Madera County Farm Bureau and Central Valley Farmland Trust invite you to a special Gathering at Toca Madera Winery, Friday, November 18 from 4-7pm. In celebration of CVFT beginning work in Madera County, the Madera County Farm Bureau is co-hosting a free gathering that will provide opportunities for local farmers and others to learn about...Read More
An Evening at the Carnegie brought to you bypresents our first ever LIVE Auction! Below is a selection of the items that will be on the auction block during the exciting and fast-paced LIVE auction during our An Evening at the Carnegie event on Saturday, October 1, 2016 to benefit the Central Valley Farmland Trust. Have you bought...Read More
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016: Sacramento’s FARM TO FORK FESTIVAL We are partnering with Raley’s Family of Fine Stores on an exciting new adventure to share with as many people as possible about where their food comes from! On Saturday, September 24, 2016 in downtown Sacramento we will be hosting an interactive booth...Read More
YOU DID IT! Together, we raised over $25,000 in just over 24 hours. Thank you! Farmland Wins! Join us next year for the BIG Day of Giving in May 2017. “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill HUGE Thank you to:Read More
Donate to Central Valley Farmland Trust every time you shop at Amazon Smiles! Its a win-win! For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/77-0566494Read More
What is the Top Non-Green Veggie? Sweet potatoes, of course! Over the last several years sweet potatoes have seen resurgence in demand as consumers learn more ...Read More
Planned Giving By Margaret Heiser Fulton, Certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization There are many ways in which you can make a gift to support the CVFT ...Read More
20,000 Acres – Here we Come! By John Herlihy, CVFT Board Member I have been involved in agriculture since high school. I did not grow up on a farm, but since high school have been involved either from the animal side or crop side ...Read More
Ag Conservation Easements – A Challenging Process, but There’s Hope! By Bill Martin, Executive director, Central Valley Farmland Trust The Central Valley Farmland Trust exists because of an overarching concern for the rapid depletion of prime irrigated farmland in the ...Read More
Lemon Curd Ingredients (makes 2 cups) 3 eggs 1 cup white sugar 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup butter 2 teaspoons lemon zest Directions 1. Whisk eggs, sugar, and lemon juice in a double boiler over simmering water until mixed well, then continue to stir until thick, 7 to 10 minutes. 2. Drain through...Read More
Ingredients 3 large beets, tops trimmed 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks Olive or canola oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Directions 1. Wrap the beets in foil and roast them in the oven at...Read More
Editor’s note: This is the last article in a three-part series to appear in the Legacy on drought and other challenges farmers face that can be mitigated through a nutrition-based management approach. Our primary contributors ...Read More
Preserving the Past, Stewarding the Future: The Brandstad Family has already conserved 175 acres of their family property and now the remaining 158 acres are in the final stages of completion – on its way to a forever-farm ...Read More
Editor’s note: This is the first article in a three-part series to appear in the Legacy on drought and other challenges farmers face that can be mitigated through a nutrition-based management approach. Dr. Thomas T. Yamashita (“Dr. Tom”) has a Ph.D. in plant pathology and over 30 years of research and ...Read More
Editor’s note: This is the second article in a three-part series to appear in the Legacy on drought and other challenges farmers face that can be mitigated through a nutrition-based management approach. Dr. Thomas T. Yamashita (“Dr. Tom”) has a Ph.D. in plant pathology and over 30 years of research and experience on the topic....Read More
Walnut Pesto ½ cup broken walnuts 1 large clove of garlic, chopped 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup packed Italian Leaf parsley ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Directions: Finely chop the walnuts and garlic in a food processor. Add ½ the basil and the...Read More
Chicken Pesto Pasta 12 oz. pasta of your choice 3 cups combined basil and romaine leaves 1/3 cup nuts (pine, almonds, walnuts or pecans) 2-3 cloves garlic ½ cup shaved or grated parmesan ½ cup olive oil 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes 12-16 oz. bag grilled chicken strips Directions Cook pasta according to package directions. Make...Read More
12 to 16 tomatoes, peeled 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 2 cloves crushed garlic (or ¼ tsp. garlic powder) 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. pepper ½ cup olive oil or salad oil 2 tsp. prepared mustard 2 Tbsp. Tarragon and Red Vinegar Core and slice tomatoes ¼ to ½ inch thick, reform...Read More
(Serve with California Quesadilla) 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. Tabasco sauce, or season to taste Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Cover and chill until ready to use. Makes 1 ½ cupsRead More
2 oz. canola oil 1 large white onion, medium diced 1 leek, cleaned and trimmed, ¼ inch slices 2 bulbs fennel, trimmed, medium diced 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp. fennel seeds, freshly toasted and cracked 1 cheesecloth satchet with tarragon, thyme, bay leaves and black peppercorns 4 oz. Sauvignon Blanc wine 1 ½...Read More
1/2 cup butter (use butter!) 13 oz. half and half 4 ½ cups of C & H Sugar (must be cane sugar) ½ lb. marshmallows 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate 12 oz. semi sweet chocolate 12 oz. dark sweet chocolate (or milk chocolate) 1 Tbsp. vanilla 2 cups walnuts (if desired) Pinch of salt Combine butter,...Read More
Galeazzi Farm Forever Conserved Under the cool canopy of a grove of mature walnut trees, one can visualize the past and future generations of farmers and families playing and tending to these trees, their branches heavy with bounty. This picture is no truer than on the 250-acre walnut farm owned by the Galeazzi family located...Read More
This beautiful farm is located in Merced County near the town of Livingston. In the early 1960s, Joe Alvernaz purchased these 211 acres of prime farmland which is ideally suited for growing sweet potatoes. Joe and his son Jim rotate the sweet potato plantings with Merced Rye grass. The family decided to protect the farmland...Read More
This picturesque ranch is located in Merced County east of the City of Merced. The ranch is part of the historic Del Monte Peach Ranch. It is a large, efficient ranch to farm with excellent soils. Members of the partnership decided to protect these 243 acres of prime farmland in 2011.Read More
This dairy is located along the Merced River in Merced County near the town of Ballico. The land was purchased by Charles and Christina Magneson in 1890. These 89 acres of prime farmland produce pasture for the herd of Holstein dairy cattle. The dairy milks 700 cows and is fully organic. This means there are...Read More
This farm is located just east of the town of Planada in Merced County. The land has been in the family for over 100 years and has a beautiful view of the Sierra Nevadas. These 391 acres of prime farmland produce alfalfa, sileage, oats, and wheat. The family’s concern over rapid development in the county...Read More
Ulm Farms, Inc. is a multi-generational farming operation located just outside Modesto in Stanislaus County. These 151 acres of prime farmland produce almonds, walnuts and wine grapes. The land was first purchased in 1945, moving the family from Orange County in search of a better life. Bill and Tom Ulm decided to place an agricultural...Read More
Both Bill Van Ryn and Anthony Brazil are long time successful farmers in the Central Valley. They have converted the dairy to a certified organic milk producing facility. The easement covers 216 acres which supports the dairy and produces high quality organic feed for the dairy cows. To insure the irrigation drain water is efficiently...Read More
The Galeazzi family emigrated from Italy to the United States in 1894, settled in Modesto and purchased 250 acres of prime farmland. Today, John and his wife Carolyn farm the land with their son Tom and his wife Tawnya. Other family members are also involved in the farming operation. This beautiful farm produces walnuts and...Read More
Main Stone II Farm is located in southern San Joaqin County between the cities of Tracy and Manteca. These 225 acres are adjacent to Main Stone I and produce sileage corn, tomatoes, onions and asparagus. It was permanently protected in 2010 based on a right of easement reservation by the previous landowner.Read More
This picturesque farm is located in San Joaquin County near the town of Linden. It has been in the family for 3 generations; 119 acres purchased in 1931 and an additional 79 acres in 1971. This prime farmland produces walnuts, cherries, tomatoes, beans, wheat and hay. The Brandstad family decided to conserve the farmland in...Read More
Located near the town of Linden is Becker Ranch. This beautiful 44 acres has been owned by the Becker family since 1990. The land produces walnuts and cherries, and over ¼ mile of the Calaveras River runs along the south side of the ranch. The family decided to conserve this farmland for future generations, and...Read More
The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) is often the go-to land trust in facilitating the placement of agricultural conservation easements to fulfill farmland mitigation requirements in the Central Valley. This is evidenced by the following: CVFT’s acknowledged experience and expertise in farmland mitigation led to its Executive Director being asked to sit on a statewide committee...Read More
Summary: Yummy on salad greens or with dipping veggies or even on bread! Put 2 peeled tomatoes, 2 Tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar, 2 cloves of roasted garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, fresh ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of Smoked Spanish Paprika in a blender and blend for 3 minutes until smooth. Add about ¼...Read More
Summary: The Ahwahnee kitchen estimates that it serves about 45 gallons of soup at every seating of the annual Bracebridge dinner. INGREDIENTS 5 medium orange-fleshed sweet potatoes Salt 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped 1 large leek, white part only, trimmed, cleaned and chopped 2 medium carrots, peeled, trimmed and...Read More
Summary: Good all year long! INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 2 teaspoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled and crushed 1 1/2 pounds peeled sweet potato, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 5 oranges peeled and sectioned (or use grapefruit) 1/2 cup sliced red onion 3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (or walnuts or almonds) 1 (6-ounce) bag...Read More
Summary: This recipe is from Jeani Ferrari and it’s one of her favorites for a healthy snack. INGREDIENTS Raw Almonds INSTRUCTIONS Pile almonds high on a roasting pan and bake at 225 degrees Farhenheit for 2 hours. No seasoning or salt is needed. The nuts will be slightly crunchy and have a rich nutty flavor!Read More
INGREDIENTS 4 Tbsp. butter 4 green onions, sliced 2 Tbsp. flour 3 cans (10-3/4 oz. each) chicken broth 1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin ½ tsp. salt 1 cup light whipping cream Garnishes: bacon bits, green onions, croutons, sour cream INSTRUCTIONS Melt butter; sauté green onions and yellow onion until soft and golden. Remove from heat...Read More
Summary: Features California grown pumpkin. This recipe was contributed by Monica Bianchi. It is a Bianchi family favorite in the fall when pumpkins are in season. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking...Read More
Summary: Board member, Ron Freitas, submitted this recipe. He grows persimmons and this is a family favorite. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup Hachiya persimmon pulp 2 ½ cups flour 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup raisins 1...Read More
INGREDIENTS 8 ounce cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 large egg white ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 2 eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoons pure...Read More
Summary: Features California grown tomatoes. This recipe was contributed by Greg Stewart and is a family favorite. It is a wonderful use of fresh tomatoes so plentiful this time of year. This recipe is easy to make larger or smaller just, try to keep the amounts proportional. INGREDIENTS 1 pound cooked Pasta 8 cups fresh...Read More
INGREDIENTS 4 ½ cups (18 ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant) ¾ cup (3 ounces) shelled, raw, unsalted sunflower seeds 1 ½ cups slivered or coarsely chopped raw almonds 2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon 1 ¼ cups pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A Dark Amber 1/3 cup canola oil 1 cup raisins INSTRUCTIONS Position a rack...Read More
Summary: (adapted from mybakingaddiction.com) submitted by Monica Bianchi. INGREDIENTS 5 to 6 cups fresh Linden Bing cherries, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2/3 cup granulated sugar 4 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon almond extract INSTRUCTIONS In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, water, lemon juice, sugar...Read More
Zollinger-Nunes Farm is located near the town of Delhi in Merced County. This 74 acre farm was one of our first agricultural conservation easements. The farm produces peaches, almonds and walnuts. It was permanently protected in 1999.Read More
The Voorhees/Silva Farm is located in Sacramento County near the city of Walnut Grove. These 225 acres of prime farmland produce alfalfa hay and grain. The land was permanently protected in 2007.Read More
This organic farm produces almonds and super high density olives for olive oil. Located in Merced County near the City of Livingston and the Merced River, these 62 acres of prime farmland were purchased by the Silveira family in 2003. Family members decided to preserve the land for food production and prevent the land near...Read More
The Rocha/Mello Farm is located in Sacramento County near the City of Elk Grove. These 97 acres of prime farmland produce alfalfa hay. The land was permanently protected in 2003.Read More
Pfeiffer Ranch is located in the foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range in western Merced County. It is the largest easement held by the California Farmland Trust at nearly 7,000 acres. The ranch is comprised predominantly of open grazing land. It was permanently protected in 1999.Read More
This beautiful farm is located in Merced County near the town of Livingston. The land has been in the Okuye family for over 100 years, and these 79 acres of prime farmland produce almonds. Okuye family members believe that protecting farmland protects the farmers, provides food security, and pays tribute to those family members who...Read More
This beautiful farm in Stanislaus County was purchased by Charles Menghetti on January 14, 1919. Charles and his wife Anna raised dairy cattle, alfalfa and grapes. Peter and his wife Kathleen Menghetti inherited the property where they raised a family and continue to live today. Currently the land produces almonds and walnuts. Peter and Kathleen...Read More
Main Stone I Farm is located in southern San Joaqin County between the cities of Tracy and Manteca. This 928 acre farm was the first agricultural conservation easement completed under the Williamson Act Easement Exchange in San Joaquin County. The farm produces alfalfa hay, sileage corn, tomatoes, asparagus and onions. It was permanently protected in...Read More
This picturesque farm is located along the Merced River in Merced County near the town of Ballico. The land was purchased by Charles and Christina Magneson in 1890. These 382.9 acres of prime farmland produce corn, wheat and permanent pasture. Recent environmental enhancements include a Wood Duck pond and Wood Duck nest boxes installed in...Read More
This scenic property is located in Merced County near the town of Gustine. The land has been in the Jorgensen family for over 100 years. These 290 acres of prime farmland produce walnuts, alfalfa, beans and other field crops. In tribute to their parents William and Elinor and grandfather Jacob, children Jim, Joanne and Janice...Read More
This protected 270 acre parcel at the northern edge of Merced County has established a permanent separation between the City of Turlock to the north and the community of Delhi to the south. What was once a jungle of Bermuda grass-covered stump grapes is now a cornucopia of cling peaches, almonds and walnuts. This land...Read More
This ranch is located just east of the town of Planada in Merced County. The land has been in the family for over 100 years and has a beautiful view of the Sierra Nevadas. These 615 acres of prime farmland produces pasture for a herd of red and black Angus cattle. The family’s concern over...Read More
Espinoza Farm is located near the City of Delhi in Merced County. These beautiful 39 acres produce almonds and peaches and were purchased by the Espinoza Brothers in 1998. Working on the family farm gave them a great appreciation of the hard work it takes to produce a crop and the importance of the central...Read More
The Jessie Espinosa Farm is located in the Delhi District of Merced County. These 38 acres of prime farmland produce peaches. It was permanently protected with an agricultural conservation easement in 2007.Read More
The Espinosa Family Farm is located in the Delhi District of Merced County. These 39 acres of prime farmland produce almonds and peaches. It was permanently protected with an agricultural conservation easement in 2007.Read More
Sutter Home Winery purchased this prime farmland in 2010 from the Dumas family. In 2011 the land was planted with merlot and cabernet vines. These 220 acres of prime farmland was permanently protected in 2003.Read More
Du Granrut Ranch is located in north eastern Merced County. These 40 acres have been in the family for 22 years. This land was permanently protected in January 2006.Read More
Cole Farm is located in the Delhi District of Merced County. These 28 acres of prime farmland produce two varieties of almonds; Nonpariel and Price. The land has been in the family for 35 years and continues to be farmed and managed by family members. An agricultural conservation easement was placed on the property to...Read More
Summary: Features California walnuts and raisins. This recipe was contributed by Maxwell Norton. This cake has been a family favorite of the Van Konynenburg and Norton families for many generations. The walnuts usually came from the family farm near Salida. INGREDIENTS 1.5 cup sugar 2 cups water 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp allspice 1 tsp...Read More
Summary: This recipe is from the kitchen of Christine Brandstad and is a family favorite. INGREDIENTS 2 cups walnuts, plus ½ cup for the top of the pie 1 store-bought 9” pie shell 3 eggs ½ cup less 1 Tbsp heavy cream 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla 2 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp sherry ½...Read More
Summary: (adapted from Delish.com) submitted by Monica Bianchi INGREDIENTS 1 cup pitted fresh Linden Bing cherries 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish 8 teaspoons sugar 6 ounces (3/4 cup) dark rum 1/4 cup lime juice 3 cups cherry-flavored seltzer or plain seltzer INSTRUCTIONS Divide cherries, mint leaves, and sugar among 4...Read More
INGREDIENTS Pint of Cherry tomatoes Tablespoon of Minced garlic Small palm full of freeze dried basil – next best thing to fresh! Heavy drizzle of both high quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar Sliced baguette Goat Cheese INSTRUCTIONS Heat oven to 350 degrees Slice baguette into ½ inch slices and place loosely on tin foil...Read More
Summary: Features California farm fresh chicken. This recipe was contributed by Carol Martin. This recipe is a favorite in the Martin family. Easy . . . but always popular! Makes 4 servings. INGREDIENTS 4 chicken breasts, boned and skinned 4 tsp. Dijon mustard 4 thin slices prosciutto ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a thin...Read More
Summary: Features California grown asparagus. This recipe was submitted by Ken Oneto. INGREDIENTS 1 bunch fresh asparagus 2 Tbsp Olive Oil salt and freshly ground black pepper INSTRUCTIONS Dip or rub asparagus spears in olive oil. Lightly salt and pepper each spear. Place spears in single layer in baking pan. Bake in the oven for...Read More
INGREDIENTS 4 ears corn 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves INSTRUCTIONS Mix mayonaise, sour cream and cilantro in a bowl Remove the husks of the corn and grill on a hot grill until slightly charred on all sides. Hot off the grill, slather the corn with the...Read More
Recipe: Artichoke Hor d’Ouerves Summary: Features California grown artichokes. This recipe was submitted by Carol Martin. It’s been a family favorite since the early 70’s. INGREDIENTS 4 eggs salt and pepper dash of Tabasco 12 saltine crackers, crumbled ½ lb. Sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 jars (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, chopped ½ to 1...Read More
In May 2014 the Central Valley Farmland Trust will be 10 years old, and we would love to have you join us to celebrate this important occasion! The 10th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled on Saturday, September 27 at Micke Grove Park. This beautiful park features Micke Grove Zoo, a Japanese Garden, San Joaquin County Historical Museum and Fun Town...Read More
Carman Farm is 38.8 acres located near the town of Hilmar in Merced County. The farm was purchased by Samuel and Katherine Langille in 1910, and was subsequently passed on upon their death to their son Colin and daughter Katherine. Colin worked the farm until his death, and when Katherine died it was passed on...Read More
Beach Farm is a beautiful 80 acre parcel located near the City of Livingston in Merced County. This prime farmland produces almonds and and has been in the family for 25 years.Read More
Central Valley Farmland Trust was one of three land trusts in California to receive accreditation in September 2008, and remains the longest accredited exclusively agricultural land trust in California’s Central Valley. This program is administered by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting...Read More
Cochrane Farm is a lovely 44 acres located in the Delhi District of Merced County. This prime farmland produces three varieties of almonds; Nonpariel, Mission and Neplus. The land has been in the family ...Read More
The Central Valley Farmland Trust (CVFT) is recognized as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service. This allows landowners under certain situations who place agricultural conservation easements (ACEs) on their property to generate substantive tax benefits. Landowners who elect to sell an ACE to CVFT can utilize the sales proceeds to...Read More
Recipe: 5 Tips for the Perfect Burger Wheres the Beef? What meat makes the best burger? Douglas Keane of Cyrus and the Healdsburg Bar & Grill, Healdsburg, CA uses 70% lean beef and says it is a marked improvement over 80% lean. Definitely, do not use a very lean beef because your burgers will turn...Read More
“The Oneto family is widely respected in the community and was even honored by the Elk Grove Community Services District in 1991, having a park named after them. Oneto Park is located at 9477 Hidden Hollow Court. Together with their sons Ron and Ken, the Onetos run KLM Ranches in Elk Grove, farming crops such...Read More
The Flora/Graser Farm is located in the Delhi District of Merced County. Protected in 2002, this 30-acre farm full of almonds was one of the first to be protected by Central Valley Farmland Trust, now California Farmland Trust.Read More
