CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and an update

It’s been a minute (more like almost six months) since we moved into our new home. There was much to accomplish before the snow fell. Six cords of wood to cut and split. Lilacs, apple trees and other plants to get in the ground. And a huge shopping trip to restock our pantry and freezers. (Never move food if you can help it. Eat down what you have in the house, make the move and then restock. Full freezers are heavy.)

We got a new kitten, Molly, in August. And then at the very end of September, we got a puppy! Her name is Maggie and she is a mini-Australian Shepherd. Friends of ours have the parent dogs, and trusted that we would be good dog parents.

The weekend after Maggie came to live with us, our oldest son, his fiancée and her daughter came to visit for a week. They helped so much with cutting and splitting wood, cooking a couple of dinners, and giving our hair a trim. It was fantastic to spend time with them.

And then things slowed down. A very few friends have been to our house, but for the most part we spend a lot of time in our family bubble. We’re so looking forward to Spring so that we can socialize outside, safely and socially distanced.

Spring IS just around the corner and we’ve been planning our gardens and getting the word out about our CSA subscription we’re offering this year. We have already started seeds in a tabletop greenhouse, and Kyle has been drawing up the layout for the garden/gardens. We are itching to get started.

“Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a production and marketing model whereby consumers buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. Consumers become CSA members by paying an agreed amount at the beginning of the growing season, either in one lump sum or in installments. The annual cost, generally ranging from $400-$700, depends on the length of the harvest season and the variety and quantity of products provided. This upfront payment helps buy the seed and other inputs needed for the season and provides the farmer an immediate income to begin the season. By paying at the beginning of the season, CSA members share in the risk of production and relieve the farmer of much of the time needed for marketing. This allows the farmer to concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality food.

In return for their membership fee, consumers receive a variety of freshly picked vegetables (usually organic) every week. Some CSAs also offer fruits, herbs, meats, eggs, dairy, cut flowers, and other products. Consumer-members eat healthy, sustainably produced food and have the satisfaction of knowing where it came from and how it was grown. Many CSAs offer on-farm social and educational activities for members, further strengthening their connection to the land and with the farmers who feed them.” – https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-csaguide/

If you’re interested in becoming a member of our CSA, click on the link to find out more information. https://www.atinyhomestead.com/csa-subscription/