We had a good CSA season. Did not get many members-8 at our high point. But 90% say they will be returning in 2011 (usually I get between 0% and 20% returning, generally much closer to 0% than 20%) and I have other people expressing interest that have been members in the past.

New for 2011 are half shares.

I am also doing a very small winter share program. This is the 4th year for winter shares for me. We had a really dry late summer/fall so got less yield for our storage crops-squash, taters, etc., and could not take all the members we had hoped (around 20). but 5 is better than nothing.

You are doing a great thing. I love CSA's. I can't wait until we have the land to do so. I'm hoping our food system fails so greatly everyone is leaning on the small farmers. It's my fantasy dream we all get back to buying local. LOL! We are so disconnected from what is good for us. I can't wait to drink raw milk soon too, just waiting for my goat to kid.

Seems like starting out at an established Farmer's Market would be the way to get into direct marketing of produce though wouldn't it? A little less stressfull than facing your CSA partners if things go badly? This will be my first year taking produce to market and I'm so excited and nervous at the same time! Can't wait. . .

T' I have done CSA for 14 seasons. i started out doing farmers markets (and I still do them) and Yes, it is far better to start with a farmers market and learn how to grow for market using that venue.

You are correct that if you mess up you have a membership to face and most of them despite saying the understand the sharing the risk factor, in reality, really do not and can get quite angry.