J. L. Hawkins FAMILY FARM

10373 N. 300 E. / North Manchester, Indiana 46962 / 260-982-4961 / jeff@hawkinsfamilyfarm.com

February 8, 2008

Greetings from Hawkins Family Farm!

Today an eternal-optimist friend of mine said to me, “Spring is not far away!” From our perspective here on the farm, his words are accurate. Considering all that needs to happen prior to a new growing season, the time is short. And so we are diligently working toward the promise of the season to come, eager for the new life that follows this damp, dark time of the year.

Key to our preparations this year is wise decision-making, especially in light of some major changes we must manage. First among the changes are the significantly increased costs associated with our efforts. Two years ago corn prices were at about $1.85/bushel. Today in the farm paper I saw $4.85/bushel—a 262% increase—and our poultry ration is about 60% corn! Other feedstuffs that we use are increasing at similar rates. In addition, our County Health Department is requiring a number of modifications to our operation, including a change in poultry processor (at a 67% higher cost per bird, plus twice the distance away), some major renovations in our “customer area,” and additional permitting fees.

Since it is unreasonable to double our prices to address these higher costs, we are looking for ways to reduce expenses. This is one reason that this year there are only two chicken and turkey butcherings, for example, which will save us some trips to and from the butcher. We apologize for any inconvenience this may present.

All is not “cut back,” however. We’ll have more chickens, turkeys, pork and beef to sell this year, hoping to increase revenue by volume. So please tell your friends about us! And in our new “customer area” we will likely have frozen burger and frozen chicken on hand most of the time, as well as maple syrup, honey, eggs, and perhaps even grassfed-cheese. And we will offer frozen turkeys for Christmas. Moreover, we are offering an additional way to buy a Vegetable Share. Added to the self-harvest method we’ve been offering, you can buy a Vegetable Share already picked for you (by a grower-friend who is partnering with us in this venture). You’ll find on our website a listing of the vegetables that we will be offering and the likely times during the season they will be ready, so you can get an idea of what it means to buy a Vegetable Share from us.

It helps us tremendously if you order early. Yes, order your Thanksgiving turkey now! If you want beef, it would be especially good to order for June pick-up, since about 48 quarters ought to be ready at that time (and not as many in the Fall).

We look forward to a wonderful year of healthy growing and good eating. Thanks for joining us!

Sincerely,

Jeff

Jeffrey L. Hawkins

Proprietor