See you there!  Greg

  Although we've had some cold nights recently, the weather has warmed (was it really 55 degrees Tuesday!?) and looks to stay mild for a little. This, along with daylength reaching 10 hours around the 8th of February should mean a greens explosion by later in that month.  

   On a different note, we've had some unwelcome guests in our main spinach house: green peach aphids! Unfortunately, they don't stick to green peaches. Several years ago we had a terrible problem with them on the spinach in March and April. This year we caught the problem early and have made releases of lady beetles, a predator of aphids, and a tiny wasp called Aphidius colemani, a parasitoid. We hope that these insects will help keep the aphid population under control as the days lengthen and our spinach grows.

               Greg

This weeks' share:

4 lbs potatoes

2 lbs sweet potatoes

1 lb carrots

1 lb purple top turnips

1 lb rutabagas

1 lb onions OR 1/3 lb shallots

1/2 lb red russian kale

1 bag baby spinach

    We have cancelled Friday nights' CSA meeting/potluck in Dover but hope to reschedule soon for those who would like to attend and tell us about your experience with the CSA this past year and what you would like in the future. However, the Saturday evening meeting/potluck at the South Hampton town hall is still a go. It will be held at 6:00 and all are welcome.

    There is still time to get the early bird registration discount for the 2012 Summer CSA. Shares paid in full by January 19 will be at the 2011 prices of $300 for a half share and $500 for a full share. After January 19 the prices will be $325 for the half and $550 for the full share.

   Enjoy the winter weather (if you can).  Greg

This weeks' share:

4 lbs potatoes

1 lb carrots

1 lb rutabaga

1 lb purple top turnip

1 lb onions

1 kohlrabi

1 bag spinach

radishes (not sure of amount at press time)

        Greg

Farmstand -  Anna will be at the stand Friday & Saturday, self serve on Sunday

Dover - Richard will be there on Monday from 3 till 6

Portsmouth - Richard on Wednsday from 3 till 6

Reminder: We are on the every other week schedule now!

This Weeks' Share:

4 lbs potatoes

1lb carrots

1lb rutabagas

1lb celeriac

1lb purple top turnips

1 kohlrabi

1lb onions

1 brussels sprout stalk

1.5 lbs loose kale

.4 lbs pink lettuce mustard

"Heron Pond Farm provides a share you can truly live on!"-------Jerry & Marcy Monkman

"The variety available from Heron Pond Farm is outstanding....our family looks forward to the different food each week."----Kim Englehardt

2012 Summer CSA shares are available now!

To obtain a 2012 CSA registration form follow this link:

CSA Brochure

Or you can register on line using our Member Assembler. Our Member Assembler allows you to fully register for the 2012 CSA including pick up day at the farm stand or pick up locations such as Portsmouth, Dover, or Newburyport MA. You can use PayPal to take advantage of your credit card OR check out without a credit card and receive an e-mail invoice. Please pay the deposit to assure your spot in the CSA upon receipt of invoice. While in the Member Assembler be sure to take advantage of adding as many e-mail address as you like to receive our updates and share information.

Share Prices, June to Mid-October

Single Share (Balance due April 20)
$275 deposit  $550 Total
Take $50 off if you pay in full by Jan. 18

Half Share (Balance due April 20)
$162.50 deposit $325 Total
Take $25 off if you pay in full by Jan. 15

Double Share (Balance due April 20)
$550 deposit $1100
Take $100 off if you pay in full by Jan. 15

Bread Add-On
$125.50, Loaf Premium Bread  $247, Two Loaves
$199.50, Loaf + Baguette  $76, Baguette

Meat Add-On
$500 Summer Meat Share, June–Oct. Register by Mar. 1

• A 50% non-refundable deposit will reserve your
share. There are only 400 openings, so sign up early
to be safe.
• 3% processing fee for credit card payments.
• Balances are due April 20.
• A payment plan is possible for those who need it
• 10% member discount on non-share items at the
farm stand and at our farmer’s market booth

Bread Shares

This year, we're proud to once again expand the offerings of our CSA to include handmade, artisan bread from a very local baker -- Life is Sweet Baking Company, which is located here in South Hampton. Martha Bogart, who owns and runs the bakery, is committed to using only the finest ingredients, many of which are both local and organic. She uses organic flour that isn't treated with potassium bromate, a chemical that's outlawed in Europe because it's recognized as a potential carcinogen, and is dedicated to making healthy breads that taste really good.  Through the CSA, you have the option of choosing from several premium breads -- Multigrain, which is chock-full of quinoa, amaranth, millet, and oats; Gluten-Free Multigrain for those with a gluten intolerance; Cinnamon Swirl, a light, soft loaf with a beautiful swirl of cholesterol-aiding cinnamon; White Bread; and Corn Bread, a perfect accompaniment to any winter soup. While you're at it, add on a Baguette. With its soft, chewy interior and crunchy exterior, it works well with any meal, though most admit they eat it o the way home. For more information about Life is Sweet's breads become a fan on Facebook.

 Meat Shares

 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 a 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 port chops, stew meats, hot dogs, and whole chickens. Each family’s needs are different, so this new system will give you more control over your menu. The once-amonth 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.

What is new for 2012?
• Discount if you pay-in full by Jan. 15
• Newburyport pick-up at the Tannery. Thirty
families 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
• Even more greens and U-pick items
• New field house for early veggies
• Eggs available at pick-ups while supplies last

What is CSA?

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a farmer-consumer partnership. CSA members make a commitment up front to a farm for an entire growing season by buying a share in the season's harvest. This entitles you to fresh fruits and veggies from each weeks harvest.CSA members share the rewards of a great season - and the risks that can come with bad weather and pests.Heron Pond Farm aims for a 20% return on shareholder investment over the twenty weeks that vegetables are available. However this relationship extends beyond a simple trade of money and food. In addition to receiving vegetables, members are encouraged to participate in the farm. We want you to know your farmer and we want to know you. Come, walk the farm, see your food as it grows in the field. We want you to be involved in how we do things.

Why CSA?

• CSAs save small farms. The CSA model provides small farms the start up capital at a point in the season when they traditionally have had no income. Having money early in the season gives the farmer the ability to lock in a price for fuel, and buy materials in bulk which can mean huge savings. The CSA model has saved many small farms and has been vital to our own success here at Heron Pond.
• Locally grown food tastes better and is better for you. Food grown in your own community was probably picked within the past 24 hours. It’s crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor. Produce flown or trucked in from California, Florida, Chile, or Holland is quite understandably much older. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels is 1,500 miles in a week long (or more) delay from harvest to dinner table, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink and produce loses vitality. Food that is frozen or canned soon after the harvest is actually more nutritious than some “fresh” produce that has been on the truck or supermarket shelf for a week. Locally grown food, purchased soon after harvest retains it nutrients.
• Local food preserves genetic diversity. In the modern industrial agriculture system, varieties are chosen for their ability to ripen simultaneously and withstand harvesting equipment; for a tough skin that can survive packing and shipping, and for an ability to have a long shelf life in the store. Only a handful of hybrid varieties of fruits and vegetables meet these rigorous demands, so there is little genetic diversity in the plants grown. Local farms, in contrast, grow a huge number of varieties to provide a long season of harvest. Many are heirlooms, passed on from generation to generation, because they taste good. These old varieties contain genetic material from hundreds or thousands of years of human selection; they may someday provide the genes needed to create varieties that will thrive in a changing climate.
• Local food supports local farm families. With fewer than one million Americans now claiming farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed. Commodity prices are at a historic low, often below the cost of production. The farmer now gets less than 10 cents on the retailer food dollar. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middle man and get full retail prices for their food- which means families can afford to stay on the farm, doing the work they love. 
• Local food builds community. When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection between the eater and the grower. Knowing the farmer gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. In many cases, it gives you access to the farm where your children and grandparents can go and learn about nature and agriculture. By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food.
• Local food preserves open space, supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife. As the value of direct marketed fruits & vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely. When you buy locally grown food, you are doing something proactive about preserving the agricultural landscape. A well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued. Good stewards of the land grow cover crops to prevent soil erosion and replace nutrients used by their crops. Cover crops also capture carbon emissions and help control global warming. According to some estimates, farmers who practice conservation tillage could sequester 12-14% of the carbon emitted by vehicles and industry. In addition, the patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds and buildings- is the perfect environment for many species of wildlife.

How Heron Pond Farm CSA Works

• Members sign up to purchase a share by completing the registration form. Your space is secured upon receipt of payment. There will be 400 shares offered for the 2012 season. $550 is the regular share price, but we also offer a $325 half-share or a $1100 double share option.

• When you sign up you will have the option of checking a box and paying towards a share for a families in need. The families will come from the Our Neighbors Table program in Amesbury. The families who receive a share will remain anonymous. Greg and I will match you in funds up to a certain amount to be determined by our bank account. The folks that pick up in Portsmouth will have the opportunity to have the same deal. The families there will be picked by the St. Johns Church food program and will pick up in Portsmouth.

Four pick up locations to choose from:

1. Our farm stand in South Hampton, NH (Pick up 9am to 6pm, you choose the day of the week)

2. Portsmouth, NH (Pick ups are on Wednesdays, 3pm to 7pm)

3.Dover, NH (Pick ups are on Mondays, 3pm to 7pm)

4. Newburyport, MA (pick ups are Thursday 3pm to 7pm)

Pick Ups

Members receive enough produce to feed 2-4 people over a 20 week period starting in late May or early June and continuing through mid October. You will pick up your share once a week at your chosen location. At each pick up location a list of that weeks share will be posted. You then choose the veggies from the stand display or if you're in Dover, Portsmouth, or Newburyport from our farmers market style display. At all locations someone from the farm will be there to help with any questions you might have.

What happens if I miss my pick up?

Farm stand pick ups occur on your chosen day. If you miss your day you can pick up on another day within that shares week. If you miss your pick up in Dover,  Portsmouth, or Newburyport shares will be boxed and left at the pick up location for you.

For all pick up locations, if you are not going to be able to make your pick up at all that week it is best to have a friend or relative who are interested in local food do it for you. If this does not work for you, you may “double up” on a share the following week by contacting your pick up coordinator, understanding of course that some food may not be available. All unclaimed shares are given to families in need on a weekly basis.  You must contact you pick up coordinator if you do not wish your share to be donated.

What will be in my weekly share?

Unlike the grocery store our varieties are chosen from some of the tastiest around. We are always on the look out for new ones and attend conferences as well as talking with other growers to find the best seed possible. If you have a suggestion we would be glad to hear it. Another difference from the grocer is our seasons. We stretch things when we can but for the most part we grow food in season. To see a week by week list of what share holders got in 2010 look under the CSA tab and click on “What was in the 2010 share”.

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

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

For those who won't make it to Rollinsford on Saturday, the 2nd winter farmers market at the Tannery in Newburyport will be held on Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00. You'll find the same range of products but on a smaller scale in another great location.

Lastly, for those in the Boston area this weekend will be at the Armory in Somerville on Saturday from 10 to 2 for a weekly market that we will attend almost every week into the spring.

        Greg