Soil Shares CSA

We have a new CSA!! Three farms will grow your produce. You can supplement your share with eggs, meat, mushrooms, coffee, flowers, and more. Learn all about it at:

www.soilsharescsa.com

Food Fight - Community Supported Agriculture 2013

Turkey poults

"Beekeeper sing of your frustration
In this litigious breeze,
Of accidental pollination
In this era without bees.
We keep breeding desperation
In this era of thieves
Who keep stealing respiration
From the tenderest of trees.
This peculiar incantation
Sure you heard it before,
Instead of breeding desperation
Make me a pallet on your floor."--Andrew Bird

2012 CSA Share Week 10

     Thanks for finding us here and reading about our CSA program.  What follows is a detailed description of the program and share options that we are offering this year.  We hope it will also help you understand our philosophy a bit, but if you want more details your questions are always welcome by email here.

     If you are new to CSA there are some things you need to think about upfront. We have found that this allows you to make an educated choice without allowing the joys of supporting a CSA operation to create too rosy a view of what it is. Creating a wholesome and interdependent ecosystem within the modern world of synthetic chemicals and engineered genomes is a challenge, to put it mildly. Years of attention and dedication to learning about soil building, crop rotation, succession planting, inter-cropping, irrigation/water conservation, integrated pest management, harvesting, processing, and transporting are part of the value of what you are paying for.

Mobile Cornish pen for protection from predators

     CSA is not a wholesale buying club. While we will in fact give you more than the retail value of your produce share each week that we can do so, buying local is not going to save you any money over mass- produced food at big box stores. But it will ensure that your money is buying something you can be proud to consume. You will notice the health benefits, for sure, but we hope it will also transform you in other facets of your life as sustainable farming and art have transformed us; to inspire and re-enforce ideas like reduced consumption, up-cycling, and waste reduction out of respect for those who work in and live next to the factories that manufacture the things that pass through your hands every day; to constantly be aware that every dollar you spend in a locally owned and operated restaurant/store/market will come back around to the other local entities you love and support; and to take back the power from all-consuming for-profit monstrosities that pretend to do for the nation and your community what only small local businesses can. In order for the cycle to be broken, someone must break it. This, like farming itself, is not a part time job. It is a lifestyle. This is what you are supporting and embracing through CSA.

Tucking everybody in for a cold winter sleep

      CSA allows a direct, long-term link. That is the idea at the root of the movement. Community Supported Agriculture “shareholders” purchase part of the season’s produce before it is even raised. This shifts some of the farm’s annual income to the winter and early spring, when the farm incurs most of its costs. The start-up money allows for investments, from seed and tool purchases to equipment repairs and upgrades. These components, and others, are as critical to the survival of the farm as the soil itself. By providing some income during this important time of the year, you help to balance the expenses and workload, which ultimately increases the farm's productivity and sustainability.

     We are offering more share options than ever before to try to meet your diverse needs, and have also implemented add-on options detailed below to allow you to further customize.  Carbondale delivery will be on Saturday morning.  Maplewood delivery will be on Wednesday evening. We are considering a drop near Belleville, also on Wednesday, if there is interest. We will deliver for a total of 30 weeks between March and December, including at least one drop each in November and December. If you wish to order poultry for holiday meals, please let us know ASAP.  In order to reserve a turkey, a $10 deposit is required. 

2012 CSA Share Week 1

     We are respectful of ALL faiths and religions and have a genuine desire to learn about and understand any traditions that you honor and celebrate.  We find great value in sharing these traditions with loved ones, in a celebration of family, community, harvest, and renewal.  If there are any ways that we can address your needs, whether it have to do with methods of preparation, timing of delivery, or some other factor, we would love to do so when possible.



Garden Share Garden Shares are the traditional shares we have offered in years past, with the option this season of adding mushrooms to your weekly bag. Half shares ($15/wk) are suitable for individuals and some couples, while those who eat larger amounts of produce and families should consider the full share ($25/wk). The variety of produce included between the half and full shares MAY VARY slightly from week to week. Each delivery will include a share of the produce available for the week and 1 dozen eggs. You can add a half pound of cultivated and foraged mushrooms to either size share for $5/week.  

Protein Share Protein shares ($30/wk) are new to the farm this year and are being offered in response to those who raise large home gardens, or who don't eat much produce (FOR SHAME!). Each week you will receive 5 lbs. of whole chicken, 1 lb. mushrooms, and 1 dozen eggs. In addition, you will get a turkey in November and 4 Cornish hens or a turkey in December.

Farm Share Farm shares ($48/wk) combine the first two share types. Each week you will receive a full produce share, including one dozen eggs, a half pound of mushrooms, and 5 lbs. of whole chicken; plus a turkey in November and 4 Cornish hens or a turkey in December.

2012 CSA Share Week 16

     Any shareholder can add individual items to their shares as frequently as desired (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).  Although we are happy to bring you whatever you like each week as long as you let us know prior to delivery, we ask that you reserve and pay for these items in advance (15 days) if you plan to receive them at a regular interval.  Not only does this help keep cash flow moving so it can be committed to our ongoing projects throughout the season; it will also ensure that we have what you want when you need it.  Virtually everything we raise takes at least 8 full weeks from sowing/hatching to delivery, so you can imagine how helpful it is to stay ahead of the curve.  To illustrate how we hope this process will go, let's say you desire a lb. of fresh roasted coffee weekly for the month of June.  The additional cost for the month would be $60 (4 weeks @ $15/per) and we ask that you reserve and pay for it by May 15.  These payments do not need to be mailed, but can be dealt with when you pick up your share on or about May 15. 

     The fact is that the value of many of these items are subject to changes in the commodities market.  This would be the one disadvantage to adding-on as opposed to locking in the seasonal price through a share, which is guaranteed not to change.  For example, last season we saw the price of our chicken feed increase by 30% in one month. Luckily we do not rely entirely on feed for our poultry's nutrition, so we were not affected as much as we could have been and were able to absorb it by increasing our market egg prices by only .50/dozen. CSA shareholders were not affected by this.  In contrast, if the price of chicken feed triples, then the result will be a significant price increase in the cost of eggs and poultry. The prices posted here will continue to be honored by us despite market fluctuations, until the point when we lose money. At that time increases will implemented.  If prices change, you will be notified of the details and you will not be held to your add-on arrangement unless you choose to continue under the new parameters.

2012 CSA Share Week 36

     You can add:
     1 extra dozen eggs ($4.00)
     1 whole chicken-5 lb. ($15.00)
     1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms ($5.00)
     1/2 lb fresh roasted fair trade coffee ($8.00)
     1 lb. fresh roasted fair trade coffee ($15.00)

     The coffee that we offer is purchased as green beans and roasted by Barry and Sean at Art House Coffees in Maplewood, MO.  All profits from the sales of their coffee support the Turner Center for the Arts.  This coffee will also be available in our farm store.  We are always looking for additional locally roasted, fair trade coffees to share in southern Illinois.   
     With the exception of the coffee, all products are raised/produced entirely on the farm using sustainable techniques without administration of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or growth hormones.  As you can learn by browsing previous blog posts, we constantly test old and new ideas to maximize time, space, and production. We adapt bio-intensive strategies, encourage microbial and mycorrhizal relationships, and employ water and nutrient conservation practices. We acknowledge the sprawling and all-encompassing web of life around us and strive to better understand and interact with it. 

     If you would like to become a Frontwards Farm Shareholder for the 2013 season, please fill out this form. We will be notified of your submission and will contact you by email with details.  

     Thank you for supporting local, sustainable agriculture!  

Revival

"At home I serve the kind of food I know the story behind."
--Michael Pollan

We are once again offering produce shares for the 2011 season through Frontwards Farm CSA project. Last year, we met met our goal of 10 shares and plan to double our available memberships this year. We learned a lot about ourselves and about knowing some of the faces we were growing for, and have a more focused anticipation of the upcoming season.

There have been some changes regarding our season length (from 22 to 30 weeks), we lowered the weekly cost of a share (from $30 to $25), and changed the payment options to allow for more flexibility. We will send weekly newsletters via email that will include info on what you should expect for the week and other about happenings at the farm. We are in the process of installing a 2,2oo sq. ft. high tunnel, giving us five times the growing space we had last year for season extension. We have fine tuned seed orders based on last year so that we were able to order larger quantities of the varieties that did well for us, and eliminate some that were disappointing. We have also increased the variety and amount of perennial crops available. Finally, we doubled the number of laying hens and Cornish Roasters we are raising, and added a limited number of turkeys to the farm. These will be 100% free range this year, as we have purchased portable electric net fencing that will be used in conjunction with mobile housing structures. While these are not part of the weekly CSA deliveries, we will be taking partial deposits so that you can reserve them in advance, and help us with part of the expenses.

Our first year as a CSA reinforced that there is no better approach than one that puts the producer and the buyer in direct contact. That is the idea at the root of the CSA movement. Community Supported Agriculture “shareholders” purchase part of the season’s produce before it is even grown. This shifts some of the farm’s annual income to the winter and early spring, when the farm incurs most of its costs. The start-up money allows for investments, from seed and tool purchases to equipment repairs and upgrades. These components, and others, are as critical to the survival of the farm as the soil itself. By providing some income during this important time of the year, you help to balance the expenses and workload, which ultimately increases the productivity and sustainability of the farm.

What follows here is the detailed outline of our CSA. My hope is that we have addressed the main issues, with some details to be decided on with the members. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us.

Frontwards Farm 2011 CSA

The weekly cost of a Regular Share for the 2011 season is $25.00. The season will run for 30 weeks, totaling $750.00. If you prefer a half share, the seasonal cost is $400.00. In return for this early commitment to the farm, you will receive 1/2 bushel of 6-12 different veggies, fruits, & herbs per week. We encourage you to find someone to split a full share with if you feel it will be more than you want.

Everything is grown using bio-intensive methods, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, with the long term sustainability of our land in mind. We refine the varieties we grow and experiment with new techniques every year. A list of varieties will be available shortly, as our seed orders have been made,and filled for the most part. Questions and comments regarding specific produce and practices are encouraged, as are farm visits.

Furthermore, you will always have the first opportunity to take advantage of other offerings as new products become available. This is a life-long venture for us, and our hope is for you to stay with us as the farm grows. One of the most exciting parts of this growth is sure to be our focus on season extension structures, as we strive to offer produce year-round. As a result of our involvement in an NRCS (The National Resources Conservation Service) research project, we received a grant to install a new high tunnel that will help move us towards this goal, increasing our season by two months this year.

What is expected of members?
Be Vocal--Feedback is always encouraged, as it is vital to the development of the farm. We want to know if you want more or less of a certain item, or a different variety or type of produce all together. We can’t improve if you don’t tell us how.

Be Flexible--Growing food is unpredictable. Every year brings variations in pest and climate pressures. A bad year for tomatoes may mean a bumper crop of peppers. Our search for the best method for growing the best varieties is met with success and failure.

Be Reliable- Timely payment is critical. Pick up your box as scheduled or arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick up your share if you will be unable to. Shares that are not picked up will be donated to a local family.

There are some things to think about when considering participation in CSA.
Among those:
--How do you like surprises? Each week the contents of your box will vary based on
the season. This not only allows us to enjoy the true bounty of our region, but keeps the menu interesting.
--Do you like to cook? There are many items that are best eaten raw, but we would not suggest eating butternut squash this way. Preparing meals presents a great opportunity for family time, and is the final step in bringing the food to your plate.
--Are you a creative cook? Some items may be new to your kitchen. This could lead to variations in favorite recipes or new ones all together. With the internet, a world of ideas and experiences is at your disposal, and if you are like us, experimenting a little will bring out the artist in you.
--Do you support local, sustainable agriculture? Your membership in our farm makes this a reality, and will hopefully be as rewarding for you as it is for us.

What still needs to be determined?
--Delivery location-Deliveries will be made to a central location, most likely one in Carbondale (the Co-op?)and one near Marion. This will be determined as membership fills up, based on convenience for all involved. Farm pick-up is certainly welcome, but this will increase overall fuel consumption, which is always a factor to consider when striving for minimal environmental impact.
--Delivery day/time-The preferred time would be mid-late afternoon. This would allow same day harvest of all produce, which could be done during the coolest part of the day. With regard to the day of the week, we plan to harvest and deliver on Tuesday or Wednesday this year. Members should plan delivery prior to the main shopping day of the week to allow for meal planning based around available produce.

If you would like to become a member of Frontwards Farm C.S.A. for the 2011 season, please follow the link to our Sign-Up Form.

Any items of concern can be addressed in the comment section at the bottom of the sign-up form, or via email.

Thank you.

Y CSA?

"Whatever you can do or dream you can do--begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
--Goethe

This post, it might be said, is what it's all about for us here at the farm. To me, there is no better marketing approach than one that puts the producer and the buyer together. That is the idea at the root of the CSA movement.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) links farmers directly with consumers. CSA “shareholders” purchase part of the season’s produce before it is even grown. This shifts some of the farm’s annual income to the winter and early spring, when the farm incurs most of its costs. The start-up money allows for investments, from seed and tool purchases to equipment repairs and upgrades. These components, and others, are as critical to the survival of the farm as the soil itself. By providing some income during this important time of the year, you help to balance the expenses and workload, which ultimately increases the productivity and sustainability of the farm.

What follows here is the detailed outline of our CSA. My hope is that we have addressed the main issues. There are still some group decisions to be made once our shares have been sold. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact me.

Frontwards Farm 2010 CSA

The weekly cost of a Regular Share for the 2010 season is $30.00. The season will run for 22 weeks, totaling $660.00. In return for this early commitment to the farm, you will receive an average of 12-20 lbs. (6-12 different veggies, fruits, & herbs) per week. This is enough for a family of four, or two adults who love “five a day”. At this time, we do not offer half shares, but we encourage you to find someone to split a share with if you feel it will be more than you want.

Everything is grown using bio-intensive methods, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, with the long term sustainability of our land in mind. We add new varieties and experiment with new techniques every year. A list of varieties will be available here shortly, as our seed orders have been made,and filled for the most part. Questions and comments regarding specific produce and practices are encouraged, as are farm visits.

Furthermore, you will always have the first opportunity to take advantage of other offerings as new products become available. This is a life-long venture for us, and our hope is for you to stay with us as the farm grows. One of the most exciting parts of this growth is sure to be our focus on season extension structures, as we strive to offer produce year-round.

What is expected of members?
Be Vocal--As mentioned above, feedback is encouraged, as it is vital to the development of the farm. We want to know if you want more or less of a certain item, or a different variety or type of produce all together. We can’t improve if you don’t tell us how.

Be Flexible--Growing food is unpredictable. Every year brings variations in pest and climate pressures. A bad year for tomatoes may mean a bumper crop of peppers. Our search for the best method for growing the best varieties is met with success and failure.

Be Reliable- Timely payment is critical. Pick up your box as scheduled or arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick up your share if you will be unable to. Shares that are not picked up will be donated to a local family.

There are some things to think about when considering participation in CSA.
Among those:
--How do you like surprises? Each week the contents of your box will vary based on
the season. This not only allows us to enjoy the true bounty of our region, but keeps the menu interesting.
--Do you like to cook? There are many items that are best eaten raw, but we would not suggest eating butternut squash this way. Preparing meals presents a great opportunity for family time, and is the final step in bringing the food to your plate.
--Are you a creative cook? Some items may be new to your kitchen. This could lead to variations in favorite recipes or new ones all together. With the internet, a world of ideas and experiences is at your disposal, and if you are like us, experimenting a little will bring out the artist in you.
--Do you support local, sustainable agriculture? Your membership in our farm makes this a reality, and will hopefully be as rewarding for you as it is for us.

What still needs to be determined?
--Delivery location-Deliveries will be made to a central location, most likely in Carbondale. This will be determined as membership fills up, based on convenience for all involved. Farm pick-up is certainly welcome, but this will increase overall fuel consumption, which is always a factor to consider when striving for minimal environmental impact.
--Delivery time-The preferred time would be mid-late afternoon. This would allow same day harvest of all produce, which could be done during the coolest part of the day. With regard to the day of the week, our participation in a farmer’s market will be our deciding factor. Saturday is not an option, and other days may be ruled out as well. Members should consider delivery prior to the main shopping day of the week to allow for meal planning based around available produce.

If you would like to become a member of Frontwards Farm C.S.A. for the 2010 season, please follow the link to our Sign-Up Form.

Any items of concern can be addressed in the comment section at the bottom of the sign-up form, or via email.

Thank you.