LAWTON, Okla_The country is in the worst drought in more than 50 years and farmers are suffering. In fact, the Agriculture Secretary said one third of all counties are in disaster areas. While this worsening drought means higher food prices for parts of the country, Southwest Oklahoma is bucking the trend.
The Lawton Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce. Many of the items sold there have been harvested in the last 24 hours. You'll find unusual things also, like Armenian Cucumbers. They'll even teach you how to prepare it. And you might be surprised at the prices.
"I've got organic grown onions right here as good as any you'll find anywhere. When I was at Wal-Mart a couple nights ago mine are 18 cents a pound cheaper than Wal-Mart," Nealis Bradshaw, a local grower, said.
Nealis is an organic gardener, he's passionate about it because he said it's better for you, it's even better for worms.
"If you dig in my garden you'll find earthworms. If you dig in the average garden that uses Sevin dust and commercial fertilizers on your yards and so forth, you won't find earthworms. So health wise I just believe it's so much better for you."
People that buy his produce agree. You'll find tastier produce at the farmers market but it's not always prettier.
"They get things fresher and they may not look as pretty as what they are in the stores but they are fresher. They haven't been in a warehouse for a month maybe."
One thing that may surprise you, the growers at the farmers market will take the time to tell you how to prepare produce, and it doesn't cost you a dime. If you don't know what something is, just ask and somebody will help you learn.
The Farmers Market is open on Wednesday and Saturday starting at 7:30 a.m.
