Number of Duda蘑菇视频 roadside markets pared this season
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The number of roadside produce markets a Brownsville-area farm operates throughout the region has been scaled back to just three as a result of challenges that range from drought and deer to worker shortages.
Mark Duda, the president and owner of Duda’s Farm, Inc., in the Fayette County community of Merrittstown, took to social media over the weekend to explain to customers why the locations of Duda’s roadside markets that once numbered as many as 12 has been pared to just three. On Facebook, he said, “We are having serious financial difficulties.”
When contacted on Monday, Duda said his operation has been battered by deer that munch on their crops and eat away at their livelihood, a drought last summer, and a shortage of seasonal workers who would be able to work at the roadside markets during the warm-weather months.
Then there are other costs that are rising, including those for feed, fertilizer and electricity.
“It all adds up,” Duda explained. He pointed out that other farmers he has spoken with have confronted similar woes and their livelihoods feel similarly precarious.
“Every farmer I know has the same issues,” he said.
The three roadside markets are outside the Rural King store at Washington Crown Center; off Matthew Drive in Uniontown; and at the farm itself. Corn, tomatoes, zucchini, green beans and potatoes are among the staples that have been sold at the markets.
Duda said the problem with an expanding deer population has become particularly acute. Duda’s Farm is growing “the best variety of sweet corn you can grow,” Duda said, and deer will come along and devour it.
“We can’t even grow strawberries anymore,” according to Duda. “They just blast through the fence.”
Duda’s Farm has been in business for five decades and is operated by Duda and his brother, Andrew Duda. Duda filed for bankruptcy protection in April 2023. They still plan on offering “agritainment” events in the fall at the farm, such as hayrides and corn mazes, and once those are done, they will see where things are at.
“Right now, we’re trying to get through this year,” Duda said.