MADISON, Wis. — Saturday marked the last outdoor farmers’ market of the season in Dane County.

Only a few booths remained on Capitol Square Saturday. Nina Xiong’s, a farmer from Cottage Grove, was one of them. 

She had plenty of greens, carrots, peppers and more to offer market goers.

“Really nice weather. Lots of customers,” Xiong said. “I think the last day is the best. I'm doing so much better than any other day.”

The weather wasn’t always good throughout the season. Heavy rain in the Madison area earlier in the summer led to losses on Xiong’s farm.

“Some of my crops have been flooded,” she said. “Half of my flowers have been flooded and so up and down, you know, it's not as good as last year.”

The same is true for Jaime Ortega, who co-owns Natalie’s Garden and Greenhouse in Oregon.

“Somehow we made it and here we are doing our best to try to bring beautiful fresh produce for the people right here in Madison,” Ortega said.

Farmers across the country are feeling the loss this year. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Income Forecast, farmers nationwide lost about $6.5 million in September.

Xiong said it’s difficult to navigate, but it comes with the territory in this industry.

“Last year was so dry,” she said. “I was thinking this year will be just dry, but it's been dry and wet at the same time. So, you know, it depends on the year.”

Ortega said it’s all about keeping an eye on the changes and adjusting plans accordingly.

“Sometimes the rain is too much,” he said. “Sometimes you can't really get on time and put your crops in the field, but somehow, we find a way to do it.”

For Ortega, it’s his love for farming that keeps him going, despite the hardships.

“When you are farming, it's hard, but I'm not ready to quit and I'm not going to quit,” Ortega said. “I love what I'm doing and no matter what happens, I will keep doing this.”

The Dane County Farmers’ Market will move indoors to Monona Terrace for the holidays, then to Garver Feed Mill in January.