Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast

Whether you’re a farmers market manager, a farmer or food maker selling at farmers markets, a policy maker or market supplier, Tent Talk is the podcast for you!

How to listen to Tent Talk

Stream our most recent episodes below or find Tent Talk wherever you regularly get your podcasts. With a new episode every Monday, Tent Talk brings you new farmers market knowledge on a weekly basis. There is so much that goes into farmers markets, and so many interesting people involved, we will never run out of material!

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Search by keyword, topic or guest to find the episode you’re looking for!

Leandra Hays 11/13/23 Leandra Hays 11/13/23

Episode 267: Sounding Off On Surveys

Many of us are winding up our seasons, so why not take some time to listen, gather some data, and look at our markets from a different perspective? Opening a channel for honest feedback can help you improve, understand, and grow your market. No matter what you’re asking, surveys are one more way to communicate with your farmers, vendors, and shoppers.

Leandra Hays 11/6/23 Leandra Hays 11/6/23

Episode 266: Best of: Kathy Zeman on Effectively Advocating for Small Farmers

Ever wonder why farmers markets and small farmers don't have a bigger say in public policy? Us too! This week on Tent Talk, we brought in an expert to help shed light on the big issues that small farmers are facing. We learned a lot and it confirmed that the old addage is true: the squeaky wheen gets the cheese!

Leandra Hays 11/1/23 Leandra Hays 11/1/23

Episode 265: Best Of: The Best Time for Sponsor Outreach

In this episode we discuss the importance of budgeting for your market and why you should be connecting with potential sponsors now, rather than waiting for "charitable giving" season. We also give you some helpful tips on the most effective ways to reach out to sponsors.

Leandra Hays 10/23/23 Leandra Hays 10/23/23

Episode 264: Inspect for Success

Unpopular opinion: inspections can actually be great! Of course, as market managers, farmers, and self-employed business owners, we definitely like to make our own rules, but it’s important to remember that inspections provide value in maintaining a market’s integrity and keeping things safe.

Leandra Hays 10/16/23 Leandra Hays 10/16/23

Episode 263: Sina Pleggenkuhle: Trading Places

Say it together, folks: OUR JOB IS WEIRD! Minnesota Farmers Market Association Director of Engagement and Inclusion Sina Pleggenkuhle chats with us about how widely varied experience qualifies us for all kinds of positions in the farmers market world and adjacent.

Leandra Hays 9/25/23 Leandra Hays 9/25/23

Episode 260: 5 Years of Tent Talk!

This week we celebrate 5 WHOLE YEARS OF TENT TALK! 🎉🎉🎉 It has been an absolute delight creating this podcast week after week, and it wouldn’t be possible without you, our listeners!

Leandra Hays 9/18/23 Leandra Hays 9/18/23

Episode 259: Cara Mae Wooledge: Fundraising The Bar

Cara Mae Wooledge invites us into the world of fundraising for Farmers Markets! It can feel uncomfortable asking your community to contribute financially to your market beyond simply shopping there. However, it helps to remember that it’s not just a money ask, it’s an invitation to be part of what we do, and an opportunity grow community connection around local food.

Leandra Hays 9/11/23 Leandra Hays 9/11/23

Episode 258: 108 Degree Burnout

We know being a grower, vendor, or market manager is not a job for the faint of heart. The danger of burnout is REAL, Y’ALL! Don’t forget to make time for yourself and take a deep breath once in a while.