To wrap up our series on CSAs, we've taken a look at farms that operate as CSAs, but do not offer drop-off locations within the city limits. Most require a drive, but the benefits of such an effort are apparent upon arrival. As the leaves begin to change and the subtle chill of fall approaches, is there really a better time to take a short trip out of the city and commune with nature?
It's important to note that family-run farms have a tendency to be unpredictable. It is wise to make a phone call to the farm before stopping in for a visit.
Good Food Farm: Well Worth the Drive
Good Food Farm is NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY) certified and exclusively harvests for their CSA shareholders. This relatively small operation has been run by Damien Huber for the last five years. Three years ago Good Food Farm began selling chicken shares and Huber has seen the demand for his poultry double each year.
Full or half vegetable shares are available for the 20 week season, and members pick up their shares at the farm. Huber's free range all natural chickens are raised on organic fields and are free of medications, additives, growth hormones, and antibiotics. He offers either a 10 bird share or a 20 bird share. Each bird usually weighs between 3½ and 4½ lbs., although this year's chickens have been weighing in closer to 6 lbs. Shareholders can order their chicken fresh, frozen, or smoked. According to Huber, “Once customers try the smoked style, they never go back.”
In addition to the vegetable and chicken shares, members can also purchase eggs, soup chickens, and organic milk. The milk, which comes from an organic dairy farmer who rents some of Huber's land, is pasteurized by Huber himself.
Good Food Farm does not have a website, but one of their customers maintains a blog with a list of the produce available with the current week’s share.
Good Food Farm
Damian & Catie Huber
3818 Route 77, North Java, NY 14113
585.535.0487
www.goodfoodfarm.blogspot.com
The Promised Land CSA: New Kid on the Block
You may not recognize the name Happy Meadows farm (Grandpa Jack's nickname for the farm) or The Promised Land CSA, but you are probably familiar with The Oles Kids' Farm Market, the store on the farm. Owned by the Oles family, the farm has been practicing organic growing methods for the last 5 years and is in their inaugural CSA season. Unsure what to expect their first year, they were elated with the response. Pam Oles (the youngest Oles kid) illustrated the point: "It's amazing to see how it takes off without advertising. Just by word of mouth."
Promised Land offers full or half shares that include vegetables and some fruit, but will include herbs and flowers next year. Members also receive a weekly newsletter that features farm news, recipes, and fun facts (do you know the nutritional break down of cabbage?). If you'd like to stop by the farm for a visit, The Oles Kids' Farm Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:30AM - 6:30PM
The Promised Land CSA
The Oles Family
2112 County Line, Alden, NY 14004
585.599.3462
www.promisedlandcsa.com
Thorpe's Organic Family Farm: Good and Good for You
Thorpe's Organic Family Farm is a family operated certified organic farm and CSA. The Thorpes have been growing organically for 8 years and operating as a CSA for the last 5. “We love to do it. The consumer saves money, gets it fresh, and it helps us plan,” Gayle Thorpe, the farms proprietor, told Buffalo Rising.
Thorpe’s offers both vegetable and fruit shares based on the season. In addition to the weekly share of organic produce, members also have the option to pick an unlimited number of string beans, peas, tomatoes, and potatoes. The Thorpe's also sell certified organic chicken and turkey, and organically raised beef and pork.
CSA members pick up their shares at the farm each week. If you aren't a member you can still visit the farm to purchase produce and meat from their retail stand, or you can pick up their produce at the Lexington Co-op.
For more information about the environmental and economic impact of food and agriculture, consider attending Buffalo's World on Your Plate Forum.
Thorpe's Organic Family Farm
The Thorpe Family
12866 Route 78, East Aurora, NY 14052
716.655.4486
Check out these posts for information about CSAs that have drop-offs in the city:
Porter Farms
Native Offerings