Heron Pond Farm Summer 2012 On line CSA Registration

Hello Heron Pond Farmers!

The Summer 2012 CSA registration season is here. You may have seen our latest brochures at the winter markets and the farm stand, and now you can register on line at the Heron Pond Farm web site. Here is your chance at our early bird special. Shares paid in full by Jan 18^th get the 2012 shares at 2011 prices. That's $50 off the full share price. And don't forget we have a new pick up location at The Tannery in Newburyport.

While you're at the web site sign up for a bread or meat share as well. Life is Sweet bakery has been great. Many share holders have been enjoying their bread for a few seasons now. After taking the winter season off for a new addition to the Bogart clan, Martha is back and baking with a vengeance! I don't know about you but I am ready for a baguette.

Heron Pond Farm is proud of it's shareholders. Your feedback about the meat share has lead us to entirely redesign it. Now each shareholder will build their own share for the month from the available meat selection. We know you are trying to build a menu, and this is a way you can shape your meat share to the way your family eats. Here it is in more detail:

New Roots Farm is partnering with Heron Pond to provide the highest-quality, most humanely raised Heritage Breed meats in the Seacoast Region. The beef and lamb are rotationally grazed and grass-fed. Pork and poultry are fed natural forage and grain supplements. All are free of hormones, antibiotics and preservatives, with Animal Welfare Approved processing.

How the Meat CSA Works: Our summer meat share is from June to October. We also offer a winter share. At the first pickup for each month you will receive $100 of flash-frozen, vacuum-sealed, USDA inspected meats with a freezer life of over a year. Each share will be selected by You (new this year). You will have your choice of meat from the available selections at your pick-up location. This may include gourmet sausage, thick pork chops, stew meats, hot dogs, and whole chickens. Each families needs are different, so this new system will give you more control over your menu. The once-a month pick-up will be on your normal CSA day and location. For the first time a New Roots farmer will be present to answer your questions and hear your suggestions.

Don't forget to check out all that's new for the 2012 season. Remember that shares paid in full by January 18^th get the early bird discount ($50 on a full share). Credit card options have returned to our on line registration process thanks to PayPal. If you choose this option there is a 3% fee for the transaction. However, feel free to check out without PayPal and mail us your check and invoice for no additional fee.

What is CSA?

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a farmer-consumer partnership. You become a member by making a commitment up-front for the season by buying a “share.” This entitles you to fresh fruit and veggies from each week’s harvest. CSA members share the rewards and the risks that can come with bad weather and pests. Members receive enough food for 2 to 4 people during 20 weeks, June to mid-October. We also invite members to become involved with the farm. Please visit and let us get to know you!

Why CSA?

• Share-holders invest in their farm. Sharing the joys and hardships of a growing season.

• Share-holders should receive a return on their investment in a normal year.

• Meet the farmers and know where your food comes from.

• Freshness! Vegetables and fruit are picked just hours before you pick them up.

• Learn more about the local food growers, the CSA community, and seasonal eating.

• Spend locally, keep money in the community.

• 10% member discount on non-share items at the farm stand and at our farmer’s market booth.

What is new for 2012?

• Discount if you pay-in full by Jan. 18th

• Newburyport pick-up at the Tannery. Thirty families are needed to start. Missed shares can be picked up at the farm.

• CSA Gift Certificates

• Bread add-on from Life is Sweet Bakery

• Personalized meat shares from New Roots Farm

• On-line registration available with or without credit card payment (3% processing fee for credit card payments)

• Even more greens and U-pick items

• New field house for early veggies

• Eggs available at pick-ups while supplies last

We are looking forward to a great year and hope you will join us!

Eat well!

Andre