Watermelon. Green beans. Zucchini. These are just some of the fruits and vegetables you will find at Yokna Bottom Farms.
Yokna Bottom Farms, a 19-acre farm off Highway 7, became Oxford’s first community supported agricultural (CSA) farm in January 2009. About 40 different crops are grown each year at Yokna Bottoms, and all of the additional produce is sold to local restaurants such as the Ravine, Honey Bee Bakery and City Grocery.
The summer crops include eggplant, squash, tomatoes, cantaloupe, corn, okra and cucumber. Fall brings in mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, turnips and many more.
“I would say the staples sell the most, like tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce,” said Daniel Doyle, manager of Yokna Bottoms. “We had some unique plants last year that were popular, such as the yard long asian bean and the lemon cucumber. We hope to try some more unique varieties of traditional plants as well as altogether novel vegetables for people to try this year.”
CSA is an agrarian trend spreading throughout the country and shareholders help with the farms endeavors by purchasing a share.
“A share is a portion of all produce sold and an equal amount is given to each shareholder every week of the growing season,” Doyle said. “It consists of vegetables and fruit that we harvest and distribute amongst them. Our goal is to reach 100 shareholders this year.”
The farm currently grows crops for six months out of the year that vary depending on the season. During these six months shareholders receive their portion of organic fruits and vegetables.
“I purchase about 80 percent of my produce from Yokna Bottoms during the summer,” said Cheryl Conlee, a shareholder. “I normally have a garden, but was unable to last year due to work travel. So, I joined the CSA and I probably purchased about 20 percent from other places.”
Yokna Bottoms grow their crops naturally without herbicides or pesticides making them organic and healthier to eat.
“We focus on building out soil and developing a rich, living system that will feed our plants giving us healthy, strong and vigorous vegetables naturally resistant to most pests and disease,” Doyle said. “That, and a whole lotta love.”
On Saturdays,Yokna Bottoms produce can be bought at the Taylor Farmer’s Market and will soon be available for purchase at the Power House.
Yokna Bottoms does not do all the work on their own. They have World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) volunteers come and help out throughout the year.
WWOOF is an organization that allows people to volunteer on farms in exchange for room and board.
“It has been a lot of prep work getting the fields ready for planting,” said Sean Hendley, a WWOF volunteer. “We built some green houses last week, but the weather has not cooperated since I arrived. All in all, it has been fun working here at Yokna Bottoms and I have learned some things I did not already know.”
Despite the limited amount of crops, Yokna Bottoms will expand as their means and space provides.
“We intend to grow as we learn how to do what we are currently doing better in the years to come,” Doyle said.
For more information, visit www.yoknabottoms.com.
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