Updated on December 19, 2024 by Ruth
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you a fan of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) but find yourself wishing for a meatier option? If you’re someone who enjoys the savory goodness of grilled meats in summer or hearty stews in winter, a Meat CSA might be just what you’re looking for. While vegetable CSAs are more common, meat shares offer a similar concept with a focus on pasture-raised, antibiotic-free, humanely-treated meats.
Unlike vegetable shares that typically come weekly, meat shares might be less frequent, ranging from monthly to quarterly or even once a year. These shares can include various cuts of a single type of meat or a mix of meats. For small meat producers, a meat share is a way to connect directly with customers who value high-quality, ethically-raised meats.
To find a meat CSA, you’ll need to do a bit of searching. Unlike vegetable farms, which can often be found closer to urban areas, meat farms require more acreage for raising animals. This means they’re often located farther from cities, making it a challenge for farmers to bring their products to market.
However, many farmers have found creative solutions, whether it’s through on-farm pickups or delivery options. So, if you’re ready to take your love of locally-sourced, sustainable foods to the next level, exploring a Meat CSA could be a delicious and rewarding experience.
One: Check out the farmers markets near you
If you’re located in a city, chances are several farmers markets in your area feature meat farmers among their vendors. To locate these markets, you can easily search online for “farmers market organizers in (your favorite city)” to compile a list. Once you’ve identified a market, simply ask the farmers if they offer a meat CSA.
Additionally, your state’s Department of Agriculture likely maintains a comprehensive list of farmers markets statewide. For example, in Delaware, you can visit the Farmers Markets Guide for a listing. Keep in mind that these listings typically include markets sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and may not encompass privately-sponsored markets.
Two: Find a local poultry producer
Poultry, including chicken, duck, and turkey, is more commonly raised on small farms compared to larger animals that require extensive grazing space. The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association advocates for local poultry farmers and provides a directory on their website (Find a Farmer) where you can locate nearby producers.
While living closer to a large city may require a longer journey to reach these farms, many farmers offer monthly delivery routes to bring their products to you. Don’t be discouraged by distance; explore your options to find a convenient solution.
Imagine serving a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving that you sourced locally. Finding a turkey farmer can make this a reality, allowing you to impress your guests with a farm-fresh centerpiece for the holiday meal. Typically, turkeys and chickens are not raised on the same farm due to health considerations. To find local turkey farms, simply search “turkey farms near me” on Google to discover your options.
Three: Where’s the beef?
Beef and lamb are often raised on the same farm, and if you’re looking to source these meats locally, there are several avenues you can explore. A helpful resource for finding regenerative and sustainable farms is Good Meet Project, which provides listings for farms in each state. Simply navigate to the “Find It” section of the website and select your state to access the relevant beef producer site. For example, in Delaware, you can visit the Delaware Beef Advisory Board – Producers.
While state listings are comprehensive, additional farms may not be included. To broaden your search, try searching for “Beef farms near me” on Google to discover more options. The Grassfed Alliance is another valuable resource that promotes the benefits of raising livestock on pasture; you can learn more at Grassfed Alliance here.
For those interested in lamb, searching for “lamb farms near me” on Google can help you find local producers. Another option is to purchase lambs from State Fairs where 4-H participants raise livestock. In such cases, you can buy the entire animal and work with a USDA-certified butcher to process it according to your preferences.
Four: Find a Meat CSA
When considering a Meat CSA, Google can be a valuable tool in finding options near you. Simply search for “Meat CSA near me,” but be aware that some results may lead to butcher shops rather than farms. Not all farms that produce meat offer meat shares, so you may need to do some additional research and inquiry. Some farms sell meat in larger quantities, such as half or quarter beef, while others provide specialty boxes with specific cuts or combinations tailored for grilling.
In areas like ours, surrounded by urban centers and suburbs, raising meat animals may not be feasible. Instead, we collaborate with family farms located about 90 minutes away to provide pasture-fed, antibiotic-free meat for our customers. We handle the logistics of pickups and packaging, offering a monthly CSA option for our customers. For example, we offer a Meat Trio CSA, which includes three of the following: beef, chicken, pork, or lamb, as well as a Chicken Only CSA. You can find more information about the Meat Shares we offer at Highland Orchards – Meat CSA. Each month, customers can pick up approximately 10-12 pounds of meat, providing high-quality local meats with the convenience of pre-packaged and labeled cuts.
While meat is available at our farm market, many customers prefer the variety and cost savings of the shares, which typically offer a 10%-20% discount off retail prices.
Meat producers who sell directly to the consumer will offer many different combinations of meat. Keep looking and ask your questions!
Five: Is there flexibility in the Meat CSA program?
Before committing to a Meat CSA program, it’s important to clarify its flexibility. Can you skip a month if needed, or are you locked into a monthly commitment? Is there an option to add extra items or shop a la carte, or is the selection limited? Some programs allow you to try a meat share once to see if it suits your family’s needs. It’s worth asking these questions before signing up, as most meat purveyors are accommodating and offer flexibility in their share offerings.
Additionally, inquire if there are opportunities to link your Meat CSA with other CSAs, such as vegetable or egg shares. Farmers understand the demands of busy schedules and strive to add convenience to their packages whenever possible.
To get a better idea of the contents of a meat share, ask if you can review past share contents. This can give you an idea of the quantities and cuts included. While it’s unlikely that the share will include liver every month, it’s always worth asking to ensure the program aligns with your preferences.
Should you have meat shipped to you?
Considering having meat shipped to your doorstep? While the convenience of ordering online and receiving any type of meat is undeniable, it’s important to weigh the benefits of supporting your local farm against the convenience and costs of shipping. By supporting local farms, you reduce your carbon footprint, contribute to the sustainability of local agriculture, and help maintain the unique character of your community.
As a small farm, we deeply value each individual who chooses to support us. Your support allows us to continue growing and providing high-quality products. By supporting local farms, you’re not just buying food; you’re investing in your community’s future and helping to preserve the tradition of local agriculture for generations to come.
Conclusion: You are ready to find a Meat CSA near you!
Now that you’ve gathered a wealth of information, it’s time to compare and contrast your options. Consider factors like location, delivery preferences, meat selection, and pricing. What aligns best with your budget, schedule, and culinary preferences?
When selecting a farm for your Meat CSA, several criteria are worth considering. First, look at the farm’s experience with CSAs. A farm that has been offering CSAs for 10 years or more likely has a well-established system in place to ensure consistent and reliable shares.
Transparency in growing methods is also key. Whether they use organic, sustainable, conventional, or other methods, farms should be upfront about their practices. Knowing how your food is grown can help you make informed decisions.
Additionally, consider the farm’s longevity. A farm that has been operating for over a decade has likely overcome various challenges and has a sustainable approach to farming. Those with over 20 years of experience have demonstrated a commitment to farming that benefits the farm, the farmer, and the customer.
For finding a Meat CSA program near you, Local Harvest (Local Harvest) is an excellent resource. Simply enter your location in the search bar to discover a variety of options. Explore these options to find one that suits your needs and preferences.
If you are close to Wilmington, Delaware, we would love to see you. If not, I know you can find a meat CSA near you. Thank you for supporting local family farms!
Happy eating!
~Ruth
Additional resources:
To understand the different cuts of beef, read more here.
The different cuts of pork can be found here.
