It's time to start thinking seriously about getting a CSA share from North Star Farms. Ilene and I decided to double the shares we provided last year and I can tell you only two weeks into the program, that they are going fast.

A number of shareholders have signed up from 2009, which is OK, because we wanted to give them the first crack at it since they stayed with us through our inaugural season. But some shares remain and if you are interested and live in the communities of Bismarck, Minot or Carpio, or any community surrounding Carpio, let us know as soon as possible.

In addition, we intend to have "tastings" in Bismarck and Minot later this month (March) to let prospective shareholders know, in detail, what we will be offering.

In a nutshell, I can tell you that produce selection is going to be expanded greatly. We heard from people who told us they would like a wider selection and we will ablige. In the next several days, I will post the products that we will have this year on the "our products" page of this Web site. Last year's items remain listed primarily because I only completed my seed order in the past week and have to get it organized.

This is the only locally grown, certified organic produce you are going to find in a CSA in North Dakota.We have gone to great lengths to make sure that our produce is certified organic because our farmers market customers and CSA shareholders demand that quality. 

If you aren't familiar with a CSA, it is where the farmer and the shareholder "share" in the risk of the harvest. For an up-front payment, the farmer, that's me, provides the shareholder, that's you, with a basket of in-season produce from about early July until late September or early October.

In addition, we invite shareholders to visit the farm and see where their produce is coming from. We grow produce in the Des Lacs River Valley near the Canadian border and often let the shareholders know how the season is progressing. This year, we will add a certified organic, passive-solar greenhouse in order to grow seedlings. We have also signed on with Seeds of Change in Santa Fe, N.M., to be a test plot. 

Being a shareholder at North Star Farms is a win-win because you receive fresh produce weekly and your payment allows us to operate in the black through the season. And, the produce is never more than 24 hours picked. I challenge you to try to match that guarantee from any supermarket? I typically pick produce on Thursday and it is delivered on Friday morning.

We have three options: half share, full share and 1 1/2 shares. That means early in the season, we will provide items like spinach, lettuce, radish, green onions, and chives. Mid season will see potatoes, onions, garlic, peas, beans and beets. Late season is for the melons, cucumbers, leeks, tomatoes and sweet potatoes, among other items.

So whether you choose a half or full share, you'll receive the best quality produce in western North Dakota and Ilene and I can't wait to deliver it. If you're interested, send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it