Marketing Bulletin Remains Medium of Exchange for Farm Goods

After nearly 100 years, the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin continues to serve the people behind its name.

The biweekly publication of the Georgia Department of Agriculture started in 1917, before television and the Internet, as a way for farmers to sell their products to consumers and fellow farmers.

“Even as technology has changed, I think the Bulletin has remained popular. Particularly for our older readership, they have gotten it for years and it helps them to stay rooted in agriculture,” says Carlton Moore, editor of the publication. “It’s had an appeal to people as something we’ve always provided as a service.”

At nearly 800 classifieds per edition, the foundation for the 12-page, biweekly publication remains its free 20- to 30-word advertisements for farmer and consumer subscribers. Ads range from the most popular categories of used farm equipment and supplies to livestock, farm employment and garden items.

The publication regularly features editorial content that includes a recipe column, gardening information, calendar of events and general news about Georgia agriculture and the department. Lists of pick-your-own produce farms and Christmas tree farms, published at relevant times throughout the year, are popular services.

Special editions include the biannual farmland editions, which feature Georgia farmland for sale, and quarterly equine editions, which include horses and supplies for sale and lists of boarding and breeding facilities throughout the state.

Georgia residents may subscribe to the print version of the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin for $10 per year or an online version for $5. For information, visit www.thegamarketbulletin.com.