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13 Reasons to Join a CSA

Aah … the thought of fresh picked, local produce. You’ll have to agree, there’s nothing better than the Jersey Fresh season!

As a local CSA program, also known as a local crop share program, VonThun’s CSA promises that fresh, homegrown deliciousness we all love. VonThun’s makes it easy to know your farmers and your food.

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the long-awaited promise of fresh greens, mouthwatering veggies, and fragrant herbs to break the long winter months of store bought produce. As a result, community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms across the country and consumers alike are now seeking one another in what we call CSA sign-up season. Therefore, there are choices to be made … Commit to a CSA Crop Share through a local farmer? Shop at a local farmers market? Grow your own? Or just continue shopping at the local super market?

There are no right and wrong answers here, as families and lifestyle play a large role in where your food will come from. CSAs are not for everyone, as they are a big commitment for both members and farmers. Want more CSA information? Check out our Washington, NJ based CSA Program details or the details of our South Brunswick, NJ based CSA Program.

Here’s 13 great reasons to consider joining our CSA Crop Share Program:

  1.  Enjoy 14-20 weeks (our Middlesex Co. program is a 20 week program; our Warren Co. program is 14 weeks) of the freshest vegetables you can imagine all season. And don’t worry, there’s flexible share options so you can relax and enjoy vacation!
  2. Receive 8-12 farm fresh vegetables each week in our full and half shares, a basket full of your farm favorites, as well as an occasional new crop to try! Receive 4-6 fresh picked vegetables in our personal share, perfect for smaller households or just to try out CSA. Take a look at our CSA share size comparison so you can see just how much you’ll get.
  3. Produce grown in a way you can trust! We grow responsibly … we’ve been raising our families on these same crops, grown on the same land, for over 100 years.
  4. Fresh tastes better! Weather permitting, the crops in your weekly veggie basket are picked the same day you pick them up. Our vegetables are harvested when ripe and are available to you right away … they’re super fresh and taste amazing!
  5. You’ll receive weekly recipes and guidance on how to prepare, use, and enjoy those crops found in your share. We love hearing how kids that never liked vegetables have started eating them once they tried fresh, local ones!
  6. Cut the number of miles it takes your food to get from field to fork! It’s no surprise that fresher food contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Do you know WHEN your food was harvested? Or how long it took to get to the store? And waited in storage? And was out on display? And took, overall, to get to your table?!
  7. CSAs provide an opportunity to break out of eating ruts and old habits. And they encourage commitment to eating fresh, eating healthy, and eating local, all season long!
  8. Know your farmer, know your food. Develop a relationship of trust with those that are growing your food. Think about it … not many people have that opportunity. We love CSA because it gives us a chance to get to know those folks that we’re growing for!
  9. Convenient pick up times and locations. We have a handful of local host sites that you can pick your veggie basket up at each week. Or, if you prefer, pick up at the farm … chat with our friendly knowledgeable staff, browse the farm market, and see just where your food is grown. Bring the kids too and visit with the farm animals!
  10. Additional farm shares are available … homegrown, all-natural pasture raised beef, farm fresh eggs, and Jersey Fresh fruit. CSA members have the option to add one, or all of these additional crop shares!
  11. Try new, fun crops! Although veggie baskets are packed mostly with farm favorites (lettuce, tomatoes, sweet corn,, etc.), we occasionally throw in a few fun things for you to try (kohlrabi, leeks, etc). Don’t worry … there’s a swap table (at our farm  pick up locations only) each week that allows you to swap out any veggies that make you say ick!
  12. Free access to our pick-your-own fields. CSA members are not required to purchase a picking pass to pick berries or other crops throughout the year as the general public does – just pay for what you pick.
  13. Farm fun! Each year we try to include free festival tickets, u-pick fruit vouchers, &/or free Sunflower Trail passes to our CSA shares … each of which gives you a reason to come visit for farm fun!

CSA … Fresh. Local. Healthy.
Is CSA for you? If your answer is yes, SIGN UP NOW!

Aah … the thought of fresh picked, local produce. You’ll have to agree, there’s nothing better than the Jersey Fresh season!

As a local CSA program, also known as a local crop share program, VonThun’s CSA promises that fresh, homegrown deliciousness we all love. VonThun’s makes it easy to know your farmers and your food.

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the long-awaited promise of fresh greens, mouthwatering veggies, and fragrant herbs to break the long winter months of store bought produce. As a result, community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms across the country and consumers alike are now seeking one another in what we call CSA sign-up season. Therefore, there are choices to be made … Commit to a CSA Crop Share through a local farmer? Shop at a local farmers market? Grow your own? Or just continue shopping at the local super market?

There are no right and wrong answers here, as families and lifestyle play a large role in where your food will come from. CSAs are not for everyone, as they are a big commitment for both members and farmers. Want more CSA information? Check out our Washington, NJ based CSA Program details or the details of our South Brunswick, NJ based CSA Program.

Horsing Around the Barn

Know a horse-loving child that would enjoy making new two- and four-legged friends and hanging out in the barn? Beginner horseback riding lessons, summer horse camp, hands-on educational programs – we’ve got lots of opportunities for kids to make new friends, promote their love of animals, and increase their self esteem and sense of responsibility & perseverance.  Not sure if horses are for you? Let us know you’re coming and join us for a PonyPals meeting. Or, we can meet you at the barn one day to introduce you to our ponies … they always love visitors. There’s lots of benefits to becoming involved in equine activities!

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Our PonyPals Program …

Want to learn more about horses, their care, and handling?  PonyPals is a year-round program held at our barn in Washington, NJ for young horse lovers. You don’t need to own a horse, or pony, to join!  

PonyPals is not all about ponies as the name suggests … PonyPals is our “club” for horse lovers and young equestrians that develops leadership, confidence, and a sense of community through a program that teaches the care and handling of both horses and ponies. PonyPals is a fun group for young horse lovers, allowing them to make friends while learning and growing their equine knowledge alongside others through hands-on learning.  Consider joining us – meetings are monthly. New members meet at the barn on the second Thursday of each month.

Barn Time …

Once they pass our equine safety program, PonyPals members and riding lesson students are welcome to join us for weekly Barn Time. Just what the name implies, Barn Time is time in the barn (or arena) grooming, handling, and/or working with the horses and ponies.

Kids love Barn Time, especially in winter when the weather often prevents consistent riding lessons and other barn activities.

Winter and spring Barn Time is held on Saturday mornings. Summer and fall Barn Time is held on Thursday evenings.

Horseback Riding Lessons …

Beginner horseback riding lessons are available for kids age 6 and up, as well as adults of all ages. Haven’t ridden before? No problem … we specialize in individualized western beginner horseback riding lessons! Each lesson is customized to the riding level of each rider.

Although lessons can be scheduled weekly, spring through fall, winter lessons are subject to the weather and arena footing. Since our lesson schedule will vary from season to season, please contact us to schedule your first lesson.

Summer Camp …

Join us at the farm for Horse Camp and we’ll learn all about horses and explore the barn together … we offer three weeks of Horse Camp! Horse Camp kids will learn all about horse safety, care, handling, and how to ride. They’ll give horses a bath, learn how to shave and clip a horse, learn to saddle up on their own, and develop personal relationships with their favorite horses in the barn!

Our Horse Camp is very hands-on and is limited to 8 riders, so be sure to sign up early for your week of choice!

Although  our PonyPals Program does not formally include horseback riding or mounted lessons, riding lessons are available at the farm at an additional cost. Our program was designed this way to keep membership costs reasonable for all, while offering additional riding activities for those who desire them.

Want more information? Give us a call 732.986.6816 or email us! Cindy@VonThunFarms.com

Season Passes & Family Fun

FallFestival weekend 2020 (110)
Farm Photo Ops
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Von Thun’s Season Passes …

Von Thun’s Season Passes are valid at BOTH Von Thun’s Farm locations …
Our 2025 Calendar of Events will be available in April – we have six months of farmtastic fun planned for you!

505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852 (Middlesex County)
Includes weekend admission to Strawberry Festival, Fall Festivals, Columbus Day activities, & Moonlight Corn Maze. They also serve as your picking pass (no produce included). 

438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882 (Warren County)
Includes weekend admission to Strawberry Festival, The New Jersey Sunflower Trail, Sunflower Festivals, Fall Festivals, and Columbus Day activities. They also serve as your picking pass (no produce included). 

Why should you buy a Season Pass?

Well, besides the fact that VonThun’s is an awesome place to be?!

-If you plan to attend VonThun’s various events (spring, summer, &/or fall) throughout the year.
-If you have small children who can only visit for short periods of time.
-Pass includes free admission to all available weekend activities & attractions (except the pony rides, face painting, corn cannons, & pumpkin blaster).
-If you love all our activities & attractions and want to come back over and over again.
-If you plan to participate in farm u-pick activities … Season Pass holders receive free access to the u-pick fields & do not need to purchase Picking Passes to access the fields (does NOT include free fruit or pumpkins).

How it works …

  • Season Passes, once purchased, are valid at both our South Brunswick (Middlesex Co.) and Washington (Warren Co.) farm locations.
  • Weekend pony rides, face painting, corn cannons, & apple blasters require an additional fee.
  • There are no free berries, apples, pumpkins, or other crops associated with a Season Pass.
  • Season Passes are purchased for individuals … they are not transferable among friends or family members.
  • The Season Pass holder will have their photo taken during their first visit to the farm. During subsequent visits, all they’ll have to do is provide their last name OR QR Code on one of the passes to get checked in.
  • Kids are free until they’re 3!
  • The Season Pass is non-transferable to other people.
  • Season passes may not be used for classroom field trips.
  • Season Passes are valid for farm admission events only. Season Passes are not valid for classes, horse activities, camp, or kids programs.

Season Pass purchase info …

  • A Season Pass is $59.99 per person; admission is required for ages 3 & older. This cost is for all individuals; children, adults, and senior citizens.
  • Season Passes are valid for one calendar year, January through December of the year purchased.
  • Season Passes can be purchased for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, & other promotional events at https://vonthunsfarms.ticketspice.com/season-passes-2025
  • Season passes can also be purchased at our farm markets throughout the season.

Have questions?

Email Cindy@VonThunFarms.com and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!