1. What kind of products are available?
a. Products that are safe, healthy, and ecological – We employ safe practices that forbid antibiotics, synthetic hormones, chemical fertilizers, and so forth. Our method is to develop and maintain an ecological system where natureÕs life-giving processes are encouraged by proper management based on care for Creation as primary.
b. In-season vegetables – We choose varieties for taste and our shareholders affirm this value! According to the USDA, the eight most popular vegetables are carrots, lettuce, sweet corn, tomatoes, broccoli, green beans, onions, and potatoes. In addition to these, we grow radishes, various greens including arugula and spinach, peppers, cucumbers, sugar snap peas, wax beans, asparagus, some herbs, garlic, tall sunflowers, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and more. And we always experiment with a few new crops each year. (See the charts below for a more detailed list of vegetables offered.)
This year we are experimenting this year by offering two vegetable share options:
i. Option 1: Self-harvest. Shareholders come to the farm each week [Monday-Saturday] to harvest their own ripe vegetables from our 52 garden beds, which ensures freshness. We ask that there be no harvest on Sundays, a day of rest. Option 1 shareholders can choose
ii. Option 2: Bagged harvest. Shareholders come to the farm each Saturday morning to pick up a bag of in-season, already-harvested vegetables.
c. Pastured poultry/chicken – (See www.eatwild.com for a description of the benefits of grassfed meats.) Our meat chickens are raised in pasture pens which are moved daily, providing a clean environment and varied diet for the birds, including clover, bugs, and natural grit as well as commercial corn & bean meal, fish meal, and an balanced mineral mix. The birds are processed by a small, family-owned and –operated processor and are kept in ice water for 24 hours prior to pick-up for proper aging. Shareholders are asked to contribute to the proper handling of poultry by keeping the birds as cold as possible in transit and until use. We recommend cooking or freezing within 24-36 hours. The birds freeze well for many months.
d. Pastured poultry/turkey– Like our meat chickens, our turkeys are raised on fresh pasture in a clean environment to produce exceptional meat. We offer two types of turkey: the more common large-breasted commercial ÒBroad Breasted White;Ó and the smaller, more flavorful Mixed Heritage breeds. Handling requirements for turkey is similar to that of chicken, detailed above.
e. Grassfed/grass-finished beef – Our calves are moved to fresh, natural pasture regularly. Our grassfed beef is different than commercial beef: we finish dairy breeds (typically Jersey and Jersey-cross) on pasture, butchering at 850-950 lbs, which means that the sides and cuts are smaller. The volume of a typical quarter is equivalent to what would fit in a laundry basket. Shareholders receive a Òsplit side,Ó that typically includes 1 arm roast, 2 chuck roasts, 1 sirloin tip roast, 1 rump roast, 1 pkg ribs, 2 pkgs round steak, 2 pkgs cube steak from round, 2 pkgs sirloin steak, 6 Delmonico steaks, 6 T-bone steaks, and 20-30 lbs lean burger. (See http://www.americangrassfedbeef.com/grass-fed-beef-cuts-lg.asp for information on cuts.) Indeed, the beef is much leaner and must be cooked Òlow (heat) and slowÓ to ensure flavor and tenderness.
f. Pastured pork – Our pigs eat pasture, garden scraps, and grain. We allow our pigs to get bigger than usual, providing large pork chops for your plate and tastier meat! Again, expect the volume of a laundry basket from a half-hog.
g. Experimental crops and ÒextrasÓ – WeÕd like to offer a wide variety of farm-fresh products, and so we continue experimenting with some new items each year, the harvest of which we will provide to our shareholders as part of their regular share. We plant a few flowers that shareholders cut to take home as they bloom—a bouquet to brighten your home! Last year some of our shareholders took home a few grapes from our single vine and peaches from our single tree. We planted strawberries and raspberries last year we hope will be ready for harvest in 2008.
h. Eggs – We have about two dozen laying hens that live on the pasture. The egg yolks are dark orange—high in beta carotene—and they stand up tall, a sign of freshness. They taste great!
2. Can I pick and choose the types of ÒsharesÓ I desire?
Only to a limited degree. We offer two options: ONE, a full harvest share that includes weekly in-season vegetables, eggs, 20 meat chickens, a Thanksgiving turkey, a split side (quarter) of beef, and a half hog (pork) at a discount. TWO: you can order Òa la carteÓ from the order form with no discount.
3. Can I order any products without having to purchase a share?
Yes. Just use the order form to indicate the products you wish to buy.
4. When are products available?
Our focus is to provide fresh products seasonally. However, we try to have on hand year-round frozen steakburger in bulk or patties and sometimes have frozen chicken for sale. This year weÕll have frozen Christmas turkey. E-mail us for updated information.
5. Can I afford it?
Sticker shock is a concern, in part because many of us donÕt realize how much annually we spend for food. In 1997, the average American family spent $6500 for food, which is $125/week. The person who spends just $50 a week for groceries may not realize that this equals $2600 annually, just as the person who spends $3 each workday for a lattŽ would likely hesitate to do so if required to plunk down $780 all at once! The annualized cost for a typical share is less than $30 per week.
6. What payment methods for shares are available?
Payments can be made by cash, check or by PayPal if an electronic transfer from a bank account or credit card is desired; (click on PayPal at www.hawkinsfamilyfarm.com).
7. How is this a community-supported venture?
It is based on the true sharing of shareholders—sharing the benefits and the risks, sharing the bonuses and the limitations. As you can see, we ask you to be part of a community that shares by:
a. making a commitment for the entire year, so we arenÕt spending more time marketing than tending and tilling
b. dividing your own share (if you share with others), so that we are not overwhelmed trying to sort out who gets what each week
c. paying a significant portion up front, to keep costs lower and provide capital for seed, livestock, etc.
d. allowing us to receive payment electronically through PayPal, so we arenÕt spending more time on office work than on farm work
e. harvesting most of your own produce each week, so that we arenÕt picking a day or two ahead, which means you get less-than-fresh vegetables
f. volunteering to work on the farm, especially during the more labor-intensive times of the year. While this is not a requirement of shareholders, those who are so inclined are welcome to help at specific times. We typically a number of workdays (probably Saturday mornings); or you can set up a time to come out and work at your convenience!
g. spreading the word, so that all may benefit from a stable business that keeps on providing good food for years to come
h. promoting local food, family farms, sustainable agriculture, care of the earth, the enjoyment of nature, and gratitude to the Creator—participating in the community of Creation!
8. How do I begin?
a. Follow the steps to complete the order form.
b. If you desire a ÒHarvest Share,Ó begin in the box on the left panel.
i. After completing the information in the box, use the form to indicate your choices for pick-up, etc. For example, indicate which batch(es) of chickens you prefer and how many birds you want to pick up, which batch for turkey, pork, and beef pick-up, what size turkey you prefer, packaging for beef and pork, etc.
ii. During on of your first visits to the farm in the Spring, we will go with you to the gardens in order to orient you to the way things work.
iii. Check your e-mail regularly. WeÕd like to keep you up to date, since things change on the farm due to weather, etc. and we donÕt want you to arrive at the farm with false expectations. Generally we send a weekly e-mail to inform shareholders what crops are ready to harvest and how much of each to take. This information is also posted at the farm.
c. If you do not want to purchase a full share, use the order form to indicate what products you wish to buy.
d. We will stay in touch by e-mail, reminding you if pick-up dates and so forth.
e. Provide feedback so that we can continually learn from each other.
f. Eat with thought and gratitude!
g. 2008 Bagged-harvest half-share target offerings likely to include:
|
Vegetable/ Week |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
|
Peas |
.5 lb |
.5 lb |
.5 lb |
.5 lb |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.5 lb |
.5 lb |
|
Turnips |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Beets |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
Broccoli |
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Cabbage |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
Lettuce |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
|
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
4 oz |
|
Radishes |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
5 |
|
5 |
5 |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Cauliflower |
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spinach |
4 oz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arugula |
|
|
4 oz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kohlrabi |
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
4 |
|
|
Fennel |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
Swiss Chard |