Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) 2012
**CHECK OUT our POPULAR MONTHLY SHARES**
The Sycamore Spring Farm CSA is a project of passion and love for our "Farm Family" members, our Animal Friends and our Planet. We purpose to become a model for Sustainable Living and educational outreach to the local community.
Sycamore Spring is a small working "homestead" type farm where we raise over 60 different varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs alongside free range beef, lamb, goats and poultry. Our “Better than Organic” naturally grown products are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, with an emphasis on soil conservation and sustainability.
Membership in the SSF/CSA is available to like-minded folks who pledge in advance to cover the farms expenses to produce their "share" of the farm's produce. These CSA supporters/members understand that farming can be risky and that there is no guarantee of bumper crops. They know the benefits and risks and believe in the importance of insuring that their food is being produced by a farmer with integrity-who genuinely cares about preserving heirloom fruits and vegetables, achieving superior nutritional quality of food and the health and welfare of the CSA members. Members also share in a common bond of connecting with the land, the farm and the farmer that produces their food.
CSA Members contribute their financial and/or physical support to the farm, understand the inherent risks of crop failures and in return receive the following privileges:
* Weekly produce pickup: a choice assortment of seasonal, natural farm grown produce.
* Access to wholesome farm produced eggs, poultry, meats, goats milk soaps, etc. at reduced member prices.
* Pick-your-own (as nature provides): berries, cherries, cherry tomatoes, grapes, flowers, herbs, and seasonal surplus items
* Farm tours and access/use of cook-out & picnic areas for family & friends.
* Annual picnic or farm festival
* Free Educational food preparation and preservation information.
* Seasonal newsletters. March, June & September Issues.
* Monthly harvest recipe cards.
Visit....a simpler way of life!
The farm is a unique place seeming to take you back to a simpler time. Many remember similar feelings from their childhood visits to a family or neighbor farm. Others experience it for the first time here at Sycamore Spring. Members are encouraged to enjoy the homestead atmosphere and observe the simple gardens and animal antics. Volunteers are welcome to help with harvesting, planting, weeding or other farm chores. CSA pickup is also a nice time to visit and chat with other “farm family” members. Remember the Farm is only OPEN on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.
Is it a good deal?
Yes! On average-over the course of the growing/harvest season we beat retail “organic” or “health food store” prices by 35-45%. Plus, our produce is grown locally and picked fresh for you, right out of the garden. Most years we estimate members have received over 300 lbs of product...that averages out to about $2.50 lb. Now that is a GREAT DEAL!!!
Do you sell elsewhere? No, But we are offering several delivery/pick-up sites for the 2012 season. Located in the Four Quadrants of the County-N/S/E/W these sites are designed for the convenience of the "Employee" who works but does not live in Frederick County-with week day late afternoon/early evening (Quittin' time!) schedules ONLY.
What sort of produce will I get?
We like to focus on heirloom varieties of well-liked vegetables and fruits, and occasionally introduce members to unique culinary delights. Volume and variety vary with season, but you can expect…
Spring: Low volume; cool season greens, radish, spinach, spring onions, asparagus, chard, parsley
Late spring: mixed greens, carrots, peas, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, sour cherries, basil, strawberries
Summer: High volume; tomatoes, green-beans, melons, cucumbers, new potatoes, squash, peppers, okra, eggplant, onions, garlic, peaches, corn
Fall: Winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, figs, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, turnips apples & pears. We provide lettuce and salad items throughout the season (weather permitting). Produce is always fresh!
What about vacations?
We try to keep it fair and simple so you can;
1.Share your share-We highly recommend that you give your share to a friend, co-worker or neighbor that you really like. You will be greatly appreciated when you share your share-and your farm for a day.
2. Donate that weeks share to the local soup kitchen (we'll deliver it for you).
3. Receive extra produce over the next three pick-up weeks.
How does it work?
Choose a share option and pick-up day (Friday 2:00pm-8:00pm or Saturday 8:00am-2:00pm) that works best for your family and schedule. Your produce is harvested and packed for you that day and we’ll see you at the farm!
The 2012 CSA program runs April thru November (We hope for a Late-April startup) The basic subscription/share is for 22 weeks @25.00 ($594.00).
There is also a 30 week program @23.00 ($750.00)and
2 different shorter programs; 9 week Bountiful Season/July and August ($270.00)or
8 week Autumn Harvest/Sept&Oct ($224.00) which ends the same time as the 30 week program-the weekend before Thanksgiving.
OUR Tried & Proven & back by Popular Request-2012 MONTHLY CSA SHARE- By Popular Request, we are continuing the monthly shares. Designed for our very busy families or for new comers that just want to sample our offerings from spring to fall. This SHARE offers a once-a-month pick-up on Friday or Saturday. You MUST select either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th full weekend of the month-each month-and stick to it as your pick up day. That is 7 Full-PLUS size shares over the 7 month season-May-November. You get it all with this offering Spring thru Fall for ONLY ($300.00).
Egg shares are also very popular and save our members .50 cents on each dozen "really" free range eggs. (Regular price $4.00 doz-members $3.50 doz)
Beef shares can be added to your share. Avaliable in 1lb packs of ground or stew beef (regular price $4.50 & 5.00-members get their beef for 50 cents less per lb).
Only avaliable early Spring & late Fall; 35lb Family Pack of our all natural, organic pasture raised Scottish Highland beef for ONLY $275.00 (CSA member price). It includes an assortment of steaks, roasts, ground and stew beef PLUS soup bones for that delicious, nutritious stock. Remember highland beef is a leaner, healthier, finer grained beef that you will rave about. A convenient size that does not require you to have a seperate freezer.
We also sell our beef by the half and quarter...call for current avaliability/pricing.
If you are interested in becoming a Sycamore Spring Farm CSA Family Member for 2012-Please proceed to the CSA sign up information page on this web-site for further details. Print out the membership application and send it in with your payment. Any Questions-just call 301-788-6980.
