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    Community Supported Agriculture

    At Black Sheep Farms, we have designed our CSA with three concepts in mind: Good Food, Good Community and Good Earth. In conjunction with our CSA members, we grow heirloom flowers, fruits and vegetables with methods that build fertility and support the integrity of our land.

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    For those people who signed up for information about the 2010 CSA, we sent the following letter:

    Thank you so much for your interest in the 2010 Black Sheep Farms CSA program. We appreciate your decision to support local food producers and are thrilled that you've decided to find out more about how our CSA works. Please read through this letter to make sure that this relationship will work for you.

    "CSA" stands for Community Supported Agriculture. We originally decided to start farming to develop community around food and farms, and the CSA program is a major part of that goal. Here's how each portion works:

    • Community - We believe that it is important to understand how food and relationships impact us as individuals and, on a larger scale, the Omaha metro area. Not only will you develop a relationship with us, your farmers, but you will have opportunities to meet and work with your fellow CSA members.
    • Support - In the CSA model, we agree to help each other as part of our community. The farmers provide food, labor and the rural experience. Members contribute money, a small amount of labor and a commitment to share in the risk and reward of farming. We work together to achieve our mutual goals of good food, good community and good earth.
    • Agriculture - Food is the result of our work with the natural environment. The seasons dictate what we can eat, and we work to ensure that our actions provide a bountiful harvest this year and in years to come.


    For 2010, we have decided to support 25 shares. A full share is offered at $500 plus ten hours of farm labor. A half share is offered at $250 plus ten hours of farm labor. A full share equals $25 per week of heirloom vegetables and, when possible, cut flowers and fruit. We will also offer additional produce and eggs for sale.

    The 20-week season will run from May 19 - September 29. Each week, your share will be available for on-farm pickup on Wednesdays from 10am – 7pm. Part of our CSA philosophy includes a connection between you, your food and your farmers. If you are unable to pick up your share, you may send someone in your place with prior notice. If you are out of town or do not need your share, we will donate it to a food pantry on your behalf. In the case that we experience bad weather, a lapse in production or some other interruption, we may extend the season as necessary.

    As part of the CSA experience, each share is expected to contribute ten hours of labor during the season. Don’t worry! It won’t be hard work, and all family members are welcome. There will be monthly CSA work days, so it will be easy to fulfill your commitment. We are confident it will be deeply satisfying. When you have the opportunity to contribute to your CSA, you will feel a deeper connection to your food and the land. Plus, it’s a great experience!

    We also plan for fun! Black Sheep Farms will hold two potluck social events during the season so you can relax on the farm, meet other like-minded people and enjoy good food.

    For 2010, we are offering the option of a "work share." In this agreement, a member would contribute 50 hours of farm labor instead of the standard contribution. This equates to 2.5 hours of farm labor per week for 20 weeks. Four work shares are available. If you are interested in securing a work share, please indicate that in your email.

    If you are seriously interested in participating, you must reply to us via email on or before Sunday, January 31st. The demand for CSA shares is greater than we could responsibly handle, so we will fill shares based on a lottery system on February 1st. If you are selected a deposit of $50 will be due on or before Monday, March 1st. The remainder will be due at the CSA Orientation meeting on Sunday, May 2nd.

    From all of us at Black Sheep Farms, thank you for your support. Local agriculture relies on thoughtful people like you for continued success.
    Kelly + Brian Smith