Alfred Reed Bishop and Doris William Butler

The picture above is the very tap root of Bishop's Homegrown/Face Of The Earth Seed. My grandparents shortly after moving to Pekin Indiana from Greensburg KY in 1947 where they purchased the farm that is now Bishop's Homegrown. This picture was taken in Pekin in front of the old co-op next to the old railroad depot, neither of which exist today.

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Showing posts with label Bishop's Homegrown CSA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bishop's Homegrown CSA. Show all posts

Monday, January 2, 2012

Now Accepting 2012 Farmstand Credit customers

Tell me this isn't an awesome deal? More bang for your buck and more choices! Please pass it on!

Bishop's Homegrown Farm Stand Credit Program! A new local/regional CSA program alternative. Providing more convenience and better value to our community. For 2012 Season.Bishop's Homegrown is a small Eco-Logical and self sustainable farm in the town of Pekin Indiana. We are family owned and a fourth generation farm focused on providing quality produce from yesteryear as well as the new food and flower crops of the future to our valued friends and community members.

We use the strictest possible sustainable guidelines for on farm food production and make no exceptions. We feel that it is of utmost importance that locavores, members of the slow food movement, and community members, know who and from where their food comes from and how it is grown. We produce 90% of our own seed crops as well as 100% of our own organic fertilizer and we never ever opt for chemical options to control pests or disease issues on farm, feeling that growing food “eco-logically” is the only alternative to our failing food system in the United States.

We have searched the world over to bring you the most unique, exciting, and rare food crops from diverse cultures the world over with an emphasis on nutrition and taste! Our doors are always open to our community and customers who we encourage to visit the farm in order to see and know where and how their food was grown. Food security begins when a relationship is formed between the community and its farmers, this essential connection is what allowed civilization to flourish 10,000 years ago.This year we would like to introduce you to our newest program which we feel you will find immense value in!

The Farm Stand Credit Program: The concept of Community Supported Agriculture (AKA. CSA) is generally defined as a mutually beneficial arrangement between a farmer and his customer wherein the customer agrees to share in the risks and rewards of local farming for the benefit of their food production and the farmers well being. The CSA consumers become by proxy shareholders in the farm and it's well being by paying an upfront membership due which covers the production of food in a “Share” system. Generally a traditional CSA allows for the consumer to pay for up front costs of the farmers start up cost with the farmer reciprocating by preparing a predetermined amount of produce every week through the growing season which the shareholders pick up once a week. The farmer generally picks the produce that the customer will receive. Bishop's Homegrown is looking to create a viable alternative to the traditional CSA program by creating a farm stand coupon program which will allow customers to still share in helping us get our business going during the part of the season in which seed and implements and other essentials are being purchased while also making the relationship more convenient for the farmer and the shareholders. In this arrangement, instead of the farmer putting together a box of produce weekly he has selected for you you will instead receive credit from our farm which will allow you to visit our farm stand or farm where you can make your selection of produce that we have available including also a selection of seedlings, nursery stock, seeds, compost, poultry and other items from our farm.

This program gives you the opportunity to decide what you want instead of us deciding what you want. Every $100 you invest will also get you a 10% discount which means that you will actually get 10% more produce for your food dollars.

Our produce will be available to you via Washington County Artisans and Farmers market held at Pekin Park in Pekin Indiana on Saturday Mornings from 8 AM to 12 PM as well as at all subsequent “winter markets” held at the Pierce Polk Vol Fire Dept. in Pekin Indiana (as well as any additional events) For convineince you can also schedule a time to pick up things or peruse the fields here at the farm!. It is important to note that we don't usually deal in custom ordered bulk produce on a normal basis (i.e., a bushel beans, or a bushel of corn) but that when these items are available at market, as they often are, your credit can be used to purchase them as well.

FAQ
How much does it cost? The investment levels start at 50.00. An investment at the 100 dollar or above level will earn you a 10% discount which means that an investment at the $100 level only costs you $90! Thats right; $100 dollars of credit only costs $90! That's essentially the same as getting $10 of produce free just for paying ahead of time! Your credit is good for two years which means that whatever is not spent this season can be carried over to next season! The maximum investment is $500.

Here is the layout:
$50 credit for $50
$100 credit for $90
$200 credit for $180
$300 credit for $270
$400 credit for $360
$500 credit for $450

How will we keep track of your credit?
Good old fashioned pen and paper, anytime you make a purchase we will deduct that price from our ledger. You will receive a receipt after each transaction so you too can keep track of the amount of produce purchased.What if I make it to market late and you are out of what I want? Unfortunately this may happen from time to time which is why we are keeping the investment level low to start with. Sometimes we just flat out run out of an item due to popularity. The best bet is to show up to market early, the best of the best goes quickly!

There are occasions when we may not be able to make it to market from time to time due to emergencies or just the need to take a break here and there but we will inform you a few days ahead of time via e-mail (unless it's a last minute emergency) that we will not be at market in the coming week.

What can I purchase with Bishops homegrown credit? Does this offer only include produce? No, any item we bring to market is eligible for purchase via this credit, including seeds, plants, seedlings, poultry (chicks), occasionally rabbits, compost, fishing worms, handcrafts including soap and wood working or any other product we have at market or our farm stand. We also occasionally have winter produce available. This also covers poultry butchered here on the farm including a Thanksgivning turkey. This also includes nursery stock and our new Face Of The Earth Seed company seeds!

Payment is due by the February 2012 in order that we know what we have in the bank and can plan accordingly. Payment can be made by check, money order, or well concealed cash. Credit takes effect immediately and rolls over for a two year period.

Make checks or money orders payable to: Alan Bishop 5604 S. State Rd. 60 Pekin IN include a note with your full name, address, e-mail address, phone number and a list of people who you will allow to purchase items with your credit if you need to send someone to the farm stand in your place! If you have any questions feel free to e-mail bishopshomegrown@gmail.com or give me a call at 812-967-2073

Monday, November 14, 2011

Back by popular demand; Bishop's Homegrown Farmstand Credit Program

Well, we've heard our customes and listened. No traditional CSA here, seems the farmstand credit works better for our customers and since our customers keep us in business we do what makes 'em happy!

Tell me this isn't an awesome deal? More bang for your buck and more choices! Please pass it on!


Bishop's Homegrown Farm Stand Credit Program! A new local/regional CSA program alternative. Providing more convenience and better value to our community. For 2012 Season.Bishop's Homegrown is a small Eco-Logical and self sustainable farm in the town of Pekin Indiana. We are family owned and a fourth generation farm focused on providing quality produce from yesteryear as well as the new food and flower crops of the future to our valued friends and community members.

We use the strictest possible sustainable guidelines for on farm food production and make no exceptions. We feel that it is of utmost importance that locavores, members of the slow food movement, and community members, know who and from where their food comes from and how it is grown. We produce 90% of our own seed crops as well as 100% of our own organic fertilizer and we never ever opt for chemical options to control pests or disease issues on farm, feeling that growing food “eco-logically” is the only alternative to our failing food system in the United States.

We have searched the world over to bring you the most unique, exciting, and rare food crops from diverse cultures the world over with an emphasis on nutrition and taste! Our doors are always open to our community and customers who we encourage to visit the farm in order to see and know where and how their food was grown. Food security begins when a relationship is formed between the community and its farmers, this essential connection is what allowed civilization to flourish 10,000 years ago.

This year we would like to introduce you to our newest program which we feel you will find immense value in!The Farm Stand Credit Program: The concept of Community Supported Agriculture (AKA. CSA) is generally defined as a mutually beneficial arrangement between a farmer and his customer wherein the customer agrees to share in the risks and rewards of local farming for the benefit of their food production and the farmers well being. The CSA consumers become by proxy shareholders in the farm and it's well being by paying an upfront membership due which covers the production of food in a “Share” system. Generally a traditional CSA allows for the consumer to pay for up front costs of the farmers start up cost with the farmer reciprocating by preparing a predetermined amount of produce every week through the growing season which the shareholders pick up once a week. The farmer generally picks the produce that the customer will receive.This year Bishop's Homegrown is looking to create a viable alternative to the traditional CSA program by creating a farm stand coupon program which will allow customers to still share in helping us get our business going during the part of the season in which seed and implements and other essentials are being purchased while also making the relationship more convenient for the farmer and the shareholders. In this arrangement, instead of the farmer putting together a box of produce weekly he has selected for you you will instead receive credit from our farm which will allow you to visit our farm stand or farm where you can make your selection of produce that we have available including also a selection of seedlings, nursery stock, seeds, compost, poultry and other items from our farm. This gives you the opportunity to decide what you want instead of us deciding what you want.

Every $100 you invest will also get you a 10% discount which means that you will actually get 10% more produce for your food dollars.Our produce will be available to you via Washington County Artisans and Farmers market held at Pekin Park in Pekin Indiana on Saturday Mornings from 8 AM to 12 PM as well as at all subsequent “winter markets” held at the Pierce Polk Vol Fire Dept. in Pekin Indiana (as well as any additional events) For convineince you can also schedule a time to pick up things or peruse the fields here at the farm!. It is important to note that we don't usually deal in custom ordered bulk produce on a normal basis (i.e., a bushel beans, or a bushel of corn) but that when these items are available at market, as they often are, your credit can be used to purchase them as well.

FAQ

How much does it cost? The investment levels start at 50.00. An investment at the 100 dollar or above level will earn you a 10% discount which means that an investment at the $100 level only costs you $90! Thats right; $100 dollars of credit only costs $90! That's essentially the same as getting $10 of produce free just for paying ahead of time! Your credit is good for two years which means that whatever is not spent this season can be carried over to next season! The maximum investment is $500.

Here is the layout:

$50 credit for $50
$100 credit for $90
$200 credit for $180
$300 credit for $270
$400 credit for $360
$500 credit for $450

How will we keep track of your credit? Good old fashioned pen and paper, anytime you make a purchase we will deduct that price from our ledger. You will receive a receipt after each transaction so you too can keep track of the amount of produce purchased.What if I make it to market late and you are out of what I want? Unfortunately this may happen from time to time which is why we are keeping the investment level low to start with. Sometimes we just flat out run out of an item due to popularity. The best bet is to show up to market early, the best of the best goes quickly!

There are occasions when we may not be able to make it to market from time to time due to emergencies or just the need to take a break here and there but we will inform you a few days ahead of time via e-mail (unless it's a last minute emergency) that we will not be at market in the coming week.

What can I purchase with Bishops homegrown credit? Does this offer only include produce? No, any item we bring to market is eligible for purchase via this credit, including seeds, plants, seedlings, poultry (chicks), occasionally rabbits, compost, fishing worms, handcrafts including soap and wood or any other product we have at market or our farm stand. We also occasionally have winter produce available. This also covers poultry butchered here on the farm including a Thanksgivning turkey. This also includes nursery stock and our new Face Of The Earth Seed company seeds!

Payment is due by the February 2012 in order that we know what we have in the bank and can plan accordingly. Payment can be made by check, money order, or well concealed cash. Credit takes effect immediately and rolls over for a two year period.

Make checks or money orders payable to: Debbie Bishop and send to: Alan Bishop 5604 S. State Rd. 60 Pekin IN 47165Also include a note with your full name, address, e-mail address, phone number and a list of people who you will allow to purchase items with your credit if you need to send someone to the farm stand in your place!

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail bishopshomegrown@gmail.com or give me a call at 812-967-2073

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Bishops Homegrown 2012 CSA

Hey local peeps, heres your chance to join our CSA for 2012~


Bishop's Homegrown 2012 CSA
5604 S. State Rd. 60Pekin IN 47165
812-967-2073


Introduction: Bishop's Homegrown is a small “eco-logically” grown farm in Pekin Indiana. We first started operating as an offshoot of my parents/grandparents former tobacco growing operation offering fresh produce, good plants, and compost all produced using traditional non chemical methods.. Much of our work in recent years has been focused on breeding and or collecting and replicating more nutritious and well adapted local plants and animals for the local/regional market and particularly catered towards low input farmers. From these enterprises we have seen much success and we have built an inventory of locally adapted – low input adapted plants and seed that is unmatched by any other in Washington County Indiana and likely by any in Southern Indiana in general.The Farm and Certifications:We feel that we are now in a position to be able to share these plants and their bounty more freely with the surrounding community as we have further modified our low input (no chemicals) production methods to fit a model which gives the greatest yield with the least amount of input.

In conjunction with the newly formed Washington County Artisans and Farmers market we would love to be one of the first blocks in the formation of a new local food shed! This is why we are offering a 2012 CSA program to interested locator consumers who want the freshest and best local produce grown with the least amount of chemical contaminants possible. This gives the consumer a chance to not only know where the produce that graces their table comes from but to also foster a relationship with the farmer and become more aware of the hows and why's of local food products. We are not organically certified but we are customer certified, meaning that we hope that you our discerning customers will take the time to come and tour our farm and fields over the years. We feel that this is far more “authentic” and meaningful than any government issued “stamp” of approval.

What We are Offering: Currently we are offering three membership options, first up is a general overview of all three plans: You receive Weekly Basket of Produce running from roughly May-Sept/Oct. Depending on climatic conditions and production conditions. This will run of the gammit of most commonly grown food crops as well as many rarities including some occasional fruit and berries. Discounts and first chance at bulk produce plus the perk of extra produce when available at no extra cost. 10% Discounts on other items such as heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving, seeds, plants, compost, and more. One turkey is included every Thanksgiving for family plan members. You will be expected to pick up your produce weekly on Saturdays from 8:00 Am - 12:00 Pm at Washington County Artisans and Farmers Market held in Pekin Park.

Perks of family plan: By signing up for a family plan you share with me in the risks and benefits of farming. Early in the season the basket may be sparse. Later on a rich abundance is expected which aught to more than compensate for the sparse weeks. Family plan members have my highest allegiance: You get my first of season vegetables before anyone else. And if there is just a tiny bit of your favorite crop left I will save it for you. If you have a favorite variety I may try growing it for you. You will also get the first chance to purchase any bulk quantities of produce we have on hand at a discount compared to farm stand prices. Obviously types of produce and amount thereof varies weekly. The family plan also includes one Heritage Turkey a year prepared specially for you for Thanksgiving.

Individual and couples plan: Couple and Individual plan members will also receive first and last of crop perks that don't go to market if there is enough quantity after the family basket orders are filled. Otherwise, they will receive all of the same produce, in lesser quantities than the family basket delivered with the same quality and care. They will also receive a 10% discount on turkeys, seeds, plants, and compost.

Prices are as follows:
Family Plan (4 people): $15.00 a week. Running from (roughly May/June-Oct) – 300.00

Couples Plan (2 people) $10.00 a week. Running for same amount of time.- 160.00Singles Plan

Individual plan $8.00 a week. Running for same amount of time. - 130.00

I can also customize plans if someone wants to talk about doing so. All plans can be paid a year in advance or up to April 30 of 2012. We may be able to work out a week to week billing plan as well. The current prices will be somewhat discounted for those who wish to join a year in advance as such forwarded cash helps us prepare greatly for the year ahead, the advanced pricing scheme lasts until December and is as follows:

Family 290.00
Couples 150.00
Singles 120.00

Make Checks Cash able to Alan Bishop and either visit us in person or mail to 5604 S. State Rd. 60 Pekin IN 47165.