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How a CSA Works When you join the CSA, you basically purchase a “share”
of the farm. This entitles you to share in what the farm produces. The foundation
of a CSA is the focus on it being a mutually beneficial relationship. The farmer needs a sustainable
income to continue the farm and support his family. The member is looking for a source that fits their
needs, which is often hard to find in this area. The farm – It takes approximately 24 months to raise beef, 7 months for hogs, 2 months for meat chickens,
and 5 months before hens begin laying eggs. All of this takes planning and we appreciate your commitment
of 3-12 months in advance in order to make this possible. The member - Each person joins for their own personal reasons. Some reasons
include: urgent health concerns, avoidance of hormones/antibiotic, preference against Non-GMO corn, supporting
small/ local farm, purchasing locally, animals are raised in a natural/caring environment, health benefits of pastured meats,
doing better for their children, and being cheaper than organics at the store. Most join for a combination
of several reasons.We pride ourselves
on being transparent with you. We believe that each person has their own standards and only you can decide
whether or not our methods fit into your ideals.
CSA balance - Sometimes you may notice that your share is not the same balance you
have come to expect. We are a farm, not a grocery store, and function completely differently. Occasionally, we
end up short on a certain item. Maybe the steers that month were 900 instead of 1100 pounds, or the pigs needed a few
more weeks to grow. Perhaps we run short on chicken in March, or the chickens take their "rest time" and don't
lay enough eggs in January. This is how a farm works. Therefore, as a CSA, everyone
shares in the abundance, or in the shortage. We have always been able to substitute with a different type of meat so
you still get the full value of your share. So, if you get an extra chicken instead of the ever-loved ground beef, or
the other way around, don't worry. Chances are next month will be back to normal. Just call us if you have questions.
With the new walk-in freezer we now can butcher some extra in advance to help decrease the chances of this coming up. Standards - We encourage you to ask questions - how it's raised, what to expect, options, etc.
The best and most satisfied members are those who understand. How you can help
- There are some things you can do to help things work smoothly here on the farm: contact us in plenty of time with your questions
or changes, wash and air dry any soiled cold bags, and spread the word about this opportunity.
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Membership Guidelines Revised Oct 2010
Basics: - Pick
up monthly or every-other month with a minimum of 3 months receiving a CSA shares
- Monthly
pay or pre-pay
- Choose mixed share or see choices listed
- Add-on other items & mini-bags if available
- Contact
by Wed for changes/add-ons
- Contact by Fri if unable to pick up
Pick-up: - Enter and give your name
- Return cold bag and egg cartons
- Check the tag if you
have a special order
- Any questions or comments?
- Need fliers to help spread the word?
- Consider patronizing the
delivery store (They do not receive compensation for our time there.)
- Please
arrive at least 15 minutes before the end of your pick up time.
- I
will attempt to call you during the last 15 minutes if you have not arrived.
Payment: - Pre-pay 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months in advance and receive a discount
- Pre-pay
using check, cash, or credit card
- Monthly pay using credit card - 1st
month upon sign up, following months are charged on the 1st of each month.
- Monthly
pay will continue after the 1st 3 months unless you contact Robin to cancel, preferably via e-mail.
- Bag deposit of $5 charged at sign-up, can be returned upon return of bag from final delivery.
Unable to Pick up?: - Ask a friend or
neighbor to pick up for you. This seems to work best for everybody... or...
- Arrange
to pick up a different day at a different location.
- Skip a month or get 2 shares
the following month
- Contact Robin by noon Friday before Saturday pick-up
- $15 late re-scheduling charge for calling/e-mailing after 12:00 noon Friday or on Saturday
Missed Pick-up: · No show/No call causes multiple problems · If you realize you will miss your scheduled pick-up, you must
call by 20 minutes before pick-up is over · No show/No call - $40 re-stocking fee
Choices: ·
Mixed Share – Beef, Pork, Chicken, & Eggs – This is chosen by most members and works out best for the
farm too, as far as packing & inventory. · Custom Share – Delete one category, such as, No Pork, No Beef, No Eggs, No Chicken – only one category
can be deleted – we will substitute the deleted item with items from the other categories · Mini-bags – Choose 2 mini-bags
instead of your share. Mini-bags have a full ½ share value; therefore eggs are not given when you
choose mini-bags. If you want eggs also, you may add them on at $4/doz. · Mini-bag choices - - Mini-Beef
– 7-8 pounds of mixed beef - Mini-Pork
– 7-8 pounds of mixed pork - Mini-Ground
– 10-11 pound of ground beef (pork) - Mini-Value
– 9-10 pounds of mixed meats - Mini-Gourmet
– 5-6# high valued beef/pork (for
example pork tenderloin, porterhouse steak, & applewood smoked bacon) - Mini Chicken – 13-15# whole or cut up chickens (usually 4 small or 3 large chickens) · We cannot honor requests to delete a particular cut of meat, only full categories.
Instead, ask for cooking tips and recipes. You’ll enjoy expanding your options!
Add-ons: · Add-on a mini-bag, as available ·
Add-on specific items and pay per
pound. Available items and prices are available on the website. ·
Requests must be submitted by the
Wednesday preceding your Saturday delivery · Requests honored as available, placing requests 2-4 weeks in advance increases
the likelihood you will receive your full special order.
Referrals: ·
Please let others know about the
CSA option. Most of our growth comes from word of mouth; you are our best advertising. ·
We gladly offer a $15 credit to
members who refer their friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
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