What is a CSA? A typical SonRise Full Share CSA, monthly subscription of 14 lbs that includes a mixture of Free-Range (non-GMO, non-Soy fed) Chicken, Pork and Grass-fed, Grass-finished, Dry aged Beef. These boxes are shipped monthly from our Ranch direct to your door. | NOTE: The "Custom CSA" described in this article is not currently offered. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and refers to a program where customers buy a share from a farmer, and in return get a monthly box of produce at a significant discount. These types of programs build relationships between the farmer and the consumer, and ensure that the farmer has the cash flow to continue operating year long. CSAs traditionally began with produce farms, and have since been adapted to animal ranches like SonRise. The farmer chooses the items included in the monthly shipment, but the subscriber gets a really good deal - its a "give and take" that benefits both sides. CSA subscribers to a produce farm get a great box of veggies during the spring, but the winter crops tend to be limited at best. So, the best farm balance the subscription with home canned goods, dried fruit, etc in the winter; whereas the smaller producers just shut down - the subscription fees are discounted and spread out throughout the year, much like a school teacher's salary. SonRise Ranch offers CSAs - a box of full of beef, pork, chicken, or a mix of all three. CSAs are available in full or half shares. A full share beef or pork CSA weighs about 14 pounds and a chicken CSA weighs about 6-7 lbs. A savings of 25% is enjoyed by the customer. Plus, as an added benefit SonRise CSA customers, get a regular 15% off any products purchased in addition to their CSAs. |
I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "So, what do I get in my CSA?"
The has answer is always the same... I don't know - until now!
Let me explain,
When we butcher a beef, we receive a certain distribution of various cuts of meat. I won't go into detail, but you can be sure I get plenty of ground beef and very few filet mignon steaks. I have always joked that I would someday love to raise a steer that is nothing but steaks, but I assure you that animal would be a hideous looking, non-functioning creature.
God designed them a certain way for a good reason.
The has answer is always the same... I don't know - until now!
Let me explain,
When we butcher a beef, we receive a certain distribution of various cuts of meat. I won't go into detail, but you can be sure I get plenty of ground beef and very few filet mignon steaks. I have always joked that I would someday love to raise a steer that is nothing but steaks, but I assure you that animal would be a hideous looking, non-functioning creature.
God designed them a certain way for a good reason.
Not having a ton of steaks is a blessing in disguise, as it forces me to explore cuts that our grandparents enjoyed.
Some years ago, I had the privilege of personally meeting a great chef. He introduced me to the world of "other cuts" in a dish made with beef shank. I had no idea this cut of meat (which we used to just boil because it was so tough) could be so flavorful if cooked properly. This was a turning point in my life, when a Rancher began to really appreciate the ART of cooking and the talent of a good chef, dedicated to his trade.
Here at SonRise we evenly distribute the cuts in each CSA from an entire beef - thus the share sizes of 7 and 14 lbs respectively. Each pre-made CSA, the ones where we choose the items, is a fractional, even distribution of ground, sausage, roasts, steaks and other ancillary cuts from a whole beef.
So, the other day, I had a thought. Couldn’t some of our customers, who want to choose their CSA items do so, based upon our current inventory - thus creating their own, self designed CSA?
And so began our latest creation - the Custom CSA.
After hours of programming and work, we are now able to offer a CSA monthly shipment to our subscribers that allows them to choose the items they want in their CSA. This is an amazing feat for a small ranch, but we did it!
The custom CSA is available in Full or Half Share, and requires a 6 month commitment, but, the consumer saves a ton of money, and runs no risk of being disappointed - since each item in the box is chosen by them.
When the customer signs up, we send them an email notification each month that opens their CSA fulfillment period during which they have a one week window to customize their order. If they don't change your order we will send them the same selection as the previous month (or as near as possible).
It’s a match made in Grass-fed heaven! Come check it out.
Some years ago, I had the privilege of personally meeting a great chef. He introduced me to the world of "other cuts" in a dish made with beef shank. I had no idea this cut of meat (which we used to just boil because it was so tough) could be so flavorful if cooked properly. This was a turning point in my life, when a Rancher began to really appreciate the ART of cooking and the talent of a good chef, dedicated to his trade.
Here at SonRise we evenly distribute the cuts in each CSA from an entire beef - thus the share sizes of 7 and 14 lbs respectively. Each pre-made CSA, the ones where we choose the items, is a fractional, even distribution of ground, sausage, roasts, steaks and other ancillary cuts from a whole beef.
So, the other day, I had a thought. Couldn’t some of our customers, who want to choose their CSA items do so, based upon our current inventory - thus creating their own, self designed CSA?
And so began our latest creation - the Custom CSA.
After hours of programming and work, we are now able to offer a CSA monthly shipment to our subscribers that allows them to choose the items they want in their CSA. This is an amazing feat for a small ranch, but we did it!
The custom CSA is available in Full or Half Share, and requires a 6 month commitment, but, the consumer saves a ton of money, and runs no risk of being disappointed - since each item in the box is chosen by them.
When the customer signs up, we send them an email notification each month that opens their CSA fulfillment period during which they have a one week window to customize their order. If they don't change your order we will send them the same selection as the previous month (or as near as possible).
It’s a match made in Grass-fed heaven! Come check it out.
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