Looking Toward The CSA Season for 2012

I got word from Andy the other day and the first thing he said was 'Greetings to you all!'  Now that it is winter time on Cedarmore Farm he has a little bit of leisure time.  Andy and Lizzie and the children love to have the time to visit with family and friends.  They love that they can now go out and enjoy nature around them and not have to worry about what needs to be done...CSA wise.  This is the time of year that Andy likes to be able to sit a read a good book.  He enjoys that very much. (I would like to know what is on his reading list...I imagine it has something to do with organic farming)  They still have their daily routine of animals and need fed and cared for, firewood that needs to be cut, beef, pork and venison that needs to be processed. Not to mention taking care of three little ones. Then add in stuffing envelopes with information and sign-up sheets for the 2012 CSA year.  Doesn't sound to leisurely to me.

The CSA is growing..30 members the first year which was four years ago, to over 150 this past year.  Andy and Lizzy are so thankful and appreciative for all of the support.  Since the CSA is growing, the number of farmers must grow.  There will be a few more families that will be joining the CSA as growers.  They will also be using the same organic growing methods as does Cedarmore Farm.   With the added help and support from these new families, Cedarmore will have the ability to double the numbers of those committing to buy shares.  For this to continue working, we will all need to work together...Andy and his crew as the farmers and all of us as CSA members.  With more grower families involved and by all of us working together, this system of local, sustainable agriculture  will grow.  Andy has always said 'in unity there is strength.'

The share sizes, start and finish dates, and prices will all stay very much the same as last year.  The only exception will be the Egg Share which went up 50 cents per dozen.  Andy was disappointed that he had to raise the price per dozen but with the price of corn doubling from last year it was something that he just had to do.  We should count our blessing on this one.  Andy was able to find a farmer near Cedarmore that grows corn organically and he won't have to pay to have it transported into the farm...saving all of  us a few cents.

Something new this year...a Weekly Baked Goods Share.  The baking will be done by one of the women in the community.

There have been new pick up locations added also this year.  There are quite a few so be sure to find the on nearest you.

One things that is very important in planning for a successful CSA season is knowing just how many families are planning to participate.  Please be prompt in buying you shares.  This will also insure a spot in the program.  Please take notice of the sign-up deadlines that are located beside the share dates and prices.

If you are on the mailing list you will be receiving all the information after the first of the year.  Please see the extra card that will be in the envelope with instructions on how to get a free one year subscription to 'Farming Magazine'.  It is a very nice all around farming magazine that can be enjoyed by the entire family....it has an emphasis on small family farming done the right way.  It is edited by friends of Andy and Lizzie, David and Elise Kline.