2012 Herrick Farm CSA Information
Herrick Farm is offering shares in our Community Supported Agriculture program for the fourth season. The 140 acres of Herrick Farm has remained in our family for agricultural production, standing today as the last dairy farm in Rowley. Originally we were Dodge’s sawmill in the 1700s through the 1900s. Today our family raises corn and hay on the farm for our 200 dairy cows with 150 additional acres rented in Rowley and surrounding towns. In 2009 we added our version of the CSA model to our vegetable production as a way to expand and connect with the community at a fragile time in the dairy farming industry. As more people support the need to keep food local and protect the remaining farms that make that ideal possible, the future of small farms and local food supplies like ours are strengthened.
How much does it cost?
A share costs $450($25/wk*). Send us half payment with completed registration form to reserve your space. The remaining balance is due by June 1st. If your budget is strictly balanced and you need more time to make smaller payments just let me know. We will come up with a payment plan together.
*Extra shares can be made available for $25/week. Are you having guests? Want to fill your cabinets with the tastiest canned goods for winter? Give me at least 24 hours’ notice and get a double dose of freshness!
What will be in my share?
The vegetables you get through the season may include but are not limited to (roughly in order spring through fall): Lettuce, Asian greens, radishes, salad turnips, garlic scapes, beets, swiss chard, parsley, spinach, kohlrabi, fennel, sugar snap peas, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, basil, oregano, thyme, kale, leeks, onions, bell and hot peppers, potatoes, summer squash, zucchini, patty pan squash, tomatoes, cantaloupes, watermelon, green beans, cherry tomatoes, garlic, gourds, parsnips, pumpkins, rutabega, brussels sprouts, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, delicata squash, butternuts and blue hubbard squash.
Share examples:
An early season share might include: 2 heads lettuce, 1 bunch radishes, 6 garlic scapes, 1 bunch rhubarb, 1 quart sugar snap peas (PYO extra quart as well), beet greens, 1 bag arugula, 1 bunch salad turnips, 1 bunch carrots.
A mid season share might include: 1 head lettuce, 4 lbs. tomatoes, 4 peppers, 2 eggplants, 1 lb. onions, 2 lbs. potatoes, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1 lb. broccoli, 1 lb. beans, 2 lbs. cucumbers, 2 cantaloupes, parsley, basil and rosemary.
What if I don't like certain vegetables?
You don’t have to take something if you don’t want it. However, one of the key features of joining a CSA is having the opportunity to cook with the freshest ingredients, bursting with nutrition and flavor. Fellow CSA members often provide the tastiest of recipes that are collected into the “recipes” page on the website. This is linked into the newsletters for quick referencing.
How are shares distributed?
Shares are available for pickup at the farm on the day you sign up for, Tuesdays 2-6:30 or Fridays 2-6. Sign up for the day that works best for your general schedule and set a reminder somewhere to help you remember there is delicious and nutritious food waiting for you. Please come on the day you choose to avoid wasted food and extra work for us. Pickups are held rain or shine.
How many people will a share feed?
This largely depends on your eating habits, but shares are usually perfect for about 4 people who eat at home often. When vegetables are in peak harvest, I encourage all CSA members to try canning and preserving any extra veggies for later times when they are out of season.
*You may split a share as long as it is picked up as one share.
Egg Shares:
Half egg share ~ $40 ~ ½ dozen eggs each week with your share for 20 weeks
Full egg share~ $80 ~ 1 dozen eggs each week with your share for 20 weeks
If the vegetable season only lasts 18-19 weeks, you will be able to come to the farm at your convenience for the remaining eggs after the season is through. The hens are naturally fed and free ranging and the eggs are never more than a couple of days old. It doesn’t get any better!
Missed share policy:
If you can’t make it to pick up your share, please send a friend. You may also come on the alternate pickup day if you notify me at least 24 hours in advance. If you are running late and can’t make it to the farm before the end of pickups, please call, text, or email me so that I can set your share aside for you. Harvest is planned around your arrival, ensuring your vegetables are as fresh as can be.
Pick-your-own:
Members will have opportunities to pick their own of certain crops when we have a surplus. These include peas, cherry tomatoes, green beans and herbs because they can be tedious to harvest by the bushel but a lovely experience for you and your family together. You will be notified via newsletter when this is the case so you may plan in advance. There is no extra cost for PYO.
How long is the season?
18-20 weeks. This depends on the weather, especially upon the spring conditions to start the season and when the frost arrives in the fall. Storage and cold hardy vegetables may extend the season well past the first frost.
Joining a CSA is an investment in the safety of our local food supply, the open space in our community and your individual health. We promise to use the most sustainable methods that respect the ecology of our land and the wellbeing of our consumers. Thank you for your support!