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.

Cedarmore Farm Fresh Produce Club

Eat Better:  Join the CSA Produce Club

• Get fresh picked, locally grown vegetables each week, all season long
• Feed you family healthy, seasonal vegetables
• All of our produce is grown locally in Highland County
• Produce is grown using organic methods.  No chemical pesticides or fertilizers!

Options for 2012

• A 'Fresh Egg Share' is available for you to receive pasture range eggs each week with your produce share.
• A 'Weekly Canned Good Share' adds a surprise jar to your produce box.
• A 'Weekly Baked Good Share' adds a fresh baked surprise to each box!
• Delivery options have been expanded to serve more of the Greater Cincinnati area..  A modest delivery charge has been added to offset the expense of hiring a driver.
• We continue to offer the option to pay your full amount due when you sign up, or to pay 50% up front and the balance by July 1.
• We will take orders for fresh bakes pies, cinnamon rolls. breads, cookies and bars as well as home canned goods throughout the season.  Also grass-fed chicken will be available on specific dates.  All extra items can be picked up with your produce share.

Crops Planned for 2021

Spring:  Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Onions, Radishes, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Zucchini

Summer:  Broccoli, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Red Beets, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, Watermelon

Fall:  Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Lettuce, Onions, Radishes, Carrots, Squash (Sweet Dumpling, Acorn, Butternut) Garlic, Potatoes, Red Beets, Kale, Chinese Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes

Our Last Box of 2011

It saddens me to think this the the last delivery of the season.  I am so glad that we were able to participate in the CSA this year.  And I know if Andy and Lizzie could, they would thank each one of you individually for your participation in the program. They really appreciate the support of those involved in purchasing the share/shares and those individuals that open their homes as drop off and pick up sites.

I would think that the year was a good one for them.  There were some weeks that the vegetables seemed to be down because of the weather but you can't control the weather.  And then there were other weeks that the boxes were close to overflowing.  But all in all and all things considered...it was a good year.

Plans are being made for next year already.  New farmers (at least six new families) will be added to the group...those farmers will use the same organic growing methods as Andy.  The core part of the CSA will still be grown by Cedarmore Farm.  The growth of families joining the CSA have caused Andy to seek other farmers to add to the CSA.  This is not a bad thing!  All around it is a win win.  More farmers will be able to provide for their families and we will be receiving a wider variety of crops.

The sign-up forms for 1212 will be out around New Year's Eve.  For the CSA to keep working it takes dedication from all of us.  We all make a pretty good team.  And I know that Andy and Lizzie would want to tell you to stay warm and have a blessed winter.

greens, carrots, onions, turnips, radishes, potatoes, and a squash

I am already counting down until the first delivery of next year!  I am going to miss all the fresh veggies, the baked goods, the canned share, the soaps and especially the brown eggs.  I know that we have been eating better since joining and I am looking forward to finding vegetables that are new to us and finding out that I like them.

Recipe Of The Week: Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy Potato Soup

2 cups of water

2 cups of dice potatoes

1/2 cup of diced carrots

1/2 cup of celery 

1/4 cup of chopped onion

1 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon of pepper

1/4 cup of butter

1/4 cup of flour

2 cups of milk

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese

Combine water, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper in a large kettle.  Boil for 10-12 minutes.  Meanwhile, melt the butter.  Add flour and stir until smooth.  Slowly add milk; cool until thickened.  Add cheese and stir until melted.  Add cheese sauce to the undrained vegetables.  Heat through.

Variation:  Add a cup of cooked and diced chicken, turkey, or ham to the cheese sauce.