Worker Share member Karen helping Kath harvest ramps in the woods in May
Like many CSA farms, we offer our members the option of trading their labor for their share. However, we are able to be more flexible because with our new FreedomShare, worker share hours are credited to your online CSA account, toward the cost of future Web Store orders.
We no longer offer FreedomShare CSA Web Store orders. Worker share hours are entered into their online CSA account reimbursed at $7.50 per hour. All other benefits of being a CSA member of HighCross Farm are the same as paying members (except in addition, Worker Shares sometimes get to take home additional free "Grade B" produce.)
Worker Share members gain gardening skills and a greater appreciation of all that goes into providing fresh, organically grown CSA produce. The fresh air, physical exercise, and camaraderie, all on a beautiful piece of rural land are included bonuses. Many of our Worker Share members return year after year.
We are fairly flexible regarding which day(s) and how many hours each worker share will put in during the season. It generally works best for each worker share to come at a regular time and day or days each week. On the other hand, we like to have flexibility with both parties, because of the variability of weather and the work load at the farm during any given week. There is almost always something needing to be done on the farm, and usually a worker share can be blended into one of the work teams.
A Worker Share commitment must be taken seriously and is not necessarily a good choice for everyone. Promptness and reliable weekly attendance are important (we can re-schedule around vacations or emergencies).
Although we try to fit the person to the various jobs, Worker Share members should be prepared to work in all types of weather, and some of the jobs can be physically demanding. Typical jobs include weeding, planting, harvesting, and postharvest handling. However, some jobs are usually available which are not too strenuous, such as working in the greenhouses or prepping veggies in the washing/packing areas.
The schedule for most Worker Share members coincides with our regular season, June through November. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are big days here with lots of harvesting and post-harvest preparation; but most days of the week are usually available, Monday through Friday; also sometimes Saturdays or early evening. We will be putting together a Worker Share roster as the season progresses.
Additional help is needed starting in late April. May is a very busy month, doing lots of planting of seedlings.
A couple may work together on a shift, doubling their hours.
Some restrictions:
We cannot allow users of tobacco as worker shares because there is an incurable disease that many vegetable plants are susceptable to called Tobacco Mosaic Virus.
No dogs.
Although we love children, this is a working farm with potential hazards. Therefore we allow only those children who are able to stay with and assist their parent(s) for the whole shift; generally that means above the age of 11 or 12. Children of all ages are welcome to join us for our scheduled CSA member events, which include hayrides, farm tours, workshops, and potluck dinners.
If you think becoming a Worker Share member would be a good fit for you, please let us know and describe any previous experience with gardening or food handling, to help us find a good fit for you here.
Feel free to write or call if you have any further questions.
Steve & Kath Vogelmann
HighCross Farm
Peter, Joanna, and the rest of the crew packing CSA boxes
Kyle and Worker Share member Catherine harvesting cabbage in late November