MURRAY, Utah — The unseasonably warm winter weather in Utah is having a surprising impact on local agriculture, offering a boon to growers participating in the Wheeler Historic Farm’s winter market. While the mild conditions have posed challenges for winter sports enthusiasts, they have allowed local farmers and artisans to showcase their fresh produce and unique offerings during the market's opening day on Sunday, January 4, 2023. Chad Midgley, owner of Chad's Produce, was among the over twenty vendors present at the market. With a proud smile, he displayed vibrant red tomatoes, a crop he usually wouldn’t expect to harvest until much later in the year. “I grew these tomatoes. Tomatoes in January! They taste really good,” he remarked, highlighting the unexpected benefits of the warm winter. Midgley, who has dedicated 30 years to farming, explained that the mild temperatures have allowed him to cultivate crops earlier than usual. “I have peas outside that are this tall that I planted in October,” he noted, gesturing to his produce. “Usually, I don’t plant them until the spring. But I had this feeling it was going to be a warm winter, and they’re alive and growing.” His produce, which includes apples, pears, strawberries, spinach, and tomatoes, is sourced from his farms and greenhouses located in Ogden, Syracuse, and West Bountiful. The winter market at Wheeler Historic Farm is now in its third year, running every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until April 12. The market is hosted at the Wheeler Historic Farm Education Center in Murray, providing a platform for local vendors to connect with the community. “Look at all the people here today,” Midgley exclaimed. “It's the busiest I've ever seen it!” This enthusiasm was echoed by many vendors, who appreciated the increased foot traffic and community support. Among the diverse offerings was Mecca Bar Co., a beverage catering company owned by Sarah O’Donnell. This was their second appearance at the winter market, and O’Donnell shared the unique aspect of their setup: “My favorite way to serve is out of our ski gondola, which is a real gondola from Steamboat Springs that we’ve renovated into a bar and coffee shop.” Established in 2020, the company specializes in serving custom drinks and espresso at various events, including weddings and parties. Recently, they opened a café in the Granary District and enjoy the personal connections built with returning customers. “A part of it for me is just seeing people that follow us. That’s so motivating and rewarding,” O’Donnell added. Another vendor making waves at the market is Kathryn Moore, who founded The Bee Side in Pleasant Grove in 2022. Moore’s work focuses on creating intricate shadow boxes from layered cardstock, with each piece reflecting her passion for bees and their essential role in the ecosystem. “Without the bees, we will all die. We will have no food,” she stated emphatically. A portion of her sales is donated to The Bee Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy, organizations dedicated to bee conservation and environmental sustainability. Her commitment to raising awareness about the importance of bees resonates deeply with visitors to her booth, further enhancing the market's community-focused spirit. The Wheeler Historic Farm winter market serves not only as a venue for local vendors but also as a gathering space for community members. Families and individuals come together to explore fresh produce, artisanal goods, and the stories behind each vendor. The market fosters a sense of local pride, allowing residents to support their neighbors while enjoying the fruits of their labor. As the market continues through the winter months, the effects of climate change and variability in weather patterns remain a topic of discussion among growers. While this warm winter may be beneficial for some, it raises questions about the long-term implications for agriculture in Utah. Farmers like Midgley are optimistic about the current conditions but remain aware of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and their potential impact on future harvests. In conclusion, the Wheeler Historic Farm’s winter market is a vibrant example of how local agriculture can thrive in unexpected circumstances. The combination of warm weather and community support creates a unique atmosphere that not only benefits local growers but also fosters a strong sense of community engagement. As the market runs through the next few months, it will be interesting to see how both vendors and weather conditions evolve, shaping the landscape of local farming in Utah.