CSA Registration 2017!

Well this time last year we had taken a hard look at the numbers behind my CSA adventures, but this winter we focused more on the feed mill side of the farm business.  East Coast Organic Feed Mill produces the great feed that we've always fed our critters but we're putting out to the world in earnest now, so feels like jumping off a new cliff for us.  Pray we find our wings!!  :)
Firstly, every year when I start getting down to the business of the CSA for the new season I try to start from a place of considering my members and appreciating their loyalty, appreciation and the relationships I have developed with many of you.  We hope to develop relationships like that with our feed customers but you've set the bar pretty high.  We feel so lucky to have the members we do, who continue to keep coming back! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Prices have actually gone DOWN since last year, but it will run for an extra week, giving you 8 chickens over the season, rather than 7.  Prices went down because last year I tried to take delivery costs into the overall price, but that ended up costing those who pick up at the farm the same as those in Charlottetown, so I'm working hard every year, to make this more equitable for everyone.  So I've dropped the price by .40/lb (savings of approx $15/share) but I've carefully calculated delivery charges per location.  It's taken a while but I'm confident that we've looked at the numbers objectively and are still able to maintain that what we're doing is indeed efficient and we're raising a better product, a happier animal and most importantly, healthier soil.
(That said, if anyone wants to see a breakdown of our costs and why we charge what we do, I am more than happy to provide that.)

This brings me to the Administration Fee for each member that I included last year.  I know- as if we don't all have enough Admin Fees in our lives, now our CSA?!  But in our evaluation of costs, I discovered how much time I was spending sitting here, managing numbers and spreadsheets and emails and as much I (obviously) love typing and chatting, it all adds up.  But I didn't want to just add it into my overall costs because some members have several shares and some only have one and CSA management is really per member, not per share, so THUS you'll notice an Admin Fee of $2 per Member at the bottom.

• Summerside, your first delivery will be June 27 th.
  Charlottetown, your first delivery will be July 4th.

•  Delivery locations and times have been confirmed for Summerside and I have changed you to Tuesdays to match up with Jen's Farm Fresh Veggies (and keep life simple for me). So S'side, I'll see you every second Tuesday at Trinity United Church parking lot from 4:30-5:30.  
• And Ch'town your location is Spring Park United church parking lot from 4:00-5:30.   If location is a deciding factor for you, let me know and I'll take it into consideration and hold a spot for you until it's sorted.

• Are you brand new to the idea of a CSA?  Is this all strange and overwhelming?  Welcome!  Please refer to this post for my first year info, keeping in mind the afore-mentioned changes (and that it was 2013 so a lot has changed since then). 

• If you've still got questions after reading this: Please contact me with any questions. Email is probably the most reliable: sallywbATgmailDOTcom.  Here is the LINK to sign up! 

• Lastly, please don't hesitate to ask for an installation payment plan.  I am happy to work out something with post-dated cheques.   

 Thanks so much! I can't wait to see everyone!

-Sally

CSA Registration Info for 2016

What a wacky winter it's been! I feel a little bit like I've been shortchanged in the 'off-season' department, but I'm also eager to get going and this seemingly early spring is a nice kick starter.

Mark and I spent some time this winter reviewing some parts of the our farm business that haven't been carefully reviewed in a couple years and made a few discoveries about the CSA side of Barnyard Organics Ltd.  Firstly, that it gives us a great sense of responsibility but also loyalty, appreciation and relationship that we don't get with our less directly marketed enterprises.  We feel so lucky to have the members we do, who continue to keep coming back! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We also discovered that the way we raise our animals actually takes a little more time and effort than we'd previously estimated.  And even though we make our own feed and make it quite economically, it still costs us more than our neighbours who buy in conventional feed.  So I've been quite torn, worried that some of you might think we're charging more and you're being asked to cover our inefficiencies, but I'm confident now that what we're doing is indeed efficient and we're raising a better product, a happier animal and most importantly, healthier soil.
That said, if anyone wants to see a breakdown of our costs and why we charge what we do, I am more than happy to provide that.  (I even made a pretty pie-chart! Because, visual learner.)

This also addresses another change this year.  We have added an Administration Fee for each member.  I know- as if we don't all have enough Admin Fees in our lives, now our CSA?!  But in our evaluation of costs, I discovered how much time I was spending sitting here, managing numbers and spreadsheets and emails and as much I (obviously) love typing and chatting, it all adds up.  But I didn't want to just add it into my overall costs because some members have several shares and some only have one and CSA management is really per member, not per share, so THUS you'll notice an Admin Fee of $8 per Member at the bottom.  I promise to include more recipes and less mindless chatter this year.  Okay, I'll TRY with the latter.  ;)

Now that I've gotten the ugly money bits out of the way here's the small changes to the guts of the thing:

• It starts later than usual.  July.  I know.  That feels forever away.  There will be a batch of chickens in June, but not enough for the CSA so I'll report on those as they are available. So due to less time-instead of the previous 9 chickens, one share will be 7 chickens. 
  
  Summerside, your first delivery will be July 7th.
  Charlottetown, your first delivery will be July 12th.

•  Delivery locations and times have not changed for Charlottetown, but Summerside, I have changed to Thursdays to accommodate those of you lucky humans who also have a veggie share with Jen's (Amazing) Farm Fresh Veggies. So S'side, I'll see you every second Thursday at Trinity United Church parking lot from 4:00-5:30.  And Ch'town at Spring Park United Church Parking lot from 4:00-5:30

•  Since the pork is a new part of the CSA for us, it seems a bit more complicated than it should be, but here's the scoop: You can either buy a side, fresh and packed, ready for your freezer.  Or for an extra $75 I can freeze it for you and deliver it bit by bit throughout the summer, CSA-style.  So one week you'd get some chops, next time you'd get a roast, then maybe some ribs, then some ground pork, etc. The price includes cured bacon. Here's hoping this new venture goes well!  

• If you're still confused after reading this: Please contact me with any questions. Email is probably the most reliable: sallywbATgmailDOTcom.  I will post a link to the registration form after all previous members have had an opportunity to sign up.  If any shares are left after March 31st, there will be a link to the form right here. 

• Lastly, please don't hesitate to ask for an installation payment plan.  I am happy to work out something with post-dated cheques.  

 Thanks so much! I can't wait to see everyone!

-Sally

  

Chicken and Egg CSA 2015

Having just returned from a really inspiring Free Range Poultry Conference in Nova Scotia, both Mark and I have new dreams and goals for the poultry side of our farm business, but there won't be any big changes from the member end, for this year.  That is to say that not a lot has changed from last year, for returning members.

The pick up times and locations are the same.
Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30
Charlottetown- Spring Park United Church (to be confirmed)
Summerside- Summerside Presbyterian Church
Freetown- At the Farm from Tuesday at 4 to Wed night.

*note: the CSA will be taking a break on July 27th and Aug. 3rd)

 
You are welcome to choose one or both CSA's and as many shares of either as you would like.  We are not anticipating having quite as many 'extra' chickens each week, so if you count on those, it may be wise to consider a second share option, for freezer birds to get you through the winter.
And please note that if payment installations or alternative payment options are an important consideration for you, we are more than happy to discuss a solution that will work for everyone.

Chicken CSA (see Egg CSA below)

As I explained in my last email to members, we have increased the per pound price for this year in order to remain competitive and hopefully create more opportunities for other farmers to consider the benefits and incentives of growing chickens on pasture.  We're also aiming to produce a smaller overall average sized chicken (although we're certain there will be some seasonal variation as there often is, given our changing weather).  Please contact me if you want to discuss this further). So with those two factors, the share price hasn't changed from last year but here are the detes:

We are aiming for an average of 5.5lb chickens each week, and although that may vary, we will do our very best to ensure that you get the full value over the season.  At $4.50/lb, for 9 weeks, this year’s share is $225.  That includes 9 fresh, organic, pastured chickens, vacuum packed, neck inside.  
Sally will send reminder emails wit farm updates, recipes and ideas and members are welcome to the farm anytime (call ahead to ensure we're available).  We're also looking at organizing an on-farm day lunch 'n tour exclusively for our members to come see how we do what we do.  More info to come on that.  

Each week you will have the opportunity to choose your cut-up preferences from whole, cut in half, or cut into 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, 2 wings, 2 legs, neck and stock carcass). Cut in half carries a $2 charge and cut up is an extra $5/chicken.  Each pair of pieces is vacuum packed separately, making for ideal freezing.

Should you not be able to make a pick up or forget, I will hold your chicken for a day and then put it in the freezer until the next pick up when I can bring it with me.

Egg CSA

Same as the chickens, delivery is bi-weekly, so every second week, 1 share is 2 dozen eggs, 9 times.

If 1 dozen/week is too many for you, see if you can find a friend to share as we are not offering a half share option with the eggs this year.

The registration form for both CSAs can be found here.  Note: there are limited spots available and first priority will go to previous members but there are some new spots open so please don't hesitate to fill it out as we will be maintaining a waiting list.

Thanks so much!

-Sally

Bushels of CUTE!!!

Well, it's been a while since I've updated, but I have some fun photos to share, so finally got myself organized today to post them.  So many exciting things happening on the farm these days!

 The rooster out with his ladies in the pasture, often crowing for all he's worth.

 Here is my trusty, and VERY helpful helper, Lucy, filling the chickens' water buckets.

Sol is much less helpful, but what he lacks in usefulness, he more than makes up for in cuteness! :)
 

My work crew in the pasture with our 'equipment'.  We're getting to be a well-oiled machine. Sometimes. haha.

 That red bale you see is covered in 400 beautiful roses.  We were intrigued to be part of a project with local artist, Becka Viau titled, "Agrarian Monuments" which uses round bales decorated with fresh flowers.  Check out the website; there's even an interview with Wilson on there.  It made for a great toy for the layer hens.  You can see the rooster and some of the ladies checking it out in the picture.

 Now you've come to the porcine section of the blog.  This little guy allowed us to take his picture on day one, nearly a week ago and I swear they've already doubled in size.

 

 Here are a few of the piglets out in the pasture.  They love running through the grass!

 If they like the grass, they LOVE the mud.  Their rooting instinct is so strong!  Their first reaction when they get outside is to root up some dirt, grass, mud, etc.  Those little snouts are STRONG and built for digging!

 I put this picture in to show the proud Momma, but also to give you some perspective on how small they are.  See them behind her in the grass? 

The last exciting news on the farm is that the layer hens have finally begun laying eggs!!  Well, one, two days in a row, but still!  Egg CSA coming soon!

As you can see, we're in the middle of a bustling season here, but loving every minute of it! (well, most minutes for sure. )

Thanks for stopping by!

-Sally

2014 CSA Registration!

It's Chicken CSA Registration time!! 

 Two whole chickens, ready for your oven, or your freezer.

                                     Pictured is a package of 2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, a pkg of 2 legs and a pkg of 2 wings.

We’re starting nearly a month earlier than last year and hope to have twice as many CSA members. One share is 1 chicken, every two weeks, over 18 weeks this summer (for a total of 9 chickens).   

Pick up time will be on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-5:30pm, alternating weekly between Ch’town/S’side.

Pick up Locations will be:
 In Charlottetown: TBA, starting June 3^rd*
In Summerside: in the parking lot of Summerside Presbyterian Church, starting June 10^th*.

*note: the CSA will be taking two weeks off on July 29th and August 5^th.

As per last year, we are aiming for an average of 6.5lb chickens each week, and although that may vary, we will do our very best to ensure that you get the full value over the season.  At $3.85/lb, for 9 weeks, this year’s share is $225.  That includes 9 fresh, organic, pastured chickens, vacuum packed, neck inside.  Sally will send reminder emails and maintain a newsletter of farm updates, recipes and ideas and members are welcome to the farm anytime.   The price for non-CSA members is $4.20/lb and does not include delivery.

Chickens may also be ordered cut up (2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, 2 legs, 2 wings, each vac.packed) for $5/bird.
Or, cut in half, for $2/bird.


1 chicken share 2014:  $ 225

 

 This is the face they made when I said, "How do you feel about the chicken CSA?"  

Want in!?!  Yes, I thought so!  Email me at sallywb@gmail.com and I'll send you a registration form asap.
 

Membership is due by March 29^th.  All forms returned by that date will receive one free cut-up (value $5) during the season.

 Can't wait to hear from you!

-Sally, Mark and Co. 

 Sol's favorite part of the chicken is the leg bone!

Chicken CSA Registration time!

It's Chicken CSA Registration time!! 

 Two whole chickens, ready for your oven, or your freezer.

                                     Pictured is a package of 2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, a pkg of 2 legs and a pkg of 2 wings.

We’re starting nearly a month earlier than last year and hope to have twice as many CSA members. One share is 1 chicken, every two weeks, over 18 weeks this summer (for a total of 9 chickens).   

Pick up time will be on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-5:30pm, alternating weekly between Ch’town/S’side.

Pick up Locations will be:
 In Charlottetown: TBA, starting June 3^rd*
In Summerside: in the parking lot of Summerside Presbyterian Church, starting June 10^th*.

*note: the CSA will be taking two weeks off on July 29th and August 5^th.

As per last year, we are aiming for an average of 6.5lb chickens each week, and although that may vary, we will do our very best to ensure that you get the full value over the season.  At $3.85/lb, for 9 weeks, this year’s share is $225.  That includes 9 fresh, organic, pastured chickens, vacuum packed, neck inside.  Sally will send reminder emails and maintain a newsletter of farm updates, recipes and ideas and members are welcome to the farm anytime.   The price for non-CSA members is $4.20/lb and does not include delivery.

Chickens may also be ordered cut up (2 breasts, 2 tenderloins, 2 legs, 2 wings, each vac.packed) for $5/bird.
Or, cut in half, for $2/bird.



1 chicken share 2014:  $ 225

 

 This is the face they made when I said, "How do you feel about the chicken CSA?"  

Want in!?!  Yes, I thought so!  Email me at sallywb@gmail.com and I'll send you a registration form asap.
 

Membership is due by March 29^th.  All forms returned by that date will receive one free cut-up (value $5) during the season.

 Can't wait to hear from you!

-Sally, Mark and Co. 

 Sol's favorite part of the chicken is the leg bone!