First the products: We are a family of five and purchase a full meat share. We are on our second 10 week sub-season and will be signing-up for our third. Their grassfed beef is the real deal, they do not supplement with hay or grain ever, even in winter. They also have other meats including lamb, boar, and goat. There are plenty of chops, roast, steaks, as well as different ground sausages, links, hot dogs, salami, and they even sell jerky and snack sticks. Each week we receive a great variety and I have yet to be disappointed with either the quantity or quality. I am increasingly grateful for the wonderful products I am able to give my family. There has not been a single thing that my children haven't liked and that's saying something! Though we do not currently get a veggie share we are considering it. They always display vegetables from the share at their booth and everything looks fresh and delicious.
The People: Mr. Koch and his daughter Cheryl are two of the nicest people at the market. Every time I have a question they always take the time to answer me, no matter how busy they are. Get a meat you think you think you don't like or haven't cooked before, talk to Cheryl, she's always happy to give you tips and pass along her recipes that are sure to please any palate. Every time we pick up our share we are greeted with a warm smile and two people who are extremely kind, not only to us adults, but to our children as well. My children always look forward to shaking hands with Mr. Koch and he and his daughter always take the time to talk and listen to them. That just speaks volumes to me about the type of people they are.
My soapbox: I think it's great to have a forum like this for people to share their opinions but I don't want the one negative review to discourage anyone who might be thinking about joining this CSA. I'd like to share some of the things I've learned about CSA's since we joined our first seven years ago:
CSA's often charge membership fees. Usually this fee pays for things like bookkeeping (these people pay taxes), a bag or container, and time (keeping track of members, and adding new deliveries takes a lot of time)
CSA's don't always issue refunds and some never do. CSA's are an investment and often the money is spent right away on seed, breeding, etc so there is nothing left to refund.
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. When you sign up for a CSA you are helping farmers get the money they need when they need it so they can produce a better product for you.
Farmers work with the seasons so if it happens to be tomato season you'll probably get a lot of tomatoes!
It's a great investment. The products truly are worth more than what you pay, but you don't have to take my word for it. Stop by and chat with them, they'll be happy to answer all your questions.