1)  Question:  Where can I get your products?

Answer:  You can purchase our chickens, eggs, and walnuts either at the farm   or at the following farmers markets: Hollister, Wednesday 3-7 pm; Saratoga, Saturday 9-1 pm; Mountain View, Sunday 9-1 pm.  We do not ship poultry products but will ship walnuts.

2) Question:  When is your season?

Answer: Chicken is available the last week of May through the middle of November.  Eggs and walnuts are available year round.

3) Question:  Why don’t you raise chickens year round?

Answer:  Because our chickens are grown outdoors, not in large barns, we don’t want to expose them to wet and/or cold conditions.  We prefer to grow them when outdoor conditions are in their favor.

4)  Question:  What is a CSA?

Answer:  CSA stands for community supported agriculture.  There are many kinds of CSAs, but the most common is for customers to pay up front for a share of production during a farmer’s growing season.  This frontloading of customer dollars helps to capitalize the farmer’s production until the crops are harvested, and in many cases, insures the future of the farmer’s operation.  This partnership strengthens the community’s connection to those who grow their food locally and care for their environment.  A membership in the Hain Ranch CSA gives our friends and customers the best prices for our products, tours, special events, and the satisfaction of enabling us to continue to produce our special products.  We truly appreciate our CSA partners.

5)  Question:  How do I schedule an on farm pickup?

Answer:  After you have filled out and returned your order form with a check for your deposit and CSA membership (if you choose to join), a schedule of harvest/pickup dates will be emailed to you at the beginning of the month.  Choose which dates work best for you and reply.  Large orders may be accommodated by special harvests.  Pickup on harvest days will be from 3 pm to 7 pm.

6) Question:  What do I need to bring if I pick up chickens on farm?

Answer: Depending on the distance you have to travel, you’ll need bags for the chicken, a clean ice chest large enough to hold the birds, and ice.  I usually figure 5 quarts of capacity for 1 chicken and ice.  For example, 5 chickens = a minimum 25 quart capacity ice chest.  You can buy ice at the gas station in Tres Pinos or simply fill and freeze one or two milk cartons.

7) Question:  Do you accept credit cards?

Answer:  No. We are trying to reduce the expense and distance between you and those who produce your food.  We accept cash or your good check.