the farmers market, consider showing your support by donating. Your tax-deductible donations help us with operational expenses and promote our farmers’ markets and sustainable food system through our educational programs, website, and events. You can donate by talking to us at the market or mailing a check to the market office at Owen County Farmers’ Market, PO Box 650, Spencer, IN 47460, or by donating online through our support page!

Host a Workshop or Demonstration

We seek volunteers to host educational workshops or demonstrations during the market season. These workshops could be on gardening, crafts, cooking, raising livestock, nutrition, or any educational topic related to the market goals of fostering the connection between our food, culture, land, and environment.

If you would like to host a workshop, please get in touch with us at the market or fill out our online application.

Provide Musical Entertainment

We are looking for musical entertainment to play on Saturdays during the Market.

If you want to support the Market with your musical talents, please complete our Musical Entertainment Application.