Bounty | Growing Season

Growing Season 2019

LOCAL FOOD AND FARM GUIDE

CSAs support their communities Is a CSA membership right for you?

YOUR GUIDE TO

FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

NOW

OFFERING

a 2019

Meat and Egg CSA

OUR FARM PRODUCES

meat and eggs you can trust 2|

GROWING SEASON 2019

Half and Whole Hog

orders available. ...................................................

Weekly Farm Store Hours

folks can find pastured pork, eggs, chicken, lamb and beef. ...................................................

Information on our meat and egg CSA, Farm Store and other ways to buy can be found at:

WWW.JODARFARMS.COM

All Natural makes all the difference.

WE OFFER

Everything you eat starts with how it is raised and how it gets to you. Know what you and your family are eating.

• Black Angus cattle selected for high marbling genetics, locally farm-raised in large pastures in a low stress environment • NEVER EVER given antibiotics, hormones, or steroids or fed animal by-products • Available by quarter, half, or whole, cut and packaged just the way you want it • Dry-aged 21 days for tender, moist, consistently great flavor.

www.blueskyfarmcolorado.com (970) 222-7147 • Rbluesky8@msn.com • Windsor, CO Please request a cutting instruction sheet to place your order.

LET US SHARE WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS, AND SAFE NATURAL BEEF WITH A TASTE YOU CAN TRUST.

WE ARE MOBILE

To Advertise, contact: Greg at 970-689-6832

1

greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com

2

Susan at 970-301-3320

susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com

Reach all of northern Colorado via print and digital marketing with Rocky Mountain Publishing.

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SPRING 2017

HARVEST SEASON 2018

SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO • FIFTYBETTER.COM

RiDE

BIKE-FRIENDLY BUZZ COOL GEAR AND GADGETS BICYCLING MAYOR IN NOCO?

2018 GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

Local Food and Farm Guide

Pots and plots— YOUR GUIDE TO

FARMERS MARKETS AND FARM STANDS

Healthful food SERVED AT SCHOOLS

Shop

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN

Mindfulness and your health

L-O-C-A-L

PIT STOPS

Finding your passions

FIELD TRIPS

Destinations and wayside breaks

BY BIKE

Sample a local craft

beer

MEET A FARMER

AT A FARM STAND

PLUS

THE 2018

CONNECTING h CROPS TO CUISINE Restaurants sourcing local food

BIKE

CALENDAR

FIND IT IN

INSIDE: LIFESTYLE, ACTIVE [AND HEALTH DIRECTORIES]

BIG

BIKE DIRECTORY THE

GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE AND EVENTS

RiDE | 1

GROWING SEASON 2019

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Beyond FRESH PRODUCE CSAs support the communities that support them • LEA HANSON The first thing that comes to mind when we think of our local CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) is weekly, fresh produce. Those familiar with CSAs aren’t surprised to find that many offer foods beyond fruit and vegetables such as eggs, milk, meat, and honey. Northern Colorado farms continue to grow and we are finding our favorite CSAs are expanding offerings and opportunities for their members that reach into the realms of education, programs for food accessibility, service and volunteering.

SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERING An increasing number of CSAs offer volunteering opportunities and “working memberships.” Even those with limited growing knowledge and experience can contribute to a community farm. For many, being outdoors, working with their hands, and getting dirty is a rare and exciting opportunity. Being a part of growing the food you consume and being a part of a team of farmers who do the same is uniquely satisfying.

The Growing Project (www. thegrowingproject.org) believes good food is a human right and aims to

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GROWING SEASON 2019

spread the knowledge of growing and preserving food to provide remedy the epidemic of food insecurity in Larimer County. They offer an array of volunteering opportunities and most volunteer hours are compensated with fresh produce.

FOOD ACCESSIBILITY Food security is a growing concern in Larimer County. And, many who qualify to receive food assistance are not enrolled to do so. In 2016, the enrollment rate for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits was only 40 percent of those eligible. In 2016, 21,798 (40 percent of those eligible) were enrolled in SNAP; in Weld County, 25,090 (53 percent of those eligible) were enrolled. It is clear that not all of our communities have equitable access to healthy food and there are many CSAs that want to change that.

Studies show that both adults and children in low-income households that participate in cost-offset community supported agriculture consume more fruits and vegetables than members of low-income households who do

not have access to a CSA. EDUCATION AND TRAINING Many local CSAs, farms and related organizations offer training and education to community members who are interested in learning everything from the logistical skills of growing food to learning more about food accessibility as an issue of social justice.

The Growing Project offers diverse programs for youth and adults alike including the Young Farmers Training Program, Teens for Food Justice, an Edible and Medicinal Weed Walk, and Foraging, Harvesting, and Processing of Wild Grains.

In addition to offering traditional CSA memberships, Sproutin’ Up (www.sproutinup.com/) aims to improve the health, wellness, and job-readiness of under-resourced youth and families in northern Colorado by providing access to fresh produce while educating youth on healthy lifestyles and sustainable agricultural practices.

The organization offers apprenticeship, entrepreneurship, and intern programs in addition to school gardens and summer camps.

IS A CSA MEMBERSHIP RIGHT FOR YOU? The spring harvest is upon us, and in many communities, the last call to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group is right around the corner.

Most CSAs offer a few membership options (half or full share, weekly or biweekly pickup, etc.) and range in prices.

But before making the leap and investing in a CSA, consider whether the program is right for you—and which farm is the right one for you to support. There are many pros and cons to weigh, and the summer can be an unexpected time, for you and that farm.

Pro: You’re supporting a local farmer sans middleman. Most CSA groups receive all their produce from one farm. Therefore, your contribution means a lot to the farm’s financial security, which can be so fragile and vulnerable to chance (weather conditions, slow days at the farmers market, etc.).

By paying upfront, you’re ensuring the farm sales throughout the season.

Con: You’re limited to that farm. What if that farm’s tomatoes get flea beetles? Or you find you don’t care for their bumper crop of cucumbers? Unfortunately, you’re beholden to those offerings once you join and most often aren’t offered an opportunity to give up your membership.

Pro: The food is fresh. CSAs are a literal farm-to-table option. Your food is typically harvested days or hours before pickup and is rarely grown with harmful fertilizers or preservatives.

Cons: You must be ready to use the food you get. You get what you get and when you get it.

Sometimes you get only leafy greens and sometimes none. It’s a good idea to look into the basics of preserving food for those weeks when you receive too much of one type of food to avoid waste.

Pro: Try new, healthier foods. Even those of us who grow our own food already often don’t have space or capacity for large gardens. Most farmers often throw in crops you’re unfamiliar with, giving you delicious weekly surprises.

Con: You might not like everything. Even if you don’t have picky eaters in your home, you may not like each type of item you receive in your weekly share. Or, you may not know how to prepare it in a way you can eat it. This may require some additional research and time on your part to learn a new food preparation skill.

Pro: It’s interactive. CSAs are often set up with a community feel. You have the opportunity to meet and get to know the farmers who run it as well as other members. While it may not be required, there is often opportunity to volunteer at the farm itself.

Con: There are requirements. As noted above, some CSAs require volunteer work. Ask questions about this and weigh the requirements against your time availability and interests.

Once you’ve found a CSA in your area, joining is usually as simple as filling out your information on the group’s website or placing a phone call. You’ll often have to pay for your seasonal share upfront. Oftentimes, you’ll receive a welcome kit with information about the farm and the farmers you’re supporting, how you can get involved on the farm, and how the delivery schedule is structured. At this point, you sit back, relax, and wait for the food to roll in.

GROWING SEASON 2019

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Farmers

MARKETS Berthoud Local Farmers Market Fickel Park in downtown Berthoud Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 22-Sept. 28 www.berthoudlocal.org/farmers-market/

Estes Valley Farmers Market Bond Park on E. Elkhorn Ave. Thursdays, 8am-1pm, June-Sept. www.facebook.com/EstesValleyFarmersMarket

Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park 700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland Sundays, 9am-1:30pm, June 23-Sept. 29 www.cityofloveland.org/farmersmarket

Greeley Farmers’ Market The Depot, 902 7th Ave. Saturdays, 8am-12noon, May 18-Oct. 26 www.greeleygov.com/fm

Fort Collins Farmers Market 1001 E. Harmony Rd. in front of Ace Hardware (rain or shine) Sundays, 10am-2pm, May-mid-Nov. Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, June-Sept. www.fortcollinsfm.com

Johnstown Milliken Farmers Market Charlotte St. and Parish Ave., Johnstown Fridays, 4-8pm, June-Oct. www.johnstownmillikenchamber.com

Drake Road Farmers Market 802 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins Saturdays, 10am-1pm, April 20-Sept. (weather permitting) www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com Erie Farmers Market Briggs Street between Wells and Moffatt, Erie Thursdays, 5-8pm, May 18-Sept. 12 www.realfarmersmarketco.com

FARM STANDS

Green Dog Farm Fort Collins www.greendogfarmcsa.com

Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins www.thebartelsfarm.com

Happy Heart Farm 2820 W. Elizabeth St., Fort Collins www.happyheartfarmcsa.com

Desiderata Ranch 4617 CR 2, Berthoud http://desiderataranch.org/

Hazel Dell Mushrooms 3925 E. CR 32 (Carpenter Rd.) Fort Collins www.hazeldellmushrooms.com

Garden Sweet 719 W. Willox Ln., Fort Collins www.gardensweet.com Good Grin Farm 2925 W. Mulberry St., Fort Collins www.goodgrinfarm.com

GROWING SEASON 2019

Larimer County Farmers Market 200 S. Oak St., Fort Collins Saturdays, 9am-1pm, May 19-Oct. 28 www.larimercountyfarmersmarket.org Windsor Farmers Market Boardwalk Park, 110 5th St., Windsor Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 22-Sept. 28 https://windsorgov.com/803/Farmers-Market

Something about being on a farm just feels good. The pace feels relaxed and your interactions, maybe, more genuine. So swing by a farm stand soon and pick up some deliciousness while you’re at it.

Anders Farm 8443 US Hwy. 8, Fort Lupton www.facebook.com/RAndersFarm/

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It’s the best day of the week...that day you get to wander around the Farmers Market and check out all the fresh produce. Or maybe you go for the fresh plants for your garden or the meats and breads and sauces and other locally made products.

Stop by some of these markets.

Heritage Lavender 4809 Foothills Dr., Berthoud www.heritagelavender.com Hoffman Farms, LLC 3545 W. 0 St., Greeley www.hoffmanproduce.com

Jessup Farm Artisan Village Pop-Up Farm Stand 1957 Jessup Dr., Fort Collins www.jessupfarm.com Jodar Farms 5100 E. CR 48, Fort Collins www.jodarfarms.com Long Shadow Farm 101 Bothun Rd., Berthoud www.longshadowfarm.wixsite. com/longshadow Native Hill Farm 2100 W. CR 54G, Fort Collins www.nativehillfarm.com Ollin Farms 8627 N. 95th St., Longmont www.ollinfarms.com

On the Vine at Richmond Farms 3611 Richmond Dr., Fort Collins www.onthevineatrichmondfarms.com Papa Joe’s Honey 4855 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland www.facebook.com/ PapaJoesLocalHoney Sunny Daze 901 S. CR 5, Fort Collins www.sunnydazegardens.com Tigges Farm 12404 CR 64½, Greeley www.tiggesfarm.com

GROWING SEASON 2019

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GROWING SEASON 2019