• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About My Blogging World
  • My Dogs
    • Finally Found an Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy!
  • Favorite Recipes
    • My Famous Sweet Pickled Jalapeno Recipe
  • Military Pride
  • Photography
    • Project 365
  • Joy of Advent
  • Affiliate Disclosure

3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

  • Graphic Design
  • Military Gift Store
    • Military Gift Ideas
    • Marine Corps Gifts
      • Marine Mom Gifts
      • USMC Veterans
      • USMC Ornaments
      • Boot Camp Books
      • Custom Designed USMC Gifts
    • Army Gifts
      • Custom Army Gifts
  • Shopping at 3 Quarters
    • Unique Photography Gifts
    • Unique Dog Gifts
    • 3 Quarters Photography Shop

Small Town Living

Local Farmers Market Booth Ideas

March 23, 2021 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Successful Farmer Market Ideas

I am so looking forward to my farmers market booth this year. In 2017 our small town started a Farmers Market. Elmwood, Nebraska is a small town of fewer than 800 people but has a supportive community.

Learn about successful farmer market ideas that will help sell more vegetables and products.
400

The first year I was often the only booth set up. I sold muffins and jalapeno jelly. Sometimes four or five other people selling vegetables, baked goods, cookies also set up.

Red Truck | Farmers Market Signs
Red Truck | Farmers Market Signs
by ndjmom

However, in 2020 the Covid pandemic changed everything. People wanted to shop local, shop small, and support local small businesses. The number of our vendors doubled, the attendance doubled.

Farmers Market Booth Ideas

Local farmers’ markets in 2020 thrived. Many first-time vendors set up tables. Cute farmers’ market booth ideas and tips were traded as people helped each other.

Each week more than twelve vendors set up. This year we are expecting the coffee truck to return, bakers, and I will be revealing my new business, Tea & More. We are expecting at least a dozen vendors each week.

Farmers Market Display Ideas

Paying via Venmo became very popular last year. So this year I’m going to make it really easy for my customers to scan my Venmo QR code to pay for their orders.

Custom Venmo Farmers Market Table Tent Sign
Custom Venmo Farmers Market Table Tent Sign
by ndjmom
Venmo Custom Pay Here Sign | Farmers Market
Venmo Custom Pay Here Sign | Farmers Market
by ndjmom

Create your own Pay Here sign HERE

  • Use a washable solid table cloth. (Busy designs distract from your products)
  • A pop-up canopy draws attention to your booth and offers shade
  • Use farmers market price signs or tags on products
  • Have farm market business cards available
  • Offer reusable farmers market bags

This year I will also have business cards at my booth. This way they can order my products during the rest of the week.

Selling Flowers | Flower Farm Business Card
Selling Flowers | Flower Farm Business Card
by ndjmom

The business card template below also gives space on the back to list the other farm market the customers can find you during the week.

Farmers Market Sign Ideas

This year I decided to create custom yard signs pointing people to our farmers’ market booths. I designed these templates so other towns can easily create their own signs.

Create Custom Farmers Vegetable Market Sign
Create Custom Farmers Vegetable Market Sign
by ndjmom

Farmers market signs are important. These direct customers not only to the location of the market but continually remind people about the event each week.

Farm market signs are posted at the gas station that remind people during the week about the weekly farmers market. On the morning of the community farmers, market arrow signs are posted pointing the way to the park.

Market Tote Bag Options

Learn about successful farmer market ideas that will help sell more vegetables and products.

This year we will be offering customers reusable market bags. Already people are excited about the new vendors and products. If you would like to offer these custom totes in your farmers’ market booth then head over to my Zazzle store.

Add Your Hometown | Farm Pickup Farmers Market Tote Bag
Add Your Hometown | Farm Pickup Farmers Market Tote Bag
by ndjmom

If your town is thinking about starting a Farmers Market I would highly encourage it. It brings people together, it is a social event every week. It encourages people to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.

Learn about successful farmer market ideas that will help sell more vegetables and products.

If you have additional ideas for promoting a farmers’ market please comment below and share them with others.

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: "farmers market ideas sell", farmers market booth ideas, farmers market display ideas, farmers market sign template", farmers marte sign ideas

Why is Supporting Agriculture Education is Important? How Can You Help?

September 18, 2017 by info@3QuartersToday.com

When I think of food I think of the farmers, ranchers and livestock producers who work every day to provide healthy and nutritious food. I also think of the millions of people who DON’T understand where the food in their grocery store begins. Nor do they grasp how many millions of people are involved in providing easily available, healthy, nutritious food.

When an opportunity to write a sponsored post about Farmland products and their partnership with the National FFA Organization appeared through the Mom It Forward Influencer Network I jumped at the chance. Not only do I love to cook (see my Ham Croquette recipe at the bottom) but I have a personal connection to agriculture and feel supporting agriculture education is extremely important.

I majored in Animal Science, worked in the livestock nutrition and worked with Nebraska pork producers supplying high-quality pork to Farmland. However, I experience more and more people, especially on social media, who don’t have a clue how ham, eggs, or even bread arrives on the shelf.

Learn how Farmland is supporting agricultural education through the Farmland, a leading brand of bacon, sausage, and ham, is proud to partner with the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, to support the future of agriculture.

How The National FFA Organization is Supporting Agriculture Education

I was honored to be selected by Farmland to create a sponsored posts on how to support aagriculture in our schools through the National FFA Organization and by purchasing Farmland products.I would like to introduce to you Sophia, pictured in her blue corduroy FFA jacket. Sophia and her family sit in front of me in church. For 18 years I have sat in the pew behind her family in church and have had the privilege of watching her grow up. I’ve bounced her curls, I taught her in Sunday School and I am so impressed with her maturity, outlook on life and goals
she sets for herself.

It didn’t surprise me when she joined FFA in high school and started showing livestock. Sofia is just one of several local kids involved in FFA and when I told her I was writing a post on FFA and wanted to get her impression on how FFA has impacted her life she quickly replied and included photos.

“FFA has had an impact on my life because it not only has taught me about the agriculture industry but how to be a better leader in my school and in my community. Also FFA has impacted my future because going to certain events and activities has given the opportunity to network with different businesses in agriculture so when I get out of college I have a job opening waiting for me when I am ready.” – Sofia

Sophia is now in her first year of college and majoring in elementary agricultural education and sports operation.

How FFA Prepares Students for Life, Not Just Agriculture

The National FFA Organization plays an important role in defining the future of agriculture.  Students learn animal science, agronomy, and horticulture through their integrated high school FFA classes and projects. But it’s more than just the practical agricultural education applications.

There is 250 career focus areas students can explore to prepare them for the workforce.The organizations’ historical name was “Future Farmers of America” and has changed as agriculture is redefined.  The future of agriculture is more than just production farming.  Agriculture includes veterinary medicine, landscape architecture, horticulture and many other fields.

I watch the younger generation smile with pride at county fairs as they exit a show ring with their steer. The projects they take to state or National FFA conventions amaze me.

What Proud FFA Families Say About Their Experience

In collecting information about this post I wanted to get input from not only actual FFA students but their families. Jackie was gracious enough to submit the photo below of her son and daughter showing calves at the Otoe County Fair in Nebraska. They are a VERY proud FFA family and her daughter even got married wearing her FFA boots under her wedding dress.

“…I feel the American Degree is similar in thought to the Eagle and Gold Awards for Boy and Girl Scouts, only ag based. It’s something that is earned through hard work.  ” – Jackie

Learn why agricultural education is important and how you can support the National FFA Organization in your schools.

They learn confidence, speaking, and leadership skills. National FFA Organizations will expose more people to sustainable agricultural practices, horticulture, and veterinary assistant programs. When you think of it, agricultural sciences are all around us.  Agriculture is the food we eat, the pets who share our lives, our golf course greens, and the gardens we enjoy. Ag education is more important than ever.

High school students, from all backgrounds, participate in the FFA intracurricular agriculture leader programs. These FFA youth are future agriculture advocates. FFA Alumni are found in all industries including State Senators, Army Colonels, business leaders, teachers, and yes, even farmers.

Learn here why is Ag education is important and how to support agriculture in your schools through the National FFA Organization and Farmland.
Kate not only showed goats at the county fair but was a Nebraska State officer.

Kates Mom sent me the photo above. Not only did Kate show goats in FFA but she was also a state officer, participated as a State officer and was extremely active in extracurricular events in school. In fact, the high school Kate attended did not even have an FFA program. Kate took the extra effort to participate in a neighboring schools program so she could be a part of the National FFA Organization.  This is the type of dedication and motivation that will bring her far in whatever career field she chooses.

How to Support Agricultural Education in Your Area?

The easiest way you can support FFA in the next two weeks is to purchase Farmland bacon, sausage, and ham from your local HyVee or Bakers grocery.  For every purchase of Farmland bacon, sausage and ham now through Sept 30, 2017, Farmland will donate 0.10 to FFA up to $75,000. This will go a long way in expanding agricultural education programs in our schools. In addition to this program, Farmland will provide grants to select Midwestern FFA chapters providing financial support to high school students working on animal care projects.

Second, encourage your schools to add an FFA Organization to their curriculum. Third, support and encourage the students in the program by attending the county fair, donating supplies or even your time.

Learn More About Farmland Products 

Since 1959, Farmland has been passionate about making high-quality foods, working alongside American farm families to offer the best quality products such as bacon, ham, and sausage. More than 50 years later, Farmland’s unsurpassed passion and pride are stronger than ever, serving retail and foodservice customers across the United States.

  • All Farmland products are products of the USA and are free of hormones and MSG.
  • Participating Farmland products include everything from Farmland bacon and breakfast sausage to boneless ham and lunch meats.
  • For more information on Farmland, and how to donate, please visit FarmlandFoods.com, their Facebook page or on Twitter at @FarmlandFoods.
  • Buy any Farmland bacon, sausage or ham at local HyVee or Bakers grocery stores now through Sept. 30, 2017.

Cooking Farmland Ham is easy with the recipes on the Farmland website

My Favorite Ham Croquette Recipe

Sponsored recipe brought to you by Farmland This ham croquette recipe is perfect for using your leftover potatoes and Sunday ham dinner. I couldn't wait for my Mom to make these ham croquettes the week after Easter and would beg for Sunday ham the rest of the year as I knew she would make them using leftovers. She was the best at leftover recipes.This ham croquette recipe is perfect for using your leftover potatoes and Sunday ham dinner. I couldn’t wait for my Mom to make these ham croquettes the week after Easter and would beg for Sunday ham the rest of the year as I knew she would make them using leftovers. She was the best at leftover recipes.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 C Farmland boneless ham
  • Cold Mashed Potatoes (cooked fresh and chilled – or use leftovers)
  • 1/2 Onion
  • 1 1/2 Cups Flour
  • Crushed Ritz crackers
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 C Milk
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Vegetable Oil

Directions

  1. Use leftover Farmland boneless ham from dinner, or buy the “easy” to use Farmland Diced Ham (which is also great for omelets)
  2. Mix Farmland Diced ham, mashed potatoes, onion, ONE egg, 1/2 cup flour in large bowl (it will be thick)
  3. Whisk milk and ONE egg in shallow bowl
  4. Blend 1 cup flour with crushed crackers and salt and pepper (to taste, you can omit salt, I like more pepper, I add 2 tbsps)
  5. Shape croquettes in the palm of your hand the shape of 4-5 inch logs 2-3 inches thick (it will be sticky, coat your hands in flour often)
  6. Roll in milk and egg mixture, then liberally roll in flour and cracker crumbs
  7. Heat 1″ of oil in frying pan to about 350 (or until a test drop of flour “sizzles”)
  8. Place croquettes in a pan and carefully brown on all sides, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for 15 additional minutes.

Inside should be “cooked” and hot.

Make Homemade white gravy to top it off

Nothing is better than homemade white gravy poured over ham croquettes and the recipe is easy. There are no “real measurements” for making this gravy, it is all about feel and technique.

  • (about) 2 Tablespoons butter
  • (about) 2 TBSP flour
  • (about) 1 cup milk

To make white milk gravy melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. When melted add flour and whisk until hot, gradually add milk whisking all the time. Raise temperature until boiling whisking until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper. This is the same white country gravy recipe used for country fried steak and biscuits and gravy.

How will you use Farmland products in your meals?

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: farmland, ffa, ham recipes, left over recipes, recipes, rural america

4th of July Traditions

July 4, 2015 by info@3QuartersToday.com

It is during the holidays you miss your family being all together and the traditions of the 4th of July. Parades, watermelon, laying in the grass watching the fireworks and then going home to set off your own. Happy 4th of July, where ever you and your family may be this year. I celebrated in the town of Murdock Nebraska, who celebrated their 125th birthday in style with a parade, breakfast, a road race, pie and ice cream at the church, BBQ, and a fireworks display.

4th of July parade in Murdock Nebraska
4th of July parade in Murdock Nebraska.

My oldest son, I hope, will be watching the fireworks off Navy Pier in Chicago. Last year I spent a weekend in July and a trip down to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks is definitely worth staying up late.

Chicago 4th of July
Chicago 4th of July

My youngest son, an active Marine unfortunately posted a message on Facebook. “Don’t remember a 4th of July that I haven’t worked these past few years. What are fireworks?” He’s on duty tonight, just like last year. Even my youngest daughter will have to work tonight, but at least she watched the parade this morning and had some “Flag Cake” to celebrate.

This is the first year I’ve made a flag cake, but it reminds me of a tradition when I was in high school. My best friend always had a 4th of July Party at the lake and she always brought the flag cake for dessert. So now, after 40 years I think I’ll start a new tradition. It’s super easy to make. Bake a white cake in a 9 x 13 inch pan, frost with Cool Whip, decorate with blueberries and sliced strawberries.

A 4th of July Tradition, Flag Cake
4th of July Flag Cake

 

No matter where you are you can still appreciate the patriotic spirit of the day, the red, white, and blue decor and even pull up the Patriotic station on Pandora to recognize Independence Day when we declared our Independence from our “Mother Country” England and decided to become our own country in 1776. The United States is a young country in comparison to the rest of the world and let us never become jaded and forget our countries birthday.

United States of America Flag Vintage T-shirt Flag Shirts #13500ASHERANGEL Women’s Sexy Lace Floral Sleeveless Camisole Crop Tank Top Shirts

Happy 4th of July, enjoy your family and enjoy creating new traditions.

4th of July Traditions

A look at July 4th traditions across the US

July 3, 2014: Fair St. Louis fireworks illuminate the sky in front of the St. Louis Art Museum. (AP/St. Louis Post-Dispatch). The United States marks 238 years as an independent nation as it celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, food and music …

4th Of July Traditions: Eight Ways Americans Celebrate Independence

4th Of July Traditions: Eight Ways Americans Celebrate Independence. Eight Traditions For Independence Day. The 4th of July is often filled with parades, barbecues, fireworks, and impromptu baseball games. Families, friends, and neighbors often get …

The Best Places to Watch Fireworks Across America

Plans or traditions for the 4th of July… 4th of July traditions have always included lots of grilling, watermelon, sparklers and being outside! We usually watch fireworks the night before the 4th and then head into the woods for a …

Creating 4th of July Traditions and Frozen Graham Cracker …

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Honey Maid. All thoughts and experiences shared are our own. Sparklers, sprinklers, and cool treats were the highlights of my childhood 4th of …

Sisters Marie: Top Five 4th of July Traditions

Top Five 4th of July Traditions. Our annual 4th of July party is one of those traditions that’s been happening for so long, we can’t even remember life before it. Each year, the excitement begins after the out of office message …

 

Filed Under: Events, Small Town Living Tagged With: 4th of july traditions, country, family, Holiday, patriotic, rural

Countdown to Christmas: The Season of Advent

December 8, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Getting ready for Christmas is not just about the lights, the tree, the cookies, or the presents. The season of Advent, preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. Advent is about the anticipation of the coming of Christ. In the middle of all the hectic rushing around preparing for our “worldly” Christmas, Advent reminds us to slow down and reflect on the real gift of Christmas, the gift of God’s own Son.

Advent in Narnia: Reflections for the Season

 

Season of Advent
My View from the Church Piano during the Advent Season

The birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season. 

I prepare in many ways, but during this special church season, we add vesper services on Wednesday nights.

It’s a shorter liturgical service, without communion. Pastor reads the Christmas story during the reading, one section at a time, one week at a time, and then brings it to life during the sermon.

I play the piano for Wednesday night Advent services, and I love to sit quietly in front of the church and absorb the message and hear the congregation sing. It fills the church and my soul.

The Advent hymns help me prepare for Christmas and reflect on the true meaning of the season. It’s not just about gifts, presents, and the hectic pace everyone sets for them.

On Sunday I help the kids get ready for the childrens’ program on Christmas Eve, not only do I play during Advent services but for the Christmas Eve program. The organist and I rotate songs and end with a piano-organ duet to Joy to the World.

God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and ChristmasPurple Ribbon Advent WreathPurchase Nativity Advent Candle set
Nativity Advent Wreath

The church is decorated not only with an Advent wreath and candles, but poinsettias, candles, and the blue vestments of Advent. I love many of the church seasons, but the season of Advent and Christmas as two of my favorite.


Filed Under: Christmas, Joy of Advent, Small Town Living Tagged With: Christian, christianity, Faith, lutheran, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, religious, religious & Spirituality, season of advent

Patriotic Horses at the County Fair

August 10, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Patriotic Horse Stole My Heart

The social event of the year in many rural communities is the county fair and in Cass County Nebraska this is no exception. Saturday night at the horse arena is the 4-H Horse fun event which includes a costume contest, ribbon ride, egg and spoon, and sit-a-buck. This painted patriotic horse was my favorite horse of the night and I had to get more of their story.

Patriotic Horse
Meet Willy the Red, White, and Blue patriotic horse

So meet Willy, the Red, White, and Blue horse and his little owner Courtney. This is what 4-H, friends, family, and the fair is all about, fun, smiles and horsing around, literally. According to her Mom, Micki, Courtney couldn’t decide how to decorate Willy for the costume contest, Pegasus was the first idea, but the thought of trying to create wings and attach them to the horse was just too challenging.

Tail Tamers PPNTS-TURQ Pony Paints Grooming Chalk for Horses, TurquoiseJacks Twinkle Mane & Tail Glitter Gel 4 oz Tube Horse Paint Parade Costume Paint Fun Color Sparkles (Pink)

Patriotic Horse Costume
A girl and her horse (photo by Mom)

Courtney’s Dad was in the Air Force, and still works at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue Nebraska, so when her Mom saw this idea on line Courtney was very excited. Her friend didn’t have a horse to decorate so they went together as a team, one painted the stars and the other the red and white stripes.

God Bless America
God Bless America

They decided the opposite side should say “God Bless America” and tie red, white, and blue ribbons in WIlly’s mane and tail.  The red leg wraps gave the whole presentation a patriotic “pop” and although they didn’t win, they turned some heads and made more than a few people smile.

American Flag Star Equine Body BlingDerby Originals Nylon Patriotic Horse Headstall & Breast Collar Set Full Size

These girls have quite a number of years showing ahead and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year. Fun night is held the last night of the fair after all the “serious” show competitions and events. It’s time to unwind and have some fun. Thank you Micki for texting me pictures from earlier in the evening. By the time I got to the arena Willy’s paint was starting to rub off from the saddle and reins. Patriotic Horse I love watching the 4-H horse kids. I was a horse crazy when I was a kid and rode my bike into the country just to look at horses. Even though I didn’t own a horse, I joined 4-H and “borrowed” horses from club members, my first was a Quarter horse mare, Wimpy’s Kelly. I entered a few shows, but never really learned to “ride” and get a “seat” until college when a friend and I exercised roping horses at the local stable one summer.

The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the HerdRiding Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned from Horses

Riding 3-4 horses a day taught you more in one day than a months worth of lessons. We even borrowed a cowboys horses an brought them to school one semester. When I became an adult and bought an acreage buying a horse was the first thing I did, her name was Tomcat Pat and she was a feisty energetic barrel and poles horse that loved to go trail riding. I was lucky enough to have her until she died at age 32, wish she were still around.

Patriotic Horse Costume Ideas and Resources

The Patriotic Horse – Stayton (Oregon) Daily Photo

Patriotic horse is patriotic. Or it’s just a coincidence it’s standing next to an American flag. Or is it? Yes, it is. Or not. This photo was taken along Sublimity Rd. SE, just outside of nearby Sublimity. In other news… Tomorrow is the …

Patriotic Horse Wear | Velvet Rider

Patriotic Horse Wear. July 3, 2014. Bookmark and Share. In honor of Independence Day, I decided to do a post on equestrian gear that celebrates our patriotism. There are options from subtle red, white, and blue to obvious flag references.

Patriotic Plume Browbands, Saddle Blankets and Rein Covers

WishPony.com to order your patriotic horse costume today! If placing custom orders for 4th of July (2011): Order by 5PM PST Wednesday June 15, 2011 for Standard Service Time and delivery by Saturday, July 2, 2011.

 

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: 4-H, animals, country, county fair, equine, horse show, Horses, kids, Nebraska, patriotic, patriotic horse, pony

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 21
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

What I Write About

Shop Amazon

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Categories

Visit my Facebook Page

Visit my Facebook Page

Pages

  • About My Blogging World
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Army Gifts
    • Custom Army Gifts
  • Best Place to Print Political Yard Signs
  • Cool Gifts for Photographers and Camera Lovers
  • Food & Recipes
  • Google Search Results
  • Marine Boot Camp Resources for Parents
  • Marine Corps Gifts for Any Occasion
    • Best Gifts for Marine Corps Veterans
    • Marine Mom Gifts
    • Marine Mom Shirts & Gifts
    • USMC Ornaments
  • Military Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas
  • Personalized Custom Graphic Design Services
  • Unique Dog Gifts for Pet Owners

Recent Posts

  • Starting a Small Business in the Second Half of Life
  • Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day
  • Local Farmers Market Booth Ideas
  • High School Graduation Party Ideas
  • How I Became a Face Mask Designer

Tags

365project Advent animals Block Island christmas Connecticut cooking country dogs Elmwood-Murdock Faith family flowers Food God Holiday Holidays Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod marine Marine Corps memories midwest military music Nebraska Omaha pets Photography Photoshop postaday Product Review project365 recipe rural Silent Sunday small town snacks snow Spring summer tradition travel USMC video winter

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Footer

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...