The Hooper Ranch is comprised of two parcels totaling 275.5 acres in a scenic agricultural area that supports orchards, row crops and grain crops. The primary use of this land is being used for the cultivation of field crops planted on a rotational basis. This property is located in Merced County and was permanently protected...Read More
We can’t think of a better way to appreciate farmland than painting it, while sipping on the fruits of it! It was girls night out, date night, and a whole lot of fun for everyone. What’s not to like about wine, food, and painting the sunset? A big thank you to our host – Bokisch Vineyards,...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.12″ gallery_ids=”4754,4752,4750,4762,4759,4757,4756,4776″ posts_number=”15″ hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” show_title_and_caption=”off” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12″] It was a crisp morning out at Steamboat Acres when Ms. Ming’s fourth grade class from Westwood Elementary arrived. The excitement on their faces said it all when they found out they got to take a ride through the farm on a wagon! The...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12″] Ms. Swartwood’s fourth grade class had a ton of fun learning about tree crops, pollination, hybrid breeding, composting and much more out at Steamboat Acres. They also got to pick their own ear of glass gem corn to husk and unveil the beautiful colors – they were anywhere from blue to...Read More
“Wow!” exclaimed Santiago Navarro, 9, at the sight of his multi-colored corn, minutes after picking it fresh off the corn stalk Tuesday morning at Steamboat Acres. He was visiting the Courtland farm with his Beckman Elementary School fourth-grade class while participating in the Field Trips on the Farm program. The picking of the corn was...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.12″ src=”https://cafarmtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Old-Aggie-1.jpg” /][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12″] “Old Aggie,” is an old 1938 International farm truck that was a symbol of Fresno State’s dedication to agriculture. Looking back, “Old Aggie” was rescued by Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State, from the wrecking yard in 1969 to be used for a raffle prize at a...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12″] It was a beautiful day out at Steamboat Acres where Ms. Troutner’s fourth grade class had a great time learning about different varietals of squash, experiencing the equipment used to plant corn, and understanding the importance of pollination. The class then went off to Raley’s where they went on a behind-the-scenes...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.12″] It was a beautiful day to visit Steamboat Acres for a field trip! Ms. Van Vranken’s fourth grade class had the fortunate opportunity to visit the beautiful delta to learn from farmer Michael. They learned about various types of squash, how to recycle even when building equipment and how to husk...Read More
Pumpkins & the Origin of Jack O’Lanterns California is one of the top five producers of pumpkins in the US. Nearly all California pumpkins are produced for the fresh market, sold directly to stores or right off the farm. Fresh market pumpkins are grown for the Halloween harvest and fall season. The most popular varieties...Read More
We scoured Pinterest for you, we tested recipes, and found our favorites for this seasonal flavor – Enjoy! Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice Ingredients: 3 Tbsp. Ground Cinnamon 2 tsp. Ground Ginger 2 tsp. Nutmeg 1-1.5 tsp. Ground Allspice 1-1.5 tsp. Ground Cloves Directions: In a small bowl, whisk everything together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg,...Read More
The Denis and Terri Prosperi Living Trust property is located in the beautiful Madera County. This property is comprised of roughly 93 acres of fruitful wine grape vineyards. The property was permanently protected in 2018 by an agricultural conservation easement.Read More
The Cecchini Farm is located in the beautiful Contra Costa County. Being in the family for over 70 years, this 520.7 acre easement is a great addition to our list. Cecchini Farm was permanently protected in 2017.Read More
The Denis Propseri Farms, Inc. property is located in Madera County. This 78.48 acres consists of many different wine grape varietals and is located on prime farmland. This property was permanently protected in 2018 by an agricultural conservation easement.Read More
The BF Cochrane Farm is located just west of the City of Stockton in San Joaquin County. This beautiful 125+ acre property is comprised of row crops. Some including alfalfa, tomatoes, grain and corn. The BF Cochrane easement was permanently protected in 2017.Read More
Honey, honey, honey, honey….honeeeyyy! So how do bees make honey anyway? As honey bees fly around to flowers doing the work of pollinating (a side benefit of the bees’ nectar collecting activities) they drink up the sweet nectar of all the flowers they visit – this can be over 1,000 flowers in one nectar gathering trip!...Read More
Honey-Orange Chicken… in your Buddha Bowl We know Buddha Bowls have become very popular for their ease and healthy ingredients, and we also know they are usually vegetarian: a grain, a green, and a bean. BUT, do they have to be? We made ours in honor of national honey month with Honey-Orange Chicken – and it...Read More
Machado Farm can be found in San Joaquin County and encompasses 156 acres of land. Currently the farm produces a bounty of fresh crops, including; walnuts, cherries, and peaches. This property has been protected by an agricultural conservation easement since 2015.Read More
Rows of colorful Freestone peaches line Espinoza Farm, located northwest of the City of Livingston in Merced County. After owning the property for four years, the Espinoza brothers decided to conserve their 78 acres of prime farmland through an agricultural conservation easement in 2018. The brothers continue to sell their peaches to Dole Foods, while...Read More
Kneppel farm is a 166 acre property that can be found in Sacramento County. This property is currently home to lucious timothy grass and alfalfa. This property has been protected by a conservation easement since 2013.Read More
Koehn Farm encompasses two properties located just south of Livingston in Merced County. Its prime soil supports rows of charming almond orchards. In June 2015, Koehn Farm was indefinitely protected by an agricultural conservation easement.Read More
AKT Santa Nella Farm is a beautiful property located just south of Los Banos in Merced County. A sea of wheat grass and row crops line its 178 acres of prime farmland. In July 2014, this land was forever protected by an agricultural conservation easement.Read More
Delicious, nutritious and CA-grown! Peach pie, peach cobbler, peach smoothie, peach sherbet, canned peaches at lunch, a peach cup for snack, a fresh, juicy peach on a hot summer day… If you are eating peaches, rest assured – they are home-grown right here in CA! California grows more peaches than the other 32 peach-growing states...Read More
Fresh Peach Sherbet Ingredients: 2 C milk 3/4 C sugar 1 envelope (1 tbls) unflavored gelatin 2 C sliced fresh CA peaches 1/2 C orange juice 2 tbls lemon juice Dash salt Directions: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and gelatin. Stir over low heat until sugar and gelatin are dissolved. Whirl milk mixture with...Read More
NEWS RELEASE: IMMEDIATE July 23, 2018 CONTACT: California Farmland Trust (916) 687-3178 info@cafarmtrust.org 96-year old farmer makes the family farm a forever farm ELK GROVE, CA: The California Farmland Trust (CFT) is honored to share that our friend, Mr. James Messick, has donated a conservation easement over his property in San Joaquin County so that...Read More
At the foot of Mt. Diablo lies Hannah Nicole Vineyards, a stunning farm located just east of the City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County. With clay-loam soil near the Sacramento Delta, these 40 acres produce well-flavored grapes, perfect for their accompanying winery. In June 2007, the land was forever protected with a conservation easement.Read More
July is pickle month! It is the time of year when your home-grown cucumbers are coming in, you picked some up at your local farmers market or grabbed some at the grocery… you must then make your own homemade refrigerator pickles because they are delicious and oh so easy to make! So for your next...Read More
Preston Ranch is a 140.5 acre farm dedicated to growing and canning tomatoes. This stunning piece of property has been protected under a conservation easement since December of 2009. Preston Ranch is located in Contra Costa County.Read More
The Meisner Farm is defined by 161 pristine acres and comprised by 3 protected farms. One of the farms mentioned protects the open landscape between Fresno and Madera, an area county proposed to keep an open space greenbelt. This property can be found 2 miles away from the nearest town and takes pride of the...Read More
Rows of colorful Freestone peaches line Espinoza Farm, located northwest of the city of Livingston in Merced County. After owning the property for four years, the Espinoza brothers decided to conserve their 78 acres of prime farmland through an agricultural conservation easement in April 2018. The brothers continue to sell their peaches to Dole Foods,...Read More
On Vierra Balfour Road lies 206 acres of protected farmland under an agricultural conservation easement. This property is in Contra Costa County and grows rotating row crops to promote soil health. The Vierra Balfour farm property has been protected since 2009.Read More
Kami-Grigsby farm is located east of the City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County. Its location in the greater San-Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta area ensures that the 132 acres of soil is prime for growing the farm’s cannery tomatoes and garlic. Since November 2011, the farm has been protected by an agricultural conservation easement.Read More
Stenzel Hoffman Ranch takes pride in the corn and tomatoes grown on their 166 acre property. This ranch is located within the boundaries of Contra Costa County. Stenzel Hoffman Ranch has been dedicated to conserving their land since placing an agricultural conservation easement on it in July 2012Read More
The Tamayo Hoffman Farm is located in Contra Costa County. On their 42 acre property, they are dedicated to growing sweet corn. This beautiful land has been protected under an agricultural conservation easement since 2011.Read More
Messick Farm is located in San Joaquin County, north of the town of Linden. Its beautiful 84 acres of prime farmland help sustain the farm’s cherry and walnut orchards, which have been in the family for multiple generations. Mr. Messick has a close connection to his riparian landscape and in June 2018 he ensured its...Read More
Concord Avenue Farm is located in Contra Costa County, southeast of the City of Brentwood. Organic row crops line this charming 20-acre farm full of prime agricultural land. With the hard work of the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust, this parcel has been protected by a agricultural conservation easement since January 2005.Read More
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] VrMeer Farm consists of 23 beautiful acres of prime farmland that has grown a variety of crops including apricots. To protect the land, an agricultural conservation easement was placed on the property by the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust in July 2006....Read More
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Payne Avenue Farm is located just southeast of the City of Brentwood in Contra Costa County. These lovely 10 acres of prime farmland serve as a walnut orchard and have been protected with an agricultural conservation easement since June 2006, thanks...Read More
We at CFT love guacamole, but we had never tried creamy guac before now! Up the nutrition factor of traditional guacamole even more with this easy recipe from the California Milk Advisory Board. INGREDIENTS: 1 package (8 Ounces) Real California cream cheese, softened 2 cups (16 Ounces) Real California nonfat plain yogurt, drained 4 whole...Read More
Ice cream, yogurt, cheese – wonderful cheese, milk, sour cream…yum-oh…and the list goes on. Not only do dairy cows provide all these delicious foods but these foods provide us with so much nutrition! Milk is the leading food source of nine essential nutrients in the diets of kids ages 2-18, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium,...Read More
The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) and the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) have merged to form one outstanding organization dedicated to serving more California farmers. BALT was formed in 2002 and CVFT in 2004, both land trusts’ missions focused on farmland protection and they each led flourishing programs within their respective regions of Contra...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Ag students from Liberty High School in Brentwood got an eye-opening look behind the scenes at Dwelley Farms. From climbing into the cab of a tractor for the first time, to learning about the myriad technologies used in farming, to discovering agricultural career opportunities other than farmer, the students walked...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] It was a beautiful Brentwood day at First Generation Farmers, where Ms. Torres’ fourth-graders got to enjoy a first hand farming experience. From wiggly worms, to clucking chickens, to gluttonous goats, the students were immersed in the farming life – many for the first time. Then they followed their food...Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Mr. Dix’s fourth grade class had acres of fun learning about worms, composting, greenhouses, produce preparation, identifying fruit trees, and edible landscapes. They also got to feed chickens and play with the goats at First Generation Farmers. After the farm experience, students got a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Raley’s...Read More
We love celebrating beef this month! Not just because it is good for you…and the land…but because you can make a super quick meal out of it. This pasta dish is a great twist on using ground beef without red sauce or some of the more typical ways to use this protein. We loved that...Read More
BEEF Summer BBQs are approaching, camping season is pretty much here, and beef is on the menu! May is officially beef month. This healthy, high protein food is good for you and good for the land – while cattle graze they turn low quality forage and other grasses into high quality protein we can eat....Read More
[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light”] Thank you to our friends at Project R.I.D.E. for hosting another fabulous Big Day of Giving party! And to everyone who came out, donated, and had fun with our team! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery _builder_version=”3.0.106″ posts_number=”10″ show_title_and_caption=”off” show_pagination=”off” gallery_ids=”4249,4248,4247,4246,4245,4243,4244″ fullwidth=”off” orientation=”landscape” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_layout=”light” pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Read More
Ms. Griggs’ fourth grade class had a fabulous time learning about composting, greenhouses, produce preparation, identifying fruit trees and of course – playing with chickens and goats at First Generation Farms. Then they went off to Raley’s for a behind-the-scenes tour of the store, learning about fresh versus frozen, how food is stored, and experiencing...Read More
April is officially garlic month. And why should we care? … California is the nation’s top producer of garlic, that’s why! Also, this month is the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival on April 19, located in the heart of garlic country here in CA. California produces over 90% of commercial garlic grown in the United States. Gilroy –...Read More
Super Simple Roasted Garlic Roasted garlic is savory and can be used in any number of dishes. The best thing about this recipe is you can start with it and by the time you are done with your main dishes and sides your delicious roasted garlic will be coming out of the oven ready to...Read More
“A recent merger between two land trusts focused on farmland protection has garnered support and hope from East County farmers. When Kathryn Lyddan, former executive director of Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT), left her seat to accept a position with the State Department of Conservation, the BALT board decided it was time to merge with...Read More
NEWS RELEASE: IMMEDIATE April 2, 2018 Introducing California Farmland Trust: Central Valley Farmland Trust and Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust merge to conserve more farms together Elk Grove, CA: The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) and the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust (BALT) have merged to form one outstanding organization dedicated to serving more California farmers. BALT was formed...Read More
We are so excited to bring you our latest Legacy in this beautiful, new format. It’s like reading our newsletter as a magazine online. We hope you love it! Spring Legacy 2018 PDF versionRead More
Bacon, eggs, and coffee were a great start to our Friends of Farmland event at Hilmar Cheese Company. Friends and supporters of the California Farmland Trust enjoyed breakfast and good conversation, followed by an interesting tour of the Hilmar Cheese facility. Attendees got to explore the interactive, hands-on exhibits about cows, dairies, and cheesemaking. Our...Read More
“More than 1,500 students, teachers and others from the greater Sacramento region converged on the grounds of the California Farm Bureau Federation in Sacramento to learn about agriculture by way of show and tell. Hosted by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom with the Dave Joerger Foundation, Sacramento Farm Day allowed fourth-, fifth-...Read More
Associate Director Melanee Cottrill and Program Assistant Troy Young had a great time volunteering at the first ever Sacramento Farm Day, hosted by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and the Dave Joerger Foundation. It was a perfect day on the grounds of the California Farm Bureau Federation, with over 1,500 students, teachers...Read More
We all know that a key to successful farming in California is rain. And rain it did today when we set up at Ag Day at the Capitol to share our mission and information alongside our colleagues from the Yolo Land Trust and American Farmland Trust. People in the huge crowd, despite the rain, enjoyed warm...Read More
Cherries are so much more than just delicious, sweet, naturally good snacks… they are healthy and pack a super food punch too. Here’s the Intel on Cherry Production and Health Benefits California is the second largest cherry producing state in the U.S. behind Washington. Farmers typically plant about 100 trees per acre. Pollination is essential for...Read More
Preserving the Past, Stewarding the Future The Brandstad Family grows cherries, walnuts, and olives on their farm in San Joaquin County. Their 150-year old farming legacy and a partnership with our land trust forever protected this special farmland in 2014 – and those cherries are still growin’. By protecting their farm, the Brandstads maintained their...Read More
Cherry Cream Cheese Pie with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust… to die for! • 1 chocolate graham cracker crust • ½ pint heavy whipping cream (DO NOT use Cool Whip or canned whipped cream – it’s not the same!) • 4 oz Philly Cream Cheese, softened (Do not microwave! Cream cheese gets too soft & ruins...Read More
Soups On! When the cold weather is here and it seeps into your bones, what better way to sit down and warm up than with a warm bowl of soup? Soup has long been considered the antidote to weary tired bodies from physical exertion or illness. The word soup itself derives from the French word...Read More
Three farms on deck for protection Funding conservation easements, those agreements we talk about that make farms stay farms forever – is a challenge because they are costly (think anywhere from $4,000 – 8,000 per acre, plus transaction costs). Fortunately, we have several tools to help us match our private funding with state money to...Read More
Special Welcome to Jim Jorgensen, New CVFT Board Member Jim Jorgensen, along with his sisters, Joanne and Janice, worked with Central Valley Farmland Trust nearly a decade ago to place a conservation easement on their 300-acre ranch in Gustine. The agreement permanently ensures their family land always remains a ranch in agriculture. Now, he is...Read More
December is Egg Nog Month (as well as root veggie month)… and why not learn to make the real stuff? With the holidays upon us, a little indulgence is well deserved! We love this recipe from Raley’s for an adult’s-only egg nog drink… simply remove the alcohol for a kid-friendly version – its still oh-so-yummy!...Read More
During December, we eat lots of special holiday dishes that include filled with memories and warmth. So, it’s a time to get back to our roots – root veggies, that is, because December is National Root Vegetables Month. What are root vegetables? Root veggies include beets, carrots, celery root, daikon, garlic, ginger, horseradish, Jerusalem artichokes,...Read More
As Long As We Have Enough Living and working on a conserved farm “I haven’t been anyplace that I enjoy more than here.” There is nothing but humble honesty in farmer Tom Ulm’s voice, nothing but sincerity in his eyes, as he admits his adoration for the family farm that five generations of Ulms have called home. Tom’s grandfather purchased the property outside Modesto in 1943. Back...Read More
We made a video to demonstrate why we do it – why we work tirelessly to protect the farms that feed our families… so our families can keep enjoying fresh California peaches around the kitchen table. Watch and see what is really happening all around us. 50,000 acres of farmland are paved over every year.Read More
Almond growing, pruning, harvesting, shelling, and packing is finally coming to a close on our last tour with farmer, John Ferrari. Don’t miss this final video where John shares the last processing steps before those almonds reach your store shelf. See the processing facility and hear from the processor as we follow that little almond...Read More
November is officially fig month in California – get’em and eat’em! Did you know that California produces 100% of the nation’s dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs? You should be eating these yummy, local treats more! Figs are great as appetizers (see the bacon wrapped ones we are sharing here), main dishes, snacks, and...Read More
Bacon-Wrapped California Figs with Maple Snakebite Glaze & Goat Cheese Dip Makes 12 servings. Ingredients 6 strips bacon, halved crosswise 12 Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid California Figs, stemmed 12 pecan pieces, toasted 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper Goat Cheese and Thyme Dip, recipe follows (optional) Directions...Read More
“Century-old pear trees bathed in the morning sunlight Wednesday as a school bus from Lodi Unified School District pulled up to Steamboat Acres, a family farm in Courtland, a small town located along the Sacramento River in the Delta. The farm is owned and run by the Neuharth family. The family has deeply rooted in...Read More
Putting the FIELD in Field Trip! What do you remember most about elementary school? Your desk? The playground? The math lessons? Or the field trips!?Read More
“Elk Grove’s Charlotte Mitchell is the new executive director of the Central Valley Farmland Trust, a nonprofit group that works to preserve agricultural land in the central San Joaquin Valley.” Read more here – This article was published in the Sacramento Bee on February 15th, 2017Read More
