Pleiades Ranch Oasis PMA

 

A. Growing Practices

At Pleiades Ranch Oasis/Whipped Raw Creamery, we follow farming practices that meet or exceed national organic standards, even though we are not certified organic YET!. We avoid using synthetic chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. To protect native pollinators, we also steer clear of organic pesticides. Our methods include minimal tillage, cover crops, mulch, and compost, all aimed at preserving and enhancing soil structure and health. We are committed to full transparency and welcome members and visitors to tour the farm.

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B. Products Included in a Share

Throughout the PMA season, you can expect a wide variety of produce. The exact offerings will depend on weather, pests, and other factors, but here’s what you might find in your share:

• June: Asian greens, arugula, baby lettuce, beets, broccoli raab, cauliflower, chard, garlic scapes, kale, peas, radishes, rhubarb, scallions, spinach, and turnips.

• July & August: Beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, green beans, lettuce, peppers (hot & sweet), potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, and zucchini.

• September & October: Beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, leeks, lettuce, onions, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, turnips, and winter squash.

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We also offer culinary herbs and flowers for you-pick throughout the season, as well as peas and beans. Eggs and chicken are available for purchase but are not included in the CSA membership. If we have a surplus of certain items suitable for canning or freezing (like tomatoes or beans), these will be available for additional purchase.

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C. PMA Membership

Membership Overview:

• Lifetime Membership: A one-time fee of $20 is required to activate your lifetime membership before placing your first order.

• Association Rights: As a member, you gain access to premium raw dairy and pastured meats, directly from the farm, under the protection of a Private Membership Association.

• Informed Choice: Members take responsibility for their food choices, informed by personal research and understanding.

• Legal Agreement: Members agree not to pursue legal action against the association, its trustees, staff, or fellow members regarding food choices.

• Privacy Commitment: Your dealings with the farm and within the association are private, safeguarded from unwarranted regulatory scrutiny.

• Agency Disclosure: Members affirm they are not representing regulatory bodies with intentions contrary to the association's mission.

Application Agreement:

1. Association Objective: To provide a private platform for members to conduct business, emphasizing privacy and constitutional protections.

2. Constitutional Rights: We exercise our right to freedom of association, engaging in private domain activities under constitutional protections.

3. Member Rights: Members are entitled to seek and share wisdom, advice, and support within the association, promoting educational and agricultural advancement.

4. Educational Freedom: The association supports members' rights to pursue education and practices that align with our regenerative farming philosophies.

5. Mission and Membership: Our mission is guided by the principles outlined in the Articles of Association, with a commitment to inclusivity and ecological stewardship.

6. Termination Policy: Membership may be revoked if actions are deemed contrary to the association's principles or detrimental to its members.

7. Complaint Resolution: Grievances are resolved internally, without external regulatory intervention, ensuring privacy and autonomy.

8. Faith-based Association: We are a faith-based community under common law, committed to mutual health, education, and quality of life improvement.

9. Free Will Agreement: Membership is voluntary, emphasizing personal choice free from external coercion.

10. Membership Initiation: This agreement is effective upon joining and is governed by the association's bylaws.

Member Farm Share Cost Sharing Policy:

• Membership Contract Requirement: All members must have a signed contract on file.

• Membership Fee: Full payment of the membership fee is required before receiving any farm products.

• Cost Share Allocation: Members share in the costs associated with livestock management and product processing, with allocations periodically adjusted by the Trustees.

• Transparency: Cost Share Allocation details are accessible to members online and at farm store locations.

• Policy Acceptance: Members must agree to the Cost Share Policy, acknowledging shared costs, before product checkout.

By joining Pleiades Ranch/Whipped Raw Creamery, you're part of a community dedicated to sustainable, ethical, and regenerative farming practices. Your membership supports not just your family's health but also contributes to a larger movement towards a more sustainable and equitable food system.

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Members receive a weekly share of vegetables from early June to mid-October (Full and Partial shares) or from early June to the end of August (Summer-Only shares). You are responsible for picking up your share each week at Pleiades Ranch Oasis. Detailed information about share pickups is provided below.

• Splitting Shares: PMA shares represent a significant portion of our farm income, and we encourage you to purchase the share size that meets your household’s needs. A Full Share is ideal for a small family or a couple with a vegetable-centric diet. A Partial Share will meet the produce needs of 1-2 adults. If you plan to split a share, please inform us with whom you are sharing. You are responsible for dividing the share, and we prefer one payment for both parties.

• Combining Shares: Large families or those who eat a lot of vegetables may want to purchase multiple shares. You can combine shares in any combination—multiple Full shares, multiple Partial shares, or a combination of both.

• No Work Commitment Required: Unlike some PMAs, we do not require members to work as part of their membership. However, we welcome volunteers for tasks like weeding or harvesting garlic and potatoes. If you would like to volunteer, please call ahead to schedule so we can coordinate with you.

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Sharing the Risk of Crop Failure

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We promise to do our best to provide you with a bountiful share each week. We use irrigation, row covers, integrated pest management, and other sustainable practices to minimize the risk of crop loss. Despite these efforts, the quantity of produce may vary due to extreme weather, insects, or other production factors. By joining our PMA, you agree to share the risk of crop failure with us and other members.

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Picking Up Your Share

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You are responsible for picking up your share each week at Pleiades Ranch Oasis during the specified day and time you choose—either Tuesdays from 4:30 pm–7:00 pm or Saturdays from 9:00 am–12:00 pm.

• Bags: We encourage you to bring your own bags, boxes, or cooler to carry your vegetables home. We also provide recycled plastic shopping bags in case you forget your own.

• Unable to Pick Up Your Share: If you cannot pick up your share, please give us as much advance notice as possible—ideally, at least 24 hours. You have the following options:

  • Have Someone Else Pick Up Your Share: Please let us know who will be coming in your place.

  • Pick Up the Following Day: We will put your share in a labeled bin in the walk-in cooler for you to pick up the next day. We can do this occasionally but prefer not to make it a habit.

  • Switch Pick-Up Day: With at least 24 hours' notice, you may switch your pick-up day to the alternate day (either Tuesday or Saturday). We prefer that you stick to one day but can accommodate occasional changes.

  • Pick Up a "Double Share": You may pick up a "double share" the preceding or following week; however, members often find they cannot use all the vegetables at once.

• Switching Pick-Up Day: Pickups are on Tuesdays from 4:30 pm–7:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am–12:00 pm. We ask that you choose a day and stick with it throughout the season. If you need to change your pick-up day permanently, please let us know, and we'll make the switch. We want to avoid frequent changes between days.

• Early Arrival: You are welcome to come early and enjoy the farm—visit the animals, pick flowers and herbs, or relax in the shade. However, the distribution area will not be ready for you to get your vegetables until the appointed start time: 4:30 pm on Tuesday and 9:00 am on Saturday.

• No Weather Cancellations: Pickup will happen rain or shine and will not be canceled due to inclement weather.

 

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Safety & Logistics

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• Driveway: Please drive slowly on our single-lane driveway. If another car is coming from the opposite direction, feel free to pull over onto the grass.

• Parking: Perpendicular parking is available on the grass off to the side of the driveway by the house. Please make sure you are not blocking anyone’s exit. Exercise caution when backing out.

• Farm Hazards: We do our best to minimize risks to you and your family when you visit; however, as a working farm, it is impossible to eliminate all hazards. Please be aware of uneven ground, electric fences, farm animals, and farm equipment.

• Children: Visiting Pleiades Ranch Oasis is a wonderful experience for the entire family. However, as outlined above, there are potential hazards for children. Please supervise your children at all times.

• Dogs: We love dogs, but there are many animals on the farm and other CSA members who may not be as comfortable around dogs. If your dog is well-behaved around animals, adults, and children, you may bring them to the farm. However, your dog must be on a leash and restrained by you at all times.

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Payment

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• Deposit and Payment Schedule: PMA membership reduces the burden of up-front costs for the farm. Your membership fees provide us with capital to purchase seeds and equipment before the season starts. All shares require a non-refundable $50 deposit to hold your spot. The balance is due by March 1.

• Cancellation and Refund Policy: A 2-week trial period is offered to confirm suitability. If, within the first two weeks, you decide to cancel your CSA membership, we will provide a prorated refund minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Please allow two to four weeks for your refund.

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Communication

 

The best way to communicate with us is via email at sales@pleiadesranchoasis.com. We will do our best to respond within 24 hours. Please contact us with any changes to your postal or email address, any week(s) you are unable to pick up your share, dissatisfaction with your share, or anything else you would like us to know.

We will communicate with you by email. When you sign up, you will be added to our distribution list, which we will use to communicate important information about our PMA and farm events. Each week, we will email a newsletter with information about the crops available, recipe ideas, photos, and other farm-related news.

Though unlikely, Pleiades Ranch Oasis reserves the right to change any part of this Membership Agreement & Guidelines document. We will contact you via email in advance of any changes to this agreement.

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PMA Membership Agreement

 

By joining the Pleiades Ranch Oasis/Whipped Raw Creamery PMA, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement. This agreement establishes the mutual commitments between you, the PMA Member, and Pleiades Ranch Oasis/Whipped Raw Creamery.

For more information or to join, please visit our website at https://pleiadesranchoasis.com.