Diversity Farm (CSA - Morley)

Diversity Farm, a CSA in Morley, has used organic practices to grow produce for three years.

The West Michigan Food Guide lists this description: "We are a family farm raising grass fed lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs. We also have cow shares available from our dairy cows, and a CSA for fresh, quality vegetables. We use no hormones, pesticides, GMO’s, or antibiotics."

Their growing season is from late May to late October, when weekly half-bushels of fruits and vegetables are to be picked-up at the farm. Separate contracts can be made for meat, poultry, eggs, milk, butter, grains, flour and honey.

Other benefits include animal powered equipment and a get-together at the end of the season.

Payment Options

• $30 before April 1
• $60 before May 1
• $15 / half bushel per week

Contact the farm through traditional mail and please include a SASE.

Atlee & Mary Yoder
14750 Six Mile Rd.
Morley, MI 49336

Thanks to the Swiers for sharing this info.

Maggie's Farm (CSA - Remus)

Maggie's Farm is a new CSA in Remus near the Wheatland Music Festival property.

A farm letter to members begins by sharing that "Maggie’s Farm was created by a group of friends with a desire to build stronger community relationships while focusing on healthy, nutrient dense foods. We decided that the best way to get started was through a community supported agriculture project, which provides fresh seasonal produce to individuals who purchase a 'share' of the farm."

"We do not use any genetically altered seeds, pesticides or petroleum based fertilizers for our crops. Only traditional farming methods and old-fashioned hard work are used at Maggie’s Farm..."

Maggie's Farm is also collaborating with "the Naturopathic Community Center and the Central Michigan Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation in Mt. Pleasant to offer bi-weekly cooking and food preparation classes, taught by two members of the farm. Classes will include how to put together meals from seasonal produce, seasoning with herbs, canning, pickling, culturing, bread making and more."

Members can also return food waste to be composted. This reduces the amount of waste going into trash bags and it returns nutrients to the soil, which benefits next year’s crops.

One unique aspect of this CSA is its payment system. Members pay on a weekly basis rather than paying the full amount at the beginning of the growing season when funds are normally brought in to cover the costs of seeds and operations.

Payment Options

• $20 Membership Registration due by March 31st
• $40 Late Registration from April 1st—May 1st

Packages

• INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES -- 1/4 Bushel per week -$6
• SMALL FAMILIES (3 OR 4) -- 1/2 Bushel per week -$12
• LARGE FAMILIES (4 OR MORE) -- Full Bushel per week -$24

Members will pick-up their weekly shares at the farm. Contact Maggie's Farm to receive an application and a detailed flyer by email.

5139 Polk Road
Remus, MI 49340
(989) 773-1310

mindfulcommunity at gmail.com

Swier Family Farm (CSA - Remus/Barryton)

The Swier Family Farm is a CSA (community supported agriculture) in Mecosta County that is beginning its third year (2008).

From the farm flyer:

"For 18 weeks, June through September, you will receive a 4-12 pound assortment of fresh vegetables and limited flowers. The quantity and variety will vary seasonally. If you like mixed bouquets we have added an additional flower share. We will deliver the produce to central drop-off locations or you can pick it up at the farm. We practice organic methods, though we are not certified."

Payment Options (Due by April 1)

• $325 Pay full amount
• $55 Flower Share (8 wks. mixed bouquets)
• Contact Chris or Kate for other options or to express interest in pasture-raised chicken, turkey or pork.

I talked with one member of this CSA who really appreciated the experience last year. I know Green Tree (214 N. Franklin St., Mt. Pleasant) is one drop-off point, but you'll need to contact the farm to learn where other drop-offs are.

Want to volunteer? Just contact Chris or Kate about possibilities.

For more information, pick-up the farm's brochure at Green Tree or contact the Swiers (sh-ware).

640 18 Mile Road
Remus, MI 49340
(989) 382-5436

swierfamilyfarm at yahoo.com