Greetings Everyone!
Starting in October the farm stand may not be open every week as it has been over the summer. I am planning on opening the farm stand for ordering if I have enough to offer. When I do I’ll be sending you the normal email notice and will be giving you a slightly greater window of time to place an order. All farm stand deliveries into Milwaukee will end on October 31st. Any farm stand orders made thereafter will need to be picked up at the farm.
Back in August I received a letter from the company that created “Harvie”. Surprisingly it was to announce they’re closing operations due to fierce competition in the CSA management software industry. Harvie was one of the pioneers of customizable farm subscriptions. I started using their software in 2020. Turning out to be a major attraction to consumers, multiple other companies got into developing similar products. What it did for farmers running a CSA operation was quite amazing. Needless to say I’ve been hooked ever since.
Harvie unfortunately will be shutting down their software on December 31st 2024. Now I’ll be faced with the challenge of finding a new program for 2025. Whoever I decide going with my first concern will be it has to work for you. For myself getting familiar with Harvie as robust as it was at the time pegged the needle on my “overwhelmo” meter. It was a lot to familiarize myself with quickly. Now I love it, and I hope you did too!
I do have high hopes of finding another companies program that will be a step up for both you and me. The Harvie farm stand was a great way to have a community supported program that gave everyone the greatest flexibility in shopping for my produce with no required annual subscription fee.
Ironically the shutdown of Harvie perhaps couldn’t have come at a better time. In all honesty I’ve approached a point in my life, and with a business that has consumed my life for the last 34 years, I now feeling the need to flip flop my priorities between work and recreation.
I still plan to farm as most farmers seldom quit altogether. I am planning however to scale back on the long list of crops I’ve grown in the past. I may not be able to grow the assortment of produce I once did. What I will be growing I’m hoping there’ll still be that same appeal for you to consider buying from me.
I’ve been so deeply honored to have had this wonderful farm to table connection with all of you.
Thank you all for your kindness and loyal support this season, and over the years!
Best,
Farmer Steve
