CSA Handbook
Welcome, we're really glad you're here.
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Third Way Farm is owned and operated by us, your farmers, Tommy and Michelle Shireman. We broke ground on these gorgeous 67 acres in Havre de Grace, Maryland in 2015 and have shaped our farm around the principles of permaculture, sustainability, and regeneration. We believe any *good* farm is best conceived as a partner in a diverse and multi-faceted ecosystem and as such, we have chosen to diversify our portfolio by focusing our attention on stewardship of, rather than dominion over. As a testament to our stewardship, we are a no-till farm committed to developing the highest level of sustainable soil management for our produce, protein, and fiber production. In conjunction with our no-till methods, we also practice companion planting, composting, and rotational grazing. We are consistently learning and growing our best practices and hope that our efforts here on the farm empower you to join us in our mission to of cultivating faith, community, faith, and justice for all.
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Who We Are
Tommy (he/him/his)
The life, ministry, and work of Jesus, and the unfathomable love of God and the endless mystery of life wrapped up together inspire me to the core of my being. All roads for me lead to an intersection where I am challenged everyday to bear witness to the Gospel by embodying and proclaiming a Third Way life of justice and equality for all Creation and life on this planet. Believing that the hope and purposes of God have always been and always will be funneled into a vision of renewal and shalom(peace) for this place, this Earth, is what animates me from the inside out - It is a vision that is all encompassing, transforming the way I engage everything from culture and climate, down to a single patch of grass in our field or how I'm using a sheet of paper. Although I stumble and fail daily, the forgiveness and love of God perpetually set me back on my feet to keep moving forward towards this vision.
Michelle (she/her/hers)
Diving deeper into my faith has led me and motivates me to give more of myself to this world, particularly my role as a disciple to tend to this place that God has left in our hands. Our society has become so disconnected to creation and that in itself is motivation to be part of the change and work that needs to happen today that is so necessary for all life on earth to continue. My hope is that my time and our work here on earth, as a community of Third Way, will create a ripple effect of people who hope and spend their lives to bring healing, restoration and justice to the land, community and people of this world.
Why We're Here
Third Way Farm is the embodiment of a vision to unite regenerative agriculture with radical discipleship inspired by Jesus’ teachings on nonviolent resistance to oppressive and unjust systems. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us not to respond with violence but to “turn the other cheek” when someone strikes. Unlike the commonly accepted interpretation of this teaching which calls for a passive, “peaceful,” response to violence, the "Third Way" becomes a creative alternative calling for nonviolent action and resistance to systems of oppression.
We believe the global industrial food system is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. Instead of responding with more violence or simply turning our cheek, at Third Way Farm, we are creating the alternative. We are repairing, restoring, and rehabilitating our community through regenerative agriculture that repairs, restores, and rehabilitates the land.
We are educating, mentoring, and instilling faith for a broken and beaten world rooted in unbounded love and grace by actively and radically following Jesus. We are planting the seeds of justice as we sow, tend, and harvest healthy and wholesome food by planting ourselves in the work of resisting oppressive systems and caring for the earth which extends beyond our tables and ecosystems out into the world.
We believe the global industrial food system is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. Instead of responding with more violence or simply turning our cheek, at Third Way Farm, we are creating the alternative. We are repairing, restoring, and rehabilitating our community through regenerative agriculture that repairs, restores, and rehabilitates the land.
We are educating, mentoring, and instilling faith for a broken and beaten world rooted in unbounded love and grace by actively and radically following Jesus. We are planting the seeds of justice as we sow, tend, and harvest healthy and wholesome food by planting ourselves in the work of resisting oppressive systems and caring for the earth which extends beyond our tables and ecosystems out into the world.
How We Farm
We're regenerative farmers! That means everything we do is done for the good of the whole: the whole community and the whole earth. We focus our attention on the little things and pay close attention to the microbes and microcosms. We foster non-violent relationships with our people, our animals, and our land as a direct action against the industrial food system, and we cultivate resistance by amplifying methods that repair, restore, rehabilitate, and regenerate choices when it comes to the way food is done. We are farming to cultivate a better world rooted in faith, community, and justice for all by preaching, teaching, living, and inspiring the Third Way.
No-Till
We’re a no-till farm which means that we like life to thrive below the surface. In conventional farming, most farmers till, or turn over their earth, and in so doing, disrupt the microbes growing beneath the surface. We’ve chosen to let life flourish! We embrace the tiny beings that make our dirt, soil and help us sequester carbon, retain water, and cycle nutrients.
Pastured, Woodland, and Rotational Grazing
We rotate our livestock through pasture and wooded areas of our farm. By mimicking what happens naturally in the wild we’re giving our animals access to fresh forage every day while encouraging rest, sustained, and new growth in our fields and woods. Our rotational grazing also helps us build new soil by increasing the earth's natural fertility, slow water movement and increase absorption, maintain herd health by supporting their intake, and waste less. We rotate our animals in a cycle so that each grouping has access to what they desire most which aids in our production of what you desire most: happy, healthy, and delicious cuts of pork, lamb, beef, and eggs.
Animal Dignity
Our animals, each and every one of them, are treated with dignity, respected, and honored. When an animal is born or comes onto the farm it is given a name and it is thanked for the role it will play in our ecosystem. We work hard to care for the livestock and have chosen the path of most resistance in the ag world. We let our animals stretch, play, run, fly, root, sleep, walk, eat, drink, and more. Then, when it’s their time to be prepared for market our animals are blessed, thanked again, and sent on their way to a local butcher that we’ve worked with to ensure humane slaughter. We strive to use as much of every animal that we can and to offer those rare items you cannot find in conventional markets. Treating our animals with this level of dignity may seem counterintuitive but we have chosen to focus our attention on stewardship of, rather than dominion over.
Non-GMO
Plain and simple; we don’t genetically engineer or artificially modify our food.
Organic and Beyond
We’ve chosen not to pursue an official organic label but! you better believe it, we’re still organic and practice sustainability. We cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. We run our farm with electricity captured by the sun, converted to geothermal heating a while ago, and source our oil and petroleum from local companies. We don’t treat our animals or fields with antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals and we certainly don’t use growth hormones. We’re committed to farming naturally and in partnership with Earth and her natural ecosystems because, well, that’s just the way it should be. We wake up at dawn and work with our hands and our hearts till dusk to make sure that the picture and stories of farming you hold in your own head and heart still ring true.
We’re a no-till farm which means that we like life to thrive below the surface. In conventional farming, most farmers till, or turn over their earth, and in so doing, disrupt the microbes growing beneath the surface. We’ve chosen to let life flourish! We embrace the tiny beings that make our dirt, soil and help us sequester carbon, retain water, and cycle nutrients.
Pastured, Woodland, and Rotational Grazing
We rotate our livestock through pasture and wooded areas of our farm. By mimicking what happens naturally in the wild we’re giving our animals access to fresh forage every day while encouraging rest, sustained, and new growth in our fields and woods. Our rotational grazing also helps us build new soil by increasing the earth's natural fertility, slow water movement and increase absorption, maintain herd health by supporting their intake, and waste less. We rotate our animals in a cycle so that each grouping has access to what they desire most which aids in our production of what you desire most: happy, healthy, and delicious cuts of pork, lamb, beef, and eggs.
Animal Dignity
Our animals, each and every one of them, are treated with dignity, respected, and honored. When an animal is born or comes onto the farm it is given a name and it is thanked for the role it will play in our ecosystem. We work hard to care for the livestock and have chosen the path of most resistance in the ag world. We let our animals stretch, play, run, fly, root, sleep, walk, eat, drink, and more. Then, when it’s their time to be prepared for market our animals are blessed, thanked again, and sent on their way to a local butcher that we’ve worked with to ensure humane slaughter. We strive to use as much of every animal that we can and to offer those rare items you cannot find in conventional markets. Treating our animals with this level of dignity may seem counterintuitive but we have chosen to focus our attention on stewardship of, rather than dominion over.
Non-GMO
Plain and simple; we don’t genetically engineer or artificially modify our food.
Organic and Beyond
We’ve chosen not to pursue an official organic label but! you better believe it, we’re still organic and practice sustainability. We cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. We run our farm with electricity captured by the sun, converted to geothermal heating a while ago, and source our oil and petroleum from local companies. We don’t treat our animals or fields with antibiotics, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals and we certainly don’t use growth hormones. We’re committed to farming naturally and in partnership with Earth and her natural ecosystems because, well, that’s just the way it should be. We wake up at dawn and work with our hands and our hearts till dusk to make sure that the picture and stories of farming you hold in your own head and heart still ring true.
What We Grow
First and foremost, we're a farm. We're committed to sowing and growing *good* food for you and your family, and, we're so much more than that! We sow, grow, and gather in community as we sow, grow, and gather for justice. Our commitment to regenerative farming is HOW we've chosen to unite faith, community, and justice. We work to restore, rejuvenate, and regenerate land and people. Our offerings, therefore, include *good* food and *good* community and we hope you'll take us up on our offers. ;)
- Produce: Our produce lineup includes a wide range of common and not-so-common vegetables and herbs. We select our varieties for exquisite beauty, taste, and nutrition and seek to highlight heirloom varieties as much as possible. We plant and harvest to the season all year long and feature full-flavored and nutrient-dense tomatoes, lettuce mixes, root vegetables, berries (oh there berries!), and so much more.
- Protein: All our livestock are treated with respect and dignity and end up giving back far more than we ever could have dreamed. Our chickens manage bugs and pests and help us fertilize the fields. Our pigs use their snouts and hooves to enhance the fertility of our soil and woodlands. Our lambs mow the grass and provide immeasurable joy each spring with new births that beam us out of our darkest, winter, season. Our cows, stimulate our fields with new growth by depositing their rich dung all over the place!
- Flowers: Just like everything else on our farm our flowers serve multiple purposes. They look beautiful and bright and are planted within our vegetable field as produce companions to attract pollinators, deter pests, and make you smile! Our goal in growing flowers is to let their companionship sustain health and happiness in the ground and in your home. We sell cut stem bouquets in our Barn Store from June to September and offer Flower Shares as part of our Community Supported Agriculture program.
- Fibers: In our opinion, our fiber lines showcase two of the finest breeds of sheep there are: Icelandic and Leicester Longwool. Our wool is coveted by hand spinners and crafters alike because of its versatility, evenness of length, ability to felt easy and hold dye, and its natural luster and shine. We sell raw fibers as well as woven rugs and other crafted materials in our Barn Store year-round.
- Sweets and Treats: If you've been to the farm you've seen our bee boxes that line the drive and you guessed it, our bees serve multiple purposes too! Our bee boxes provide a safe space for these global helpers. Honey bees are one of the most important pollinators and play a critical role in food sovereignty around the world! We're doing our part to harvest this delectable sweet treat honestly and honorably to protect the bees and their partnership as food producers.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Our CSA is special to us and has the potential to be one of the most active forms of community on the Farm. We hope that you come to cherish the weekly/bi-weekly visits you'll make to the farm or market and the relationship you'll develop with us, your farmers, and your local *food* community!
In addition to the pledge you've made to us by purchasing a regular share of our harvests, you've also decided to invest in your local community. We hope that you use this year's CSA season to meet other members and connect with them: share stories, swap recipes, and get to know and care for each other. As a member of our CSA, you've chosen to join us in our mission to subvert unjust food systems using regenerative agriculture that cultivates faith, community, and justice for all and we hope that you'll lean into the task as much as possible.
Risk and Reward
As one of our CSA members, you share in the abundance of our harvest, as well as in the risks associated with our work of farming and we cannot stress this enough! Although we have learned how to avoid, embrace, and manage most issues that arise there is always something that throws us for a loop like Mother Nature exerting her leadership and tossing a curveball that causes us to lose a crop to frost, drought, flood, disease, bugs, hail, winds, and other acts of God.
When the inevitable strikes you may see this in your share of the harvest. This means that you may not receive a crop or specific crop variety that is or has been, particularly affected. Sometimes this means for a few weeks, and sometimes, this means for the whole season. If and when this occurs, we will let you know! We’ll also do our best to make up the value of your share with substitutions. To make sure you’re up to date on all things Reward and Risk, please make sure you’re signed up to receive our weekly newsletters by visiting thirdwayfarm.com/getconnected
What's in your share?
We’re a four-season seasonal farm which means we only grow, sow, and harvest what’s in season for our region and zone, and! we select our varieties for exquisite beauty, taste, and most importantly, nutrition. Throughout the year you will see a variety of produce growing on the farm. Since our CSA runs 30/52 weeks of the year you may want a foretaste of what you can expect to see in your share of the harvests. You can find a list of what we grow yearly and by season online at thirdwayfarm.com/ourproducts
Add-On's
Your CSA share is specific to the produce we grow on the farm but, if you’re looking for more you can always Add-On! We offer additional produce, eggs, protein, fibers, flowers, bread, and sweet treats.
Important Information
Our CSA program offers a convenient and flexible way to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce throughout the season. Here's what you need to know:
In addition to the pledge you've made to us by purchasing a regular share of our harvests, you've also decided to invest in your local community. We hope that you use this year's CSA season to meet other members and connect with them: share stories, swap recipes, and get to know and care for each other. As a member of our CSA, you've chosen to join us in our mission to subvert unjust food systems using regenerative agriculture that cultivates faith, community, and justice for all and we hope that you'll lean into the task as much as possible.
Risk and Reward
As one of our CSA members, you share in the abundance of our harvest, as well as in the risks associated with our work of farming and we cannot stress this enough! Although we have learned how to avoid, embrace, and manage most issues that arise there is always something that throws us for a loop like Mother Nature exerting her leadership and tossing a curveball that causes us to lose a crop to frost, drought, flood, disease, bugs, hail, winds, and other acts of God.
When the inevitable strikes you may see this in your share of the harvest. This means that you may not receive a crop or specific crop variety that is or has been, particularly affected. Sometimes this means for a few weeks, and sometimes, this means for the whole season. If and when this occurs, we will let you know! We’ll also do our best to make up the value of your share with substitutions. To make sure you’re up to date on all things Reward and Risk, please make sure you’re signed up to receive our weekly newsletters by visiting thirdwayfarm.com/getconnected
What's in your share?
We’re a four-season seasonal farm which means we only grow, sow, and harvest what’s in season for our region and zone, and! we select our varieties for exquisite beauty, taste, and most importantly, nutrition. Throughout the year you will see a variety of produce growing on the farm. Since our CSA runs 30/52 weeks of the year you may want a foretaste of what you can expect to see in your share of the harvests. You can find a list of what we grow yearly and by season online at thirdwayfarm.com/ourproducts
Add-On's
Your CSA share is specific to the produce we grow on the farm but, if you’re looking for more you can always Add-On! We offer additional produce, eggs, protein, fibers, flowers, bread, and sweet treats.
- Eggs: We offer pasture-laid eggs all year long! Our chickens (and ducks!) are raised to free-range in open pasture each day from dawn until dusk and enjoy the space to walk, stretch, and even fly. You can purchase Eggs can be purchased on-site when you pick up your share or online to be delivered with your share.
- Protein: We raise heritage-breed pigs, lambs, and cattle throughout our woodlands and pasture. The diversity of their diet and the active lifestyle that they live makes for a happy, nutrient-dense, and delicious cut of meat. We offer monthly Mixed Meat, Beef, and Pork subscriptions as well as bulk purchase pricing in addition to our retail and a-la-carte cuts.
- Flowers: We grow flowers in our vegetable fields to embellish our natural ecosystem. We plant flower species that support our pollinators, work to mitigate pests, and add a pop of color to appease the eyes. Our beautiful and creative arrangements can be purchased as a Flower Share or a-la-carte from June through September.
- Sweets and Treats: We have bee boxes strategically placed along the drive as you come into the farm. They're there to provide a safe space for one of the world’s most important pollinators. Honey bees play a critical role in food sovereignty and we're doing our part to harvest their delectable sweet treat honestly and honorably. You can add on honey as an a-la-carte item anytime. Throughout the year we also bake up, or can, other treats for our CSA members like Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Pies, and pickles. Our pies feature Third Way Farm eggs and sweet potatoes and make your holiday prep a breeze! Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletters so you don’t miss out on these additional add-ons. To sign up visit thirdwayfarm.com/getconnected
Important Information
Our CSA program offers a convenient and flexible way to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce throughout the season. Here's what you need to know:
- Season Dates: Our CSA season runs from mid-May through early December each year.
- Lock-In Date: One month from the start of the CSA season is our lock-in date. During this period, you can adjust your share size if needed. After the lock-in date, changes may incur additional fees.
- Bi-Weekly Shares: If you've selected a biweekly Farmer’s Choice or Your Choice Share, you'll receive your box every other week for a total of 15 pickups. Your assigned pick-up group and first date will be confirmed via email and you should follow this pick-up schedule for the entirety of the CSA season.
- Delivery Option: Delivery shares are available on Wednesdays from 11 AM to 6 PM. Please provide a cooler or specific instructions for drop-off, and we'll notify you once your delivery has been made.
- Pick-Up Locations: Most pick-ups occur at the farm on Tuesdays or Fridays. Alternative pick-up locations, like the Havre de Grace Farmer's Market, are also available for your convenience. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags, baskets, or bins as we aim to minimize waste an do not provide vessels to transport your shares.
Tuesdays:
On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
Wednesdays:
Delivered to your home between 11 and 6
Friday:
On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
Saturdays:
Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market 8:30-12:00 (St. John's Street Havre de Grace MD 21078)
On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
Wednesdays:
Delivered to your home between 11 and 6
Friday:
On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
Saturdays:
Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market 8:30-12:00 (St. John's Street Havre de Grace MD 21078)
Food Storage and Use
Keeping your vegetables fresh for an entire week takes effort; part of that is our responsibility and part of that is yours. We are very careful about when and how we harvest your produce to ensure that it is at its peak! If you want to extend the life of your produce it’s important to get your food home quickly. Once home, make sure it goes into a proper storage location. You can use the A to Z Storage guide from the farmers at Shared Legacy Farms in Ohio as a reference sheet for storing your produce appropriately.
Another part of the responsibility we assume is washing and inspecting your produce to make sure it’s ready for use as soon as you’re ready to eat. Because we don’t use or treat with chemicals on our farm each piece of produce is unique and you may see some formations like bumps, holes, ridges, and divots. This is proof that your food grew in the ground and while it may not always look “perfect,” in our opinion, it’s pretty darn close, otherwise, we wouldn’t be serving it to you. We do, still, encourage you to inspect and prep your food however you are most comfortable.
There will be a learning curve and it may take a few weeks, or even up to a whole season, to learn how to “eat the CSA way.” Sometimes this will result in frustration, a stockpile of produce in the back of your fridge, unrealistic expectations, and food waste. We want to assure you that this may be part of your process and journey. In a world where immediate gratification persists our CSA gives you the options to slow down, cook for yourself, and smell the *flowers.* Each week we will share a recipe in our weekly newsletter which features one or more of the options you’ll have in your share. We encourage you to test them out and share your feedback! Likewise, if you’ve found a successful recipe that features produce from your CSA Share let us know!
Food Waste and Compost
We get it, food waste is inevitable but what you do with your food waste can be valuable. Compost is farm gold! We’ve decided to take our on farm composting more seriously and we’re in the process of refining an intentional composting system that will integrate compost bins with vermicompost, horse manure from a local farm, and you, well, your food scraps that is! Use your Third Way Farm Worm Food bin to store your scraps throughout the week then bring them with you to pick-up each week and help us build farm gold!
Keeping your vegetables fresh for an entire week takes effort; part of that is our responsibility and part of that is yours. We are very careful about when and how we harvest your produce to ensure that it is at its peak! If you want to extend the life of your produce it’s important to get your food home quickly. Once home, make sure it goes into a proper storage location. You can use the A to Z Storage guide from the farmers at Shared Legacy Farms in Ohio as a reference sheet for storing your produce appropriately.
Another part of the responsibility we assume is washing and inspecting your produce to make sure it’s ready for use as soon as you’re ready to eat. Because we don’t use or treat with chemicals on our farm each piece of produce is unique and you may see some formations like bumps, holes, ridges, and divots. This is proof that your food grew in the ground and while it may not always look “perfect,” in our opinion, it’s pretty darn close, otherwise, we wouldn’t be serving it to you. We do, still, encourage you to inspect and prep your food however you are most comfortable.
There will be a learning curve and it may take a few weeks, or even up to a whole season, to learn how to “eat the CSA way.” Sometimes this will result in frustration, a stockpile of produce in the back of your fridge, unrealistic expectations, and food waste. We want to assure you that this may be part of your process and journey. In a world where immediate gratification persists our CSA gives you the options to slow down, cook for yourself, and smell the *flowers.* Each week we will share a recipe in our weekly newsletter which features one or more of the options you’ll have in your share. We encourage you to test them out and share your feedback! Likewise, if you’ve found a successful recipe that features produce from your CSA Share let us know!
Food Waste and Compost
We get it, food waste is inevitable but what you do with your food waste can be valuable. Compost is farm gold! We’ve decided to take our on farm composting more seriously and we’re in the process of refining an intentional composting system that will integrate compost bins with vermicompost, horse manure from a local farm, and you, well, your food scraps that is! Use your Third Way Farm Worm Food bin to store your scraps throughout the week then bring them with you to pick-up each week and help us build farm gold!
Community
Community is the foundation at which our commitments to justice and faith intersect. We hope to be a place that draws people in, embraces authenticity, and inspires transformation by creating space to laugh, work, share, eat, drink, play, sing, dance, learn, and grow with each other. Our farm is a place of radical discipleship which means we practice, among other things, radical hospitality; we invite fervently, we gather regularly, and we invest wholeheartedly. We want this extraordinary place to inspire, refresh, and regenerate the land and the community that calls this place, "theirs."
We believe that we’ve been called to serve and care for all of God's creation and we seek to bear witness to God's love by cultivating meaningful community on and off the farm. This place, this land, is home and is where our sense of identity and purpose is rooted and we hope that this place can become that for you too!
We gather in small groups regularly and like to gather with the larger community at least once a season. You are invited into this community just as you are and just as you're able! We hope you'll join us at one or more of the following events and gatherings. You can check out or add our Calendar of Events to your calendar at thirdwayfarm.com/events.
Tours
Our farm and the vision we are cultivating are best understood when we can show you the places and spaces that inform our work. We want you to come, see, learn and experience the things that are most important to us: regenerative agriculture, rotational-grazing, pasture-raised, animal dignity, companion planting, composting, sowing, growing, and eating locally. And, we’re serious; come and see what goes into growing your food! You can schedule a Farm tour at thirdwayfarm.com/tours
Volunteer Opportunities
We're always looking for steady, reliable, and committed volunteers to accompany us in the day-to-day operations of farming: sowing, planting, harvesting, and more! If you're interested in volunteering on the farm let us know. It would be an honor to work alongside you! You can sign up to volunteer on the Farm at thirdwayfarm.com/volunteer
Internships
Changing the world, amidst the ever complexifying crises of climate change, economic injustice, food justice, and more begins with remembering and living into who we truly are as humans: members and caretakers of this rich web of abundant, God-given life. Interning with Third Way Farm gives new and seasoned farmers a chance to lean into their call to farm and transform food systems, and communities, from the ground up! If you or someone you know is interested in spending a season with us on the farm send them to thirdwayfarm.com/intern for more information and to apply.
We believe that we’ve been called to serve and care for all of God's creation and we seek to bear witness to God's love by cultivating meaningful community on and off the farm. This place, this land, is home and is where our sense of identity and purpose is rooted and we hope that this place can become that for you too!
We gather in small groups regularly and like to gather with the larger community at least once a season. You are invited into this community just as you are and just as you're able! We hope you'll join us at one or more of the following events and gatherings. You can check out or add our Calendar of Events to your calendar at thirdwayfarm.com/events.
Tours
Our farm and the vision we are cultivating are best understood when we can show you the places and spaces that inform our work. We want you to come, see, learn and experience the things that are most important to us: regenerative agriculture, rotational-grazing, pasture-raised, animal dignity, companion planting, composting, sowing, growing, and eating locally. And, we’re serious; come and see what goes into growing your food! You can schedule a Farm tour at thirdwayfarm.com/tours
Volunteer Opportunities
We're always looking for steady, reliable, and committed volunteers to accompany us in the day-to-day operations of farming: sowing, planting, harvesting, and more! If you're interested in volunteering on the farm let us know. It would be an honor to work alongside you! You can sign up to volunteer on the Farm at thirdwayfarm.com/volunteer
Internships
Changing the world, amidst the ever complexifying crises of climate change, economic injustice, food justice, and more begins with remembering and living into who we truly are as humans: members and caretakers of this rich web of abundant, God-given life. Interning with Third Way Farm gives new and seasoned farmers a chance to lean into their call to farm and transform food systems, and communities, from the ground up! If you or someone you know is interested in spending a season with us on the farm send them to thirdwayfarm.com/intern for more information and to apply.
Safety on the Farm
We do our best to minimize risks to you and your family when you are visiting; however, we are a working farm and it is impossible to eliminate all hazards. Please be mindful of posted signage and the following:
- Uneven and multi-surfaced ground: Please exercise caution when walking around the farm.
- Electric fencing: We use electric fences to contain and protect our livestock from predators. To avoid an unpleasant jolt you should assume that the fence is on or, “hot.”
- Farm animals: We raise livestock year-round. They are fascinating to watch and we encourage you to do so. However, we ask that you ask before feeding them, petting them, or entering their enclosures. If someone is available they will supervise your interaction to make sure you, and our animals, stay safe.
- Farm equipment: Please do not climb on, operate or move any farm equipment or tools.
- Dogs/Pets: We love dogs and Stella loves dogs! You are welcome to bring them to your pickup site. However, because some CSA members and their children may not be comfortable around dogs, we ask that all dogs remain on a leash.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the CSA season begin?
The CSA Season begins the second Tuesday of May, and ends the second Saturday of December.
Where can I pick-up my CSA Share?
You can pick-up your CSA Share at the farm, at the market, or at one of our pick-up locations.
When do I pick-up my CSA Share?
You can pick-up your Share using the following schedule but if you plan to pick it up off the farm, make sure you let us know.
What is the Farm’s address?
Third Way Farm is located at 601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078
Which Farmer's Markets do you attend?
We sell at the Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 8:30-12 May-December.
Where do I go when I get to the farm?
Follow the driveway and our posted "Enter" and "Exit" signs to the asphalt parking lot outside the barn. When you find a comfortable parking spot, take it, it's yours!
Who will help us when we get to the farm?
When you get to the farm you'll likely find Michelle, Tommy, or one of our interns ready to help you pick up your Share. If the barn is empty when you arrive it might be because we're switching shifts so give us a call using the number on the sign or 717-669-1351 and we'll be right over.
Do you have public restrooms?
We do! Well kind of; we have a public outhouse on the exit loop. It’s a short walk from the Barn Store and is stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
What if I’m running late to pick-up my Share?
If you know you’re going to be late please let us know ahead of time and we can coordinate an alternative plan. If you’re going to be last-minute late, don’t text and drive, but do find a way to send us a message or give us a call and we’ll figure it out. You can reach us at 717-669-1351.
What if I’m going to be away on vacation?
We try to be as flexible as we can but during our high volume harvest season we don’t typically have the space to hold your shares for an extended amount of time or to “double up,” the next time. Instead, we encourage you to pay it forward. Consider sending a friend or extended family member in your place and let them enjoy that week’s harvest or work with another local community organization and donate your food that week to their feeding program or ministry.
How do I skip a delivery or cancel a subscription order when charged on a recurring basis?
If you would like to cancel your subscription entirely, from the Actions drop down menu in the upper right, click Cancel Subscription.
How will I know what’s in my box each week?
Make sure you’re signed up to receive our weekly newsletters by visiting thirdwayfarm.com/getconnected and ask questions! Seriously, ask, ask, ask away.
What if I know someone that is looking for a CSA?
Refer them to us! If you do, and they sign up, you’ll get a discount on the cost of your CSA share next season!
What if I know a baker or chef that is looking for local farmers to supply their ingredients?
Refer them to us! If you do and they partner with us, you'll get a discount on the cost of your CSA share next season!
Can I take pictures on/of the Farm?
ABSOLUTELY! Just make sure you have consent from any people in your shot and tag us if you’re going to post on social media! Our Facebook handle is @thirdwayfarm and our Instagram handle is @thirdwayfarmhdg
Is Stella friendly?
Chances are you're going to race Farm dog, Stella, down the driveway while she's fenced in the vegetable field. She is friendly but is super competitive and doesn't like to lose!
Can we pet Stella?
If she is out, sure! Please don't let her out of the vegetable field though, it's just easier to keep her safe in there.
Can we tour the farm while we’re picking up our Share?
You can certainly walk around and take it all in but please be mindful of posted signage, uneven ground, and fencing. We also ask that you refrain from feeding, petting, or entering the animal enclosure without staff supervision. This is to keep you and the animals safe. If you want to tour the farm and visit with the animals visit thirdwayfarm.com/tours and sign up for a full farm tour.
Your mission is to cultivate faith, community, and justice for all through regenerative farming but what does that really mean?
Thanks for this question, we’re glad you asked! Our goal as farmers and disciples of Christ is to create an alternative: We believe the global industrial food system is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. Instead of responding with more violence or simply turning our cheek, at Third Way Farm, we are calling for nonviolent action and resistance to systems of oppression by repairing, restoring, and rehabilitating our community through agriculture that repairs, restores, and rehabilitates the land. We are educating, mentoring, and instilling faith for a broken and beaten world that is rooted in unbounded love and grace by actively, and radically, following Jesus. We are planting the seeds of justice as we sow, tend, and harvest healthy and wholesome food by planting ourselves in the work of caring for the earth which extends beyond our tables and ecosystems out into the world. Farming is our method of transforming the world by rooting all our efforts in faith, building up individuals and the power of intentional community, and seeking justice for all peoples and land.
What if I have other questions?
Please ask them. Part of your CSA investment includes getting to know your Farmers! We want to be here for you, to answer any and all questions you have about the work we do, the food we grow, and the world we’re trying to create. If you have questions about anything let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them and if we can’t, we’ll do our research and get back to you, we promise.
The CSA Season begins the second Tuesday of May, and ends the second Saturday of December.
Where can I pick-up my CSA Share?
You can pick-up your CSA Share at the farm, at the market, or at one of our pick-up locations.
When do I pick-up my CSA Share?
You can pick-up your Share using the following schedule but if you plan to pick it up off the farm, make sure you let us know.
- Tuesdays: On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
- Wednesdays: Delivered to your home between 11 and 6
- Friday: On the Farm (601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078)
- Saturdays: Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market 8:30-12:00 (St. John's Street Havre de Grace MD 21078)
What is the Farm’s address?
Third Way Farm is located at 601 Robinhood Road Havre de Grace MD 21078
Which Farmer's Markets do you attend?
We sell at the Havre de Grace Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 8:30-12 May-December.
Where do I go when I get to the farm?
Follow the driveway and our posted "Enter" and "Exit" signs to the asphalt parking lot outside the barn. When you find a comfortable parking spot, take it, it's yours!
Who will help us when we get to the farm?
When you get to the farm you'll likely find Michelle, Tommy, or one of our interns ready to help you pick up your Share. If the barn is empty when you arrive it might be because we're switching shifts so give us a call using the number on the sign or 717-669-1351 and we'll be right over.
Do you have public restrooms?
We do! Well kind of; we have a public outhouse on the exit loop. It’s a short walk from the Barn Store and is stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
What if I’m running late to pick-up my Share?
If you know you’re going to be late please let us know ahead of time and we can coordinate an alternative plan. If you’re going to be last-minute late, don’t text and drive, but do find a way to send us a message or give us a call and we’ll figure it out. You can reach us at 717-669-1351.
What if I’m going to be away on vacation?
We try to be as flexible as we can but during our high volume harvest season we don’t typically have the space to hold your shares for an extended amount of time or to “double up,” the next time. Instead, we encourage you to pay it forward. Consider sending a friend or extended family member in your place and let them enjoy that week’s harvest or work with another local community organization and donate your food that week to their feeding program or ministry.
How do I skip a delivery or cancel a subscription order when charged on a recurring basis?
- Log in to your account.
- Go to your Orders page.
- Find your subscription order, indicated by the circle arrow icon.
- Click on the order number link.Click the "Manage Subscription" tab at the top.
- Find the date you want to skip, and click Skip Subscription.
If you would like to cancel your subscription entirely, from the Actions drop down menu in the upper right, click Cancel Subscription.
How will I know what’s in my box each week?
Make sure you’re signed up to receive our weekly newsletters by visiting thirdwayfarm.com/getconnected and ask questions! Seriously, ask, ask, ask away.
What if I know someone that is looking for a CSA?
Refer them to us! If you do, and they sign up, you’ll get a discount on the cost of your CSA share next season!
What if I know a baker or chef that is looking for local farmers to supply their ingredients?
Refer them to us! If you do and they partner with us, you'll get a discount on the cost of your CSA share next season!
Can I take pictures on/of the Farm?
ABSOLUTELY! Just make sure you have consent from any people in your shot and tag us if you’re going to post on social media! Our Facebook handle is @thirdwayfarm and our Instagram handle is @thirdwayfarmhdg
Is Stella friendly?
Chances are you're going to race Farm dog, Stella, down the driveway while she's fenced in the vegetable field. She is friendly but is super competitive and doesn't like to lose!
Can we pet Stella?
If she is out, sure! Please don't let her out of the vegetable field though, it's just easier to keep her safe in there.
Can we tour the farm while we’re picking up our Share?
You can certainly walk around and take it all in but please be mindful of posted signage, uneven ground, and fencing. We also ask that you refrain from feeding, petting, or entering the animal enclosure without staff supervision. This is to keep you and the animals safe. If you want to tour the farm and visit with the animals visit thirdwayfarm.com/tours and sign up for a full farm tour.
Your mission is to cultivate faith, community, and justice for all through regenerative farming but what does that really mean?
Thanks for this question, we’re glad you asked! Our goal as farmers and disciples of Christ is to create an alternative: We believe the global industrial food system is doing a world of violence to our bodies, land, water, and communities. Instead of responding with more violence or simply turning our cheek, at Third Way Farm, we are calling for nonviolent action and resistance to systems of oppression by repairing, restoring, and rehabilitating our community through agriculture that repairs, restores, and rehabilitates the land. We are educating, mentoring, and instilling faith for a broken and beaten world that is rooted in unbounded love and grace by actively, and radically, following Jesus. We are planting the seeds of justice as we sow, tend, and harvest healthy and wholesome food by planting ourselves in the work of caring for the earth which extends beyond our tables and ecosystems out into the world. Farming is our method of transforming the world by rooting all our efforts in faith, building up individuals and the power of intentional community, and seeking justice for all peoples and land.
What if I have other questions?
Please ask them. Part of your CSA investment includes getting to know your Farmers! We want to be here for you, to answer any and all questions you have about the work we do, the food we grow, and the world we’re trying to create. If you have questions about anything let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them and if we can’t, we’ll do our research and get back to you, we promise.
Stay Connected
Phone
717-669-1351
Email
[email protected]
Snail Mail
Third Way Farm
601 Robin Hood Road
Havre de Grace MD 20178
Online
thirdwayfarm.com
Social Media
717-669-1351
[email protected]
Snail Mail
Third Way Farm
601 Robin Hood Road
Havre de Grace MD 20178
Online
thirdwayfarm.com
Social Media
