What's a CSA?
A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members or shareholders of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land. Members also share in risks, including poor harvest due to unfavorable weather or pests.
Supporting local farmers through CSA subscriptions is one way to ensure the growth of a small-farm economy, which in turn ensures the availability of wholesome, local, fresh food.
Customer Reviews!
Wonderful experience! Highly recommend!
By: Linda Hatton (Dec 30, 2009)
This past spring I finally bit the bullet and joined a CSA. I'd been thinking of doing so for years, and for one reason or another (generally due to my own laziness) always managed to miss out. Chuck and Sue made this an experience that I'd recommend to anyone. Their produce was always top quality, the extras just kept coming and they were wonderful. They even provided recipes. I have never been much of a beef eater (I think because the grocery store stuff is so gross), but the beef I got from Murray Hill was just yummy. The chickens were tender and each made two meals (we just had the last one yesterday), and the eggs are to die for. In a time when we need to think of our land stewardship more and more, these people are out in the field doing the hard work. All I had to do was pick up my produce and eat it right away or freeze it for use this winter. And speaking of this winter, I had so much (we are a family of four) to put up that we still have a pretty well stocked freezer and larder. If all goes as it has been, not only are we eating fresher, healthier locally grown food, but we're saving money on our food bill. I have estimated that our total savings from June 2009 to May 2010 will be right around $1000. If you live near Wakeman or the Kamm's Corners area of Cleveland, Ohio this would be well worth it for you and your family.
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2010 CSA Program
This is the second year we are offering a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. This kind of "subscription" program allows us to offer investors "shares" in our farm. Subscribers get the "cream of the crop" all season long in the form of regular deliveries of veggies and fruits in season, free-range eggs and all natural pork and beef. This year we are also offering "Veggies Only" and "Veggies with Eggs" subscriptions.
In addition to free range eggs, our CSA members receive: garlic, potatoes, onions, sweet corn, tomatoes, asparagus, watermelon, melons, pumpkins, lettuce and salad mixes, radishes, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, yellow squash, patty pan squash, cucumbers, strawberries, peaches, cherries, plums, brussels sprouts, cabbage, herbs, spinach, eggplant, chinese cabbage, beans, peas, leeks, parsley, beets, acorn squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, swiss chard, carrots, sweet and hot peppers, and spinach.
Grass fed beef and humanely raised pork are provided once per year. The following items are available a la carte: honey, maple syrup, preserves, wool products, free range chicken, lamb, duck, turkey, bulk vegetables and fruit for canning, felted soaps, bamboo tomato stakes, bedding plants and cut flowers.
Some CSA members pick up their weekly packages at the farm while others pick up at one of the farmers markets we attend. Please note, the list of vegetables and fruits is subject to change. Other delivery arrangements can be made.
For more information about our CSA program, including costs and benefits contact Chuck at yarrummkt@aol.com.