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What is a CSA farm?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farms provide diverse produce with a community-oriented approach. On CSA farms members of the community buy "shares" for a portion of farm produce and as such share in the costs of food production and local sustainable agriculture. The CSA movment aims to strengthen people's connection to their food, its sources and each other. There are many different models for a CSA. At Sunbow, we strongly believe in connecting people to their food sources. Our farm is always open to members and children are particularly welcome!
Why join Sunbow Farm CSA?
We provide high quality, fresh organic produce at costs below what you would pay in the grocery store. Our
growing practices conform with all USDA standards for organic
production and in many cases exceed the expectations of this program. We use ecologically-based management techniques with no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides in crop production.
In addition, you are supporting a local farm!! Your dollars stay in Wisconsin instead of being funneled to a few individuals at the top of big agribusiness farms in far away locations.
Last but most important, we are a family-friendly farm. We love having members and their kids at the farm. What better way to encourage kids to eat 'real' food than to involve them in the process of food production.
What crops do we grow?
For the 2010 Summer Growing Season we will have:
| Asparagus (limited - the plants are still young) |
Garlic and Garlic Scapes |
Radishes |
| Green and Yellow Beans |
Salad Greens |
Raspberries |
| Beets |
Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Oregano, |
Rhubarb |
| Broccoli |
Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and |
Rutabagas |
| Brussel Sprouts |
Thyme) |
Shallots |
| Cabbage |
Jerusalem Artichokes |
Snap Peas |
| Carrots |
Kale |
Snow Peas |
| Celery |
Kohlrabi |
Spinach |
| Collards |
Leeks |
Strawberries |
| Cucumbers |
Melons |
Summer and Winter Squash |
| Edamame Soybeans |
Onions |
Swiss Chard |
| Eggplant |
Peppers - Sweet , Ancho and Spicy |
Tomatoes |
| Fennel |
Popcorn |
Turnips |
How does Sunbow Farm CSA work?
Sometime before April 15, 2010, you purchase a share or shares in the Farm. We offer both full and half shares with or without a work opion for eiher 20 or 26 weeks. (See the 'membership information button above for more information.) 26 week shares begin the first week in May and continue until November 1. 20 week shares begin mid-June and continue until November 1.
Each week you will receive a box of in-season produce. A typical weekly delivery for a full share in July is: 1 bunch scallions, 1 lb green beans, 1 bunch basil, 3 summer squash, 2 pounds tomatoes, 1 bunch carrots, 1 eggplant, and 4 peppers. We aim for 7 different things in the box during the early season and 10 during the heart of summer. Produce delivered will change each week, depending on what is in-season.
Farm members shape how the farm is run and goals for future operation. The Sunbow Farm Advisory Board meets each Fall to review the past season and set prices and management pracices for the next year.
We pick, wash, pack and deliver produce on Mondays or Thursdays. Pick-up locations include Weekly pick-up locations include:
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Thursday evening (6:15 -8 pm) at the Keating-Hadlock's house on the West Hill in Chippewa Falls
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Thursday afternoons (4:30-5:15), Carson Park, Eau Claire
- Thursdays after 5:30 pm at the Sylvester's home in the Third Ward neighborhood (near UWEC)
- Monday or Thursday afternoons after 3 pm at Sunbow Farm, Eau Claire
In addition to the weekly produce, we provide you access through the Members Only portion of this website to weekly newsletters, informative articles about different fruits or vegetables, information about what is going on on the farm, and organic farming practices. We also maintain an extensive recipe database with ideas for using the produce that you receive that week.
BECOME A "FRIEND OF SUNBOW FARM". As a local, community farm, we would like to make our produce available to the community even if joining a CSA is not right for you or provides more food than you can eat each week. As a Friend of the Farm, you can deposit money into a “farm account” in $50 increments (this works easier for our accounting). Each week a list of “extras” appears on the Sunbow website, and you can place an order with us for specific items that are available that you would like. The cost of your order will be deducted from your balance and a receipt with your remaining balance will be included with your order. At any point in the season you can add $50 increments to your farm account. You may pick-up your produce at any of our standard pick-up locations including the farm.
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