About Cascade Farm:
About Cascade Farm:
Cascade Farm is a local farm that has undertaken the goal of reaching sustainability though an association of our CSA Program and
What is a share?
A share at our CSA is more than just produce. A share is participation in an opportunity to preserve local farms, promote sustainability, and provide unique educational opportunities. “Sharing the Harvest” at Cascade Farm means sharing that which is in season, that particular week. It also means sharing the quantity available, both in times of plenty and in times of want. Farming in this fashion, however, requires a willingness to learn or relearn certain underlying principles regarding our food supply. We have all gotten used to “farming at the supermarket” – buying whatever type of food we want, whenever we want to have it. Sustainable community farming requires us to retool our understanding and our appetites in line with the natural rhythms of crop cycles in the
How does it work?
Members are entitled to a weekly portion of the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season. We currently have a twenty week season which runs from June to mid-October. During the season our members receive a portion of the weekly harvest. For instance, if we harvest 150 pounds of string beans for 75 member shares, each share will receive 2 pounds of beans for the week. Crop conditions may vary and so will the variety and amount of produce. For example, when tomatoes ripen you may receive a large share during the prime weeks but the weeks preceding and following may include smaller amounts or none at all.
How much produce?
We plan to grow enough vegetables per share for the average family of four for the week (vegetarians or families that eat a lot of vegetables may want more and families that eat out a lot may want less). The early harvest weeks sometimes yield smaller amounts with peak harvest weeks during mid-season sometimes yielding enough to freeze for future use.
How do I get my share?
Each Thursday from 2 pm to 7 pm, come to the farm in Patterson to pickup your share. The produce will be available on tables in the main part of the barn. Bring bags or baskets and reuse them each week when possible. Each item will have the share amount marked and you will weigh and pack each item for your share. Please do not substitute vegetables you do not like for those you do. It is important to note that we carefully harvest each week just what is ready to harvest and can be used, to reduce waste. Keep in mind that since we don’t harvest excess that you should only take each share portion allocated. We know there are members that just don’t like some vegetables and would rather have more of something they like but we have not designed our harvests that way. If members take more than what is assigned, those members who arrive later won’t be able to get their portions. If you receive vegetables you don’t want please consider giving them to a neighbor (or feed them to your family or kids – you never know!).
Do I have to work as part of my share?
No, but farm work-days will be scheduled throughout the season. We strongly urge our members to join with us as we gather to apply our collective energy to specific projects on the farm. Unlike some other CSA farms, Cascade Farm does not require mandatory participation for work days but we recommend that each farm family join in whenever possible. The work can be fun and rewarding as you take a part in your farm. In addition, we will be asking our members to fill out a brief survey/info form listing each one’s particular strengths or areas of work interest. Some may want to help out with our public events or our fall harvest days while others may want to spend some serious time in the tomato patch. Our work- day coordinator will contact you regarding participation in a work-day or to volunteer at other times.
What happens to food left over from a harvest?
We harvest only what is required for our CSA member families, however any food left over is distributed to local food pantries to help families in need.
Is the produce organic?
We have come to learn that certified organic can mean lax standards in some areas while requiring costly overhead to achieve and document. We include sustainable and local as well as organic methods in our farming approach. “Beyond Organic” to us means that all our crops are grown right here in Patterson using sustainable farming methods. Our produce is grown naturally without the use of chemicals and pesticides and follows the natural cycles of growth and maturity. Occasionally, due to crop failure or other circumstances we may find it necessary to buy some locally grown produce from other farmers. We try to buy sustainably grown crops but sometimes, as with sweet corn we are unable to do so. If we do distribute conventionally grown crops we will be sure to inform you.
What if I only want a half share?
We don’t “sell” half shares as it is difficult to distribute some crops among multiple families especially those that produce a single item (like a head of broccoli). However, we do allow our members to find partners and work out between them how to divide a share. If you participate in this type of arrangement please work carefully with your partner to divide the share and not take more than is allocated for the share especially for items where only one may be available for the share that week. Some sharing ideas that have worked in the past include: A and B week pickups- every other week arrangements (where the first partner takes a full share one week and the second partner takes a full share the week following) or Having one person pick up the entire share and dividing it at home together or Arriving together to pick up the harvest.
What are the farm hours?
Cascade Farm is open Monday through Friday from 9 am through 4 pm with extended hours (until 7 pm) on Thursday’s for harvest. Dates and times for special events will be posted. However, if the gates at the entrance are closed, the farm is not open.
What are the harvest hours?
Harvest is each Thursday from 2 pm to 7 pm. If you miss harvest time and need to pick up your share at another time please call ahead to make an appointment.
What if I cannot get my vegetables for the week?
In the event that you cannot get your share you may send someone else to pick up your share. Let us know in advance if possible.
Do you sell produce outside of shares to the public?
Yes, in addition to our CSA gardens we participate in a program funded by our members and local businesses to provide shares to local food pantries. In addition, we grow market gardens to be able to sell some of our specialty crops to local businesses and farmers markets. These gardens are planted and tended separately from our CSA gardens. We also make specialty items available for sale to members and the public (see below).
What other products are available?
We offer for sale additional farm-produced products (such as honey, maple syrup, eggs, flowers, garlic, fruit, beeswax candles).
How does purchasing a share compare to other food options?
We do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but need to ensure our farming expenses are covered to continue to provide this opportunity. Our price per share is carefully decided considering many factors. Our current price is still competitive to local area CSA’s and falls within the average price range of CSA farms in North America (currently from $500 to $700 per share). We have also performed some comparative analysis of the food value at each harvest (costs of purchasing the same or similar food items from local area stores). We are pleased to report that our CSA membership is still a good value even though we did not factor the indirect costs of food availability. (Costs such as the environmental, economic, and social impacts of food that travels long distances, requires increased use of oil, or increases pollution in its production.) Most importantly your CSA membership affirms your commitment to support local community agriculture ensuring the availability of local food for years to come.
What do I do with “this”?
We hear that question often from both new and old members. Each week we try to include descriptions of the vegetables harvested. When possible we include a recipe but often the best source of information can sometimes be other members. We encourage members to swap recipes and ideas. The internet and cookbooks are also good sources.
Where do I park when I visit the farm?
We always prefer that you use the parking lot on the left as you pull into the farm. However, during harvest days you may park temporarily on the roads near the barn provided you do not block road access or park on garden or grassy areas. If this area is full or being used by farm equipment, please park down in the parking lot. During special events or extended visits always use the parking lot or other areas as directed by farm staff.
Will I get all the same vegetables from last year or all the vegetables on the spring planting list?
Cascade Farm plants a diverse assortment of crops to ensure variety as well as sufficient quantity. Since growing conditions vary from season to season some crops thrive in hot or dry weather whereas others thrive in wet or cooler weather. Because of this there may be a seasonal abundance of certain crops and a scarcity of others. Planting a variety ensures there is almost always a good quantity of vegetables although you may not see everything you have received before.
Is the cost of my share tax deductible?
No, although Cascade Farm is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the price of share is not tax deductible. However, additional financial donations made to Cascade Farm and
What about other types of donations?
No, thank you but we do not accept donations of tools, clothing, furniture, food, or other personal items.
Can I buy plants?
We do not typically sell the plants we grow, but in times of abundance we will let you know what plants can be made available for sale.
Can I buy dirt or compost?
No, we do not sell our soil. We use special care to ensure healthy soil such as composting, cover cropping and crop rotation and only use it for our crops.
What about herbs?
In the past we had a pick-your-own herb garden. This year we will be providing harvested herbs as part of your share.
What can I do to help?
Volunteer on work days or to help out with our special events (there is always much to learn by volunteering). Also, we acquire many new members through word-of-mouth so please discuss the farm and public events with your friends and neighbors or just pass on our newsletter to someone else when you have finished reading it. Another way to help is to let others who may want to make a charitable donation know about
Can I give a membership as a gift?
Yes, farm shares make a wonderful and meaningful gift.