Market Farming

[Willie McKemie <mf AT austinfarm.org>]

On Tue, Aug 17, 2004 at 06:37:27PM -0500, TxBeeFarmer wrote:
> I've been trying to find a scale to use at the Farmer's Market for veggies.
> Seems the Dept. of Ag. requires a "legal for trade" Class III scale.  All
> the ones I've found are really expensive - hundreds of dollars!!  Surely, I
> don't have to spend that kind of money to sell veggies at the market, right?
> Anyone know where I can get legal-for-trade scales at a reasonable price?

It is VERY common at farmers markets to sell by lot or volume.  For 
good reason.

Several years ago, used Berkel electronic scales were sold for less 
than $100; I have been looking on eBay for a backup Berkel and haven't 
seen anything go for less than $200.  I have a single Berkel that I use 
in my packing shed but do not carry to market.  I have seen people 
using Berkels at markets.  I have some ~$50 mechanical platform scales 
that I use "in a pinch", but they are not legal.  I have some beam and 
balance antique scales and some baby-weighing scales that probably are 
legal, but they are cumbersome to move and to use.

In years past here in Texas, a group of marketers could get together 
and get TDA to certify a bunch of scales at one place at one time for 
cheap or free.  I don't think that TDA does that any more.  Seems like 
I heard that the annual certification was pretty pricey; I haven't ever 
had any of my scales certified.

-- 
Willie, ONWARD!  Through the fog!
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