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| Share for August 23, 2011 |
ENJOY THE BOUNTY...INVEST IN THE FUTURE
Solstice Hill Farm created a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Cobleskill in 2011. The excitement is building for a third great season in 2013. It's time to join up for the new year. We'll be sending out information and calling our folks from last season and letting em' know the scoop for this year. If you're a potential new member please email clemensmackay@hotmail.com or call 518-231-6919 to receive information.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE?
CSA is a collaboration between members and farmers to secure a safe and environmentally responsible food production system. Members invest in the farm before the season begins, providing financing for Spring planting. In return, members receive a premium portion of farm produce at discounted rates. This collaboration provides fresh, local, organically produced food for the members and financial security to the farmer. Joining our CSA makes you a participant in our new and exciting local farm.
WHAT IS IN A CSA SHARE?
Weekly shares contain 7 to 10 different items depending on the season. Shares are intended to feed a family of four, or two adult vegetable lovers. Families of vegetable lovers may wish to purchase multiple shares, or individuals may wish to join the CSA with a friend or neighbor. Many of the actual shares for 2011 are pictured below.
Example share items:
- Spring: carrots, peas, mesclun salad mix, spinach, radishes, scallions, sprouts, small amounts of kale
- Summer: melons (variety), cherry tomatoes, large heirloom tomatoes, lettuce (heads), beets, summer squash, cucumber, eggplant, peppers, flowers, herbs
- Fall: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, beets, tomatoes, winter squash, potatoes, parsnips
HOW MUCH DOES A SHARE COST?
In 2011 the share cost $440 (the equivalent of $20 per week) and the price will stay the same for 2012. Full payments at the time of sign up are appreciated when possible, but a payment schedule is available (including a $100 deposit and 2 additional payments in February and March). Distribution is on Tues. in Cobleskill and Thurs. in Duanesburg. The first distribution will be June 12 in Cobleskill and will run until November 6 in 2012.
Weekly shares vary depending on the season, but equal at least $25 market value.
EXPERIENCE & BENEFITS
Solstice Hill Farm had a successful first growing season in 2010, feeding people at three local farmers markets. That experience gave us the confidence to make a CSA commitment in 2011, in which we returned a nourishing bounty to our members. During that 2011 season we maintained two markets and supplied the health food store Mildreds Meadows with produce.
Eating from a local farm reduces food miles from field to plate, and ensures freshness.
A CSA gives you a chance to meet your farmer, visit the farm, and learn how your food is grown.
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| Lots of greens at the first CSA distribution (June 7, 2011) |
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| Farmer Jenny shows off the share for June 14, 2011 |
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| June 28, 2011 |
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| July 5, 2011 |
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| July 12 marks the first appearance of summer squash, must be summer now for sure! |
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| July 19, 2011 - a big, sweet onion dressed for success |
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| July 26, 2011 - yay for corn! |
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| August 9, 2011 - double yay for tomatoes (cherry & slicer) |
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| August 23, 2011 - a true summer bounty! |
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| September 6, 2011 - this shows two shares (yes, some families eat enough veggies to want more than one share!) |
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| September 13, 2011 - included melon and parsnips (both favorites of Farmer Clemens') |
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| September 20, 2011 included flowers. The pink sprays are Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate |
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| September 27, 2011 - the donut shaped peppers are Copasari (sp?), an heirloom variety with a thick wall |
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| October 4, 2011 |
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| October 11, 2011 |
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| October 18, 2011 included member's choice of winter squash ("Carnival" acorn squash pictured) |
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| October 25, 2011 - special bonus! Husk cherries (aka ground cherries) from local food grower & purveyor Mildred's Meadows. |
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| The final distro of 2011 - November 1st |
