Farmer Profiles

"Leigh Hauter"
Bull Run Mountain Organic Farm, The Plains, Virgina

"I believe that before you get into CSA farming, you should be able to support yourself for three years... My model is very different than what the books say should be the CSA Model, but if I didn't modify it, it wouldn't work for me."

Leigh in front of the greenhouse.

Farming Operation: Since 1996, Leigh Hauter has run a CSA operation on his 120-acre farm in rural Virginia, about 40 miles from Washington, D.C. He uses just 5 acres to provide 50 different vegetables, flowers, and herbs to his customers, who are located throughout the Washington, D.C., metro area. Leigh is the only full-time employee of the farm, and he also hires labor on a seasonal basis during the summer.

CSA Marketing: CSA is the only way that Leigh markets his products. Bull Run Mountain Organic Farm has the equivalent of 250 full shares, with sizes that run from one-person to four-person shares. Prices range from $250 to $620, depending on the share size, with flower shares provided at an extra charge. CSA shares are distributed at three main pick-up sites and numerous other places around Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia for 20 weeks from mid-June through mid-October. For his CSA members, Leigh writes a weekly newsletter, offers you-pick days, and holds a couple of open houses at the farm each year.

Views on CSA: One of the reasons Leigh likes CSA is because he obtains payment at the beginning of the season. He feels, therefore, that he doesn't need to worry as much about economics as other farmers do. He notes that he does not use the community-model of CSA at his farm because he believes that the decision-making regarding the farm needs to stay with him.

Key Challenges: In terms of delivery, Leigh wants to become more selective with pick-up sites so that he can limit driving in the city. He also has a hard time finding suitable pick-up sites in the Washington, D.C., metro area. Finally, the availability of steady, experienced labor is also a concern.

Words of Advice for New CSA Farmers: Leigh has noticed a good deal of turnover in CSA farming. He believes that "CSA farmers need to be business and marketing savvy. They need to be on time [for delivery]-precisely on time-every time. Farmers need to be able to talk to customers and make them feel that being part of the CSA is fun." In addition, Leigh says, "I believe that before you get into CSA farming, you should be able to support yourself for three years. It is an easy way to start with low capital, but you have to expect a horrible first season, and a first year of high turnover. You need to be able to modify everything to make it work. My model is very different than what the books say should be the CSA model, but if I didn't modify it, it wouldn't work for me."

Contact: Leigh Hauter, Bull Mountain Organic Farm, phone 703-754-4005; e-mail lh@pressroom.com; Website: www.bullrunfarm.com.

Profiles of Community Supported Agriculture