Kaly Hess and Brian Wirak, Montana natives, have been farming in Western Montana for the past 4 years. We are a generation of farmers, who don't own land but have had the opportunity to lease established farms. This has allowed us to focus on our farming techniques without having to worry about acquiring land and equipment. This year we are leasing Common Ground Farm in Arlee. Common Ground is certified organic.

We both studied Agrocecology at Montana State University, which provided us with a strong background in agricultural science. This aids tremendously in understand the dynamics between plants and soil. We focus on growing high value and high yielding crops in a manner that incorporates ecological principles, through the use of living mulches, and conservation tillage.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great way for people to learn the joys of eating seasonally. A CSA can be thought of as a vegetable subscription with the subscriber receiving a weekly portion of the harvest. Being a member of a CSA creates a relationship with your food and the person that is producing it. Participating in a CSA decreases the miles that produce is transported, resulting in enhanced taste and flavor. Payment occurs prior to the growing season. This benefits the farmer by providing capitol at the beginning of the season.

This year we plan to grow a bountiful assortment of vegetables. Each week we will include salad or cooking greens, herbs, onions or garlic and root crops, as well as seasonal vegetables. We may occasionally include 'odd' veggies such as kohlrabi, pac choi, or fava beans, we will focus on the basics. The quantity of produce will also increase as the season progresses and some amount of food preservation will help spread out the harvest. A weekly newsletter that includes updates on the farm, recipes, and food preservation tips will also be included.

We will run a 18-week CSA, starting on June 7th and ending Oct 11th. The starting and ending dates may shift depending on the season. We have 15 shares available for $450 and will offer one size box that will feed a family of 4 or a smaller family with a large appetite for vegetables. Expect an average of $28 worth of produce each week.

CSA Details:
Season:  June through October
Type: single farm
Since: 2009
No of Shares: 15
Full Share: The whole season is $450 for 18 weeks. We have a couple of payment options; pay in full, pay in two segments, or a $100 deposit and payment plan.
Work Req? No

Pick Up/Drop Off Points:

Harlequin Produce  (Tue)
The pick up location will be in a park in Missoula on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00. Pick up will be in the style of a farmers' market, where the produce is displayed and members select and pack their week's share. Please bring a bag or box. The park will be decided by the CSA members this spring.
Contact: Kaly Hess
Phone: 406-459-7217