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LAPLACE — For years, the Farmer’s Market at Tractor Supply Company has been one of the best kept secrets in LaPlace. While the market has never stopped, Petsense store manager Chassie LeBlanc is on a mission to breathe new life into this community resource by attracting new vendors and customers.

The Farmer’s Market is scheduled for the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost for vendors to set up and sell their home grown or homemade food, pies, fruits, veggies, yard signs, crafts, soaps, jewelry, tumblers, clothing and more.

Vendors may bring tents and tables. No electricity is provided, and vendors are responsible for cleaning up their area.

Tractor Supply Company also hosts a Livestock Swap from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of every month. This is the place for customers to buy, sell and exchange livestock such as chickens, goats, rabbits and even cattle. Dogs and cats are not permitted for the Livestock Swap, and LeBlanc noted that Tractor Supply Company is committed to using humane societies and rescue groups to find homes for pets.

Both monthly events are open to the community.

Mike Matherne, assistant store manager at Tractor Supply, said the Farmer’s Market and Livestock Swap are a win-win for the company and the community.

“It benefits people who make and sell homemade goods because it gives them an opportunity to do so. It helps promote small farms. It also helps us at Tractor Supply promote sales and shows the community what we have to offer,” Matherne said. “A lot of people think it is just a tractor place, but we offer much more than that. We have pet food, gardening supplies, items to take care of your lawn, even clothing and shoes. We won Best of the River Parishes for best work boots.”

Tractor Supply carries many of the same products as its sister company Petsense, which remains closed in LaPlace in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

Tractor Supply Company is located at 2335 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

More information about the community events can be found on the Tractor Supply Farmer’s Market & Livestock Swap Facebook group.