Country Woman

GOOD NEIGHBORS``````12 COUNTRY WOMAN COUNTRYWOMANMAGAZINE.COMALMANACHarvest fruits andvegetables on thefarm, then takehome a box of freshproduce for yourfamily. That’s the trade someshareholders make at StonebridgeFarm’s Community SupportedAgriculture program nearBoulder, Colorado.When Kayann Short and herhusband, John Martin, startedthe Stonebridge CSA in 1992, itwas the first program of its kind inthe Boulder area and one of just afew nationwide. Their CSA givesmembers the option to pay or workfor their weekly allocation of the10-acre farm’s bounty. About five ofthe 90 share-owning families optfor labor. Aside from Kayann andJohn, they’re the only farmhandsat Stonebridge.“I think a lot of our barteringmembers are people who just wantto have some connection with thesoil,” Kayann says.Kayann and John believe they’repart of a circle—taking care of theland that takes care of them. Theyalso feed their community, whosemembers return the favor whenthey buy CSA shares that supportKayann and John’s farm. “It’sabout reciprocity,” she says.To bring their neighbors evencloser together, Stonebridgehosts seasonal and holidayevents, including an annualpancake breakfast. “We makethe pancakes,” Kayann says, “buteveryone brings the toppings, andyou’ve never seen such a huge tableof toppings in your life.”- Mind the sign-up deadline! There’s probably a cutoff date to join. Also, most CSAs ask for the entire seasonal fee up front, so be prepared to prepay.- Understand the fine print. CSAs have guidelines, so you need to know what happens when you go on vacation, or if you forget to pick up your share.- Ask questions. Find out first what to expect, including the amount of produce per week and whether you can get extra if needed for canning. - Realize that CSAs aren’t for everyone. You really have to enjoy veggies to make a membership worthwhile. - Be flexible. Shares will be lighter early in the season, heavier later on. And you’ll likely need to supplement shares to fill all your veggie and fruit needs. - Embrace new tastes! When you encounter an unfamiliar or untried food, consider it an adventure. Maybe kale chips or roasted Brussels sprouts are your next favorite food!THE RIGHT WAY TO CSASTONEBRIDGE FARM CSA``````Kayann Short ofStonebridge farmsfor her neighbors.Feeding theCommunity