I’ve had a lot of personal things going which have led me to thinking about commitment quite a bit lately. And with the seasons changing and Spring coming on, it’s a great time to think about what our commitments are. With a handy Google search I found that ‘Commitment’ is defined as: 1. The act of committing or the state of being committed 2. An agreement or pledge to do something in the future. Some of its synonyms are: attachment, fidelity, devotion, faithfulness, loyalty, and steadfastness.
Let’s start here. For the next year, I’ve committed to being an Apprentice here at Cricket Creek Farm. It’s long days and hard work and I don’t get paid much, but it’s something that I’m willing and even excited to do. I’m committed. I’m here and I’ll be here. I’m committed to learning as much as I can while I’m here. I’m committed to doing the best job I can do: to do my best to contribute to the success of the farm, to support the land, the animals, my body and my soul.
As a farm, we’re committed to sustainability, to treating our animals with respect and care, to being a part of the community. Did you know we have weekly potlucks that are open to the public? We encourage you to come and share food with us, bring something to share (and your plate/bowl and silverware!) and enjoy an evening on the farm. They are every Thursday night at 7 pm in case you want to come and join us. It’s one way we want to be a part of the community and that we invite you to be a part of the farm.
Another way we invite you to be a part of Cricket Creek Farm is through our CSA. If you don’t know what a CSA is, it stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s a way for you to be a consistent customer to us throughout a whole season. You pay in advance for your ‘share’ of what we produce and pick it up weekly throughout the season. It is a season long commitment. The CSA is a great model for us in that it helps to us to cover the costs of running the farm and gives us a good stream of income before the product gets to you. And the fun part is you get to come to the farm and see us every week! If you’d like to commit to being a part of our CSA, the next season starts in May. We’re looking to expand our CSA and we would love to have you as one of our members!
I know that being a CSA member is a big commitment. Some of you may not be quite up for that level of commitment. That’s ok! There are so many other ways that you can support Cricket Creek Farm. How about shopping in our farm store?! Our farm store is open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm. If you already shop in our farm store, how about telling your friends and family about it?! (I know, you may want to keep it a secret, it is pretty fantastic! But really, help us out and tell your friends and family about how great it is.) Maybe you live just a little too far away to shop in our farm store, that’s ok too. We understand. Come see us at a Farmer’s Market! We are currently going to the following Winter Farmer’s Markets: Troy (Saturdays 9-1), Northampton (Saturdays 9-2), and Bennington (First and Third Saturdays 10-1). As we move later into the Spring, we’ll be going to some other markets as well, so keep your eyes and ears open and come see us and buy some cheese!
Now and in the future I hope that in some way, shape, or form you will commit to supporting Cricket Creek Farm. What am I saying, you’ve already committed to receiving our newsletter! But what will your next level of commitment be? It’s a personal decision but I encourage you to be a part of growing Cricket Creek Farm in whatever way feels right to you. We’re excited to welcome you!