Hickory Nut Gap Blog/e-Newsletter

The CSA Concept

Community Supported Agriculture or CSA is a relationship between a food producer and food consumers. Traditionally CSA shares have been offered by a vegetable producer on a weekly basis throughout the season who in return provides the customer with an assorted box of freshly picked vegetables. This buying concept was sprouted from the idea that the customer was investing in a particular farm business they respected by buying a CSA share, similar to buying stock in a company. The money was paid upfront and the return on your investment came later when the crops were harvested. Not all years are good for growing tomatoes and of course no one can predict the weather so the shareholder took the risk with the farmer as the season progressed.  

There are various models in use and we have crafted our CSA model to accomplish two things that we feel are essential for a win-win situation between a farm business and a CSA shareholder. First we are committed to providing high quality, healthy meat to our shareholders with satisfaction guaranteed. Secondly we are planning our supply based on the six month commitment we have as partners in this endeavor and expect that to be a mutually respectful relationship. Our goal is to keep it simple and exciting. Here are the nuts and bolts of the CSA program here at Hickory Nut Gap Meats. 

Share Sizes

10 POUND SHARE
 $420 or average of $7.00/lb each month

Example A:
5 lb Chicken (when in season)
2 lbs Pork Breakfast or Specialty Sausage (Brat, Italian, Chorizo)
3 lb Ribeye Steak

Example B:
2 lbs London Broil
1 lb Flank Steak
2 lbs Pork Tenderloin
3 lbs Bacon
2 lbs Ground Beef 

15 POUND SHARE
 $600 or average of $6.67/lb per month

Example A:
5 lb Chicken (when in season)
2 lbs Pork Breakfast or Specialty Sausage (Brat, Italian, Chorizo)
3 lb Beef Short Ribs
2 lb NY Strip Steaks
2 lb Chuck Roast
1 lb Stew Meat

Example B:
2 lbs Sirloin Steak
2 lbs T-bone Steak
1 lbs Skirt Steak
3 lbs Breakfast and/or Specialty Sausage
2 lb Fresh Ham
1 lb Hot Dogs
2 lbs Pork Chops
2 lbs Pork Ribs

Box Variety
We strive to represent all types of the meat we raise on the farm each month in your box. Currently we raise chicken, beef, and pork at Hickory Nut Gap Meats. Chickens however are the variable as they are only raised seasonally.  Most of the meat in your box will be frozen but if possible we will provide you with some fresh products.  Each month we will offer recipes corresponding with some of the cuts in your box.  Part of the fun of being a CSA member is experimenting with new cuts that you may not cook in your normal routine. Of course you can always give those cuts away or store them in your freezer until the inspiration hits you. The beauty of meat, you can freeze it!

Add-Ons
Should you need something specific from us, say for a birthday dinner or special occasion, you can add on cuts to your monthly CSA box.  Add on cuts and special orders picked up at the same time as your CSA box are 10% off retail prices for CSA members.   We will be putting the boxes together the week of the pick up so we will not know ahead of time what cuts will be in the box. So if there is something you have your heart set on go ahead and put in a special order at 10% off! 

Payment Options
We offer two ways to pay for your CSA share. You can either pay for your entire six month share upfront, that would be $420 for a 10 pound share or $600 for a 15 pound share. Or you can pay 50% at sign on $210 for 10 pound share and $300 for the 15 pound share and the remaining 50% prior to your fourth month’s box delivery.  Monthly payment plans are available upon request.  To pay, you can either, call and let the person working the farm store enter your credit card number, or send us a check.  In the future we plan to have secure online payment processing through our shopping cart.  Again we have committed to supply you with high quality grassfed beef and pastured pork and chicken for six months and reciprocally we ask you honor your six month commitment to us.  

Pick Up Locations
CSA pick up will be the first Tuesday of the month.  We will send you an email reminder the Monday before pick up.  You can pick up your CSA share at the West Asheville Market during the May – October market season between 3:30-6:30pm OR at our Farm Store between the hours of 1-6pm that Tuesday.  Shipping is also available for our out of town members but normal shipping costs will apply in addition to the monthly charge for your box.  We ask that once you select a location you continue to pick up at that location for the entire six months.

No Show Policy
If you cannot come to get your CSA share that month for one reason or another, please arrange for someone else to pick it up for you. I am sure if you give them a pack of ground beef they would be happy to do it! If you fail to arrange for someone else to get your box please be aware that we will invoice you a $20 no show charge.  If we fail to have your box at the previously agreed upon location we will issue a $20 Gift Card. 

Sign Up
We accept new CSA members twice a year, in December and June. This will allow us to process your information one month ahead of time and have your first CSA box ready the first Tuesday of January or the first Tuesday of July.

****For this first round of members which will have their first box pick up Tuesday February 1^st the season will run February-June (five months). Fees will be reduced to $350 for 10 pound share and $500 for the 20 pound share. Payment, in the payment plan fashion you choose, is due by Jan 21, 2011. ****

Please contact Erica VanSteeis orders@hickorynutgapfarm.com  or 828.628.1027. She will collect the necessary information and get you started as a Hickory Nut Gap Meats CSA member.