Mad Mares Farm in Bethany, where I've worked for the past three years, is based on the model of community-supported agriculture. We grow organic food for 100 customers who purchase a share of the farm's produce by paying a flat rate for the season. Each week, sharers pick up a bag of food from the farm. This model creates a direct link from farmer to consumer. Sharers receive fresh local produce and know how and where their food is grown.
Farmers receive a guaranteed income, spend less time marketing and know whom they are growing for.
For the sharers, the season officially starts in late May, when they begin receiving their food. Angela and I clear out a winter's worth of accumulated junk, dust off lights and test them to be ready for early plantings. The mailing list and brochure are ready. I've worked out plans for the season on paper. At Mad Mares, timing is especially crucial.