market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Market Farming
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- From: "Beth Spaugh" <lists AT rhomestead.com>
- To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
- Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models
- Date: Wed, 1 Sep 2010 18:01:06 -0400
We did what you describe - you can take 2 things from this
table, etc last year. It seemed to confuse members. This year we
changed to a "point" system. It strays far from the original CSA concept, and
maybe has dangers of becoming like "buying", but the members love it. Each
full share gets 10 "points" per week. I put stuff out with a sign that says what
a point is (1 bunch, 1 quart, 1 bowl salad mix, 15 stems chard) etc, and either
"no limit' or "Limit __ whatever". The limit is the number of points they
can use on that item.
The downside for me is that they are not consistent in what
they want. Some members really like that the CSA forces them to try new
things, and if they are "spending" their points, they may not do that.
Also, if they miss a week, or don't want to use all their points one week they
are asking to add them onto later weeks.
I have been thinking about, and like Andy's hybrid system,
which would allow me to concentrate on one odd-ball produce (kohlrabi, fennel,
even cabbage) that not many folks would take, and say, unless you are allergic
to it, take it as one point. I don't know if I would go so far as to pre-box it
though.
The biggest time saver I think is having folks come to pick
their share up, and having them "box" their share. Most bring reusable
bags. I made bags from old tee-shirts for those who
forget.
Best wishes for your transition. I am looking at what
makes the most profitable sense for us next year too. The downside to CSA
is the need to grow such variety. But my farmers markets have been much less
stressful since I started taking fewer things. I plan to really concentrate on
my easy to harvest/pack/transport things for farmers market next
year.
Beth Spaugh
Rehoboth Homestead, Peru, NY
Farm Fresh Food Club CSA - http://rhomestead.com
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From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of John Ferree Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 7:01 AM To: Market Farming Subject: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models Our current system is box-subscription. While this system works, most of the disadvantages are on the customer side. No choice, little input as to the box contents. I have heard of other CSA's that have switched to a market style pickup. Table 1 has 3 things - take 2 units, Table 2 has 4 things - take three, etc I see a number of advantages with this. Decreased packing costs. . . introduction of member choice. . . more face time with members (currently near 0 face time/week). . . streamlining field -> cooler processing. . . increased flexibility in quantities for the new manager who still has a fair bit to learn. Downside - probably need to get 50+ members per pickup, or shorten pickup duration. I heard a former employee from Angelic Organics started on their own with a system like this. . . but I need to talk to someone who's doing it. Know anyone? Thanks, John |
-
[Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
John Ferree, 09/01/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Beth Spaugh, 09/01/2010
- Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models, Dalew Farms, 09/07/2010
- <Possible follow-up(s)>
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Andy Fellenz, 09/01/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Etienne Goyer, 09/01/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Jen and Derek Campbell, 09/01/2010
-
[Market-farming] Now What?,
alicia best, 09/03/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Now What?,
Richard Robinson, 09/03/2010
-
[Market-farming] Seed Garlic,
Allan.Balliett, 09/14/2010
- Re: [Market-farming] Seed Garlic, Mike Brabo, 09/14/2010
- Re: [Market-farming] Seed Garlic, Brian Metcalf, 09/14/2010
- [Market-farming] Difficulty starting Romaine/Cos Lettuce, Jay Sleichter, 09/14/2010
-
[Market-farming] Seed Garlic,
Allan.Balliett, 09/14/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Now What?,
Richard Robinson, 09/03/2010
-
[Market-farming] Now What?,
alicia best, 09/03/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Jen and Derek Campbell, 09/01/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Etienne Goyer, 09/01/2010
-
Re: [Market-farming] Alternative CSA Models,
Beth Spaugh, 09/01/2010
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