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Townsend Farmer's Market Grows with More Vendors and Products
Author: mt43news staff reporter

Townsend Farmer's Market Grows with More Vendors and Products

MT43 News Staff Reporter

Townsend’s Farmer’s Market opened this month, beginning its 16th year with more vendors and different products for sale, according to Sheree Beauchamps, Manager.

The event asked to move into the space vacated by the Townsend Tree Board, next to Copy Cup on Front Street. New or back again are Mennonite and Amish groups selling fresh bread and pastries. Edgewater Farms has also added to the vendor lineup. “Our rule is the vendor must be local to Broadwater County. We charge only $5.00 weekly to encourage people to set up their wares,” she said.

Beauchamp, whose husband sells Texas barbeque sandwiches from their food truck, said revenue from the Farmer’s Market helps cover advertising, signage and porta-potty use. Advertising listing coverage for Townsend’s Farmer’s Market in 'Abundant Montana’ has really made a difference in out- of- town people coming to the venue.

'Abundant Montana’ is a free guide published by a Bozeman nonprofit whose members work to educate consumers and institutions on the importance of eating food grown in Montana. According to their website, they formed in 1995 to build awareness and a connected community to utilize food grown in their own neighborhoods. The website pointed out that in 1950, 70 percent of the food Montanans ate was grown in the state. By 2004, that number was less than 8 percent and by 2026, the number was down to 3 percent.

The’ Abundant Montana Food Guide’ is available at Reading Leaves bookstore or at the Farmer’s Market each week.

While fresh radishes and lettuce won’t be available for at least another three weeks, she predicted, veteran Farmer’s Market vendor Chris Hettinger was selling fresh loaves of bread, canned vegetables, horseradish and lamb.

Another vendor is Broadwater High School graduate Spencer Braaten. He is earnest and understated when he talks about his farm-to-table pork business, SB Berks. Having been in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, raising and showing his pigs, he knows the ins and outs of raising excellent animals to sell to the consumer. Along with his father, Hugh Braaten raises Berkshire hogs. He ships them to his uncles, who operate Farm to Market Pork Processing in Kalispell, then brings back chops, ham, bacon, and roasts to sell to his customers.

Braaten is no stranger to marketing either. He is listed in ‘Abundant Montana,’ and plans to build his own Facebook page and webpage when he finishes his college stint. He and his father also attend other markets and outdoor events. He plans to attend Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Oregon, where he will major in Agriculture-Business. He plans to join their livestock judging team there.

Beauchamp and the Farmer’s Market board tried to set up shop on Saturdays but gave up the idea. “The interest just was not there. Not only did we not have customers, but we couldn’t attract vendors either. Thursdays on Front Street works best for us,” she explained.

Since space at the location is limited, she asked that vendors arrive to set up by 1:30 p.m.

Townsend Farmers Market opens at 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. every Thursday at Wi-Fi Park next to the Copy Cup on Front Street. For more information, please call Beauchamps at (406) 465-4977.

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PhotoCredit: MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Spencer Braaten, entrepreneur at age 18, raising, processing and selling pork products. MT43 News Photographer
Image 2 Caption: Vendor Kathy Ruckey sets up her creative items at the market. MT43 News Photographer
Image 3 Caption: Long-time vendor Chris Hettinger in her 4th of July bonnet. MT43 News Photographer