How to Run a Large CSA

I thought that some of our members and readers would enjoy hearing about what a week in the life of a CSA farmer is like. It can be quite a handful harvesting for 65 members all by myself, but it is manageable as long as I stick to my schedule. Monday through Wednesday are general work days in season. This is the time for me to weed, weed, and weed... not really but it sometimes feels like it. I also plant succession crops, take care of bug problems, miscellaneous work around the farm, build new equipment, etc. It is rare that any work on a farm is monotonous. There is always something new to do. Sometimes Wednesday includes a bit of harvesting of produce that keeps well or that will grown to large if left on the vine or in the ground. Thursday is harvest day, and during the heat of the summer this means getting up very early. I harvest approximately 65 of at least 6 different items every week. This can be a bit daunting when bunching greens or cleaning radishes, but I love my job and wouldn't change it for anything. It is usually an all day endeavour to get everything harvested, cleaned and packed in crates for transport to the drop-off. I have worked out a very efficient system that involves bunching, washing, and packing produce right at the edge of the garden. Then it is taken immediately to refrigeration. This is a new system for our new farm and it is much better than the way I used to harvest. It cuts my harvesting and packing time in half. Friday morning is preparation for the drop-off on friday evening. Often I harvest tender greens such as lettuce and swiss chard on Friday morning so as to deliver them as fresh as possible to our members. Because of this freshness the produce will often last much longer than store-bought. Ours hasn't spent weeks in storage before our members eat it. This is also great because it means the produce has the maximum nutrition level possible. Fridays from 4-6pm are oure drop off days. We are busy almost constantly. We've only alotted about 2 minutes per member, so it is a constant stream of members. We still find time to chat with many of our members. Saturday is another work day or an auction day if we can find one to go to. It is a time to recover from Friday's hectic pace. We do necessary work around the farm, till in harvested beds for cover crops or a succession crop. Sunday is our day of rest. We go to Mass and spend the day with family or enjoying the beauty of the farm. It is our day to be grateful to God for the beautiful life we have been granted. Peace, Kevin