Reviews for: Blue Star Acres CSA/ 4B Ranch
Comment
While I will not go so far as to call it a ponzi scheme, we lost almost a year's worth of CSA PRE-PAID deliveries. NO MONEY was refunded to us. It was totally unorganized, poor quality of food, and there were oranges with GROCERY STORE label on them. Laura gave some lame reason that they were "juice" oranges from a farm and accidentally ended up in the CSA box.
Comment
The CSA was most certainly NOT a "scheme" of any kind. The CSA is now closed and all members with over half of thier agreement time left have had there membership money returned. A great deal of our lands (including my personal home) are no longer in our possesion (we could not renew our note after IKE). The CSA was a HONEST attempt to bring something GOOD to Houston and I and the growers do not appreciate being painted up as Enron schemers who got rich at others expense. That is hardley the case. Laura
When we first signed up we received beautiful, delectable deliveries almost every week. It was amazing and we loved it.
However, the CSA is going through a rough time right now and we have not received deliveries since October.
We were told that the CSA was experiencing problems for TWO MONTHS before we were even advised that it was headed in a near-unrecoverable tailspin. To add insult to injury, the finger was pointed at us as one of the main reasons for the failure due to not renewing our contracts in a timely manner.
I certainly trust that people did not pay their renewals and that hit the CSA very hard. What is disappointing is that I feel like there is a lot of noise and wind coming from the owner to try to get the CSA back on track, but no real action.
There were numerous times when we were told that the CSA would be running at the end of [x] month, but have yet to see any type of pick point or deliveries. The owner has said she is trying to get everything back on track, but so many of the group's suggestions have not been put into practice (get a Facebook page up, set up a community drop point, put ads up, get a Twitter account...) that I'm not sure what is going on.
I've volunteered my time to try to help Blue Star (like many, many others have done), but I suspect I'm not the only one who has not heard back from the owner taking us up on the offer. Failure to accept help when it is offered is one sure way to see everything fall down around you.
In short; the CSA was fantastic when it was running smoothly, however that has not been the case for a long time. If I saw more action from the owner with getting things back on track and read fewer e-mails lamenting of what is happening because of the collapse (versus what we can do to reverse it) I would have come away with a better taste in my mouth than the one I have currently.
What about the Depression, the dust bowl or all the floods? Our ancestors would have been only too grateful to have had access to a store when crops weren't available. Almost every missed or late delivery I would not have been able to walk out into my garden (if I had one) and harvest anything either. This is not like the US Mail, weather, machinery failures and injuries happen and you can't count on unpredictable circumstances that happen to us all.
Don't sign up if you're not committed because you hurt the rest of us. I personally don't mind going to the store a few times a year for produce, it makes me appreciate the CSA more when I see the prices and the quality. It also makes me grateful that most of the time, I get my stuff delivered right to my front porch.
Sincerely, Local Farmer Supporter
Comment
Thanks for this review! It is appreciated. I have been unable to change the email address for this site. The email for contacting the CSA is BlueStarAcresCSA@yahoo.com
Bottom line: when the fields are producing the quality and variety are worth the less than perfect customer care and lean months.
Comment
Sorry for my ignorance on the community day. We'll pray for better weather this year. If your main post on this website included anything about an annual event, I probably wouldn't have used the word standoffish in my review. Having done this so long I'm sure you've found the best system that works for you, but with the increased interest now in local food, transitioning people from a supermarket mentality to "what will I get eat this week" mindset isn't necessarily smooth. Watermelon was great this week.
Comment
Ummmm....Scott? After checking our records....Are you a member of our CSA? I have absolutely no record of your name as a past or present member. Who are you associated with? Laura
Comment
Dear Scott, Since you haven't been a "year round" member yet, you couldn't be aware of this, but we did try to have a "get together/swap meet" last year so the members & growers could become better aquainted. Unfortunately IKE ruined those plans & since we've had so much make-up & rebuilding to do afterward~ we just haven't been able to put another one together since. Right now we're still in recovery mode & do not mean to be "stand-offish" , we are just REALLY busy with the extra work load. Have a great day, Laura
Comment
Thanks for the kudos, We really appreciate it! Laura
Comment
Thanks, Tomatoes are kind of our thing! LOL! Laura
Comment
Yes, it is but, we are not certified. Laura
Comment
Is the food grown organically?
Comment
Actually I do deny one part of the comment above, we never deleted or blocked comments from our members. This paticular instance this person is refering to was posted 4 or 5 times (exact same wording) and no-one in the membership responded , after a few days it was deleted , because all the answers to their comments were answered (and had been prior) in the posted information already on the site.
Comment
Hi, I'm Laura proprietress of BlueStar Acres. I read both this review & the one before it with some mixed feelings. I don't deny one word of it. BUT, I would like to point out that we are one of a VERY few CSA's (as a matter of fact, I personally don't know of another) that even attempts going year round. We tell people very clearly upfront before ever joining, what the risks are~ and about the variability of the deliveries~ very plainly and clearly. No one comments about the shares being twice the size promised in the months prior to the hurricane. No one acknowledges the heroic efforts generated buy the growers to keep the members from losing their entire investment in their shares. All new members are given the option of joining for 1 month and are given total access to the private Multiply site , which has blog postings about several of our growers & plainly states that we do not "tour" our homes. It has nothing to do with being "secretive"~ it has to do with these being private homes, insurance issues and being too busy to give tours. If a member needs to contact us , after checking to see if the answer to their question is posted on the group site, we get back to them in as timely manner as possible (but, with 183 members, emails are answered in priority of importance). We have had problems about our phone/internet reliability since the hurricane, but I'm not sure what we could be expected to do about that. We are still working out "the big plan" and this is still a work in progress~ we are litterally breaking new ground. We are farmers & family~ We are not Business people & this is not just another business. This is a shared community endeaver, with all the ups & downs shared by the membership. We have quite a few members that do not feel the way these two folks do. I'm assuming they will be giving up their shares when they come up for renewal and if your interested in them, please let us know. Thanks, Laura Benson BlueStar Acres CSA Alvin, Texas Community Supported Agriculture Delivered to your home
1) Little/no transparency. I don't really know where my produce comes from. I do know that it comes from multiple growers, but I don't know where or who they are. I don't know what their growing practices are, or even what they are growing (with our seed money). We are not allowed to visit the operation. Is if fair, then, to call this a CSA? And at least one of the products is a mystery even to the owner of the CSA--a couple of months ago we received an herb that almost no one could identify because the CSA owner couldn't understand the accent of the woman that grew it. (It turned out to be fenugreek!)
2) Fragile operation. When a crisis occurs in the family, the deliveries are canceled/delayed. This is somewhat understandable but also difficult to accept when it happens so frequently. They have a lot of customers to let down! A good business remembers its promises to its customers and works to keep them (in this case, the CSA should hire substitute or temporary delivery drivers, etc.). Sometimes after a delay the vegetables begin to wither or yellow. While it is unfortunate that the CSA has trouble transporting and storing its produce, share owners signed up for farm fresh produce and should receive it.
3) Spotty communication. Produce is supposed to be arrive on my porch at a specific day; we should be updated accurately and in a timely manner, but lately usually we are not, and the produce surprises us 2-3 days late. Hope you don't travel, so you don't miss your box! Someone used the CSA blog to complain about the boxes being late; rather than address his concerns the family deleted his posts, and closed all delivery posts to comments. (If you do travel, yes, you can put your deliveries on hold, but even though it's not in the contract you must notify the CSA at least a month in advance.)
Members are not allowed to pull of their contracts so if you are willing to deal with the quirks above, sign up and have some veggie fun. If you are not, and would appreciate a more professional operation, consider joining another CSA or visit some of our awesome farmers' markets, open pretty much every week.
Comment
We hope to have the membership base recovered and be up and delivering again by the last week of October
Comment
We haven't had deliveries lately. Money problems.
Comment
I am new and hope to join this group with veggies. The leafy green you guys are talking about is called "Methi" in Indian langauage and Fenugreek in English. I was involved in one project where fenugreek dry seeds were given to diabetics and it improved their blood glucose. It can be prepared with potatos and would taste very good. My mouth is already watering. I think one advantage of different farmers is that we can get taste of different vegetables. I am hoping to join and enjoy vegetables with a difference.
Comment
The New Unusual Greens Feb 16, '09 11:54 AM by Laura for everyone I've had several people ask what the new green is that was in some of the shares this week. It looks like small leafed greens & was harvested roots and all & bound by a rubber band. I'm a bit chagrined to say, I'm unsure of the name. It was grown by our new growers , the Vehar's, a very nice Indian family and it is a green popular in their homeland. They told me several times what it was called , but we have definite communication problems and I'm embarrassed to say all I could make out of the name is that it was 3 syllables & started with "M" , lol. If any of y'all have a clue, maybe you can help us out on this? Mrs. Vehar did show me how she prepares it, however. She washed it, sliced off the roots & coarsely chopped it. Then she put it in a colander and QUICKLY dipped it in boiling water to slightly blanche it, putting in the sink to drain well. She then heated olive oil in a small fry pan and saute'ed garlic & green onions till limp and added the greens . saute'ing till tender. She also showed me how she made a slightly thin cornbread batter, stirred the greens into that & made , what we call Hoe Cakes with them. VERY tasty! They explained to me that this vegetable is very highly revered in their homeland and is reputed to be very good for people with blood sugar problems (diabetes),high blood pressure problems , is High in iron & good for the liver. Experiment with it & let us know if you come up with any good recipes for it. Please share with the group. I was thinking it would be good in an omelet?
Comment
Actually I do deny one part of the comment above, we never deleted or blocked comments from our members. This paticular instance this person is refering to was posted 4 or 5 times (exact same wording) and no-one in the membership responded , after a few days it was deleted , because all the answers to their comments were answered (and had been prior) in the posted information already on the site.
Comment
Hi, I'm Laura proprietress of BlueStar Acres. I read both this review & the one after it with some mixed feelings. I don't deny one word of it. BUT, I would like to point out that we are one of a VERY few CSA's (as a matter of fact, I personally don't know of another) that even attempts going year round. We tell people very clearly upfront before ever joining, what the risks are~ and about the variability of the deliveries~ very plainly and clearly. No one comments about the shares being twice the size promised in the months prior to the hurricane. No one acknowledges the heroic efforts generated buy the growers to keep the members from losing their entire investment in their shares. All new members are given the option of joining for 1 month and are given total access to the private Multiply site , which has blog postings about several of our growers & plainly states that we do not "tour" our homes. It has nothing to do with being "secretive"~ it has to do with these being private homes, insurance issues and being too busy to give tours. If a member needs to contact us , after checking to see if the answer to their question is posted on the group site, we get back to them in as timely manner as possible (but, with 183 members, emails are answered in priority of importance). We have had problems about our phone/internet reliability since the hurricane, but I'm not sure what we could be expected to do about that. We are still working out "the big plan" and this is still a work in progress~ we are litterally breaking new ground. We are farmers & family~ We are not Business people & this is not just another business. This is a shared community endeaver, with all the ups & downs shared by the membership. We have quite a few members that do not feel the way these two folks do. I'm assuming they will be giving up their shares when they come up for renewal and if your interested in them, please let us know. Thanks, Laura Benson BlueStar Acres CSA Alvin, Texas Community Supported Agriculture Delivered to your home
Comment
This was very helpful. Thank you.
Growing up on the farm in Iowa I found myself at home in the garden. The fresh produce from Blue Star Acres feels like having a piece of home.
Comment
Thanks Matthew, We've ejoyed having you as a member all this time. Loyal members like you are the backbone of the membership that keep us going~ both financially & in will-power ~to keep trying to work with a occasionally cantankerous Ma Nature,lol. Sincerely, Laura
And, oh, the food! The produce is spectacular -- the most amazing watermelons, tomatoes, peaches...even lima beans!...I have ever eaten. And the people are wonderfully friendly. This is also a wonderful experience for my young children, who will at least *try* anything that "Farmer Laura" has brought. They love to help me clean the produce, prepare it, and cook it, and that is priceless!
Keep in mind that the weather really does effect when you'll get your share. If it rains, you might not get your share on your designated delivery day. It might be the next day...or the day after that! We don't mind this, but it's not for everyone. But trust me...it's worth the wait! Overall, this is most certainly money well spent!
Comment
Could you tell me how to get in contact with this CSA. I emailed through local harvest, and I have not heard back. I just didn't know if there was another way to contact them.
Comment
We're glad you joined us, THANKS!
I am impressed and very pleased. I raise grass-fed beef and free range eggs so I value the addition of this excellent produce to my diet. I have goats who have nothing better to do all day than figure out how to raid my garden so I value being able to get around them, since I am not able to outsmart them.
This is so much better than the supermarket. It is the best thing that has happenned to food and farming this century. I am so happy to be a part of it.
Farmer Brown - Mini Moo Cows Farm
Comment
Thanks for the kudos! And your grass-fed beef has been wonderful! I (and the family) have really enjoyed it. It's so lean , I have to add olive oil to the pan so it won't stick. I don't think I've ever seen ground beef that truly fat free. Laura
The first delivery was like Christmas! I unpacked the melon and veggies with sheer delight. Squash, potatoes, onions, green onions, canteloupe, corn, lettuce, tomatoes and more! I love salads and Laura and her mom delivered more than enough to satisfy my zeal for salads.
In the time since I have signed up I have been eating a far better quality diet. And since the vegetables are delivered to me it becomes so simple to sort through the produce and plan my meals as I go. How easy! Prior to joining this CSA I would rarely put the effort into planning my meals as it meant planning my grocery store purchases and now with fresh food already at my doorstep it becomes a lot easier to cook easy meals. Also, I have become a huge advocate and have told many of my friends and co-workers about my good experience and it's been great to see some of their names also added to the route and hear their positive comments as well.
A week or so ago Laura had sent out a note telling the members about some vandalism that had occurred at one of the farms. One of my co-workers who was in the midst of signing up came over revved up and wanting to go over to the farm and fix what the vandals had broken. That is one of the good things about this -- I am closer to my food and more in touch with what it takes to get the food from the farm to the table and a lot more aware of how weather and mechanical systems affect the vegetables I receive -- or don't receive.
This started out as a gamble for me, an experiment of sorts. I knew at the very least that I was supporting local agriculture -- a worthy and noble cause. My gamble paid off and I have been simply delighted. Laura is very good about keeping the members informed about delayed deliveries and many things can interfere, primarily weather. But she is excellent at letting us know so we are able to plan accordingly. There are times I need to go to the grocery store and pick up vegetables due to interrupted/delayed deliveries and of course growing seasons. However, I am thrilled with fresh produce being delivered to my door and when I get home at night and am pulling into the driveway I check to see if my box of goodies has arrived.
Comment
Thanks Heather, It's a lot easier to keep motivated with members like you. You actually pay attention to the website & don't ask silly questions that are already answered,lol. We really appreciate you! Laura
I have also been amazed at what my eight year old is eating now because he wants to try every thing that Miss Laura, or her mother, puts in the cooler. Our dinner tonight includes cushaw squash and lovely red tomatoes (salmonella free). Yummy!
As an added bonus, the CSA also has a website that has lots of recipes. This helps you jump out there and try new veggies.
We love the wide variety of produce, and the easy and open communication with Miss Laura. It is very much like joining a community.
Comment
We love hearing about kids eating their veggies! Thanks! Laura
It has turned out to be a wonderful experience, even down to praying for rain a couple of weeks ago so a local farmer would not lose his crop when his municipal water supply was interrupted.
It is good for those of us who do not live off the land to get a glimpse, however small, of what it takes to get food out of the ground.
And when we had the salmonella poisoning scare with commercial tomatoes recently, I could confidently tell my worried grandchildren that these were organic tomatoes and perfectly safe to eat!
Every week it is something new in the box, and I love it!!
Comment
Thanks for the prayers! Sometimes we need all the help we can get & what better Source is there? Keep sending them,please. Sincerely, Laura
Thanks!
Comment
The deliveries are LOOSELY based on certain areas of town on certain nights BUT, delivery days & times are VERY AFFECTED BY THE WEATHER. (Sorry that really isn't for your benifit, it just a VERY frequently ask question, lol). Look forward to hearing from you.
Comment
Not sure which member you are but.....THANKS! Laura
Comment
Do you receive your deliveries on the same day of the week? Are they weekly deliveries?
Comment
SAME THING happened to us! I was SHOCKED to see her listing today! We lost a lot of money. She was hard to contact, deliveries varied from once a month to two a week, we even got fruit that was bought at a store! DO NOT USE THIS CSA