Who's Your Farmer? Five CSA Farms Deliver to Hudson

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a locally based food system whereby consumers pledge to buy “shares” of produce from local farms at the beginning of the growing season. By design, CSAs create a cooperative relationship between producer and consumer which reduces a farmer’s growing risk while providing customers with fresh vegetables and fruit throughout the season. A typical share
includes a “box” of produce each week for 2 to 4 people during the entire harvest period. CSAs promote more sustainable agricultural practices and encourage the use of specialized varieties suited to specific growing sites. The result is environmentally friendly and highly nutritious field ripened products with incredible flavor.

So, where do you sign up for such delicious goodness?  Here are five CSA farms that deliver right here in Hudson! Read on to learn about the options offered by each farm!

Axdahl's Garden Farm and Greenhouse

http://axdahlfarms.com/season_csa.shtml
You've enjoyed their sweet corn, loved their hanging baskets, and visited every autumn to pick your own pumpkins.  Now, you can also purchase your vegetables from Axdahl's Garden Farm and Greenhouse in Stillwater.  For the third year, Axdahl's Farm is offering suststainably grown vegetables for weekly delivery to Hudson.  Brian and Leslie Axdahl have been certified by the Midwest Food Alliance for following best practices in conservation, soil preservation, transparency in supply chains, humane treatment of their animals, and fair employment practices.  
CSA info:

• 20 weeks, boxes delivered weekly on Thursdays

• Boxes will include vegetables, herbs, berries, and fall decorations

• Full share: $600 (1 bushel box)

• Half Share: $350 (1/2 bushel box)

• CSA subscribers receive a membership discount card which they can show for discounts on other Axdahl purchases made at their farm market in Stillwater

Eener's Farm

Subscribe

http://eenersfarm.blogspot.com/
Eener's Farm is a fifth-generation farm located in Boyceville.  Following the traditions of her forebearers, Eener produces vegetables, herbs, and flowers without the use of chemicals.  Pasture raised meats, including beef, lamb, and goat, are available for purchase year round.  CSA members have the option of adding free-range chicken eggs to their weekly boxes.  2013 marks the fifth CSA season for Renee (Eener) and Cass Bettendorf.

CSA info:

• Season runs for 18 weeks, from mid-June to October
• Boxes include a selection of 30-40 vegetables, herbs, melons, flowers, and Eener's ultra-hip and entertaining newsletter, "The Spinning Turnip."
• Full Share: $515 for 18 weeks
• Half Share:  $275 for 18 weeks
• The Monthly:  $300, delivered to monthly May-October on the second Saturday.  Includes grass-fed meats, fresh produce, herbs, and flowers.
• Members can choose to add on weekly delivery of farm-fresh eggs, can purchase pasture-raised meats, and are invited to the Big Fall Harvest Fest.

Farm Where Life is Good

FarmWLIG.locallygrown.net

Roger and Lara Anderson grow good food in a healthy environment. They are working towards transitioning their River Falls farm to certified Organic standards.  Each week, their CSA boxes will attempt to include a combination salad fixings, traditional veggies, starches, aromatics, specialty items, and herbs.  In addition to weekly CSA boxes, Farm WLIG offers an online market, giving both CSA members and not-members the chance to purchase produce in an a la carte fashion.

CSA info:

• Season runs from mid-May through September, approximately 18-20 weeks depending on weather.
• Boxes will include a combination salad fixings, traditional veggies, starches, aromatics, specialty items, and herbs.
• CSA Share $400
• An online market offers individuals the opportunity to purchase small quantities of specific items, or entire bushels for preserving.

Sweet Top Farm

Sweettopfarm.weebly.com
If you visited the Carmichael Farmers Market last summer, you are probably familiar with Adam and Megan Greeson's vegetables and potted herbs.  From their land on County Road U right here in Hudson, Sweet Top delivers sustainable-produced and chemical free produce all season long.  Visit their website for some awesome recipe ideas!

CSA info:

• Season runs for 18 weeks, from mid-June to mid -October. 
• Boxes include: potted herb plant, 30-40 different types of vegetables, flowers, herbs, melons, and a weekly newsletter with farm updates and recipes.
• Full share: $550, delivered each Wednesday
• Half share: $300, delivered every other Wednesday
• CSA members are invited to celebrate the end of the season with an on-the-farm potluck!

Threshing Table

http://www.threshingtablefarm.org/index.htm
Located on a former dairy farm near Star Prairie, Threshing Table farm offers sustainably produced vegetables and herbs.  The Lenz family strives to improve their land so that the soil grows healthier each year.  CSA owners will benefit from partnerships with nearby farmers to offer extra items, including maple syrup, berries and apples, farm-fresh eggs, and pasture raised beef and chicken.  Check out their website to read some of their past newsletters!

CSA info:

• Season runs for 18 weeks, from end of June to mid-October. 
• Boxes include several varieties of many types of produce (have you ever had a blue potato?), fresh herbs, and a newsletter with farm updates, recipes, and storage tips.

• Full Share: $525 one box a week for 18 weeks

• Half Share: $300: 9 boxes, every other week for 18 weeks
• Offers additional items for purchase including berries, apples, farm-fresh eggs, and pasture raised beef and chicken.
• Visitors are welcome to tour the farm and CSA members are invited to potlucks and field days.

Want still more options?  Check out the Land Stewardship Project's list of CSAs in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin region.

Do you have a CSA farm you would like to recommend?  Let us know in the comments!