CSA for 2010?

Any recommendations for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for the upcoming 2010 season? I would appreciate knowing what you liked if you joined one, what you didn't like, and the produce assortment each week.

Thanks in advance.

I've been very happy with Grasshoppers Dist. CSA. Their summer sign-up should be available soon. The main thing that sold me on Grasshopper was the diverse mix of items every week including 1/2 gallon whole milk with cream, dozen farm fresh eggs and the rotating items. The people that deliver are super nice and always e-mail a newsletter showing what I'll receive that week plus recipes.

Here are two good options. First is Adam Barr of Barr farms. Hes a younger farmer using very progressive farming methods keeping the family farm going strong. He does a CSA for meat as well as veggies. We also like Ralph and Kathy Packard from Misty Meadows Farm. They have been doing local raised meat and veggies for around 25 years here in KY. Both have a commitment to raising food the right way(organic and sustainable) and enjoy great customer loyalty.
One thing to keep in mind when talking to folks about their CSA experiences would be how much the weather effects a particular year for the CSA. Last year many farmers were either washed out of the field due to the seemingly never ending rains or otherwise affected by the plant disease that was very prevalent during the last growing season. One year you may end up with alot of greens and not so much the next year, you never know about the weather.
adambarr@gmail.com or the website http://www.fungusamongus.us/
mmfarm@bbtel.com or the website http://www.mistymeadowsfarm.vpweb.com/

I have heard other folks who are very happy with Grasshoppers ,but one thing to keep in mind is by definition it really is not a true CSA. They also allow themselves to buy commercial or otherwise not locally grown items to be included in the boxes.

I second Barr Farms!

We were very happy last year with Dave at Field 51. http://www.field51produce.com

All grown in Oldham county on Buckeye Lane.

I have heard other folks who are very happy with Grasshoppers ,but one thing to keep in mind is by definition it really is not a true CSA. They also allow themselves to buy commercial or otherwise not locally grown items to be included in the boxes.

I'm not sure about the commercial purchasing of Grasshopper. We have only received items they purchase directly from the farmers and it's all been good. One can chose from several protein (meat) or cheese packages to add to the standard package. While maybe not true CSA, Grasshopper buys from so many farmers that the chance of receiving a total dud delivery is minimized.

I'm not sure about the commercial purchasing of Grasshopper. We have only received items they purchase directly from the farmers and it's all been good. One can chose from several protein (meat) or cheese packages to add to the standard package. While maybe not true CSA, Grasshopper buys from so many farmers that the chance of receiving a total dud delivery is minimized.

Im not trying to rip on Grasshoppers, but that is an issue that has pissed off some people I know. From their site(near the bottom of the first page) "We may substitute conventional items at times if needed to fill your box." I have heard a few different reports on just how much conventional(purchased at the produce terminal) items are added. I'm friends with plenty of farmers who are very happy with Grasshoppers and like I said, I know of happy customers as well. I am thinking about working with them on a new greenhouse produce production system were looking into. I was just pointing out its not really a CSA and not all of it is local. Overall, way better to get your goods through them,or another CSA, than Wallyworld.

Ginger, check out this website: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

I discovered it last year when I was researching CSAs and it is an incredible resource. It lists their prices, pickup days/locations, share specifics, and member reviews. You're certain to find a CSA that will fill your needs.

I blogged about my first year with Misty Meadows, with posts nearly every week logging what we received and what we cooked with it. You might find that helpful: http://travelingmcmahans.wordpress.com/mistymeadows/

We've been with Misty Meadows the last few years. This year they're doing the delivery/pickup a little differently. You'll be able to pick up your csa share at more locations around Louisville (including my house). I know they're still accepting members.

Tina,

Do you have any additional info on the expanded pickup spots? We love CSAs but have found that with two working parents and two kids to pickup, convenience of the CSA pickup spot/time is crucial. I checked their website and it's vague about the other than Phoenix Hill pick-ups.

Thans,
Deb

Deb, We purposely have not put complete addresses on our website for the privacy of our site directors. We have, however, put streets so that one can guage their location. When one joins or has further questions about a site, I am more than happy to supply the remainder of the information.

Misty Meadows Farm is the oldest CSA running in Louisville now; we are going into our 11th year. When we started, there was just one other CSA operating and they have since disbanded.
We are all but an email away with any questions and I am very good about answering all questions quickly.

In answer to the site question...we will have distribution at our market at Phoenix Hill Farmers Markets on Tuesday afternoons (times are noted on our webpage). Our Thursday distributions will be on Thursdays at the various locations on our website; I believe you will have several hours to pick up shares. All distributions will now be boxed so one only has to sign in, grab their box, and go. A share table is always offered if there is something in your box you don't like...leave it for another member; if there is something on the share table you want, it's yours! We also sell eggs and meats and these will be available by preorder at the drop sites and can be purchased through the market on Tuesdays.

We can provide references upon request. Please check out our website www.mistymeadowsfarm.vpweb.com for more information.
Have a great day, Kathy Packard

Tina,

Do you have any additional info on the expanded pickup spots? We love CSAs but have found that with two working parents and two kids to pickup, convenience of the CSA pickup spot/time is crucial. I checked their website and it's vague about the other than Phoenix Hill pick-ups.

Thans,
Deb

I'm in the Belknap neighborhood in the Highlands - pickup will be any time on Thursdays after Kathy drops off. I'm happy to pm you my address if that would help.

Thanks for the prompt info, Kathy. I checked your site but only saw the " at Phoenix Hill, and other locatios throughout Louisville..." line. I'll re-look at the site.

Thanks,
Deb