Indoor winter markets are an increasingly useful way for farmers to sell their produce until outdoor markets reopen in the spring.
Ken Ruegsegger, who raises grass-fed beef, free-range eggs and chicken, goats, turkey and lamb, says that winter markets ''helped us survive through winter the first couple of years.''
The number of farmers markets in one Wisconsin program has grown from three in 2003 to about 50 now. They also ask participating farmers to contribute 10 percent of their market proceeds to the Harvest of Hope emergency fund, which helps farm families get through financial difficulties.