At Vilicus Farms we do so much more than grow food. The CSSA program was developed to provide direct support for a system of life-giving land management practices that support all creatures. This is the service of stewardship.
Purchase Your Shares
Use the form to purchase your shares online. If you would rather send a check, please see our FAQ on how to do so.PRINTABLE INFORMATION PACKET
Why become a Shareholder?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES
Our stewardship work is our priority regardless of crop production. $100 supports land stewardship practices for one year.
Agricultural practices take a toll on the health of our planet. At Vilicus our farming philosophy centers on creating an agricultural system that looks to Earth’s natural ecosystems as a guide for land stewardship. We prioritize building soil health and creating habitat for native species to increase the resilience of our land in the face of a changing climate.
Community Supported Stewardship Agriculture (CSSA) was inspired by the associative economic principles of the CSA model. The CSSA program offers a more transparent alternative to buying carbon credits or other ecosystem service payment models. Shareholders build a direct connection with the farm and support our land stewardship practices that are otherwise uncompensated. CSSA Shareholders allow us to continue prioritizing what matters most. And to stay in business over the long run though climate variability.
Levels of support:
$100 - supports 1 acre of stewardship each year
Get access to our seasonal newsletter, artist collaborations, an official shareholdership certificate and thank you gift!
The classic! $100 for the stewardship of one acre is the idea that started it all! $100/acre is the base income necessary to cover the expenses we incur to provide the service of stewardship across the entire farm. Shareholders who support the stewardship of one acre or more will receive a shareholdership certificate, A personal thank you letter from our crew, seasonal newsletters to stay informed about stewardship activities, and learn more about organic agriculture, a thank you gift and access to annual artist collaborations inspired by the unique landscape of the northern great plains and Vilicus Farms!
$500 - supports 5 acres of stewardship each year
The above plus product from our farm or one of our partner farms
We’re bringing it back to its roots! The CSSA was originally inspired by the risk sharing principles of a traditional farm CSA. Shareholders who support stewardship of 5 or more acres will receive a product from our farm or one of our partner farms in our region. The product you receive will be a reflection of the climate, soil conditions, economic conditions, processing capacity, and other factors that impact us each year. Sharing risk and reward is a fundamental part of the CSSA model and one of our values as a farm!
$700 - supports 7 acres of stewardship each year
The above plus our annual crop rotations poster
Our 7 year crop rotation is fundamental to the land stewardship practices at Vilicus Farms! To honor this life giving work shareholders who support the stewardship of 7 or more acres will receive our annual crop rotations poster! Crop rotations help us to build soil and create conditions that mimic a natural ecosystem.
$1000 - supports 10 acres of stewardship each year
The above plus a tree in our hedgerow dedicated in your name
Hedgerows that border our fields help to protect our crops from wind erosion, increase soil moisture by catching snowfall, and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Vilicus Farms is currently working on a project in partnership with The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and Mad Agriculture to add three miles of hedgerows to our farm. Shareholders who support the stewardship of 10 or more acres of stewardship will have a tree dedicated to them in our new hedgerow! Tree planting begins in October 2023 and an interactive map of the farm marking the location of your tree will be available then.
$5000 - supports 50 acres of stewardship each year
The above plus a weekend visit to Vilicus Farms
Part of the reason we created the CSSA program was to grow our community and give our shareholders an opportunity to learn more about the workings of our farm! Shareholders who support the stewardship of 50 or more acres will have the opportunity to visit our farm in person! Enjoy a 2 night stay in the Sarah H Baker memorial writers cabin, just a stones throw from farm HQ with stunning panoramic views of the Bearpaw Mountains, and endless fields and sky. You will be treated to a gourmet dinner with our crew, a private farm tour, and the opportunity to participate in seasonal farming activities!