Re: Meat CSA Vs. 1/2 cow purchase

[Guest guest]

Hi Lucia,

It is going to depend on how much freezer space you have and if you want a

variety of meats each month.

I would think that in most cases a half hog or cow is going to be your best

deal--if you have the freezer space or can split it up with another person.

I have done the meat CSA's in the past and they can be difficult to make cost

effective. The meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat) all costs more this way because it

was done at an E2 butcher and was packaged in smaller packages to make the CSA's

work out. I also had to add in my cost of storing it in my freezer and the

transport cost each month. So my costs are higher and those get passed on to

the buyer. I never had anyone want this type of CSA all at once.

However, it was still less expensive than buying those meats at the local store

for the most part. My beef and pork is generally a bit more than the store

prices depending on where you shop but it is all forage based. My sheep and

goat is less expensive than the store prices.

My poultry CSA worked out better for a monthly delivery although I did have some

people opt to get it all at once too. That included 2 chickens a month (10

total), a pheasant (Feb), turkey (Nov), goose (Dec), duck (Jan), quail (March).

I know there is one farm north of me that does a chicken CSA over winter as well

as a frozen veggie CSA. Another farm does meat CSA south of the cities if I

remember right with beef, pork, and sheep. I can't remember the names of those

farms right now but I think they are on the CSA list with the land stewardship

site.

I guess it just depends on what you want and if you can store it.

If you need a freezer, check out craigslist or I think the other place is

freecycle--not sure, it does not go this far north. Freezers are usually pretty

inexpensive or free. You can also place a wanted ad. Many commercial freezers

are very cheap with all the eateries going out of biz. And scratch and dent

stores have inventory available as well most of the time.

[Guest guest]

I had a meat CSA for about 2 years and was very satisfied with it, but I am a

single person. It would probably not be enough for a family. This farmer

offered half shares and whole shares. I got the half share. One advantage was

the variety of beef, lamb, pork and chicken. Eggs were also part of the

package. However, I didn't get organ meats or soup bones as part of the CSA.

After two years I ordered 1/4 beef from the same farmer. The advantage is

having it on hand and not having to pick up every month. Also there are more

cuts available in the freezer. However, I missed the lamb, pork and chicken and

had to source that separately.

Mike Braucher of Sunshine Harvest Farm is the name of the farmer I get most of

my meat from.

>

> I asked about purchasing half a cow about a month ago and got amazing

responses in return. Thank you all for being so informative and kind. Now I have

another question--what are your opinions on meat CSA boxes versus purchasing

half a cow (or splitting that purchase with another family, or half a pig...).

Anyone had experience with a meat CSA before?

>

> Thanks again,

> Lucia

>

[Guest guest]

I had a CSA from Sunshine Harvest a few years ago, but these days, it is just

too big a hit to my cash flow to do so.

I currently buy meat from Hilltop Pastures and will often get one of their pork

or beef family packs. I currently am splitting one of their half Meatloaf Mania

CSA shares with a friend.

They are at the Midtown Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays and also make

deliveries around town once a month.

http://www.hilltoppasturesfamilyfarm.com/

>

> I asked about purchasing half a cow about a month ago and got amazing

responses in return. Thank you all for being so informative and kind. Now I have

another question--what are your opinions on meat CSA boxes versus purchasing

half a cow (or splitting that purchase with another family, or half a pig...).

Anyone had experience with a meat CSA before?

>

> Thanks again,

> Lucia

>

[Guest guest]

Are you still doing the chicken CSA? Wondering at delivery times/places and

costs. You/anyone who offers this can message me privately if you prefer. I buy

a whole hog and split a cow with my parents. Still looking for a good source of

chicken, though its not so critical since Mississippi Market has decent chicken

prices for what I think is at least cage and hormone free chickens.

K

K

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Meat CSA Vs. 1/2 cow purchase

Hi Lucia,

It is going to depend on how much freezer space you have and if you want a

variety of meats each month.

I would think that in most cases a half hog or cow is going to be your best

deal--if you have the freezer space or can split it up with another person.

I have done the meat CSA's in the past and they can be difficult to make cost

effective. The meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat) all costs more this way because it

was done at an E2 butcher and was packaged in smaller packages to make the CSA's

work out. I also had to add in my cost of storing it in my freezer and the

transport cost each month. So my costs are higher and those get passed on to

the buyer. I never had anyone want this type of CSA all at once.

However, it was still less expensive than buying those meats at the local store

for the most part. My beef and pork is generally a bit more than the store

prices depending on where you shop but it is all forage based. My sheep and

goat is less expensive than the store prices.

My poultry CSA worked out better for a monthly delivery although I did have some

people opt to get it all at once too. That included 2 chickens a month (10

total), a pheasant (Feb), turkey (Nov), goose (Dec), duck (Jan), quail (March).

I know there is one farm north of me that does a chicken CSA over winter as well

as a frozen veggie CSA. Another farm does meat CSA south of the cities if I

remember right with beef, pork, and sheep. I can't remember the names of those

farms right now but I think they are on the CSA list with the land stewardship

site.

I guess it just depends on what you want and if you can store it.

If you need a freezer, check out craigslist or I think the other place is

freecycle--not sure, it does not go this far north. Freezers are usually pretty

inexpensive or free. You can also place a wanted ad. Many commercial freezers

are very cheap with all the eateries going out of biz. And scratch and dent

stores have inventory available as well most of the time.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am not doing the meat CSA this year or veggies over winter. I am moving

before the snow flies (with luck anyway)and will be set up and ready to go for

next season.

I will have some chickens available as well as stew hens. Beef in half or whole

available soon too. Goats and sheep basically year round availability.

>

> Are you still doing the chicken CSA? Wondering at delivery times/places and

costs. You/anyone who offers this can message me privately if you prefer. I buy

a whole hog and split a cow with my parents. Still looking for a good source of

chicken, though its not so critical since Mississippi Market has decent chicken

prices for what I think is at least cage and hormone free chickens.

>

> K

>

> K

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> Re: Meat CSA Vs. 1/2 cow purchase

>

> Hi Lucia,

>

> It is going to depend on how much freezer space you have and if you want a

variety of meats each month.

>

> I would think that in most cases a half hog or cow is going to be your best

deal--if you have the freezer space or can split it up with another person.

>

> I have done the meat CSA's in the past and they can be difficult to make cost

effective. The meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat) all costs more this way because it

was done at an E2 butcher and was packaged in smaller packages to make the CSA's

work out. I also had to add in my cost of storing it in my freezer and the

transport cost each month. So my costs are higher and those get passed on to

the buyer. I never had anyone want this type of CSA all at once.

>

> However, it was still less expensive than buying those meats at the local

store for the most part. My beef and pork is generally a bit more than the

store prices depending on where you shop but it is all forage based. My sheep

and goat is less expensive than the store prices.

>

> My poultry CSA worked out better for a monthly delivery although I did have

some people opt to get it all at once too. That included 2 chickens a month (10

total), a pheasant (Feb), turkey (Nov), goose (Dec), duck (Jan), quail (March).

>

> I know there is one farm north of me that does a chicken CSA over winter as

well as a frozen veggie CSA. Another farm does meat CSA south of the cities if

I remember right with beef, pork, and sheep. I can't remember the names of

those farms right now but I think they are on the CSA list with the land

stewardship site.

>

> I guess it just depends on what you want and if you can store it.

>

> If you need a freezer, check out craigslist or I think the other place is

freecycle--not sure, it does not go this far north. Freezers are usually pretty

inexpensive or free. You can also place a wanted ad. Many commercial freezers

are very cheap with all the eateries going out of biz. And scratch and dent

stores have inventory available as well most of the time.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Would you say for the variety and accessibility of the CSA, that they are more

cost-effective than half a cow or pig?

> >

> > I asked about purchasing half a cow about a month ago and got amazing

responses in return. Thank you all for being so informative and kind. Now I have

another question--what are your opinions on meat CSA boxes versus purchasing

half a cow (or splitting that purchase with another family, or half a pig...).

Anyone had experience with a meat CSA before?

> >

> > Thanks again,

> > Lucia

> >

>