It is always fun to drive around southern Minnesota and see what I can find. Today was no exception. I had gotten wind of a CSA near Kenyon, and wanted to check it out. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and is a membership program that gives you lots of fresh produce and such, without having to grow it yourself. What? Fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, eggs and sometimes even meats, without lifting a finger? Sounds like a pretty great idea to me!
When I pulled into the driveway, I could see the ¾ acre garden, still with fall crops in the field. There were chickens running around, and a bunch of raised beds for the smaller, less sprawling crops. Flowers for the pollinators were still blooming, and it was a picturesque country scene. What a blessing to live and work in such a peaceful setting!
Sarah Schwab met me as I got out of my car, and we went up onto a huge front porch to chat about what brought her to this idyllic location. Sarah and her husband Andrew lived in Northfield where they were members of a local CSA . After living there for 14 years, they found out a friend was selling the property they now own, so they came out to take a look, and it was love at first sight. Sara remembers gardening with her grandpa back in Germany as a child, and had been gardening in Northfield for the past 18 years, so she was experienced in all the work that goes into raising crops. She and Andrew have 12 children, 10 of whom live at home and help with the everyday chores that come with such a large garden, so it's truly a family affair! While Andrew works at Lampert Lumber in Northfield, Sarah stays at home and not only works the farm, but also home schools her children, and writes a blog about her adventures. They named their farm Desired Haven, because that's what it is to them.
I asked Sarah why go CSA? She answered "I just want our farm to be a blessing to us and to others. Many people these days are wanting to learn about where their food comes from, and how it is grown. We also sell our excess eggs from our 50 laying hens, and we have 300 meat birds, too. Last year we had 4 lambs, and this year we have 10 turkeys and 4 goats." I had to ask if she milks her goats or makes the ever popular goat milk soaps and lotions, but she said not yet. The goats keep the weeds down in the pasture for now, so they, too, have their job to do.
They have 80 garden beds this year, and their goal is to sell 20 CSA shares next spring. A full share for a family for the season costs $600.00, and a half share is $300.00. That's a pretty good deal when you think of the price of commercially grown food at the store, and you know this food is farm raised and fresh. There is something to be said about knowing where your food comes from! Each member gets a portion of the week's bounty. They come out to the farm to pick it up. Some of the items they grow are tomatoes, squash, green beans, flowers, broccoli, zucchini, cucumbers, lettuce, summer squash, cabbage, snap peas, kohlrabi, kale, peppers, radishes, herbs and carrots. "We tried to stick with the vegetables people have heard of and know what to do with", says Schwab. "We had a share in a CSA when we lived in town, and so frequently I would ask...what do I do with this?" There is something to be said for knowing what you are eating, too!!
I asked her what kinds of problems she has encountered in her endeavors. Last year, she was devastated when the farmer next door had his fields sprayed, and the drift from the spray accidentally made its way to the freshly planted crops on her farm. She said, "I just stood out there and cried. It killed all our crops." The farmer felt bad, too, and this year he sprayed his fields himself. So, she replanted everything and started over! This year's drought has brought issues as well. The bugs are really bad, and of course the produce needed extra water to survive the dry weather and higher than normal heat. Lucky for them, they have a large above ground pool to hop into when the chores are done for the day!
Being a farmer with crops and animals is a big job, but the Schwabs find time for fun, too. They love to go camping as a family, and they go to plays that their 17 year old son is involved in. The kids also participate in the Kenyon/Wanamingo band.
If you are interested in a share of the CSA next year, you can contact Sarah at (507) 301-4869. She can answer any questions you may have, and give you all the details. You'll be on your way to a fresher and healthier kitchen experience!
