Wheatland's organic alternative
Don't you just hate when you buy produce at the local supermarket, get it home and it seems like virtually the next day it is wilted, overripe or going bad? Well, now there is a solution right in your own backyard that offers an option that is not only freshly picked but completely pesticide free.
Jim's Produce of Wheatland has been in business since 2001 and is a family-run organic farm that has more than 40 varieties of crops throughout the year. Jim Muck, the owner and farmer in charge, decided to quit his job seven years ago and invest nearly $40,000 to return to his family's farm and work the fields full time.
"My family has been farming this land since the late 1800s and I am the latest generation to farm," Muck explained. "I am trying to reinvent the farm by growing vegetables and marketing them directly to consumers."
What is unique about Muck and his farming is that his primary business is community-supported agriculture (CSA) in which customers can sign up and pay in advance for produce that is distributed to them throughout the year. This is a win-win for both the customer and the farmer. In exchange for their commitment, customers receive a box of produce each week for the growing season.
Each box contains nine to 12 items of fresh produce grown on Muck's farm in a quantity enough to feed a family of four who use vegetables as side dishes and some entrees, or two adult vegetarians. In addition, the box includes a weekly newsletter and recipes to help use the produce in the box. Currently, customers can purchase produce boxes for $22 a week or can arrange to work on the farm in exchange for a monetary payment.
What type of produce can customers expect?
"Some items you receive may be unfamiliar and some you may not like," Muck said. "Don't worry — your share will be mostly familiar produce with a few exotic treats thrown in to keep you trying new things."
For the most part, customers can expect typical vegetables and fruits throughout the year, including lettuce, corn, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, broccoli, watermelon and spinach. Muck also contracts with neighboring farms to provide members with additional fruit and brown rice throughout each season. In addition, CSA members are also invited to farm parties held throughout the year and are allowed to come to the farm to pick cherry tomatoes, green beans and cut flowers.
Currently, Jim's Produce is focused on increasing the farms visibility as a healthy option for families in the county. While his biggest challenge has been keeping up with the work since he took on the farm full time, Muck hopes future expansion will allow for the opportunity to have 100 CSA members within a half-hour drive of his business.
As part of this effort, Muck hopes to gain enough popularity in Plumas Lake to establish it as a permanent drop-off location (currently CSA members living in the community must pick up at other locations or the farm). Looking into the immediate future, Jim's Produce is currently in the process of signing up individuals interested in participating in his fall shares can print out a sign-up sheet at www.jimsproduce.net.
For residents interested in trying Jim's Produce, Muck also sells his produce during the summer at the Yuba City Farmers Market and the Auburn Farmers Market, or residents can arrange to purchase items straight sell off the farm by appointment.
Muck hopes customers who've tried his food will be convinced it's "the freshest produce they have ever eaten in their lives grown with a focus to provide maximum flavor and nutrition."
Know And Go
For information about Jim’s Produce or to inquire about becoming a CSA member, log on to www.jimsproduce.net or
call Jim Muck at 633-4490 or 633-8272.
Plumas Lake correspondent Michele Perrault can be reached at 483-3664 or e-mail her at mperrault@ plumaslakelife.commperrault@ plumaslakelife.com.
