Shannon and Wes Hutton have turned their passion for fresh produce and community into a thriving local business: Jake’s Run Farm. Named after their beloved beagle, the farm is located just outside of Daviess County, off the Audobon Parkway.
At Jake’s Run Farm, the Huttons offer a variety of products, from lamb to homemade jams and jellies. But it’s not just the food that draws people in. The Huttons also sell fresh herbs grown in milk crates that customers can cut right at their stall. Shannon Hutton admits she was skeptical when her husband suggested the idea, but it’s since become a popular offering at their stall.
“We have two varieties of herbs – one that we take to market and one that stays at home to grow,” Hutton said. “We rotate them every week so we always have a fresh variety.”
The Huttons also serve lamb sliders from their own sheep, topped with locally sourced ingredients. They even cook biscuits and gravy on site, using sausage from a nearby farm.
The couple’s commitment to local produce extends beyond their own stand. They actively support other vendors at the farmers market and often refer customers to other farmers when they want to purchase items the Huttons don’t sell.
Shannon, who has farmed with her husband for over a decade, is also chair of the board of directors for the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market.
“The market has been good for us, but that’s thanks to the hard work of many volunteers,” she said. “My goal is to make the market the largest porch in Daviess County where everyone feels welcome.”
The Huttons have watched the market grow from a small gathering of 12 vendors in a church parking lot to a bustling community event. For them, it’s not just about selling food, it’s about building relationships. Hutton mentioned a little girl she sees at the market every Saturday. She came as a baby and has “grown up right before her eyes.”
“That’s the magic of the farmers market,” Hutton said. “It’s an opportunity to get to know people for five minutes. That’s what my husband always says.”
The Huttons design their stand to create a welcoming atmosphere. The U-shaped layout of their tent invites customers to come out of the sun and chat.
“We want people to relax and feel like they are part of a community,” she said.
Hutton said Jake’s Run Farm strives to embody the spirit of local farming – where fresh produce, community and love of the land come together. The Huttons are more than just farmers; they are stewards of a tradition that brings people closer together, one Saturday at a time.
This story is sponsored by Independence Bank.
