The Hunnicutt Homestead

Smiling over the bees and CSA info

I am extremely pleased with myself today.  Yesterday evening the state and county bee inspectors came by to inspect my 2 colonies.  I passed with flying colors and many complements on how well attended my hives were.  Additionally, I gained some new information.  Colony B is in the process of requeening.  They will also need to be fed 1-2 more times before winter as some of their frames have not been drawn out.  Plastic frames will often break when they become cold and brittle.  It is good to use plastic foundation but stick to the wooden frames.  No mites, and very healthy and busy populations.  S commented that he thought my great- grandmother would be proud.  I had also mentioned the 21 pounds ofhoney from one hive.  I was told that was pretty good for a newly established colony.  S and I have decided to go to 5 hives total for next year.  Note:  I bought my bees and equipment primarily from Simpson's Bee Supply in Ohio.

S & I have decided to go the CSA route for next year's farming plan.  Here is the info on CSA's that we are handing out along with our brochures:

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  CSA is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between local farmers and community members who pay the farmer an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In turn, members receive a weekly share of the harvest during the local growing season. The arrangement guarantees the farmer financial support and enables many small- to moderate-scale organic and/or bio-intensive family farms to remain in business. Ultimately, CSA programs create "agriculture-supported communities" where members receive a wide variety of foods harvested at their peak of freshness, ripeness, flavor, vitamin and mineral content. 

The goals of Community Supported Agriculture support a sustainable agriculture system which:

·        Provides farmers with direct outlets for farm products and ensures fair compensation.

·        Encourages proper land stewardship by supporting farmers in transition toward low or no chemical inputs and utilization of energy saving technologies.

·        Strengthens local economies by keeping food dollars in local communities.

·        Directly links producers with consumers allowing people to have a personal connection with their food and the land on which it was produced.

·        Makes nutritious, affordable, wholesome foods accessible and widely available to community members.

·        Creates an atmosphere for learning about non-conventional agricultural, and alternative energy systems not only to the farmers but also to members of the community, and to students of all ages.

KIND OF CSA FARMS 

There are many kinds of CSA farms.  All include payment in advance at an agreed upon price. In ours, members of the community purchase a "share" of the anticipated harvest.  This commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer both the bounty from the land and at least some of the risks involved with production. 

In return for fair and guaranteed compensation, consumers receive a variety of freshly picked, all naturally grown vegetables that are distributed in an economically viable and ecologically responsible manner. Fenner Farm also offers fruit, herbs, flowers and other products, such as eggs, honey, and baked goods.  

 One fact also to consider, organic food produced within local communities is not the same as organic food transported over long distances. When members obtain food from local farmers, environmental costs associated with the transport, processing and distribution of organic food and the consumption of fossil fuels are significantly reduced. Considering that the organic food available to members was produced locally rather than transported over long distances, the cost to the environment is significantly less.

We are praying for consumers to buy shares for next year.  God has blessed us with a wonderfully busy and successful season this year. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Untitled Comment

{ 04:42, Friday, October 5, 2007 } { Posted by CandyFoote }

Way to go!
I really want to raise bees.

Candy