We don't have added costs of transport, packaging and advertising when you buy through CSAs, the farmer receives a larger portion of the food dollar.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

C i r c l e CSA and Custom Woodwork

 As  a member, you'll receive so many cost savings - we hope you join us.   Many members have asked "How do you make money?" Answer, "We don't - if we cover costs to save this land and open space for future generations, we are lucky."  We saved an expansive panorama in our scenic river valley- most of it preserved for natural habitat.  Our horses, goats, and chickens provide composted manure for the fields that we work - sustainable agriculture preserves our ecosystems - wildlife preservation and dedicated areas untouched by humans - preserved forests and orchards.  Nina has planted only heirloom vegetables tirelessly for 22 years.  Gene is a 30 year carpenter now customizing work to order!  Our hay is the best - ask any animal!  Call or email us to join our CSA - you'll also receive discounts on custom woodwork like these great outdoor showers.

Fill a Smaller Basket with Italian Specialty Vegetables

We will offer a smaller sized basket for our custom Italian vegetables - these can not be offered in your typical laundry sized basket but you will get a generous supply within reason.  There will be certain items you can't pick directly from our fields - like the garlic. It is picked and hung to dry in July - once it is ready for sale - we will apportion member sized baskets available in the store to deduct from your share.  Hardneck garlic retails for $1.30 at garlic festivals and stores - members will pay 40% less.  Tomatoes and Peppers - these are all heirloom varieties which sell for $4/lb retail - they must be picked at the right stage of ripeness - we'll offer a generous supply in a smaller sized basket.  Members will receive instruction on how to pick and handle these items correctly - and are welcome to pick directly from the fields within reason - so that all members get a share of these items.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions - Part IV

Do we pay the membership fee and then have additional costs for the items that we want to purchase?  
NO additional fees! you pay upfront and get back $220 value, at least

How and when do we let you know what we want to purchase?
select online or on farm - upick as often or as little as you want - weekly, monthly, quarterly - there is no expiration date on your share - you may want more frozen items for the winter - its entirely up to you

Your email says the for the $195 membership fee we will receive $220 in value. 
you pay upfront and get back $220 value, at least

But then it lists prices for vegetables.  
we have baskets $10 (laundry basket) $4 (smaller basket) which we get from the dollar store - you fill them and this price is subtracted from your share

$220 value per share
-10 basket week of June 15th
--------
$210 balance
not only are you getting more for your money in price but our $10 basket is worth more like $20 in the supermarket


Can we pick out what we want?/ What do we actually receive for the membership fee?
lots of organic produce and artisan products
once you join - you'll receive a shopping list to track your choices - see our blog for more information or visit us on


March 26th - "Maple Syrup Weekend" CSA open house
we are just 2 miles from Ben & Judy's Sugarhouse
look for signs on Rt 8 "U-PICK CSA Open House"
meet in person, visit the farm and animals, refreshments served
learn more about our C i r c l e CSA , member benefits, and sustainable agriculture!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Frequently Asked Questions - Part III

What portion of the farm's budget and how do membership fees benefit the farm?
CSAs are designed to help farmers jump start the season - by getting funds up front!  Right now here is a sample of what we are paying for - seeds($300), specially grown heirloom tomato plants($700), additions to hoop house($400), peat moss($120), field labor(1,200), compost(from our horses, goats and chickens), products from other farmers to stock the farm store($various) - this all adds us to alot of cost just one month.  As our membership grows, so does the cost.  Anything left over is considered income to our farm.  Income from other sources includes our pony rides, agritourism, frozen foods, and hay sales for goats and horses.  All of our income is put back into the farm to cover the cost of equipment, land taxes, feed and care for our animals, fuel, electric, and labor (ours is donated) - all to preserve this open space for future generations.  There is no profit in farming - if we had the funds we'd start a non profit because that is what we are!  We are grateful for the life we have chosen because it is rich in ways beyond monetary - nature, animals, nutrients, children outdoors having fun, and members that become friends.

What are some of the member benefits?
As a member, you have a real interest in the farm - including helping to preserve the land and ecosystems.  You have input and can request something be grown specially for you if we don't grow it already.  And because you pay upfront - you reap the rewards of  a more fruitful and bountiful harvest!  Many more benefits are listed here:
  • If you are unable to come to the farm - we can deliver at no extra charge
  • when you join you will get a shopping list to keep track of your choices
  • your membership is only $195 but you get back $220 in value
  • there is BIG savings on our fresh veggies - a $10 veggie basket is the size of a laundry basket!  Choose a smaller $4 basket also.
  • Also, choose so many other great food items from local farmers and artisans - cheese, bread, pizza, eggs, honey, syrup, yogurt...the list goes on!
  • communicate your choices by picking in our fields, via email or my cell phone for members
  • your freezer will be stocked with great prepared veggies, meals, and pizza for the winter months!
How do we Join?
Send in your contact info with check payable to Progressive Advisors by March 31st!