Ben Lyons, 65, didn’t just change careers—he reinvented himself.
In 2010, amid an economic downturn, a twist of fate put him in charge of Lockewood Acres, a small organic farm just outside downtown Vacaville, CA. He and his wife, Denise, had moved north from Southern California for her job promotion, and despite having no farming background, Ben dove in headfirst—armed with curiosity, grit, and a “common-sense” approach.
What started with a 1948 farm manual and a fascination with earthworms has grown into a thriving ten-acre ecosystem. Rows of dark leafy greens stretch toward an orchard heavy with apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, and more. Heritage chickens roam the pasture, goats and sheep graze in the barns, and a buzzing apiary works alongside cover crops to keep the soil alive.
Ben’s journey into agriculture began at 50, but his work ethic and neighborly charm quickly earned him respect from customers and fellow farmers alike. Saturdays find him at the Vacaville Farmers Market, his stand brimming with seasonal vegetables, heritage eggs, raw honey, and other farm-fresh staples.
Through his CSA program, local households enjoy reliable boxes of produce year-round. Lockewood Acres is also a fixture at Soul Food Farm’s community market stand, where Ben’s harvest adds to the variety and strengthens a shared mission to preserve soil health, biodiversity, and the traditions of farming.
Soul Food Farm owner Alexis Koefoed, snaps a photo of Ben Lyons for a social media post.
Soul Food Farm owner Alexis Koefoed, describes him as “a devoted farmer… committed to learning and doing things the right way. It wasn’t an overnight success—he just keeps working toward getting better and improving. That’s inspiring.” She compares Ben to other regional fixtures like Morning Sun Herb Farm and Eatwell Farm, calling him “an anchor” in the local agricultural community. “People tell me, ‘We came because Ben was here.’” Ben’s strategy extends beyond the fields. He actively pursues agricultural grants to fund infrastructure and soil improvements without taking on heavy debt.
And he’s a master scavenger—finding bargains at garage sales, on Craigslist, or anywhere old tools and equipment can be repurposed.
His property doubles as an open-air museum of rescued gear and clever fixes, reflecting his blend of practicality, creativity, and frugality.
Stevie (a.k.a Stevie Nicks) stands back and keeps an eye on Lockewood Acres.
And then there’s Stevie—the wiry-haired mutt who greets every visitor as if they’ve been friends for years. Like the farm itself, Stevie embodies what Lockewood Acres is all about: warmth, welcome, and the kind of connection that keeps people coming back season after season.
At first glance, Hannah Hartley’s produce stand at the Downtown Vacaville Farmers Market catches your eye with its abundance of impeccably organized color— the hand-picked produce, citrus, flowers – edible, medicinal, and decorative bouquets. But talk to her for more than a moment, and you’ll sense there’s something deeper blooming behind her energetic personality: a quiet revolution in how we grow, live, and connect to the land.
Now 33, Hartley has been gardening since she could barely walk, sowing seeds and curiosity side-by-side with her mother and grandfather in their suburban Vacaville backyard. But over the past decade, she’s evolved from passionate home grower to full-fledged regenerative farmer, cultivating a one-acre slice of Be Love Farm—a lush agritourism destination nestled in the rolling farmland just north of Vacaville, California.
In the Bucktown region of Pleasants Valley the farm has historical ties to the Buck family, early pioneers in the – once massive – Vacaville fruit industry. Be Love rests on one of the roads that existed back in 1890, named after the Buck family’s land holdings.
Twenty years ago, Be Love Farm was founded with a vision: to regenerate the land, invite guests into an immersive farm experience, and model agricultural systems that restore rather than extract. For Hartley, it was the perfect match when the new owners offered a patch of precious soil. She signed on with dirt under her nails and dreams in her heart, carving out a microfarm of her own within the property’s boundaries. She named her venture Bless’d Blossom, a nod to the sacred act of cultivating life and the beauty she finds in every sprout, petal, and imperfect vegetable.
“I really value hyper-local-nutrient-dense-produce. If people bought from their local farmers; we could truly revolutionize the food system.”
Hartley’s growing methods mirror the regenerative principles that Be Love was built on: cover cropping, no-till beds, compost-rich soil, and a reverence for biodiversity. Her produce—lush radishes, heritage tomatoes, carrots, and edible herbs—complements her seasonal flower assortments, which she builds with the intuitive touch of a florist and the hands of a farmer.
Her constant companion on the farm is Faline, a petite and fiercely loyal Chihuahua who trots at her shoeless heels through the produce rows and keeps a patrol from her favorite shady spots beneath the orchard trees. Whether she’s planting seedlings or greeting market customers, Faline is never far from Hannah’s side.
Each week, Hartley packs fresh-cut flowers and bins of organic produce and heads out to one of three local farmers markets: Downtown Vacaville, Winters, and Dixon. These markets aren’t just sales opportunities—they’re vital community touchpoints.
“It has been such a gift to really get to know the community and all the individuals.”
About selling in local farmers markets she says, “Just building that weekly relationship of seeing and hearing about them and what they’ve done with the produce – how they’ve eaten it! – and just really sharing in that nourishment of the community has really been a blessing.” For Hannah, that relationship grounds everything.
Farming just one acre may seem modest in scale, but in Hartley’s eyes, it’s more than enough to make a difference. Her acre is a proving ground for regenerative practices, a space for personal and ecological healing, and a living reminder that change can start small and still be profound.
As she walks through blooming rows of flowers and heirloom tomatoes, Faline at her heels and bees buzzing contentedly in the background, you can’t help but believe her. For Hannah Hartley, farming isn’t just work—it’s devotion. And in each stem she sells, a little piece of that devotion goes home with someone else.
More Info on Regenerative Farming:
Soil Health Cover cropping: Keeps soil covered to reduce erosion, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. No-till or low-till practices: Minimizes soil disturbance, preserving microbial life and carbon. Composting and organic amendments: Enhances nutrient cycling and organic matter. Diverse root systems: Promote deeper soil structure and microbial biodiversity.
Biodiversity Crop rotation & polycultures: Prevents pest cycles, improves soil health, and diversifies income. Integrated animal systems: Grazing animals contribute to nutrient cycling and land health. Wildlife habitat conservation: Encourages beneficial pollinators and natural pest predators.
Water Management Efficient irrigation (e.g., drip systems): Reduces water use and runoff. Contour farming and swales: Captures rainwater and prevents erosion. Organic matter retention: Healthy soil holds more water and requires less irrigation.
Integration of Livestock Managed rotational grazing: Mimics natural herd movements, fertilizes land, and prevents overgrazing. Multi-species grazing: Different animals graze differently, promoting balanced pasture management. Manure as fertilizer: Returns nutrients to the soil, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs. Carbon Sequestration Agroforestry & silvopasture: Trees and shrubs absorb CO₂, stabilize ecosystems, and provide shade and fodder. Building soil organic matter: Draws down atmospheric carbon and stores it in the soil long-term.
Community & Local Economy Farmer cooperation: Sharing knowledge, tools, and market access. Support for local food systems: Strengthens regional resilience and reduces carbon footprints. Fair labor practices: Ethical treatment and fair wages for workers and farmers.
Continuous Learning & Observation On-farm experimentation: Tailors practices to specific climate, land, and goals. Traditional & Indigenous knowledge: Respects time-tested approaches to land stewardship. Adaptive management: Responds to feedback from the land, weather, and ecosystem.
California’s agricultural landscape is undergoing significant changes as farmland values experience a sharp decline, raising concerns among family-owned farms and farmers market organizers. This downturn is attributed to factors such as rising production costs, higher interest rates, and persistent drought conditions.- Farm Progress.
Impact on Family-Owned Farms
The decrease in land values is eroding the equity of family-owned farms, making it more challenging for them to secure loans and invest in their operations. This financial strain could lead to a reduction in the number of small-scale farms, affecting the diversity and availability of products at local farmers markets.
Consequences for Farmers Markets
As family farms face financial difficulties, farmers markets may see a decline in vendor participation and product variety. Organizers might need to adapt by supporting existing vendors, attracting new ones, or diversifying the range of products offered to maintain consumer interest and market viability.
Looking Ahead
The current trend in farmland values underscores the need for strategic planning and support for the agricultural community. Stakeholders, including policymakers and market organizers, should collaborate to develop solutions that sustain family farms and ensure the continued success of farmers markets across California.
Recent developments in U.S. potato trade negotiations could significantly impact farmers markets, vendors, and consumers. The National Potato Council (NPC) is advocating for expanded market access, particularly in Japan, which could lead to increased demand for U.S. potatoes and potential changes in pricing and availability at local markets.
Potential Tariff Implications
Discussions around potential tariffs, especially with major trading partners like Mexico and Canada, are ongoing. While these tariffs aim to protect domestic industries, they could lead to retaliatory measures, affecting the supply chain and potentially increasing costs for vendors and consumers at farmers markets.
Impact on Farmers Markets
For farmers markets, these trade dynamics mean vendors may experience fluctuations in supply and pricing. An increase in export demand could lead to higher prices domestically, affecting the affordability of potatoes for consumers. Conversely, if tariffs lead to decreased exports, there could be an oversupply domestically, potentially lowering prices but also impacting farmers’ revenues.
Looking Ahead
As trade negotiations continue, farmers market stakeholders should stay informed about policy changes. Understanding these developments will be crucial for vendors in planning their supply and pricing strategies, and for consumers in anticipating potential changes in product availability and cost.
A proposed shift in U.S. tomato trade policy has sparked significant debate, with potential implications for farmers markets, vendors, and consumers.
Background on the Suspension Agreement
Since 1996, the U.S. and Mexico have maintained a series of suspension agreements to regulate the import of Mexican tomatoes, aiming to prevent market disruptions. The most recent, established in 2019, set reference prices for Mexican tomato imports to address concerns over dumping—selling products below market value.
Calls for Termination
In June 2023, the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE) petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce to terminate the 2019 agreement. The FTE argues that the agreement has failed to prevent unfair trade practices, leading to a decline in the domestic tomato industry. They cite a shift in market share, noting that U.S. growers supplied about 80% of the domestic market in 1994, compared to approximately 30% today, with Mexican imports filling the gap. The FTE contends that antidumping duties are necessary to protect American growers.
Opposition to Termination
Conversely, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) and companies like NatureSweet advocate for maintaining the agreement. They warn that ending it could lead to increased market volatility, higher prices, and supply chain disruptions. The FPAA emphasizes that the agreement provides stability through established reference prices, and its termination could result in retroactive duties and increased costs for importers.
Implications for Farmers Markets
For farmers markets, particularly those in regions like California, the outcome of this policy debate is crucial. Termination of the agreement could lead to higher tomato prices and reduced availability, affecting vendors who rely on consistent supply and pricing. Consumers may face increased costs, and the variety of tomatoes available could diminish, impacting the overall market experience.
Looking Ahead
As of mid-December 2023, the Department of Commerce had not announced a decision regarding the agreement’s future. Stakeholders across the supply chain are closely monitoring the situation, understanding that the resolution will have far-reaching effects on pricing, availability, and the dynamics of local markets.
Spring is here, and with it comes the bounty of farmers markets filled with fresh, seasonal produce. While many shoppers flock to markets for leafy greens, sweet berries, and crisp root vegetables, there’s one ingredient that deserves a spotlight—mushrooms.
Common morel fungus growing in the forest
Morels: The Jewel of Spring Mushrooms
One of the most coveted springtime mushrooms is the morel. These wild mushrooms begin to appear in early March and are sought after for their earthy, rich flavor and delicate honeycomb texture. Unlike other mushrooms that can become soft when cooked, morels hold their shape, making them an excellent choice for sautéing, roasting, or adding to risottos and pastas.
The short growing season of morels makes them a rare treat. If you see fresh morels at your local farmers market, grab them while you can! Their light woodland aroma and caramel-like depth add an incredible dimension to any dish.
Why Buy Mushrooms at a Farmers Market?
Farmers markets are one of the best places to buy mushrooms, whether wild-foraged or cultivated by small, sustainable farms. Here’s why:
Freshness – Market mushrooms are often harvested within days of being sold, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
Variety – In addition to morels, markets often carry other specialty mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane.
Sustainability – Many small-scale farmers grow mushrooms organically or forage them responsibly, preserving natural ecosystems.
Support Local Growers – Purchasing mushrooms from local farms helps sustain small businesses and encourages ethical growing practices.
Cooking with Fresh Market Mushrooms
Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy morels is by sautéing them in butter with a touch of salt and pepper. Serve them on toast, toss them with pasta, or stir them into risotto for a dish that highlights their unique umami flavor.
Before cooking, be sure to clean morels properly—use a dry paper towel or soft brush to remove any dirt from their honeycomb-like surface.
Experience the Best of Spring at the Farmers Market
Mushrooms may not always be the star of the market, but they should be. Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or someone looking to explore new flavors, fresh market mushrooms offer an unmatched depth of taste and texture.
Next time you visit your local farmers market, don’t overlook the mushroom stall—you may just discover your next springtime favorite!
According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 survey, 68% of U.S. consumers are purchasing a greater variety of fresh produce than 20 years ago. However, inflation is influencing spending habits, with 89% of shoppers believing they are paying more for fresh produce than last year.
Key Insights for Farmers Markets
Shoppers Are Adapting to Higher Costs: While 55% of consumers are maintaining or increasing their fresh produce intake, 31% report buying less, and 45% expect to cut back due to inflation. Some are switching to lower-cost items, while 11% are growing their own.
Organic and Packaged Produce See Declines: One-third of consumers are buying less organic produce, while berries (33%) and packaged items (31%) have also taken a hit.
Retailer Competition Is Growing: 46% of shoppers are actively comparing prices, and 12% are switching to lower-priced retailers.
Top-Selling Produce & Market Opportunities
Bananas remain the most-purchased fresh produce item, with 82% of consumers buying them in the past year—edging out apples (78%) and tomatoes (64%). Other widely purchased items include grapes (63%), carrots (61%), potatoes (60%), onions (60%), and strawberries (60%).
Farmers market vendors should highlight these high-demand staples while promoting affordable, locally grown options to attract cost-conscious shoppers. Additionally, offering competitive pricing on organic and packaged produce may help recover sales lost to inflation.
With price sensitivity increasing, farmers market sponsors and managers can enhance consumer engagement through pricing transparency, bundle deals, and promotions on in-season, high-demand items. Adapting to these shifting trends will help sustain and grow fresh produce sales despite inflationary pressures.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday slapped 25% across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico – our nation’s largest trading partner. Chinese goods entering the U.S. face an additional 10% tariff. That’s got Oregon food and agriculture leaders worried that retaliatory tariffs will hurt Oregon farmers.
