By Judith Redmond, co-owner, Full Belly Farm
Climate change, and unusual weather may fall with a heavy hand on California agriculture: more frequent and more severe droughts; less water storage in the Sierra snowpack; increased pests and invasive species; heat waves; and reduced chill hours for fruit trees… all of which translate into fewer Full Belly peaches in your boxes? Yes, the peaches may be a problem, but because Full Belly is so diverse, we will try to pick up the slack with more melons and tomatoes.
Setting the Full Belly specifics aside for a moment, people who think a lot about climate change talk about “ADAPTATION” — learning to live with it and reduce our vulnerability – and “MITIGATION” – figuring out how to limit the magnitude and rate of climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
In agriculture, we have to do both – and our CSA members can help us.
By growing plants, farmers are using sunshine to combine CO2 from the air with water and minerals from the soil to produce food. Doesn’t this show that agriculture plays a role in reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases? Many scholars say “no.” Common agricultural practices, especially soil tillage, tend to return very significant amounts of CO2 to the air, thus people point to agriculture as a source of greenhouse gases rather than a sink.
On the other hand, the MARIN CARBON PROJECT has launched a “carbon farming program” that will apply compost to 100 acres of rangeland and monitor the long term results. PRELIMINARY RESEARCH INDICATES that carbon from the compost will move into deep soil storage quite quickly.
What if California agriculture, facing a converging web of challenges, is not able to cope, and we see more land fallowed (already water shortage has resulted in significant fallowing of Central Valley land), and more land turned over to city slickers? A 2012 study by UC Davis researchers found that in Yolo County, urban development generates 70 times more greenhouse gas emissions than irrigated cropland.
What this ground-breaking study proved, was that protecting agricultural land, keeping it in farming, may be the very best strategy there is for preventing climate change. In response to these points made by farmers, scientists, and their non-profit organization allies, the state of California launched the first ever program to protect farmland in the name of mitigating climate change. The program is called the SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL LANDS CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, there are many practices that farmers can adopt in order to both mitigate and also prepare for climate change impacts: establishing perennial plants on any land that is not being cropped; reducing tillage; establishing hedgerows or other trees and shrubs on field edges; managing fertilization more carefully so as to reduce CO2 emissions; and much more. Now there is a piece of legislation, SB367, THE AGRICULTURE CLIMATE BENEFITS ACT, that if passed, may increase the number of farmers that use these climate-friendly practices.
This bill, by Senator Lois Wolk, will create a grant program to support on-farm climate-friendly practices, plus it will expand the California program dedicated to keeping agricultural land in agriculture. The grant program would support on-farm projects that incorporate soil-building practices; promote irrigation efficiency and water conservation; generate on-farm alternative energy and increase energy efficiency; and provide for wildlife habitat conservation. The bill is asking for $50 million from cap and trade funds to be dedicated to this effort. Full Belly Farm is supporting this bill. We hope that our CSA members will agree that it is a very exciting opportunity, and will support it as well.
The bill has passed through the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Environmental Quality Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. In late May or early June, it will be considered in the Appropriations Committee where the financial implications of allocating cap-and-trade funds to agriculture will be considered. After that, it will go to the full Senate, and we will need support every step of the way. You can send a letter of support, or provide other types of support for this bill. For ongoing information and updates, visit:HTTP://CALCLIMATEAG.ORG/SB-367/. The bill is co-sponsored by California Climate and Agriculture Network and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers.
— Judith Redmond, co-owner, Full Belly Farm
Thanks to CV Farm Shop of reposting the original article from the FBF newsletter.
We are gathered here today to rejoice and celebrate farmers and agriculture.
The art of farming immerses us in the natural world, the seen and unseen, the world of senses: smell, feel, hearing, touch, and especially taste. It teaches us about abundance in life and gratitude for all we have.
The art of farming is where we become seduced by the vision, the pictures of possibility present on the pages of a seed catalogue. Where we can fall into bed exhausted yet exhilarated. It teaches us hope for a future we can envision. It also teaches us that the present moment is all that truly exists.
The art of farming constantly reminds us that although we sometimes think we have it figured out, the uncertainty and wildness of the natural world breaks through this illusion and presents us with more unknowns yet to be discovered.
It teaches us that life, like the onion, has many layers of complexity and our life’s journey is to understand that we cannot know it all. It teaches us to have faith in the uncertainty.
The art of farming immerses us in the cycle of living and dying, the cycle of seasons, the solar and the lunar, the inter-relatedness of all life forms, the connection between the seed and the soil, the lamb and the ewe, the predator and the prey.
The art of farming immerses us in our human connection. The sower and the reaper, the producer and consumer, the employer and employee, the picker and the packer, the husband and wife, the adult and child. The art of farming teaches us to navigate these relationships with respect, honor, love, and kindness.
The art of farming immerses us in humility. It teaches us awe for the mystery of life. It teaches us to be prayerful before the Ground of all Being . To take our place as one of many players on this planet. It teaches us to be respectful of natural processes. It teaches us about beauty in the essence of all things, the butterfly, the flower, and the fungi.
The art of farming teaches us about the fragility of life. It can be changed and altered through our actions and inactions. It teaches us that we cannot sit on the sidelines and live out our days without speaking out to injustice. As farmers we know that justice to each other and the natural world is the true reality. It teaches us that the heart will not be at ease until all have a seat at the table of opportunity in life.
So, as we sit down to dinner today and enjoy this beautiful setting, let us partake of this wonderful meal prepared by many hands knowing that we are completing the cycle of the art of farming by consuming this food with thankful hearts. Please enjoy your meal and companionship.
Phone: 530-796-4983
Products: Almonds, Olive Oil
Lorenzo Taber and his family settled in the Capay Valley in 1867. In the years since, Tabers have grown wheat, barley, hay, chickens, sheep, cattle, pigs, grapes, plums, apricots, pears and pecans. Almond trees planted in 1890 are still productive; the olive trees planted in 1999 make excellent olive oil.
M, OFS, CVFS
Phone: 530-318-7128
Products: Heritage poultry, eggs and stone fruit
Hamba Kahle is a 22 acre farm, established by Mark and Cynthia Havstad in 1998. The farm name is a fond reminder of the many friends in South Africa who wished us well with the Zulu refrain “hamba kahle” – “be well”. It is also our hope for those who share our fruit and poultry – to be well.
CVFS
Phone: 650-906-6896
www.goldoakranch.com
Products: Certified organic Mandarin oranges, olive oil, walnuts, almonds
Gold Oak Ranch is a family-run farm. Owners David and Ann Scheuring have been farming for more than 40 years and are committed to sustainable agriculture techniques. Daughter Rachel oversees olive oil production
CVFS, M, R.
Phone: 530-312-1572
www.chowdownfarm.com
Products: Chicken, Lamb, Game (rabbits, game birds), Eggs
Established in 2008, Chowdown Farm is the oldest pasture-raised chicken farm in Yolo County. Kristy and her chef/partner Brian raise chickens, lamb, rabbit, guinea and pheasant in spacious out-door enclosures. Most of their meat and eggs are sold at local farmers’ markets. Not open to the public.
FM
Phone: 707-576-8849
www.capaygoldoliveoil.com
Products: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Capay Gold Olive Oil produces award winning olive oils from 10 acres. We strive to produce oil that is not readily available elsewhere and is specific to geographic areas in Spain. We only offer COOC certified Extra Virgin gourmet olive oil exclusively from the Capay Valley.
FM, R, M, CVFS
Phone: 530-662-2372
www.capaycanyon.com
Products: Almonds, Walnuts, Organic Flame Seedless Table Grapes and Raisins
Capay Canyon Ranch is a family owned and operated grower, huller/sheller and processor of almonds, walnuts and table grapes located on 210 acres. We have been growing almonds and walnuts since 1972 and organic table grapes since 1985. No on-farm sales or tours.
Leslie and Stan Barth, long time growers in the Capay Valley region, have operated Capay Canyon Ranch for forty years. Using conventional and sustainable production practices, Capay Canyon Ranch has nine permanent and five seasonal employees. At Capay Canyon Ranch, almonds, walnuts, grapes and raisins are grown on over 200 acres of land.
FM, R, M, CVFS
by Paul Muller
Ag. Task Force Chair and Capay Valley Grown Partner
There are many important crops grown in the Capay Valley Region. None may be more important than the one witnessed by many in this community in Spring. Our area has a couple of important varieties of this crop. The first is most likely to be spied on the first weekend in May. Blooming beautifully in starched whites and green caps, each individual is a unique and wonderful expression of the place where it was grown and nurtured. The date of their appearance is not changed even in wet or difficult years. What is this crop? Why, it is the new crop of youth in agriculture.
Every year, for as far back as many in the community can remember, folks have been impressed by the poise, character, and enthusiasm of 4-H ers at the annual spring show. The weekend featured local youth in clean show whites, displaying the results of months of feeding, preparation and caretaking. Pigs, calves, sheep and rabbits were primped, scrubbed and shorn, and made sleek for show. The weekend is a social event, where local youth exhibit not only the product of their labors but also demonstrate the pride and knowledge gained from doing a job well. The 30 local young people participating were aided by adult leaders who helped to guide the experience, but the real work of the weekend was done by our youth, as they presented the results of their labor, cleaned stalls, competed for showmanship awards, answered questions, and shared their experience of completing their project.
The weekend of the Spring Show culminates in a sale on Sunday. A number of businesses from the Esparto- Capay Valley Region were present at the sale to support local youth. The prices received for project animals reflected our community commitment to encouraging the whole process of gaining experience and responsibility by seeing a project to completion. There is a valuable type of knowledge gained when working with one’s hands or with a living animal, – it is the essential understanding of process and responsibility. 4-Hers reflect the confidence gained by being well prepared and having a relationship with real time. Animals grow only so fast, and they only thrive if they are well cared for. The local 4-Hers are a crop of characters. We can be proud of their accomplishments.
Phone: 916-716-5333
www.taberranch.com
Products: wine, olive oil, pomegranate balsamic vinegar
Taber Ranch Vineyard & Event Center is located on a 500 acre working ranch. It is a distinctive and versatile venue offering a beautiful garden path, koi pond, lawn areas, our 70 year old rustic, yet elegant barn, a babbling brook and a panoramic view of the valley from atop our Wedding Hill providing a spectacular background for your wedding or event. Tours by appointment.
EV, T
Phone: 530-796-3714
Products: figs, eggs, okra, peppers, stone fruit, goat cheese, garlic, persimmons
Our goal is to provide the healthiest food possible for our children and our community. We produce most of our own food and sell or trade the surplus. We are inspired by native peoples and the permaculture movement. Visits by appointment only please.
FM, OFS, CVFS, T
Phone: 530-507-8811
www.rumseyhouse.com
Products: Bed and Breakfast Inn, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, flowers, eggs, honey
Camilla Barry has taught hands-on science and nature classes for 25 years. She now tends bees, chickens, ducks, and grows nuts and flowers at her Rumsey House B&B, set in a 2-acre walnut grove. On-farm sales, tours, plant walks and classes by appointment. See website for lodging info.
L, OFS, T
Phone: 530-796-2124
Facebook: Rumsey Farms
Products: Organic Olive Oil, Citrus, Pomegranates
Rumsey Farms is a small, organic, biodiversity and wildlife-friendly family farm, producing extra-virgin olive oil from a variety of French and Italian trees. Many friends participate in the harvest, share food and drink, work hard and go home with a centered feeling. Open for sales, farm tours and participation in late fall olive harvest by appointment only.
R, M, OFS
Phone: 530-796-0775
Website TBD
Products: Medicinal and culinary herbs, flowers, specialty crops
An experimental, experiential micro farm practicing both modern and traditional farming standards. Fresh nutraceutical plant focus; food as medicine, medicine as daily diet. We use no restricted inputs as stated by National Organic Program; non-certified, Home-Grown-Just-Like-You-Would.
R, T
Phone: 530-796-4676
www.Gettleshtetl.com
Products: Organic Olive oil, fruit, walnuts, vegetables
We have a small orchard with which we handcraft a Tuscan blend of extra virgin olive oil. We ship Olive Oil and Walnuts, and sell at a few local festivals. We also raise 30 varieties of fruits and have vegetables year-round from our garden and greenhouse. We are more homestead than commercial farm. Come join our Olive Harvest Party in October. Modern suburban homesteading tours available by appointment. Please call or email.
M, OFS, T
Phone: 530-796-3799
Products: Certified organic Navel oranges, walnuts, vegetables, gourds
Blue Heron Farm has been growing organic oranges, walnuts, tomatoes, squash and hard shelled gourds since 1983. Gretchen’s prize-winning Dream Gourds are crazy beautiful and she’s proud and happy to show and sell. Just call ahead to make sure she’s home. Raw gourds also available, but not in huge quantities.
FM, R, CVFS, T, OFS
Phone: 530-796-4733
www.starroseranch.com,
Products: Olive Oil, Heritage Livestock and Poultry
A small-scale integrated farm producing hand harvested extra virgin olive oil, Dexter cattle, St. Croix Hair Sheep, American Guinea Hogs, Dorking and Delaware chickens. We practice humane stewardship and rotationally graze our animals on grass pastures. Instruction on heritage breeds of livestock and poultry by appointment. Olive picking at harvest. Olive Oil tasting.
T, OFS
Phone: 530-796-4100
www.riverdogfarm.com
Products: diversified organic produce, pastured pigs, eggs, meat birds, nuts and fruit.
Pumpkin Harvest party each October. Check website for events.
Riverdog Farm started in 1990 as a 2 acre market garden, and is now a 500 acre certified organic farm growing a wide array of vegetables, fruits, nuts, pastured hens and hogs, co-owned and operated by Trini Campbell and Tim Mueller. The farm runs year-round, employing 80 people.
The seasonal, organic produce is available through Riverdog Farm’s Organic Veggie Box Delivery Program (weekly boxes delivered to your neighborhood), wholesale distributors, select retail markets, and at all Berkeley Farmers’ Markets.
FM, CSA, CVFS, R, T
Phone: 530-902-5251
www.pasture42.com
Products: dairy, eggs, meat, olive oil, soap, balsamic vinegar
Located on thirty-two acres of pasture, we are a small-scale family farm dedicated to sustainable farming practices. Tours and picnicking available by appointment; $5 per person, minimum 5 people.
FM, R, M, T
Phone: 707-845-9749
Facebook: “Leap Frog Farm”
Products: mixed vegetables, certified organic
Leap Frog Farm is a 3 acre organic farm, growing unusual and delicious heirloom vegetables and fruits in a manner that is the most sustainable possible for the environment and its inhabitants. Open for tours during special events.
FM
casarosafarms@gmail.com
www.casarosafarm.com
Products: Organic extra virgin olive oil, grass fed beef, lamb & poultry, eggs, fruits, nuts, jams, vinegars, honey, wool products, yarn
We are a 60 acre certified organic diversified family farm. Open 11 a.m – 3 p.m. for the Capay Valley Almond Festival in February, from 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday for the Hoes Down Harvest Festival in October. We offer camping for festival goers. Winter olive harvest dates and open farm days – please email for info.
CVFS, FM, M, OFS, R, T
Phone: 530-796-2180
www.capayoaksfarm.com
Products: Olive Oil
Capay Oaks Farm is a small family farm, producing 100% Arbequina olive oil. We hand pick our olives with friends and family in the late fall and usually have our new oil bottled and available by late December or early January. Tour and tasting by appointment.
M, CVFS, R, T
Phone: 530-796-3723
www.wintercreekranch.com
Products: organic English walnuts
Our first commercial harvest of 3,600 pounds of English walnuts was in 1991. We’re a small-time operation – lots of work for the 2 of us, but we don’t aspire to a huge “factory” farming operation. Small group tours of orchard, flower and herb garden by appointment, one week advance request.
FM, R, CVFS, T
Phone: 530-680-6849
www.skyelarkranch.com
Products: Grass fed lamb, pasture-raised Berkshire pork, chicken, and eggs, wool and lamb pelts
Skyelark Ranch is operated by Alexis and Gillies Robertson with varied amounts of help and hindrance from our two Border Collies. We practice and promote ethical animal husbandry and regenerative landscape stewardship, raising our livestock humanely in balance with the land, our community and our environment.
FM, R, CVFS, T
Phone: 916-549-0812
www.capayfoodforest.com
Products: Peaches, pomegranates, cherries, mulberries, figs, persimmons, Asian pears, vegetables, syrup, sauce, medicinal plant tinctures
Capay Food Forest is a farm and ecological restoration project started in 2013. Using permaculture principals and biomimicry, we have begun to shape a farm that is inclusive of the surrounding landscape. We foster diversity and a productive food ecosystem.
M, T
Phone: 530-796-3005 or 530-796-0574
Products: Almonds, pomegranates, olives for oil
Two sisters and two brothers-in-law with Midwestern farm roots purchased this property. Almonds were already growing here, and with local advice we decided to plant olives and pomegranates on this great “terrior”. Tours available by appointment, especially if visitors would like to learn and help harvest pomegranates in late October.
FM, R, CVFS, T
Phone: 530-796-0000
www.grumpygoatsfarm.com
Products: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
We have planted 1390 olive trees, choosing varieties that yield robust, intense oil, such as Coratina and Picual. We harvested our first olives in November 2010. We use conservation practices including native plant hedgerows, cover crops and drip irrigation. Pick your own olives for curing and help with the harvest in October, November. Contact us for details.
FM, M, R, T, OFS, CVFS
 Phone: 530-787-3187
www.goodhumus.com
Products: Certified organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, dried fruit, jams & teas.
Annual public events include a Plant Sale in April, a Peach Party in August, and a Pumpkin Picnic in October. Check website for details and dates. Tours available by appointment, with a minimum of $100 per tour.
Good Humus Produce is a small family farm, owned and run by Jeff and Annie Main. We farm 20 acres of certified organic land in a little valley called the Hungry Hollow in Northern California. We started farming in 1976 after we both graduated from UC Davis and decided we wanted to start something BIG. The love of growing food, living on the less traveled path and doing something meaningful came from generations of strong-minded individuals. Cooperation, communities, social change, food movement and land stewardship have been our guiding beliefs in one form or another since the 1970’s.
Our farm family includes our three children, Zachary, Alison, and Claire, our dogs Molly and Bean, and uncountable cats. Our close friend and partner Francisco Montez has been with us since 1980. Our farmhands team include folks who have been with us for many years, as well as folks who spend a few seasons interning with us.
Our windbreaks and the golden rolling hills dominate our landscape. In our eight 2 1/2 acre fields are mixed orchards, mixed California native hedgerows, cover crops, annual and perennial herbs and flowers and vegetables. With the knowledge handed down from our parents and grandparents we also produce unique jams and jellies made from our own fruit and herbs, dry tons of our fruit in the California sun, and make wreaths from the dried herbs and flowers.
CSA, CVFS, FM, R, T
Phone: 530-796-3738
15875 State Hwy 16, Capay, CA 95607
www.capayvalleybedandbreakfast.com
Capay Valley bed and breakfast is a family owned and operated bed and breakfast. We have two cottages and three rooms in the old farmhouse (renovated in 2003). We serve a full breakfast with a lot of organic ingredients and fresh roasted organic coffee
L, T
Phone: 530-796-6009
www.farmfreshtoyou.com
Products: Diversified organic fruits and vegetables
Capay Organic & Farm Fresh To You is an organic farm and home & office delivery program connecting families with the farms that grow their food. We offer seasonal farm tours and host three large events: Cinco de Mayo, Capay Tomato & Capay Crush. Event schedule online. Tours by appointment. Contact: events@farmfreshtoyou.com. Our event facility is available to book for weddings and private events.
CSA, CVFS, FM, R, OFS, T, EV
Phone: (530) 507-8222
www.chorganicalmonds.com
Products: Organic Raw Almonds, Organic Raw Almond Butter, Organic Smoked Almonds
Brian and Gretchen Paddock started a small organic almond orchard in 2010. Our farm is unique; we manually harvest the almonds onto tarps. This virtually eliminates any chance of salmonella and therefore we offer a safe, legal unpasteurized product.
M, OFS, T
www.derwyddalpacas.com
Products: Alpacas, raw Alpaca fleece
At Derwydd Alpacas, Jan Davis and her daughter Dale raise 70 alpacas. Jan has a passion for raising and breeding Alpacas, and has become known as an owner who strives to breed alpacas of superior quality fiber and soundness. She is a tireless supporter of the alpaca industry. Tours available for interested buyers only.
OFS, T
Phone: (530)-787-3390
www.durstorganicgrowers.com
Products: certified organic asparagus, tomatoes, melons, squash, alfalfa, grain
We are a fourth generation family farm with approximately 500 acres under drip irrigation with a rotation of vegetables, alfalfa hay and grain. We sell into the wholesale and retail markets across the country but primarily on the West coast. We began farming organically in 1988 and pay special attention to soil and plant health, employee welfare, food quality, and food nutrition and flavor. Group tours can be arranged by appointment only, and are only offered twice each month.
T, R, CVFS
Phone: (530)-787-4444
www.fhfevents.com, www.freeheartfarm.com
Products: Almonds, Life-celebrating events
Freeheart Farm is an active family farm producing conventionally-grown almonds. We have a permitted event center with a small lake and vineyard, lavish bathroom facilities, a large cement pad, an abundance of green grass, fountains, fire pit, beautiful rose garden and flowers. Event center shown by appointment only. Events, such as fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, corporate related events, birthday parties and other live celebrating events may be scheduled from May through October.
EV, R
Phone: (530) 787-3884
dskhalsa@gmail.com
Products: Organic citrus, stone fruit, figs, persimmons, grapes, pomegranates
Didar Singh Khalsa and Didar Kaur Khalsa have grown
fruit organically on their 14 acres since 1980, with the trees inter-planted in a haphazard way to limit insect and disease pressures. Voted Best Farmers’ Market stand by the East Bay Express in 2012. Tours by appointment.
FM, T
Phone: (530) 787-4744
www.historicoakdaleranch.com
Products: Walnuts, almonds, Event venue for rent
This Historic Oakdale Ranch venue is part of the Stephens Oakdale Ranch, which was established in 1850. The original homestead, built in 1852, is still used by the Stephens family today. The event venue is an all outdoor area surrounded by production walnut and almond orchards and a 1-acre pond. We host community events, weddings, and reunions. No drop-in visitors please. Tours for event rentals only.
EV
Phone: (530) 787-3044
John Foster Apiaries(BZ-Bee) is a quality breeder of Carniolan and Italian Queen bees. With a central valley location in the town of Esparto California, BZ-Bee enjoys the moderate climate of the Northern Sacramento region and easy access to clients throughout California and the West Coast. The Sacramento Valley region is perfect for Bee Keeping and the climate demands of breeding quality queens.
John Foster is owner and operator of the family business started years earlier by his father Walt Foster. Along with his wife and children, John oversees his 10,000 + hives and enjoys the demands and rewards of the BeeKeeping industry.
OFS, CVFS, R
by Harmon Taber
Capay Valley Grown Partner
Capay Valley Grown is an emblem of the bountiful and diverse agriculture of a special place. As Cache Creek flows out of its canyon, through our valley and on toward the Sacramento River, it passes through a watershed full of wild animals, birds, native trees, shrubs, vines, and wildflowers. It also runs by and helps support a dazzling array of livestock, poultry, fields of vegetables and flowers, grain crops, orchards and vineyards. And a few weeds and pests, too.
This rich kaleidoscope of Nature’s gifts and human endeavor is tended by a diverse bunch of people who care strongly about the land on which they live and the quality of the products they offer to those who eat the food, drink the wine, use the fibers, and enjoy the flowers.
One reason to speak of a kaleidoscope is to evoke the many elements that make up a view of the Capay Valley — seeing all the varied plants, animals, soils, waterways, and workers produces a complex and compelling pattern.
Another reason for the kaleidoscope metaphor is what it shows about change. A twist of the wrist and the pattern inside the kaleidoscope is profoundly different. Yet that new pattern is made up from the very same elements as the old one, we just see them from a new perspective. In a similar way, although the image of the Capay Valley has changed through the last 150 years, the patterns have been made out of (mostly) continuing elements.
More than one hundred years ago, there were many acres of fruit trees at Tancred. Those trees are long gone (well, Tancred is too,) but there are still fruit trees in the Valley, and acres of young trees planted near Esparto. The Almond Festival was started in 1915, a time when hundreds of acres of almond trees filled the Capay Valley and the seeming overflow almost surrounded Esparto. Over time, most of those trees have been pulled out, but some remain and there have been new almond plantings in recent years. Black walnuts are a native tree, but the many “English” walnuts are newer elements in the picture.
Cattle have been here a long time, coming with the Europeans, but their look has changed over time. One hundred and fifty years ago there were not many sheep in the area, eighty years ago there were a lot, and today there are still some around (and a few alpacas.) Years ago, every homestead had a chicken coop; now the chickens are located more strategically.
There used to be a winery between Capay and Brooks because there were lots of grapes nearby. Pests and Prohibition took them away, but now wine grapes are again planted in several vineyards. It may be hard to believe after the freezing temperatures of this past January, but there are several spots (at the ends of the Valley) where wonderful Navel oranges have consistently thrived.
On the back page of this flyer is a list of Capay Valley Grown partners that gives this moment’s kaleidoscopic view of the great variety of products available from these orchards, vineyards, ranches and organic farms. The passage of time will undoubtedly change that view, but change and new perspectives are nothing new in the Beautiful Capay Valley.
Phone: 530-796-2350
bigredfarmscapay@gmail.com
Products: Olive oil
We are a local Guinda family. We planted our first 1,000 Arbequina olive trees in 2006, and 120 Piqual olive trees in 2013. Every year our olive trees have produced award winning olive oil in the Yolo County Fair Olive Oil Competitions.
OFS, R, T
www.bloomranch.com
Products: Walnuts, almonds
We are the 7th generation of Bloom family of farmers in the Capay Valley. We manage all aspects of our own orchards. We plant, irrigate, prune, mow, fertilize, harvest, hull and shell nuts with our customers’ families in mind. Locally, products available at Cache Creek Casino Mini Mart, the Guinda Corner Store, and through our website.
R, M
 3430 Madrone Street, Rumsey, CA 95679
530-796-2239
www.cachecreeklavender.com
Products: Fresh lavender, soaps, lotions, essential oil, more. Lavender thrives in this Mediterranean climate, so similar to its native habitat in southern Europe. We are a small family farm, with all our products lovingly handmade at our farm.
Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (visitors welcome, best to call first to let us know)
FS, FM, R, T, CVFS
 13757 Highway 16, Brooks, CA 95606
530-796-4110
www.capayvalleyvineyards.com
Products: Wine, accoutrements, local products, Vineyard planted in 1998. Wines are all produced from our own grapes, sustainably grown.
Varietals: Sparkling Viognier, Viognier, Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
Hours: Tasting room open Sat, Sun 12-5 p.m. Picnic tables available.
TR, M, R, CVFS
 16090 County Road 43, Guinda, CA 95637
530-796-2214
www.fullbellyfarm.com
Products: We raise a diverse range of certified organic fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, grains, sheep, laying hens, pigs, goats and cows on 450 acres.
We offer comprehensive farm tours and child focused experiences, monthly Farm Dinners (April to September), and free public open farm days. We host private events (year round) and the annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival (first weekend in October).
Hours: Farm Stand open Fri, 2 – 5 p.m.
Full Belly has been farmed using organic practices since 1985 and is certified by California Certified Organic Farmers.
The farm owners are Andrew Brait, Paul Muller, Judith Redmond, and Dru Rivers. With help from about 25 to 30 employees, the farm produces an amazing diversity of vegetables, herbs, nuts, flowers, and fruits year-round. The farm also has a flock of chickens, a herd of sheep, and several cows.
Full Belly’s system includes: growing and marketing over 80 different crops; providing year-round employment for farm labor; using cover crops that fix nitrogen and provide organic matter for the soil; developing innovative marketing strategies; and planting habitat areas for beneficial insects and wildlife. This set of strategies allows the farm to integrate farm production with longer-term environmental goals.
Full Belly products are marketed both wholesale and retail. We sell to restaurants, at farmers markets and through a Community Supported Agriculture project, or CSA. Both the CSA and the farmers markets forge a direct connection between the farm and the people who buy and eat its produce. Through the CSA, individuals can receive a weekly share of produce through the year. By belonging to the CSA, members support organic farming practices that are healthful for people and the environment. They also have the opportunity to eat the freshest, most nutritional produce available.
CSA members receive boxes of fresh produce delivered to convenient neighborhood locations in the East Bay, South Bay, and San Rafael, as well as in Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and Esparto. For a small additional fee, boxes can also be delivered right to a member’s door on Tuesday and Wednesday in selected East Bay locations.
Full Belly is also home to many outreach activities, including educational tours, school group visits, and the much-acclaimed annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival. The Hoes Down Festival celebrates rural life and educates the public about growing food in a sustainable manner. Through such programs to the general public, Full Belly seeks to create awareness of farm realities and to stress the importance of farms in the fabric of our society.
FS, FM, CSA, R, CVFS, T, EV, M, OFS
 25838 County Road 21A, Esparto, CA 95627
530-787-3228
www.manasranch.com
Products: apricots, cherries, peaches, apples, citrus, jam. We grow and sell fresh sweet produce of the highest quality, flavorful and free of insecticides. Visit our store, where we also sell local Capay Valley grown produce, honey and nuts, and our own award-winning jams.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. June – Oct; view fruit sorting & packing June – Aug
Our goal is to provide the best and freshest quality produce direct to the consumer for the greatest eating experience. Apparently that pays off, because in the mid 90’s, an article was written about our ranch in Sunset Magazine, identifying Manas Ranch peaches as The Best Peaches in the West. We liked that, and made it our motto!
We grow apricots, cherries, and five different varieties of peaches, and we are looking at adding other new varieties of stone fruits in the future.
We strive to produce the best tasting fruit there is. All of our fruit is grown insecticide-free. Instead of spraying chemicals, we utilize an integrated pest management system that has “good” bugs waging war on the bugs that would damage the orchard.
FS, M, CVFS
 24727 County Rd 22, Esparto, CA 95627
530-661-3005
Products: Tomatoes, onions, vegetables, figs, olive oil, almonds, walnuts.
Our farm has been in the Motroni family since the 1930s. Our farm stand opened in 2005, with people coming back every year from as far away as Ukiah, Willits and the Bay Area.
Hours: Farm stand open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days/week, June – Oct
FS, OFS
 19326 County Rd 78, Brooks, CA 95606
530-681-7420
www.sekahills.com
Products: Olive oil, wine, Balsamic vinegar, honey
For thousands of years, Native American people have lived in the oak forests, rolling hills and grasslands of California’s Capay Valley. Today, with more than 11,000 total acres in production, we own one of the most diverse farming operations in Yolo County. We are proud to share the bounty of this land through our estate grown wines, extra virgin olive oil, wildflower honey and organic produce. Olive Mill Tour by appointment.
Hours: Tasting room opening fall 2014. Please check website for details.
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