Find a printer-friendly brochure with more information at the bottom of this page - click the link to the pdf file, about 700 kb
Community Supported Agriculture...
...is a partnership between farmers and the people who use the farmer's produce. Within this partnership is the idea that all people are responsible for the care of the earth. Members of a CSA support the farmers as they tend the earth in a responsible way while growing the highest quality produce.
Where do I get my Veggies?
We harvest on Monday and Thursday mornings. Farm pick up is on Thursday from 5 to 7 PM, 'buffet' style - which means you bag up your own produce (with advice from us on quatities). Monday on-farm pickup is any time after 11 AM (we will bag up your share and have it ready for you). On Monday we also deliver shares to Port City Organics in Manistee. Delivery is by 2 PM, usually earlier. We are considering Thursday to be 'full' until we have heard from more of our 2007 members (Last year's "Thursday' members can, of course, sign up for that day in 2008). Check back or call if Thursday is your only option. A map to the Farm, near Bear Lake, Michigan, is linked below.
How does it work?
We, the farmers, are responsible for the planting, tending and harvesting of the crops. Farm members buy a share of our harvest in advance of the growing season. This allows us to purchase seeds and other supplies when needed. It also relieves us of the need to market our produce at a time of the year when our energy is best spent growing vegetables. Each week during the growing season members pick up their share of the harvest either at the farm or take delivery in Beulah or Manistee.
Each week from mid- June until around October 1 there will be a variety of fresh, in-season vegetables in the harvest. You will receive as much variety and quantity as conditions allow. The earliest harvests are limited to leafy greens, salad makings and some herbs. Mid summer harvests bulge with veggies in large variety and quantity. Our intent is not to provide quantities of veggies suitable for ‘putting by’ for the winter, though some members find there is enough to do some of that.
Most season there are some crops that do exceptionally well and others that produce less than expected. As partners in agriculture we share the benefits of bumper crops and the risks of a crop failure
How Many for Dinner?
We have found that a single share is usually suitable for a couple or a small family. This is almost always the place to start. If you find that you eat more produce than a single share, we can discuss a double share at a discount. We do not offer a 1/2 share, but several of our members split a share with friends.
Is the produce organic?
We are not certified organic, and new USDA rules prohibit the label "organic" if the farm is not certified. Our vegetables are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, so there are no residues on your food (though bits of sand and dirt will need to be rinsed off). Our members know us and both trust our methods, and can observe our practices.
Questions?
This is a new concept to many people. Call us at 231-889-3216 or email us with your questions
Jim Sluyter
Jo Meller
Five Springs Farm 2008 Season
**Pick-up Day Preference:
( )Monday - Manistee delivery
( )Thursday - Pick up at the farm
Name:______________________
Address:__________________________
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Telephone_________________________
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Share Options:
One share: $325
Delivery to Manistee: $35
Payment options:
( ) $100 down, two additional payments
( ) Pay full amount
( ) I need another option (call us)
All farm members receive a subscription to The Community Farm, a nationally distributed newsletter about CSA published here at Five Springs Farm
Find a map to the farm here:
Five Springs Farm
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