CSA Description and FAQs

Please Read Before Signing Up

​

What is a CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs come in all shapes and sizes these days. In our CSA, you will receive a share of the produce that the farm harvests. Shares will be delivered weekly on Tuesdays in a 3/4 bushel box or a 1/2 bushel box. Boxes will be filled with a variety of seasonal vegetables. Typically there will be 10-12 or 6-8 types of veggies in a box depending on your share size. 

 

Having shares of produce pre-sold helps us with planning, reduces waste, and ensures that you receive the freshest of what is in season. Participating in a CSA also means that your voice matters. We take feedback from members seriously when making decisions on the farm. If there are ways that we can support you better, we want to know!

​

What crops do you grow?

Crops you can expect to see in you box will vary by the seasons...

​

Spring: green garlic, garlic scapes, scallions, microgreens, pea shoots, head lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, salad turnips, beets, snap peas, kohlrabi, kale, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage

​

Summer: fresh garlic, bunching onions, microgreens, head lettuce, carrots, green beans, tomatoes, sweet or hot peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, cucumbers, herbs, zucchini, summer squash, melons, celery

​

Fall: cured garlic, onions, microgreens, head lettuce, spinach, arugula, radishes, salad turnips, beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale, chard, tomatoes, sweet or hot peppers, winter squash, potatoes, herbs, cabbage

​

Other crops such as brussels sprouts, asparagus, and sweet potatoes might also be included in the boxes depending on how the season goes.

​

Are you certified organic?

We are not certified organic. As a small farm selling direct to our customers, we have not yet chosen to go through the certification process. We do not use any substances on our produce crops that are prohibited by the organic rules. We mainly use compost produced on the farm for fertility. We also use cover cropping. We occasionally use organic approved soil amendments as indicated by soil testing. We use row cover as needed for insect exclusion. We also use crop rotation to try to stay ahead of pests and disease problems. If pest pressure becomes extreme we will consider using organic approved sprays, but that is the exception rather than the rule. We do not use any gmo seeds or treated seeds. We buy certified organic seeds when they are available.

​

What areas do you serve?

We serve many areas between Menomonie and Minneapolis along I-94.

 

On farm pick up is available to anyone within what they consider to be a reasonable driving distance to the farm.

 

Drop sites are available in the following areas:

• Menomonie, WI - Menomonie Market Food Coop

• Hudson WI - Barlow Roots Market

• St. Paul, MN - TBD

• Minneapolis - Howe/Longfellow Neighborhood

• Minneapolis - Whittier Neighborhood, Calvary Baptist Church

• Minneapolis - Willard-Hay Neighborhood

​

Drop sites might be added, shifted, or taken away depending on demand and availability.

 

Home delivery is an option in many areas between Spring Valley and South Minneapolis, but spaces are limited. Our route has some flexibility and is a work in progress. If you are unsure if you are in our delivery area, please call or email.

​

What happens when there is an abundance of crops?

In the case of abundant crops, your boxes will be packed to the brim, plus some. We recognize that not all members will desire additional crops to can or preserve. We may offer additional items for sale to members via email. We may do some farmers markets with certain crops. Our CSA boxes will always receive first priority. 

​

What is shared risk?

Becoming a CSA member involves agreeing to some shared risk. Farming can be unpredictable. There is only so much we can control or influence in the process. If we experience crop failures due to insects, disease, weather, or other factors outside of our control, this will affect the contents of your share. You may occasionally receive imperfect or blemished items, one week's box might be  less full, or one particular crop might fail. In the case of widespread crop failures, we might consider buying in some crops from other farms with similar growing practices if they are available.

​

What is your sick policy?

Should one of us or our close contacts become ill, we will follow local health department guidelines about work attendance. We have lined up back up farmers to help out if we are unable to work. We might also offer additional deliveries at the end of the season to help make up for missed weeks if they occur.

​

What if I have to skip a week or forget to pick up my box?

If you need to skip a week, you can give your box to anyone you choose. Please have them pick the box up at your designated pick up spot. Another option is to contact us before delivery day, and we can donate the box to a person in need. Drop sites usually do not have the ability to hold boxes beyond delivery day. Unclaimed boxes will be donated to a person in need whenever possible. If you pick up at the farm we may be able to hold your box. Please call or email to schedule a pick up time.

​

What if I want to cancel my membership?

Signing up for a CSA requires a commitment for the whole season. Loosing members or issuing refunds mid-season is a hardship for us as farmers. If you are moving out of the area, experience personal/financial hardship, or for some other reason the CSA is not working our for you, please let us know. We may issue prorated refunds on a case by case basis. With open communication we hope to find a solution that works for everyone involved.

​

How will we communicate and build community?

At the moment, we are not planning any large events on the farm this season. In the future we hope to offer some potlucks or larger get togethers on the farm. We will follow local health department guidelines and government regulations as they come up.

 

Please call or email if you are interested on coming out as an individual, or small family group.  Please be in good health and let us know what level of physical distancing you are in need of. 

 

To keep in touch, each week we will send out a newsletter with farm updates, what is in the box, recipes, and advice for storage and preservation. We will post some updates and photos on facebook and instagram.

 

We would love your feedback throughout the season in whatever way works for you: phone, email, social media. Let us know how you are using your veggies throughout the season. Also be in touch about what you like or don't like about the CSA. This is still new for us, and your ideas and opinions will really help shape the CSA.

 

All important updates will be communicated via email or phone. Please let us know if you don't have reliable access to email.

​

How do I sign up?

Fill out the membership application and pay a $50 deposit in the online Farm Store. We will respond via phone or email to confirm that there is space available. We will also confirm details about delivery. Then we will send an invoice that can be paid online or by check. You will have the option to pay in full or pay half by March 15 and the other half by June 15.