The Dane County Farmers’ Market in Madison, Wisconsin, began operating in 1972.
The market was established to connect Wisconsin farmers and food producers directly with consumers in the state capital. It grew into a prominent example of a producer-focused farmers’ market, where vendors generally sell products they grow or make themselves rather than reselling goods sourced elsewhere.
Its best-known location surrounds the Wisconsin State Capitol on Saturday mornings during the warmer part of the year. The market also operates in other locations and seasons, helping farms and small food businesses reach customers throughout the year. Produce, flowers, baked goods, meat, cheese, and prepared foods are among the products associated with it.
The Dane County Farmers’ Market is often confused with Madison’s separate public markets and neighborhood markets. Its significance comes from its scale, direct farmer-to-customer model, and long-running relationship with regional agriculture.