After a long winter's dark, I have come back! Here is our 2011 newsletter. Enjoy.
Dear Friends:
What a delightful time of year Spring is! To me Spring signifies “new beginnings” and in the natural world evidence abounds in the form of buds,”brown-turning-to-green”, baby animals, etc., that Summer is just around the corner. These are just a few of the reasons why we enjoy farming, and want to use this letter to greet you and let you know what we are doing.
Those of you who have been following our activities for some time know that we enjoy the pleasant mix of working on our farm to produce wholesome, healthy, and flavorful local food and, the “connectivity” we have with those who have extended their confidence towards us by purchasing our produce.
You may also know that each year we try something new and are always interested in hearing how we might better serve you and meet your needs. This year we are moving towards the “harvest phase” of what we began last year: natural, pastured beef. We also are planning to move out of the experimental stage with the turkeys and offer more of them. Please be sure to order now; the few we had last year went quickly. We have also expanded the number of high tunnel “greenhouses” in an effort to not only extend our season, but to also protect from various threats to the crop, such as hail, deer, etc. All in all, we are very optimistic about the season ahead of us. One more thing, speaking of new things: we have had some requests for duck and duck eggs—we want to know what kind/amount of interest exists for this food. Would you let us know if this is a strong preference for you—or not? This will help us in our planning for the future.
Now in our 16th year, we are offering the best of high quality, chemical-free, locally grown food for your household through a limited offering of CSA subscriptions for both the Summer season (June through August 13, 2011) and Fall season (August 20 through October 31, 2011).
CSA, of course, is Community Supported Agriculture, and involves customers who pay a one-time fee, in advance, for a specified period during which they receive seasonal produce from the farmer, and options, if they desire. Basic package pricing includes produce (fruits and vegetables) with options of chickens, eggs, turkeys, beef and honey. Our prices include delivery to your home, or place of business on Saturdays in the Rapid City area. Chadron and Crawford deliveries will be held on a “to-be-determined” mid-week day. In this way the responsibility is on us, not you, to remember your produce. You avoid the shopping hassle and get quality, local produce. The customer and farmer share the risk of crop loss. CSA customers are given first priority over crop distribution. (We satisfy CSA orders before going to any Farmers’ Markets). This arrangement helps farmers such as us plan for the year and evens out the cash flow curve for a more sustainable operation.
We are also taking orders now for our pastured poultry chickens, turkeys and eggs, available in June –October (chickens & eggs) and turkeys (available in late October/early November). Our animals are primarily fed a pastured (grass) diet which is supplemented with insects and grain. Customers “in the know” appreciate the taste and health benefits associated with this type of diet. Honey orders will be filled in September. If you wish to simply order chickens, turkeys, or honey, please state that on the enclosed order form and include a $10.00 deposit per item(s) ordered, to secure your order. Deposits will be applied to the total on your order. Please note that some options are more subject to availability than others.
You may have noticed, as we have, that prices related to food, and food production, have been rising. We walk a fine line between trying to keep our prices in line and competitive, and stay in business to continue to serve you well into the future.
Thank you again for your vote of confidence and business. Those of you who have stuck with us through “thick and thin” may not know just how encouraging you are to us. “Thank you” sometimes seems inadequate. Regardless, we appreciate you and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Sincerely,
Lyn and Donna
