Dear CSA Members,
It has been a pleasure growing produce for you again this season. Despite some very hot and dry months having a definite impact on our yields, 2025 has been another success. The farm crew, apprentices, and volunteers embraced the challenges better than ever, providing an abundant harvest each week that reflected our commitment to growing stellar seasonal produce in an inclusive, growth-oriented atmosphere.
As the season draws to a close, we’ve been getting many inquiries about signing up for next year’s CSA. It has been a difficult decision, but we have elected to shift the direction of the vegetable growing operation next year. Unfortunately, we will no longer be offering the CSA.
A great deal of time and energy goes into bringing each of our weekly pickups together and it has proven to be too much given all the other avenues for growth and work on our farm (animal husbandry, culinary, flowers, farm store, etc.). The all-consuming demands of the CSA on the farm team interfere with us truly meeting our mission of making our farm a place where people can work but also flourish.
In 2026, the plan is to decrease the size of the vegetable operation and remove the weekly pressure of the CSA program. We will still grow all your favorites and have them available in our farm store. If you can’t wait for zucchini in late June, yellow watermelon in mid-August, and cauliflower in October, an abundance of all those items will still be here.
We’re aware of the importance of the subscription model, of having a reason to come out here each week, which is why we’re beginning a new program called the Harvest Pass. More specific details on that soon, but this program will still provide you with a large discount on our produce for paying ahead. You’ll also have more choice about what you pick up, since you’ll be shopping in our store and can choose what you’d like instead of only drawing from that week’s designated items. Hours will also be much more flexible as the farm store will be open with extended hours throughout the week, rather than just a few hours on appointed days like the CSA.
We still want to grow great food, and we don’t want to lose you as part of our community. Our plan with this shift is that you will be able to visit the farm and get all your favorites next year, while we achieve our goal of improved alignment with our mission and a more holistic experience for the apprentices and staff who work and grow here.
Sincerely,
Chris Krivanek
Farm Manager
-
Support the Mission of Inclusion: People of all abilities are the growers behind the weekly produce.
The apprentices in our “Ready Set” programs find a unique community at Homesteads and learn critical skills by participating in the various activities of farming. They put seeds in trays in the greenhouse, transplant seedlings, weed between rows of vegetables, and harvest the final product that ends up in your home. Their growth in independence and ability will allow them to succeed in the rest of their lives.
Revenue from the CSA Share also goes directly into the eventual independent paid employment of “work ready” apprentices, like Steve Voelkl, the first hire out of our apprentice program. Support from CSA patrons means the world to people like Steve, who can earn money for their skills. He is proud of his job and what he can accomplish through it.