Survey Says (ding)

Results of the survey given by MBA students at UNI are in and we thought we'd share some of the results and ask for thoughts.

Favorite Produce:

• Tomatoes
• Green Beans
• Kale
• Eggplant/Summer Squash/Lettuce (tie)

Trouble Figuring out How to Use:

• Swiss Chard
• Kohlrabi
• Kale
• Pok Choi
• Arugula

What does this tell us?  Well, for one, kale is a love/hate relationship with CSA members!  But, it encourages us to have more recipes on site to hand to everyone.  We're working on having these ready before the season starts this year.  Most years, we just can't seem to find the time.  This year, we'll make the time.

Satisfied with the CSA?

• 66% indicated that they were satisfied (overall) with the CSA
• 47% were satisfied with portion sizes and 28% were not

 Frankly, we don't like these numbers.  But then, *we* weren't satisfied with the portion sizes ourselves.  So, it's what we have to expect for a year like last year.  And, failure to give portion sizes that people desire results in lower overall satisfaction numbers.  No quarrels with that.  ON THE OTHER HAND, many indicated that they understood fully that the CSA is an investment in the farm and that a bad year is...well...a bad year.  None of us were happy that it was a bad year.  Of course Tammy and I would like to blow you away with so much good stuff you can't stand it.  That's the goal for 2011.

Getting what you paid for?

• 55% said they got less than they paid for in 2011

And again, it's the way the season went.  On the other hand, we did do a market analysis again this year.  The value of crop offered (using farmers' market pricing) to standard shares was $294.  A standard share cost $325.  So, why did it seem so low?  It's because in other years we give a value that would be more equivalent to approximately $450 (or more) in veg for the $325 price tag.  That's actually the number we aim for when we plan - to give 1/3 to 1/2 again the value paid to our CSA members.

Would you rather get a smaller amount of veg X every week - or more of veg X every other week?

• 55% said the smaller amount every week is to their liking.  31% opted for the roller coaster.

Communications:

• The weekly emails were appreciated (80%)
• We have 9 responders who read the blog (9%)
• 1 asked for a paper newsletter - but this is a bit unfair to participants who might have favored a paper copy since the questionnaire was online - with only a few mailed to those with no internet access.

Events:

• Most indicated knowledge of our events (Tom Sawyer Days and Festivals) 76 of 85 respondents
• But, 58 of 85 indicated that they have not attended an event.
• 12 indicated no interest in festivals and 10 no interest in TSDs
• 14 indicated that distance was an issue for them.

We respect that some folks don't want to participate.  We understand busy lives and respect decisions involving priorities of what to do with ourselves and our time.  But, the survey seems to indicate people WANT to be involved in these.  So, we need to find out what we can do to make it possible for those who might like to be there to actually be there.  Ideas?