There is a distinct, comforting rhythm to a mid-summer Saturday morning in Indiana. Long before the July sun fully burns away the low-hanging dew from the cornfields, tailgate hinges are creaking open in town squares and parking lots across the state. Wooden crates are stacked high, unleashing the earthy perfume of freshly pulled radishes, the sweet fragrance of sun-warmed peaches, and the sharp, clean scent of cut flowers.
These are Indiana’s farmers markets—the living rooms of our rural and suburban communities alike. They are places where hands that till the soil shake hands with the folks who buy the harvest.
Now, for the fourth consecutive year, Hoosiers have a chance to crown the market that best captures this community spirit. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and Indiana Grown have officially launched the Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge.
Voting opened on Friday, July 17, and will run through Wednesday, Aug. 5, giving patron-advocates across the state the chance to rally behind their hometown favorite.
Driving Connection and Commerce
The friendly competition is more than just a popularity contest; it’s a powerful spotlight on the agricultural tapestry of the state. From the historic, bustling lanes of the South Bend Farmers Market to the community-driven charm of the Franklin Farmers Market (the reigning 2025 champion), each of the 51 nominated markets represents a vital economic pipeline for small-scale Hoosier producers.
“The Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge gives Hoosiers a fun and meaningful way to support their favorite local markets,” says Caroline Patrick, Indiana Grown Program director. “Every vote shines a spotlight on the farmers and producers who bring fresh, Indiana-grown products to our communities. Farmers markets help drive local connection, and local commerce, and it’s inspiring to see such passionate support from Hoosiers across the state.”
Administered by the ISDA in partnership with the lieutenant governor’s office, Indiana Grown helps farmers, processors, and artisans find their footing in local supply chains. Events like the Market Challenge remind consumers of the faces behind their food, transforming a simple grocery trip into a celebration of local heritage.
A Legacy of Local Pride
The race for the top spot has historically drawn fierce, passionate participation. The crown has traveled across different regions of the state over the challenge’s brief but vibrant history:
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2024 Winner: Coffee Creek Farmers Market (Chesterton, Ind.)
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2025 Winner: Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin, Ind.)
Whether the award stays in Johnson County or moves to a new corner of the state hinges entirely on grassroots enthusiasm.
Cast Your Ballot
Hoosiers are permitted to cast one vote per person, per day by visiting IndianaGrown.org. The ultimate winner of the 2026 challenge will be officially announced on Saturday, Aug. 8—just in time to celebrate National Farmers Market Week.
This year’s official contenders span the length and breadth of Indiana:
| County | Nominated Farmers Markets |
| Allen | Leo-Cedarville Farmers Market, YLNI Farmers Market |
| Bartholomew | Columbus Farmers Market, Hope Farmers Market |
| Dearborn | Lawrenceburg Farmers and Artisans Market |
| Delaware | Farmers Market at Minnetrista, Yorktown Farm & Artisan Market |
| Elkhart | Downtown Wakarusa Farmers Market, Elkhart Farmers Market |
| Grant | Hive Mind Art & Farmers Market |
| Hamilton | Arcadia Market On Main, Carmel Farmers Market, Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market, Westfield Farmers Market, Wilson Farm Market |
| Hendricks | Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market |
| Henry | Henry County Farmers Market |
| Jackson | Seymour Farmers Market, Stuckwish Farm Market, VanAntwerps Farm Market |
| Jefferson | Madison Farmers Market |
| Johnson | Bargersville Farmers Market, Franklin Farmers Market, Greenwood Farmers Market, Trafalgar Farmers Market |
| Knox | Vincennes Historic Farmers Market |
| Kosciusko | Kosciusko County Farmers and Artisans Market, The Farmers Market at Winona Lake |
| Lake | Big John’s Farm Market and Greenhouse, Cedar Lake Farmers Market, St. John Farmers Market, Zandstra’s Farm Market |
| Madison | Pendleton Farmers Market |
| Marion | Binford Farmers Market, Garfield Park Farmers Market, Pike Farmers Market |
| Montgomery | Crawfordsville and Tri County Farmers Market |
| Porter | Chesterton European Farmers Market, Coffee Creek Farmers Market, Farmers Market on Main – Hebron |
| Randolph | Winchester Main Street Farmers Market |
| Shelby | Shelby County Farmers Market |
| St. Joseph | South Bend Farmers Market |
| Tippecanoe | Lafayette Farmers Market, Stockwell Farmers Market |
| Tipton | Tipton County Farmers & Artisans Market |
| Vigo | Terre Haute Farmers Market |
| Wayne | Richmond Farmers Market |
| Whitley | Whitley County Farmers Market |
Next time you hear the morning train whistle mix with the chatter of neighbors over a basket of sweet corn, remember that these markets are the heartbeat of our towns. Set your morning reminders, visit the voting portal daily, and let the state know why your local market is the ultimate pride of your community.
CLICK HERE to vote!
