Specialty Crop Tour for Young Growers - Brown's and Strite's Markets

December 6 was a cold, damp morning, but spirits certainly lifted for the 15 Young Grower Alliance members as we gathered under the porch of Brown's Farm Market in Loganville, Pa. We were greeted by the cheerful proprietor and his orchard production expert, Stan Brown and Matt Etter respectively, whose building is the quintessential on-site farm market. The market is overflowing with fresh fruit in the entrance room, arranged in eye-catching displays, and both well lit and staffed. Every time I turned there was a friendly face ready to answer a question or assist in finding an item. Stan and Matt walked us through all of the many rooms behind the market floor. The Browns put a lot of effort into finding and/or creating niche items that are hard to replicate elsewhere. In fact, their pies and gift baskets are legendary in the surrounding area!