With the early arrival of warm weather, the planting and harvesting schedules of area farmers have reflected the change. At Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, planning is underway to accommodate the large volume of activity that will accompany this year’s beans and peas crops.

Stuart Perry has already obtained a cooler/freezer for storage of shelled peas in the coming season. Also, to save prolonged exposure of shelled vegetables to the summer heat, the center’s barrel shellers will be placed behind the new cooling box.

“I know how hectic and great our market was last year,” Stuart reflects. “We had to purchase home-sized refrigerators and freezers to store our shelled produce. I hope this new cooler/freezer, along with the cooler/freezer donations from the Americus Civitan Club, will allow us to remove the smaller appliances and save money on our electric bill.” The large units will be not only more energy efficient, but have larger capacities for summer’s most in-demand market item: shelled beans and peas!

In the photo above, Jantwan, Jerome, Travis, and KC mount the component walls of the new freezer and refrigerator, in preparation for a full season of shelled peas and beans at the market.