LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — At Stonehedge Farm Produce, the Eggum family grows everything from cilantro to zucchini.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Kentucky hasn't stopped production. It's sped up in some ways, with demand rising as more people turn to local producers for their grocery shopping.
"I'm hoping that we're busy, but not so busy that we can't keep the crowd safe," said Adrienne Eggum.
While more industries are turning to telecommunications in order to continue their work from home, that isn't an option for farmers. They need to be in their greenhouse to plant seedlings and on the fields to harvest crops. However, Eggum said they don't see many people on the farm normally. Their largest interaction with customers comes from the Lexington Farmer's Market, where changes have already been implemented to help keep people healthy.
"It feels like we're living in a post apocalyptic movie, to be quite honest. And it's a little scary, not knowing what the season’s gonna bring for us," she said.
As time passes, more farmers are selling out of this season's produce and meats. Eggum said they're not quite there yet, and she's not sure if they'll get to that point, but the current circumstances make it hard to predict the future.
"We're not too incredibly worried because we at least will be fed and our friends and family will be fed. But it does bring a little bit of concern as to how profitable the markets are going to be this year."
Eggum said they're encouraging people to pre-order so to minimize the number of people at the Farmer's Market at one time. Stonehedge Farm Produce is also making pick-up available for customers who would rather limit their interaction with others. Details on how to reach them can be found here.
