J.L.Hawkins Family Farm

Most people think of produce when they hear the term CSA but the CSA offered by J.L. Hawkins Family Farm near North Manchester, Indiana is a full meal deal. Recently featured in the May/June 2008 issue of Farmers' Markets Today in an article titled "The Market is Hot for Good Chicken", Hawkins' CSA includes a weekly allotment of vegetables from May through October, 50 weeks of eggs, 20 pastured meat chickens, a fresh Thanksgiving turkey, half a grass fed hog, and a quarter finished grass fed beef. The farm also offers non-share sales of fresh and frozen turkey, pork, beef, and chicken. The CSA is so popular that 2008 shares have completely sold out but orders are now being taken for Thanksgiving turkeys and non-share meat sales.

A Lutheran minister, Jeff utilizes the 99 acre farm to help other ministers improve their leadership skills. He likens the care of the farm to the care of the congregation saying that both need to be sustainable and consciously cared for in similar ways.

As a farmer and an educator, Jeff has had to face many challenges over the years. But perhaps none as difficult as the loss of his mentor, best friend, and father, Glenn Hawkins who passed away earlier this year. The farm is now under the care of Jeff and his son Zach who continue Glenn's work as they face the first year without him by their side in the fields. Recalling how his father taught him how to work the land Jeff noted, "My Dad led by quiet example...he was a formidable presence in our lives." It is with faith and fond memories that Jeff now fills his father's shoes and moves forward to carry on his legacy at J.L. Hawkins Family Farm.

Second Photo: Jeff, Glenn, and Zach Hawkins