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  • From: "Hook Family" <ghf AT townisp.com>
  • To: <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] New Farm from old
  • Date: Fri, 7 May 2004 08:06:20 -0400

This group has given me a good list to start with, including
irrigation, hoop- and greenhouses, potato diggers (we used to have an old
one-row chain digger) and other necessities. However I am undecided about
the perils of starting out as a CSA. In this climate and without greenhouse
or hoophouse I'm limited to 12-16 weeks production this year, none of which
would be fruit (until next year). I can count on a minimum of ten families
from my church to purchase shares, and about half of my wife's thirty piano
students. If grown intensively I believe I can supply that many with two
acres. I'm just uncertain about setting it up, how much to charge, whether
to offer u-pick or not and at what rate. I'm also without startup capital,
having been laid off from my previous employer since August of 2003. That's
really my motivation to start out as a CSA. I also have two other small farm
growers who have livestock and no clue how to market them in this way. Too
many years of taking them to the market auction and taking what they got
(been there, done that).

Jeff
2 acres is enough for 25 members although not sure I'd recommend starting
first year with 25, 10-15 at most imo. A fair member ship fee would be
$400ish for 16 weeks. You don't have to have a greenhouse to grow only your
own plants, for re sale greenhouse would be needed. I have a hoop
greenhouse (small) but the heater pooped and so hate to get tons of stuff
out there only to have to move it in. Plus knowing that I put a few
chickens in there hay any empty building...:).
I start plants on shelves with shop lights works fine. I've been hardening
off just by putting on my steps, I know so scientific.

We are going into our 7th year as a CSA, first year 10, then 35-43 and this
year a working vacation of about 30 members :).

You said you have folks already waiting ok so what if you started this year
with 10, you ask for a deposit of $50, you then have $500 for seeds and
plants. I ask for balance of payment first pick up day. This year for you
a gross of $4000.

Are you planning to return to work? If so you may then have to work in
evenings and weekends keep that in mind for garden work and dealing with
folks at pickup times.

But a CSA is a "closed" group so you can schedule pickup times for when you
were available say sat sun afternoons or Mon evenings etc.

Some farms have untended pickups stuff is left a sign is left with what to
take. I tend mine and chit chat.

We have some crops that are upick (included in the membership not separate).
Labor intensive crops that would take us hours to pick. The folks are
rewarded however in that mostly these are pick as much as you want. Upicks
peas, string beans, cherry tomatoes, flowers (about 12-24) and herbs,
strawberries and raspberries (limited amounts)

As the spirit moves I might say you want more hot peppers go pick yourself a
dozen (not everyone likes them). As the summer wears on and folks tire of
swiss chard I say "If you still want some go pick a dozen stems"

Good luck Beth





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