What is a Farm Stop?

Argus Farm stop in Ann Arbor is credited with coining the term as a way to describe how this model works! The farm stop name indicates that the store can be a brief stop in the busy days of our farmers and our customers. This is a great benefit for the farmers, because they can then leave and return to the farm while our staff steps in to represent the farm in selling that farm's products. Customers can make a quick visit to shop for all their food needs at Bay City Cooperative Market’s Farm Stop and can also pause and chat with farmers in the store or our staff. The farm stop name is descriptive of the community that we seek to build as this farm-to-consumer model gains momentum across the country.

Want to learn more?

  • Follow this link to learn why Bay City Food Co-op would like to transition to a Farm Stop model like Argus Farm Stop.

  • Meet the originators of the Farm Stop model and founders of Argus Farm Stop, Kathy Sample and Bill Brinkerhoff, via the Farms for Tomorrow website and podcast.

  • View the SLIDESHOW that Kathy Sample and Bill Brinkerhoff from Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, Michigan presented to owners and board members on June 4th, 2026 at the Historic Masonic Temple in Bay City.

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