FARMERS MARKETS l As Billy Joel sang, I don't know why I go to extremes. But on Saturday, May 2, I visited 3 outdoor markets (and received a home produce delivery)

NATURAL AWAKENINGS l Our article in Natural Awakenings Chicago includes thoughts about variable spring weather & how it affects when favorite crops hit our markets.

FARMERS MARKETS l This week was the first of Chicago's region season to have non-weekend outdoor markets. Read about Lincoln Square and get the Market Tracker...

FARMS AND FARMERS l Jake's Country Meats, which pastures livestock in southwest Michigan, is building a store aimed at expanding food access & building community

FARMS & FARMERS l A high sign that the Chicago region growing season is on: Home deliveries from Illinois' Three Sisters Gardene graduated from paper bags to boxes.

FARMERS MARKETS l Shoutout to the 8 outdoor markets that dared to challenge Chicago's April weather. Now brace yourself for a big May surge, which starts next weekend

FARM DISASTER AID l A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Tulip Tree Gardens, south of Chicago, recover from major structural damage caused by a tornado...

FARMERS MARKETS l Local Food Forum guessed right that a wave of unseasonably warm weather could bring asparagus to Chicago region farmers markets extra early...

FARMERS MARKETS l Ravinia Market Manager Ed Kugler returns with the Farmers Market Reporter feature and a peek at Chicago's Logan Square market's new location...

FARMERS MARKETS l This is weekend 2 for Chicago's Green City Market, joined by outdoor openings in suburban Grayslake, Wheaton and Geneva. Get the Market Tracker...