CSA Buyer's Guide
Broadacre Farm's 2016 CSA Buyer's Guide
How much is a credit worth?
Each credit is equivalent to $1.00 U.S dollar.
How are prices calculated?
Prices are calculated based on market rates, taking into account freshness, quality, our competitors, peak season, demand, and abundance or scarcity. We aim for fair and reasonable prices comparable to that of a brick-and-mortar farmer's market.
How many credits should I buy?
As many as you think you can use in a season, or as many as you can afford while there is a discount. Based on our classic share cost of 30 credits served for 20 weeks, the equivalent of a full-season full-share cost would be ~600 credits.
When are discounts available -- and why are they early?
Steep discounts are available in winter and early spring, with substantial discounts in late spring, and with market prices prevailing during our delivery season. Our discounts have concluded for the 2016 season -- please look for discounts to begin again in January of 2017. We believe that buying Broadacre Farm CSA credits is a great value anytime of year! The pay-ahead CSA model helps small farms like ours pay for the expenses of running a farm before the sales from crops could ever fund them.
How big is a classic share? What's the value of a classic share?
A classic share comes in a ¾ bushel box, and contains about 6-24 different items, though usually around 12-15. A full ¾ bushel box is about 2 fridge crispers-full. Classic shares are deducted at a flat rate of 30 credits. Shares are typically served brimming with food, although spring shares are physically much lighter due to 'greens season' while fall shares laden with root crops can be much heavier.
I've done a one-size-fits-all, flat-rate CSA before. How does your CSA compare in terms of value?
Here's a comparison of the value you get if you're familiar with classic CSAs: The equivalent price of a full share (3/4 bushel boxes weekly for 22 weeks) is about 600 credits. That's about two crispers-full of produce each week, from 6-24 items of naturally-grown heirlooms and garden favorites, plus herbs, spices, edible flowers, and wild-foraged specialties. A full share is suited to small and large families, people who split a share with a roommate or alternate a share with a neighbor, folks into canning and preserving, and individuals and couples who might be vegan / vegetarian, or who eat 4 or more meals at home each week.
Do you do half-size shares or every-other-week delivery?
Yes! The cost of a half-size share (1/2 bushel boxes weekly for 22 weeks) is 300 credits. That's enough for one crisper-full of produce each week, from 3-12 items of the same great produce we serve in full shares, but in a smaller package. A half share is suited to college students, individuals and couples who want to supplement their garden in off-seasons, and families who eat fewer than 4 meals at home each week.
Where will I be able to use my credits?
Web services provided by SmallFarmCentral.com are currently under development and is in a testing phase. Our future website will have login, user accounts, settings, and a shopping apparatus for shares you'd like to customize. (May 16: Testing is almost complete. We are currently creating original web content such as photos and descriptions for clear and organized shopping.)
Can I switch between classic shares and custom shares during the season?
Yes! (May 16: It is as easy as selecting Classic or Custom from a drop-down menu.)
I have more questions about Broadacre Farm's 2016 CSA!
Please watch for our 2016 CSA Membership and Operating Agreement which explains everything in great detail! Or, write to us or call with your personal questions.