2012 - March Newsletter

Ordering seeds and plants, putting together budgets for the season, keeping an eye on the pregnant mamma goats, getting ready for baby chicks, planning for a greenhouse, answering e-mails about our farm and what we provide, and getting box members signed up seems to be keeping us very busy. The excitement is overwhelming. Just a few months ago we were so worn out and ready for a break and now all I want to do is get in the field and start working. The warmer weather is making me think we might get to start planting a little early this year, but it is Wisconsin, so we’ll just have to see.

What’s New at the Farm:
Ducks! We have 3 females and 1 male. They will help protect the chickens from predators and they are cool to watch. They are in the barn right now but soon will be roaming the farm, so watch out for them waddling around when you pull in the driveway. We also got a daddy pig. It was Lily’s turn to name an animal, so next time you are at the farm say hello to “Strawberry Shortcake”!!! We are thinking of raising pigs for meat. They too will not be on grass at this time but are home grown and healthier than anything you will find in the store. I love me some pork!!!

Last year we had a problem with pollination. From what I understand, due to all the industrial corn and soybean fields the bee populations are in danger. It is not the sprays that hurt them the most, but the chemicals in the seeds. The bees take the “dust” back to their hives and it will kill the whole hive. We are happy to announce we have 5 bee hives coming this spring!!!! Let’s hope the bees, fruit trees and produce work together to provide a wonderful environment for all to survive.

Weekly Produce Box Program Info:
I want to take some time to talk about our CSA Weekly Produce Box Program. There have been lots of questions and I want to make sure you all understand how the program works. The deadline for sign up is March 15th. We will take on members after this date, but please note that our prices will go up a bit so sign up now for your lowest 2012 rates.

1. CSA stands for: COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE - not only are we creating a farm for our communities to be involved in but we are also creating markets for our community farms (they help out when we do not have enough supply or when they can grow something we can’t)
2. How it works: Members pay an upfront, 1 time, seasonal payment to receive a box of fresh, local, chemical free produce weekly or biweekly for 20 weeks. We plan for the boxes to start early June, but it all depends on mother nature. Plan on the first boxes to be a little smaller then the rest and LOTS of greens at first.
3. Your payment financially supports our family farm (Thank You), while we promise to work hard to provide you healthy food for your dinner tables, which your bodies deserve. Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, along with many other health problems are on the rise. I truly believe a lot of if has to do with the chemicals in/on our foods.
4. Some things your payment goes towards: plants, seeds, garden tools, equipment expenses, utilities, employees, packaging and marketing. We also set aside some of the CSA money to purchase a few things like fruit, until our orchard can supply all of us.
5. We will include a “foodie sheet” in every box. The sheet will have instructions on how to care for your produce and recipes for those not so familiar veggies or veggies that just keep coming like zucchini and tomatoes.
6. CSA Member appreciation event: We are thinking chicken BBQ (along with seasonal veggies) and bonfire. Date to be determined. July is a good time because there are lots of veggie varieties available but lots of families do summer vacations, so maybe October would be better for an end of the season celebration…
7. We do not have a program set up yet where you can pick and choose your produce for your box. Below you will find a “schedule” of what to expect each month. I highly recommend trying new things first. Sometimes just finding different ways to cook a veggie makes all the difference. Otherwise you can share your products with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Last year I also saw members exchange things in their boxes. For example, if you don’t like peppers and your co-worker does but doesn’t like beets and you do, just trade!
8. The box season can be very overwhelming when supply is high but it can also be very fun. I love trying new recipes and things with the kids. We had way to many patty pan zucchini last year so we did a painting project and used the patty pans for awesome new designs. We will try not to put too much in your boxes when supply is high because we know it sucks to let produce go to waste when you are getting boxes weekly. You will get larger boxes at times though so be prepared to can, freeze or dehydrate for winter months. Please remember your areas local food pantry’s are always looking for donations!
9. When signing up for your box program you agree to share the RISKS and BOUNTY with us, the farmer, and other members. If a natural disaster happens at the farm, there are no refunds. We will do our very best to provide everything we can but mother nature is always in charge.
10. Box members receive discounted rates on all bulk buys through out the 2012 growing season.

2012 PRODUCE SCHEDULE:
Early (May-June)
Asparagus
Radish - red and white
Lettuce - multiple types
Spinach
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Kohlrabi
Peas (snow & snap)
Table Onions
Herbs (many diff. types)
Greens (collards, kale, mustards)
*We currently purchase organically grown Asparagus (our Asparagus patch won‘t be ready til next year), and Strawberries, from neighboring farms.

Mid (July - Aug.)
Beets (many varieties)
Beans (green, purple, yellow)
Broccoli
Carrots
Cucumbers/Pickles
Eggplant
Herbs
Greens (collards, kale, mustards)
Lettuce - multiple types
Onions - sweet and Spanish
Peas (snow & snap)
Peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, purple bells) Red Italian frying peppers and other hot peppers
Potatoes
Tomatoes (many varieties, including cherry)
Watermelon
Zucchini/Summer Squash
Muskmelon
Sweet Corn

Late (Sept.- Nov.)
Apples (some)
Beets
Beans
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage (green & purple)
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers/Pickles
Eggplant
Herbs
Greens
Leeks
Lettuce - many types
Muskmelon
Onions
Peppers
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkins (pie and carving)
Radishes
Raspberries
Turnips
Spinach
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Winter Squash (Delicate, Butternut, Buttercup, Spaghetti, Acorn)

Possible Fruits this year: Raspberries, Strawberries, Apples, Cherries, Pears, Peaches, Blueberries, Blackberries, Grapes.

CHICKENS:
We will be getting new baby “meat” chickens soon. We raise them to 3.5-6lbs for butchering. Price per pound to be determined. You can get small ones cut and packaged or purchase them whole. They should be available around June. We love to take pre-orders, it helps with planning. As of right now they will not be pastured yet, but we are working on this. We have them in a chicken coop with outdoor (cement) access. We do not feed them chemicals, growth hormones, or antibiotics.

EGGS:
Our current project is getting the outdoor pen set up for the laying hens. I can’t wait to be able to watch them outdoors. The “new baby layers” haven’t started laying yet so we are just keeping up with demand again. As the days get longer and they get more daylight, they should start laying. When this happens we will be ready to take on more Egg Share Members.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any comment, concerns, or questions. You can reach me via e-mail or by phone (if I do not answer please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible). This is our 3rd year growing produce for the public and we LOVE it. We know this would not be happening with out the support from all of you and we thank you so much. I truly believe we can change our habits and live healthy lives. The healthier we are, the happier our live will be.

Looking for info, check out our blog and face book pages. Hillsongridgefarm.blogspot.com
(website in progress)

Have a safe, happy, and healthy day,
Jamie

CSA Boxes

How to sign up for you CSA Box: Please send Jamie an email or call her with your home address so she can send you the sign up sheet.

2012 - February Newsletter

It is Feb. 1st, and I am no longer on “winter break”. I have had so much fun staying home with the girls the past 2 months. We all had a chance to really get to know each other and lots of cuddle time!!! I couldn’t have thought of a better way to start my 1st day of work than with a press release at the farm. We are supporting a Dane County packing house/food hub project that will create lots of jobs, but more importantly get our produce in schools, hospitals, and other institutions. I get to the farm with the girls around 9am. Visitors are supposed to start arriving in an hour. Steve took off work for a short while and surprised me. I am glad he was there because he puts a lot of time in at the farm and is a big part of this “dream”. It was getting close to 11am and I was starting to get anxious, not a single person was there yet. Where is everybody? "Maybe this isn’t that big of a deal," I thought.

I WAS WRONG. A few minutes later 2-4 cars pulled in at a time. The driveway was full and people were starting to park on the road. Introductions were happening so fast that I instantly forgot most peoples names. I decided the ones that stuck in my head would guide me on my path for the event. Everyone was scattered and talking. Lots of comments heard about how nice of a day it was to get out of the office. (I’m glad I’m a farmer). Just like that, the “release” started. We stood in front of the cameras and press, like a family, proud in what we are doing. One by one the girls lost interest in standing quietly. Thank you to Kimmy for being there to take them. When all the questions where answered it was over and the reporters made their way thru the small crowd. Matt from Middleton Times found me 1st. I had remembered that name! He wanted to cover the story with a different angle, from the farmers perspective. Questions and pictures with the girls and Steve by the goats. Leo was talking with people, we were talking with people, others were interviewing, and some were walking around taking pictures. My adrenaline was rushing. They love seeing the animals and that we had fresh eggs available. All I could think was, “This is so AWESOME!”

Finally the girls were done. All they wanted to do was play in the snow pile. Slowly the cars disappeared and all was quiet on the farm again. The story was not all about us, but we got some nice exposure and I will support anything that will get local foods into the school systems. We were on all 3 Local News Channels at 6pm. You may find the reports on their websites. Also, look for the articles in the Wisconsin State Journal and Middleton Times. I will let you know of others when I see them.

WHAT WE’VE STARTED TO GET READY FOR THIS SEASON:

The days are getting a little longer so that means PLANTING SEASON is coming. We’ve already ordered many plant varieties from Mama’s Farm -Mazomanie- and I start my own flower and herb seeds in 2 weeks. We will be placing seed orders over the next 2 weeks as well. Here is a list of what we have ordered so far:

BROCCOLI -Packman
BRUSSEL SPROUTS - Hybrid Jade Cross
CABBAGE - Dynamo, Huron, Pennant, Ruby Perfection, Savoy Ace AAS
CABBAGE, CHINESE -Hybrid Blues
CAULIFLOWER - Hybrid Snow Queen Improved
KALE - Red Russian, Vates, Dwarf Blue Curled(we will also plant by seed)
KOHLIRABI - Early White Vienna, Early Purple Vienna
LETTUCE - Summertime, Buttercrunch, Parris Island
SPINACH -Melody F1
CANTALOPE - Early Dew Honey Dew
CUKES, PICKLES -Bush Pickle, SMR 58
EGGPLANT- Bibo, Black Beauty
TOMATO, HYBRID - Celebrity, Mountain Fresh, Wisconsin 55
TOMATO, HYBRID – SMALL - Aztec, Sungold, Agriset 8279
TOMATO, OPEN POL. - Yellow Pear
PEPPER, O.P. SWEET -California Wonder, Purple Beauty, Sweet Banana, Carmen
PEPPER, HYBRID SWEET - Early Sensation
SQUASH, SUMMER HYBRID - Peter Pan (Patty Green), Sunburst AAS
SQUASH, SUMMER - Early, Prolific (Straightneck)
WATERMELON, OPEN POL. - Crimson Sweet, Sugar Baby

We have lots of ordering to do yet too (like sweet corn and potatoes), so the list above just gets better. And hopefully a little fruit too. We will purchase fruit from other local farmers when they have extras, because it is important to include in your daily diet and farms like to support each other whenever possible.

We will have open market at the farm again this year, times and days to be determined. The deadline for the Box Program is in 6 weeks, so you may see lots of advertising until than. We will be looking for workers at some point during the season, but you will see a separate posting when we are ready for workers. We may just need help in short spurts when all the planting needs to get in before the rain or a day or so after a good rain when the weeds are easiest to pull. We have plans for kid event days too, but not all the details have come together yet. I will keep you posted on this.

2012 Weekly Box Program (CSA): Our goal is a 20 week Season.

2012 Weekly Produce Box Member Prices:

½ Share = EVERY OTHER WEEK Box (9-10 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = single person or veggie lite household = $225

Small Share = Every Week Box (18-20 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = provides for a household that eats & cooks fresh veggies (family consumption may vary) = $450

Large Share = Every Week Box (18-20 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = large firmly or household that eats LOTS of veggies and may want to can/dehydrate/freeze portions = $630

Add EGG SHARES to your box membership:
½ share = 1 dozen, every other week, for 10 weeks = $30
Full Share = 1 dozen, every week, for 20 weeks = $60

WORKERS SHARE:
We will be offering a workers share in 2012. Come to the farm and work 5 hours a week and receive a Small Share every week. You mush be 18 or older to participate in the workers share and have your own transportation to and from the farm. As a “worker” you will participate in multiple duties at the farm like; planting, WEEDING, harvesting, bundling and packaging produce for boxes, putting together boxes, and other light chores. Please note that if you commit to a workers share, we and other members expect 5 hours of your hard, concentrated work every week, rain or shine.

Hillsong Ridge Farm is focused on producing chemical free, fresh produce for our local communities. In our 3rd year we will continue to grow a wide selection of veggies, herbs, and fruits. We work hard as a family to bring you the best quality food we can provide as we learn how to build a sustainable farm for everyone to enjoy. We put lots of love into what we do at the farm. With your continued support we see a healthy future for all of us.

When you join our box program, you become an active member @ our farm. You will receive weekly or biweekly boxes filled with a variety of common veggies as well as other not so common varieties that are grown in Wisconsin Climate. As we continue to nurture our fruit production (it will be a few years yet before we have large quantities) you may also receive a variety of fruits in your box. Included in each box is a “Foodie Sheet” that tells you how to care for and cook your products. You will also get a monthly newsletter, updating you on what’s going on at the farm each month.
The Weekly Produce Box program is an 18-20 week season that was designed to help you save money on produce, teach to eat seasonally, learn to preserve fresh foods for winter, and provide members with special product privileges. The deadline for WPB sign up is March 15th 2012. Payment is due before March 15th, in the form of cash or check. You may pay in full or pay ½ now and post date a check for the other half for July 15th 2012. (Other payment plans available upon request.)

As a box member you agree to share in the RISKS as well as the BOUNTY with the farmer and other members. Understand that due to wildlife, mother nature, and/or other production factors, the quantities and varieties may vary seasonally from 1 year to the next. (There are NO REFUNDS with the box program).

Pick Up times at the farm on:
Tuesdays: 3pm-7pm or
Thursdays: Noon to 6pm

Home Deliveries Available: (we will not be charging for delivery but will except donations for gas.)
Thursdays 2pm-6pm
**We recommend leaving med-large size cooler out for those hot days and to keep away pests and other critters if you will not be around to receive your box soon after it is delivered!**

We deliver to:
Middleton
Madison (North and West Side, and Downtown)
Verona??
Waunakee
Windsor
Cross Plains
Black Earth
Mazomanie
Arena
Sauk
Spring Green

If you live in a town not on the list, but are interested, please contact me to see if we are able to deliver to your direction. We will also be looking for 'DROP OFF LOCATIONS' so multiple customers can pick up their produce in one spot! If you would like to volunteer your home or office for a drop off spot, please contact me ASAP! Possible discounts for the members who volunteer depending on how many boxes at your site.

What are you doing now with your frozen produce from last years growing season?

We want to hear from you. Preserving can take some time and be a little overwhelming but I sure love having fresh peppers and other veggies for my stews and other cooking needs during these last few months before this years seasonal produce becomes available.

FRESH EGGS AVAILABLE DAILY @ the farm or possible delivery on Wednesdays. We are always looking for drop off locations for eggs as well. We require a minimum of 3 customers per site. If you are having a hard time finding egg members, let me know. If I spread the word you may be surprised to find others in your area that are interested.
$3.00/dozen
$4.50/18pk

Please continue to stay updated with our blog and face book pages. We are working on the website and hope to have it up and running very soon.

The warmer weather has been nice. I will not be surprised if we get a few large snow storms yet though. It is winter in Wisconsin. I am at the farm a few days a week now and working more hours from home as well. Please contact me with any questions about the upcoming grow season. We are happy to grow for you and communicating with the customer is very important to us. We are so thankful for your continued support of our “dream”.

Stay Healthy and Happy,
Jamie.

2012 Box Program information

Hello Everyone, Please BE SAFE out there today!

I just wanted to send our box program info., to make for easy reference. We will NOT be a part of the Madison Area CSA Coalition in 2012. We have a few more requirements to meet before the farm can become a candidate for membership. (We are going forward with this process for the future.) Please check with your insurance companies though, because some will reimburse as long as they have a receipt from us. We are now accepting 2012 Box Members. The earlier you sign up for the box program the more time we will have to plan accordingly.

Pick up your box at the farm on:
Tuesdays: 3pm-7pm or
Thursdays: Noon to 6pm

Home Deliveries Available: (we will not be charging for home delivery but will except donations for gas.)
Thursdays 2pm-6pm
(We recommend leaving a cooler out for those hot days and to keep away pests and other critters if you will not be around to receive your box soon after it is delivered!)

We deliver to :
Middleton
Madison (North and West Side, and Downtown) We will consider the South and East sides if we get enough customers.
Verona
Waunakee
Cross Plains
Windsor
Black Earth
Mazomanie
Arena
Sauk
Spring Green

If you live in a town not on the list please contact me to see if we are able to deliver to your direction. We will also be looking for 'DROP OFF LOCATIONS' so multiple customers can pick up their produce in one spot! If you would like to volunteer your home or office for a drop off spot, please contact me ASAP!

Have a Healthy rest of the week,
Jamie


2012 Hillsong Ridge Farm Weekly Box Program:
Hillsong Ridge Farm is focused on producing chemical free, fresh produce for our local communities. In our 3rd year we will continue to grow a wide selection of veggies, herbs, and fruits. We work hard as a family to bring you the best quality food we can provide as we learn how to build a sustainable farm for everyone to enjoy. We put lots of love into what we do at the farm. With your continued support we see a healthy future for all of us.

When you join our box program, you become an active member at our farm. You will receive weekly or biweekly boxes filled with a variety of common veggies as well as other not so common varieties that are grown in Wisconsin Climate. As we continue to nurture our fruit production (it will be a few years yet before we have large quantities)you may also receive a variety of fruits in your box.

The Weekly Produce Box program is an 18-20 week season that was designed to help you save money on produce, teach to eat seasonally, and provide members with special product privileges. The deadline for WPB sign up is March 15th 2012. Payment is due before March 15th, in the form of cash or check. You may pay in full or pay ½ now and post date a check for the other half for July 15th 2012.

As a box member you agree to share in the RISKS as well as the BOUNTY with the farmer and other members. Understand that due to wildlife, mother nature, and/or other production factors, the quantities and varieties may vary seasonally from 1 year to the next. (There are NO REFUNDS with the box program).


2012 Weekly Produce Box Member Prices:
½ Share = EVERY OTHER WEEK Box (9-10 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = single person or veggie lite household = $225

Small Share = Every Week Box (18-20 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = provides for a household that eats & cooks fresh veggies (family consumption may vary) = $450

Large Share = Every Week Box (18-20 weeks from Mid June - Mid October) = large family or household that eats LOTS of veggies and may want to can/dehydrate/freeze portions = $630

Add EGG SHARES to your box membership:
½ share = 1 dozen, every other week, for 10 weeks = $30
Full Share = 1 dozen, every week, for 20 weeks = $60

WORKERS SHARE:
We will be offering a workers share in 2012. Come to the farm and work 5 hours a week and receive a Small Share every week. You must be 18 or older to participate in the workers share and have your own transportation to and from the farm. As a “worker” you will participate in multiple duties at the farm like; planting, WEEDING, harvesting, bundling and packaging produce for boxes, putting together boxes, and other light chores. Please note that if you commit to a workers share, we and other members expect 5 hours of your hard, concentrated work every week, rain or shine.

**RETURNING BOX MEMBERS RECEIVE $20 DISCOUNT ON SMALL or LARGE SHARE or $10 DISCOUNT ON 1/2 SHARE.**


Pick up your box at the farm on:
Tuesdays: 3pm-7pm or
Thursdays: Noon to 6pm

Home Deliveries Available: (we will not be charging for home delivery but will except donations for gas.)
Thursdays 2pm-6pm
(We recommend leaving a cooler out for those hot days and to keep away pests and other critters if you will not be around to receive your box soon after it is delivered!)

We deliver to :
Middleton
Madison (North and West Side, and Downtown) We will consider the South and East sides if we get enough customers.
Verona
Waunakee
Cross Plains
Windsor
Black Earth
Mazomanie
Arena
Sauk
Spring Green

If you live in a town not on the list please contact me to see if we are able to deliver to your direction. We will also be looking for 'DROP OFF LOCATIONS' so multiple customers can pick up their produce in one spot! If you would like to volunteer your home or office for a drop off spot, please contact me ASAP!

Take care and THINK HEALTHY! We can't wait to see what 2012 Growing Season has to offer!

Jamie