Hill Country Flavors Found at Farmers Markets

BY DAN OKO

THE AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE of the Hill Country is alive and well at the farmers markets in Bandera and Boerne these days. The Bandera farmers market claims to be the county’s oldest farmers market, and after 10 years is still going strong with vendors specializing in fresh produce, baked goods, jams and boutique offerings like beeswax soap. The Farmers Market at the Cibolo in Boerne is almost as long-standing and is headquartered at historic Herff Farm, part of the Cibolo Center for Conservation.

The Farmers Market at the Cibolo follows a cooperative model. The market collects a small vendor fee in exchange for table space to setup at Herff Farm. The market also spotlights participating famers to help drive visitors and neighbors to the market. “The market was founded to support local farmers,” says Maura Bobbitt, farm programs coordinator at the Cibolo Center. “We wanted to give farmers the ability to sell directly to consumers.”

The busiest season for the Farmers Market at the Cibolo runs from the first weekend of March to the second weekend in December, taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Bobbitt says the market was forced to adopt a curbside pickup model in 2020, but ideally, shoppers will be able to return and see the facility in-person this spring beginning March 6. “We encourage people to spend the day at the farm,” says Bobbitt. “Herff farm was started by German immigrants in the 1850s, and the market is one way we invite the community to experience the space.”

The market offers more than just fresh vegetables. Outside ranchers, farmers and other vendors sell at Herff Farm. Thanks to the recently expanded Texas Cottage Food Law,

homemade foods (as opposed to items cooked in a commercial kitchen or restaurant), including items such as desserts and other sweets, coffee, jam, marmalade, and even ice cream can now be ordered online or purchased on-site after the market welcomes back the public. There are also craft vendors, selling pottery, woodwork and jewelry crafted out of minerals and stones found in the region. Bobbitt adds that shoppers can find organic grass-fed beef from Cook Land and Cattle Company as well as local bison from the Apache Spirit Bison Company.

The Bandera Farmers Market operates its booths on Main Street in Bandera on Thursdays from 8 to 11 a.m. and draws many tourists in addition to locals. Heike Westover, a spokesperson for the market as well as a home baker who specializes in German sourdough, describes the Bandera market as smaller but still a lively operation. She and her husband, James, who operate Crazy Lady Farms in addition to Heike’s Beyond Bread Bakery, make cookies and canned items and sell eggs as well. “In good times we have eight to 10 vendors,” she says.“Fresh produce is the big draw.” The Westovers participate in both markets in Boerne and Bandera.

Another vendor, Michelle Stuebing, sells at both markets and represents the next generation of Texas Hill Country farmers. Stuebing sells organic produce and has a group of 40 subscribers who receive weekly produce boxes.

“I really enjoy working at the farmers markets,” says Stuebing. “That’s where I get to talk with people, and they get to see how healthy our produce really is.”

These local farmers markets not only provide fresh nutritious food, they also provide an opportunity for members to connect, stimulate the local economy, promote sustainability and preserve rural America, much like cooperatives.