Spring is here!?

CSA Informational meeting Thursday March 11

Come and find out about our dynamic CSA program this year. A brief informational session with Beth and Amanda at the West Monitor Barn in Richmond on Rte 2.

Time: 6-7pm. Refreshments. Kids welcome. Come with your questions. For directions to the barn call Amanda Payne at 434-3969 x145. See you there!

PS… 10% off our CSA if you sign up by April 1st!

New for 2010: A meat sampler CSA. Enjoy a variety of our grass fed and pastured meats each month. Sign up for 6 months or 12! Our bulk meats are now offered in new package quantities. This will be easier for customers to understand the pricing and savings in buying bulk. The more you buy the more you save. Information on packages available soon! 2010 Meat Order Form

Summer Vegetable and Poultry CSA: We are in a dynamic food partnership with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps called the MONITOR BARNS CSA. Working collaboratively with the farm and food program and their youth, we will be able to grow food for our membership CSA, area schools, the Vermont Food Bank and the VYCC work crews. Each membership makes a direct difference to our program of building a model for a sustainable small business model. Please join! 20 weeks of fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers. Consider a CSA Poultry Share of 6 whole chickens over the summer. Monitor Barns CSA Member Form. Color Brochure.

Upcoming: NOFA VT Winter Conference at UVM. Februrary 13-14, 2010. COME HERE BRUCES WORKSHOPS (Sat and Sun!) Grazing 101 and Integrating Livestock into Vegetable Production.

This winter find us a the Burlington Winter Farmers Market- 2/20 3/20 4/17 A wonderful way to keep your $$ local. Call ahead for any special orders we can set aside for you! Located in Memorial Auditorium from 10-2pm.

Thanks to all who helped with our cattle drive this summer! What a success! Please view a great photo gallery taken by our friend John Hadden:http://gallery.me.com/johnnylion1#100098

TOUGH DECISION TO CHANGE OUR FEED FOR OUR POULTRY…Read more on our poultry page.

WHY GRASSFED?

At Maple Wind Farm, all of our animals are raised on pasture, and our cows and sheep are produced entirely on grass. What are the health, ecological, and societal benefits of a pasture-based farm?

Read below:

The use of intensive rotational grazing builds soils and increases diversity and fertility, while reducing erosion.
Animals are allowed to express their natural behavior, reducing stress and resulting in higher quality healthy products.
Animals are moved daily to new pasture, naturally distributing their manure and thereby drastically reducing food consumption.
Grassfed meats have reduced fat content.
Healthy essential fats such as Omega-3 and Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA’s) are present in higher concentrations in grassfed meats.
Food is sold locally. As consumers develop relationships with Maple Wind Farm, they gain an awareness and appreciation of the origin and production methods of their food.
Pasture-based farming allows small family farms to thrive.

Read our story for more information about Maple Wind Farm’s pasture-based philosophy.