One of the primary goals of Yokna Bottoms Farm is to promote the development of our local food economy. It is our belief that the we are in an early stage of a fundamental transformation of our entire national food production and distribution system. For us this transition is both beneficial and necessary for the future of our nation and our planet. In addition, we have found the climate and soil in much of North Mississippi is extremely well suited to 9 months of production of quality vegetable without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Local growers are rapidly learning how to use hoop houses and other techniques for expanding the growing season to provide year-around local produce. Considering that we are surrounded by large urban areas to the north (Memphis), west (Little Rock), south (Jackson and New Orleans) and east (Birmingham), there is remarkable potential for vegetable production to be a major growth segment in our local economy. In addition, there are huge opportunities for large markets at local universities, local school systems, and smaller local communities. The truth is we are surrounded by millions of people who need food. Given the quality of local food and the lowering of relative prices as the cost of oil and food transported over long distances increases, the future of local food is promising. For local markets to develop, however, we need enough established and large local producers to provide a high volume of consistently high quality produce.
For these reasons we are thrilled that there are now three local CSA farms providing food to the people of Oxford and Lafayette County: Woodson Ridge Farm, Old Thyme Farm, and Yokna Bottoms. Three years ago there were none in the Oxford area. All of these farms provide quality food at a reasonable and competitive prices. In addition, all of us are growing and expanding our production as rapidly as possible. While the three farms are engaged in healthy market competition, we also cooperate in many ways and we are working together to ensure that Oxford has a first class farmers market that will meet the needs of all producers and the people of Oxford. We encourage all people interested in local produce and wishing to be involved in a CSA to thoroughly investigate and compare each farm. This competition will make each of us stronger. Each farm offers unique products and services to the community. Old Thyme Farm is a family farm that provides seasonal CSA share options and includes assorted Certified Naturally Grown fruit from established and revitalized orchards along with a wide variety of Certified Naturally Grown vegetables; and, Old Thyme Farm also provides awarding winning heritage breed pasture raised pork as an option for CSA members. Woodson Ridge uses conventional farming practices and labor resources to produce a large volume of produce at a lower cost than naturally grown vegetables. Woodson Ridge also offers two 12 week CSA seasons. At Yokna Bottoms, we are a community farm that provides our CSA members with a choice (we distribute using a “market style” system that allows members to select the exact produce they prefer) of a large variety of the highest quality Certified Naturally Grown vegetables. We specialize, among other produce, in root crops (garlic, onions, carrots, beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes), 12 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, 6 varieties of okra, 10 varieties of peppers, and fall crops of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. We also now offer home or office delivery in Oxford and surrounding areas. In addition to the three current CSA farms, there are many additional local growers who sell their high quality produce directly to customers and at local farmers markets.
As our local food economy grows, the choices available to consumers will only increase. For now, we want to encourage everyone to shop, compare, and select growers who best meet the needs of their families and reflect their personal values; but most importantly, we want everyone in the Oxford/Lafayette community to buy local!














