Agriculture and natural resources major Summer Thomas opens market stand

2020 brought a lot of well-laid plans to a grinding halt, but the already notorious year could not stop Summer Thomas. The University of Delaware senior began her own market stand in the face of COVID-19. Dubbed “4 Seasons of Summer,” Thomas wrapped up her first year running her own operation. Running the stand from the Asbury Church Farmers Market in Smyrna, Delaware, the experience allowed the agriculture and natural resources major to learn from both other producers and her consumers.

“Managing a farmer’s market throughout this summer has given me experience of working with the public during these confusing times in dealing with the rules and regulations set in place for COVID-19,” said the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) student. “It has been a great opportunity for the community to come together and support local.”

With a produce selection that includes sell tomatoes, squash, zucchini, string beans, cucumbers, watermelon and peppers, Thomas also started selling some of her produce to other markets and added a stand at her home in Marydel.

She credits the wide array of UD courses and professors in preparing her for this line of work. Her major is purposely designed to give undergraduates a practical and very interdisciplinary experience.

“My vegetable science, agronomic crop science, soil science and other courses have only expanded my knowledge on all facets of the agriculture industry,” acknowledged Thomas, who is pursuing minors in food and agribusiness marketing and management as well as environmental soil science. “When you’re in CANR, you have a support system that will do all they can to see you succeed. You’re provided with a vast amount of opportunities and an endless amount of staff members and other students that are there to help you along your academic journey.” Thomas has also spent past summers learning from UD Farm Manager Mike Popovich and UD Fresh to You, a U.S. Department of Agriculture certified organic garden located on the UD Farm, where she grew, managed and marketed produce.

“Summer approached a tough growing season with a positive attitude and an incredible work ethic. She is always reliable and finishes tasks far above expectations,” said Popovich. “She had an interest in trying her hand at vegetable farming on her home farm, so there was genuine motivation for her to learn as much as she could with us last growing season.”

Unlike the great majority of CANR students who have zero agriculture experience before college, the industry is in Thomas’ blood as a fourth-generation family farmer. Her family has milked dairy cows, exported cattle to Eurasia and Mexico and run a full-operation grain farm.

“My background is where I found my passion for agriculture,” explained Thomas. “I look forward to bringing my own ideas to my family’s farm.”