A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Merrill Marxman

A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Merrill Marxman

Merrill Marxman's love of agriculture begins at a young age. Growing up on a farm in Effingham, Illinois and coming from a farm-based community, Marxman had experienced the lifestyle of growing and producing for others to enjoy from a very young age.

"Effingham was about 100 miles east of St. Louis," says Marxman. "Our only claim to fame was Interstates 50 and 70 intersecting, forming a mini-crossroads. My family grew up in this community growing corn, soybeans and raising beef cattle."

Despite this farmer lifestyle, Marxman originally wanted nothing to do with agriculture and wanted to follow a different path instead.

"I had originally wanted to be a school teacher,' says Marxman. "I wanted nothing to do with agriculture. I went to Eastern Illinois University and graduated in three years. I then taught at a junior high school for two years and couldn't wait to leave it behind, it just wasn't for me."

Marxman then began his career with the USDA where he remained, for 30 years before eventually moving back to Kankakee County with his family where he discovered a new love, farmer's markets.

"During my time working at the USDA, I saw how the federal government has always supported farmers who grew corn, soybeans, rice and cotton with their many farm assistance options and programs. Specialty growers and farmers with livestock however never received any attention so farmer's markets were a great way to bring attention to them."

Since then Marxman has been involved with a number of farmer's markets within the Illinois Kankakee County area. It was not uncommon for Marxman to attend up to five farmer's markets in one week, overseeing, helping and planning to ensure that everyone opened every weekend and the crowds kept coming back.

"I was in charge of everything from making sure tents and tables were secure to choosing who would be part of each market," says Marxman. I can count on my hand the number of times I've closed a farmer's market in the last 15 years. I always want to make sure that people have access to the market every weekend."

Marxman has recently made his way to La Porte, not only to spend time with his family but to also turn La Porte's recent Farmer's Market renovation into a success for La Porte County.

"It's great to be back to spend time with my grandchildren and see them grow up," says Marxman. "When I heard that the La Porte Chamber and Mayor Milo wanted to revamp the previous Farmer's Market into something special for La Porte County, I couldn't turn them down and say no."

Marxman's passion and love for sharing the goods of local farmers and crafters to the community is his next task and while it may not be an easy one, Marxman feels ready to do whatever it takes to make the people of La Porte happy.

"If La Porte ends up on the lists of successful farmer's markets, it'll make my week. There's nothing I love more than seeing small entrepreneurs and small operations have their valuable products become a success with crowds and earn them revenue," says Marxman. "I know that I can't please everyone all the time, but believe me when I say that I try hard to make the largest number of people happy as possible."