Alamance farmers Alex and Betsy Hitt look over seedlings in their greenhouse.

Sheila Neal is as calm as a mother can be while her son Hank, an affable toddler, sends the last few carrots on his plate floorward. And she’s remarkably calm when you consider the pace she been keeping in preparation for the opening of the Carrboro Farmers’ Market.

Neal, full-time market manager for three years, has been meeting with volunteers—there’s a roster of 20 this year—and getting the special events schedule finalized. Last week was full of the same, along with a string of meetings like a Thursday evening discussion with the market’s meat committee. Even though it’s the first market of the season, Neal said, there is going to be plenty waiting for the first round of customers.

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