SW Mo. farmers gaining experience

Associated Press - June 7, 2009 1:14 PM ET

WEBB CITY, Mo. (AP) - The marketplaces in southwestern Missouri have seen an influx of Hmong (MUNG) farmers in recent years.

The natives of Laos are learning new techniques and bringing some of their own to the area.

Eileen Nichols, manager of the Webb City Farmers Market, says the Hmong growers have steadily increased.

Nichols says the market and the University of Missouri Extension office have been working with these farmers to help them grow better quality produce.

Regional horticulture specialist Patrick Byers says they sell some Asian vegetables, but they're also learning how to grow western vegetables.

Source