Frequently Asked Questions about Barr Farms

CSA frequently asked questions

Photo of CSA vegetables for people interested in farms near me, organic farms near me, local farms

What is a CSA farm share?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a relationship between a farmer and an individual or family. In this relationship, the family or individual becomes part of the farm, signing up to receive a share of vegetables each week in exchange for paying for some or all of the season of vegetables upfront in the winter, when farms need capital for seeds and other infrastructure. In a CSA, members share in the bounty and risk of the farm, whether there is an abundant harvest or a drought. In this system, farmers know who their food is feeding, and community members are able to build relationships with the people who grow their food and become part of the farm. For more information, email farmer@barrfarmsky.com.

What does “customizable CSA farm share mean?

We know that a ‘one size fits all’ model doesn’t work. That’s why we use software that lets our subscribers customize their box each week. If you never met a vegetable you didn’t like, keep the CSA exactly as it comes. You’ll get a variety of fresh vegetables every week and suggestions on how to prepare unfamiliar vegetables. If the thought of beets makes you green, swap them out for something you love. If you believe variety is the spice of life, you can change your box every time by viewing what will be available and choosing to take it or leave it. It’s like going to the grocery store, but better. We heard you loud and clear - no more waste or getting vegetables you don’t want or can’t eat.
‍
Each delivery, you'll get an email of what's in your share that week based on what we've harvested, and you can swap out or add extras!
‍
A customizable CSA is completely tailored to your needs, generates less waste, and means you can choose:
‍
Your perfect size: Small (best for 1-2), Regular (serves 2-4), or Abundant (serves 4-6)
‍
Your delivery option: Home delivery, convenient pick up locations, or Farmers Market
‍
Your favorite produce: Each delivery, you get to go to your shopping cart and make it your own. Sick of beets? Cancel them. Love carrots? Get extra! Do it all from your personal dashboard and your order is picked just for you.
‍
Your payment plan: Secure your spot with a deposit and make affordable payments through the season.
‍
Your schedule: Choose the day you want to get your veggies or place vacation holds. No more missing what you paid for!

What products are in a CSA Farm share? Veggies? Meats?

You can sign up for:
‍
a veggie share: certified organic vegetables
a meat share: 100% grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, and local pork
or both!
‍
You'll get seasonal certified organic vegetables if you sign up for the veggie share, and a selection of 100% grass-fed beef, pastured chicken or pork in the meat share. You can swap in and out of your meat share each week, too, if you love chicken or don't eat pork.

How much does it cost?

Veggie CSA:
Small $23/delivery
Regular $29/delivery (our most popular size)
Abundant $37/delivery
‍
Meat CSA:
Samplers $24/delivery
Grillers $36/delivery
Carnivores $51/delivery
‍
You can sign up for the full 24 deliveries (weekly) or 12 deliveries (every other week)

When does it start? How long does it last?

Deliveries typically start the third week of May, depending on the weather that Spring. Members will get communication so they know when it starts.
‍
We deliver for 24 weeks of the growing season, typically the third week of May through October.

Can I choose a payment plan?

Of course! Our new payment plan is simple and straightforward. Four equal payments spread out before the season starts. Pay 25% at sign up, and the remaining is charged automatically to your credit card on file on or near the dates listed when you sign up.

You can also make full payment at signup, or choose the payment plan, but make payments on your own schedule.
‍
We also offer a few work-trade shares. In the past, we've had people work at the farmers market booth, or trade skilled services, such as photography, graphic design, recipe/cooking tips help, or marketing services, but we're open to your ideas.

Where do I pick up?

You choose the location that works for you.
We have lots of pick up options in Louisville, New Albany, Radcliff and Elizabethtown!
‍
Farmers Markets: Douglass Loop and Phoenix Hill/Nulu.
All five area Rainbow Blossoms
A Pick Up Location (look here for one near you)
Host a Pick Up Location at Your Work, Gym, or Church. Contact us at farmer@barrfarmsky.com for more info
Home Delivery ($8.50/delivery)

For a full list of specific locations see the Find Us page.

Do you offer home delivery?

We offer home delivery of the CSA for $8.50/delivery inside I-265 on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and also on Tuesdays only in Elizabethtown, Brandenburg and along the I-65 corridor from E-town to Louisville.

What kind of veggies will I get?

Typically, you can expect:
‍
May-June: lots of greens, including lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and collards, as well as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, arugula, turnips, radishes, green garlic and more. Spring is also strawberry season!
‍
July-August: tomatoes, (heirlooms, slicers and cherry), summer squash, zucchini, sweet peppers, watermelon, beets, okra, cucumber, basil, green beans, onions, garlic, eggplant, beets, potatoes, cilantro and more. (We're hoping for a few blackberries this year!)
‍
September-October: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, pumpkins, cauliflower, broccoli as well as greens again: lettuce, kale, collards, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, arugula, radishes, turnips, carrots, celery, and our favorite: ginger!

What kind of meats will I get?

We offer 100% grass-fed beef, pastured chicken or pork. We have multiple cuts available of all products. All meats are also available for purchase at Farmers Markets, and through our Winter Meat Ordering.

What happens if I'm going on vacation?

You have lots of flexibility! It's easy to schedule a vacation hold, and pick up where you left off when you return!
‍

Can I sign up mid-season?

If we have spots available, yes. However, we have sold out before the season began for the past four years. If you want to secure your spot, the best time to sign up is in our Early Bird signup period at the beginning of November. Check to see if we have spots available here.

Do you offer cooking suggestions?

Yes! For each delivery, you'll get an email that tells you what's in your share that week with links to make changes. We provide cooking ideas in our CSA newsletter, and on our blog, and on our members-only private Facebook group, where members share recipes and ideas with each other. It's the best way to get and stay inspired. Plus, we sometimes have fun contests where you can win stuff. It's a great community!

How do I sign up?

Can I get your food without joining the CSA?

Yes! While the CSA is the best way to be ‘first in line’ for the great food we raise, we bring extras to the Douglass Loop Farmers Market on Saturdays, and the Phoenix Hill Farmers Markets on Tuesdays. We also sometimes open our online store for pre-orders in the winter and during the main growing season. Check out the online store here.

Can I get anything in the winter?

You can find us at the Douglass Loop Farmers Market from April-December. We also have monthly Winter Ordering through our online store. Veggies are extremely limited in the winter, but we typically have most meats available.
The best way to know when we’re coming to town in the winter and how to order is to sign up for our email newsletters, or follow us on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of our frequently asked questions about the CSA and Barr Farms. Have a question that’s not answered below? You can email us at farmer@barrfarmsky.com.

CSA frequently asked questions

Farm frequently asked questions