Oct 28, 2025
By Rick McNary
The Andover Market of Farms, sponsored and hosted by The Heritage at Andover, was a success for both vendors and consumers.
First-time vendor Anna Tucker of Diamond T Livestock near Gypsum said, “All staff was extremely helpful from sign up to tear down. They answered any and all questions I had as I was a new vendor. We also really appreciated how well the market was advertised, and I’m excited to participate in future events."
Sarah and Gage Werner of Werner Farms and Farm Store in Winfield are regular vendors at our Market of Farms.
"The Market of Farms never disappoints our business," Sarah says. "Not only did we sell a tremendous amount of product, but we also connected with potential new customers who now know where to find us. This was the best event yet. Incredible sales. We are very thankful!
Another vendor who has been to nearly all of our Market of Farms is Next to Nature Farm in Leavenworth. Owned by Chad and Megan Gilliland, they are always a hit.
“Shop Kansas Farms is an amazing platform,” Chad says. “It facilitates farms, makers and producers to connect directly with the consumer. This allows the farm owners to capture the highest profit margins possible by cutting out the middleman (big box stores). Having that direct connection with your customer allows for you to foster a relationship and build a bridge of communication with consumers.”
Philip and Amanda Schankie of Dirt Road Cattle were there again, too.
"Attending the Andover Market of Farms exposed my business to even more consumers," Amanda says. "I have tried to attend almost all of the Market of Farms events because it provides great exposure of my business to more consumers. Shop Kansas Farms has truly been a blessing for both consumers and ranchers."
Jeff and Melinda Jones won the longest distance award having brought a trailer load of Jones Cattle Premium Beef. They return year after year and don’t hesitate to travel because, as Jeff puts it, “people come to buy, not to browse” — the vendor quality makes it worth the trip. At a previous Market of Farms in Lawrence, they gained 100 new customers in one day.
Kat Speer, a realtor from Park City, is a longtime fan of Shop Kansas Farms, purposefully chose items from several vendors for a tray of goodies at her open houses.
“I really enjoyed being there; people were so enthusiastic,” Speer says. “I like to feature Shop Kansas Farms products at my open houses and people enjoy the lemon-blueberry bread from Schenker Family Farms, jalapeno sourdough from Sweet and Sourdough and Jones Cattle beef jerky is always a hit. It’s fun to share where it came from.”
The Market of Farms is unique because it brings vendors and consumers from all over the state of Kansas because Shop Kansas Farms is more than a Facebook group or a website; it’s a community of vendors and consumers who understand, and support, the importance of each other.
Mark your calendar for the Douglas County Market of Farms in Lawrence on Saturday, March 28. Location is to be determined.
Here is a list of the vendors from the Andover Market of Farms you can still shop!