CSA

TERRAPIN HILL FARM CSA

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, an idea brought to America in the mid 1980s. The basic premise is that a “community” commits to supporting a farmer by purchasing his products over a whole season, and in turn, the farmer commits to providing the community with products grown to the best of his ability. Usually the members pay a set fee upfront and then receive a weekly share of the harvest. By agreeing to share in the harvest, members are willing to share in both the risks and benefits of farming and understand that due to weather and other conditions the amounts and variety of harvest will vary from week to week. CSA members benefit from not only receiving fresh, healthy, local farm products, but also from feeling a connection to a farm and learning what it takes to grow their food. Farmers benefit from knowing that the products they raise are already sold, thus enabling them to concentrate more on growing the food than trying to market it. They also benefit from getting to know their customers directly and receiving feedback that hopefully encourages them and lets them know their hard work is appreciated.

2009 Season Member Fees

$400 for 20 week season (dates to be announced, usually May-Oct)

1. When are the Member Fees due?

A nonrefundable deposit of $100 is due when you sign up to become a member. The balance ($300) is payable all at once or in 4 monthly payments of $75. A limited number of shares are available so we recommend that you reserve your spot as soon as possible.

2. Can I split a share with someone?

You may split your share with someone else, but each share is delivered in one box and it is your responsibility to divide the contents.

3. When and where do I pick up my box?

Harrodsburg: Mercer County Farmers Market

Danville: Nutrition Center II, 1019 Hustonville Rd.

Outside Mercer or Boyle Counties: please contact us for arrangements.

Exact day and time of pick-up will be determined when the Farmers Market days/times are set for this year. The first box of the season will be picked up at the farm so we can "meet and greet" our members.

4. What if I’m away for a week and unable to pick up my share?

If you are unable to pick up your share one week you may arrange for someone else to pick it up. Or you may contact us in advance and let us know that you will not be picking up your box that week. Members will not be reimbursed for boxes that are not picked up.

5. What will I get each week?

We will do our best to harvest as wide a variety of produce as possible, and that will, of course, vary throughout the season. We may include some “bonus” items some weeks, such as fresh cut flowers or herbs. Be prepared, however, to see the same vegetables for several weeks in a row and then maybe not see them again the rest of the season. If there are certain vegetables you don’t like, we encourage you to try them one time (that’s what we say to our kids!) Fresh-picked vegetables have a sweeter taste that may be different than what you are used to from vegetables that have been sitting in a store or are frozen or from a can. All members get the same items in their boxes each week, we cannot make boxes to special orders. Keep in mind that if you grow your own garden, your vegetables will be coming in about the same time ours are, though we do use greenhouses and row covers to extend the seasons. We will send out a weekly newsletter (posted on our website)to tell you what's in each week's box, what’s happening on the farm, what to expect in future boxes, and we’ll even include some recipes. If you can't identify something in your box, just ask! We are not certified organic, but we grow everything using organic and sustainable methods and never, ever use harmful chemicals on our land or on your food!
Examples of produce we usually grow: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, greens (kale, mustard, pac choi, arugula, etc), kohlrabi, lettuce (head lettuce and baby salad mix), okra, onions, peas, peppers (sweet and hot), potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, scallions, spinach, squash (summer and winter), swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, watermelons. Herbs: basils, chives, cutting celery, dill, lavender, oregano, parsely, rosemary, sage, thyme

6. What if I want to cancel my membership?

We ask that you make the commitment to support the CSA throughout the season. We plant the crops continually throughout the spring and summer to ensure a constant harvest of a variety of vegetables and we will plant an amount based on the number of members who sign up in the beginning. We are flexible, however, and will try to work with you if there is a problem. The deposit is nonrefundable.

7. Do you have other farm products besides vegetables?

We offer many varieties of herb and vegetable plant starts in the spring. We also raise laying hens for eggs and pastured poultry for meat. We sell A*S*H-free beef and pork (free of antibiotics, steroids, and hormones) raised by other local farmers that we personally know. All animals are raised in a natural, humane manner. These products are all available for purchase separately, but can be delivered with your box at any time.

8. Are there any other ways I can be involved in the CSA/farm?

Part of the concept of the CSA is that members feel a sort of “ownership” of their farm. The first box of the season will be picked up at the farm, so we can meet our members, you can meet your farmers, we can discuss details of how the CSA works, and you can see where and how your food is grown. We also welcome members to come spend a few hours at the farm helping out in the gardens. Terrapin Hill Farm hosts several workshops and retreats throughout the summer and we invite our CSA members to attend these events.

9. Anything else I should know?

There are many ways organize a CSA, and things can always be adjusted each year. We hope that our members will feel free to communicate with us, both positive feedback and constructive criticisms. (During the drought of '07 our CSA members' words of support and encouragement really kept us going!) We are always open to ideas that will make things work better for our customers. You can contact us at any time with questions or comments by email or by phone, 859-734-7207, 859-612-9670 or 859-612-9449. We look forward to providing you with fresh, healthy food each week!

10. Sounds great!! How do I join?
Just email Brenda@terrapinhillfarm.com and ask for a brochure (we can email it as a .pdf file). Print it out, fill out the form on the back and mail it with your nonrefundable $100 deposit to:

Pete and Brenda Cashel

Terrapin Hill Farm

3696 Mackville Rd.

Harrodsburg, KY 40330

You may send in the entire membership fee if you wish. After April 1, please contact us first to determine if there are still memberships available, as we are only accepting a limited number.

Are you a good candidate for our CSA?

__ Cook most meals at home

__ Willing to try new vegetables

__ Willing to try new recipes and use vegetables in creative ways

__ Desire to know where your food is grown

__ Desire to help support a local farmer and support sustainable agriculture