Lucas Ranch, a 67-acre walnut orchard and recent addition to CFT’s portfolio of easements, helps to form a 633-acre greenbelt along the western edge of Gustine with two other ACEs held by CFT. This greenbelt will help limit Gustine’s growth westward, and commercial development for Interstate 5 from spreading east. By preserving Lucas Ranch, we are supporting a strong agricultural market for the future of the Gustine area, as agriculture is the primary industry in Merced County.
The Flying M Ranch Trust is approximately 253 acres of almonds located in East Merced County. This property was closed in early 2022 and is one of the many conservation easements protecting the working landscapes of Flying M Ranch Trust. Approximately 5,900 acres of grazing land on their farm has been preserved through other conservation organizations. Funding for this conservation project was provided through the Agricultural Land Mitigation Program (ALMP), which is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) on behalf of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
The Machado Baker Road Farm is approximately 92 acres of orchards and irrigated cropland in San Joaquin County. This property was closed in the fall of 2021. Owners, Mike and Diana Machado, are no strangers to agricultural conservation easements, closing on their first easement in 2015. A portion of these projects were funded by the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), administered by the Department of Conservation, while the remaining funds were provided through a landowner bargain-sale.
The Machado Murray Road Farm is approximately 155 acres of orchards and irrigated cropland in San Joaquin County. This property was closed in the summer of 2021. Owners, Mike and Diana Machado, are no strangers to agricultural conservation easements, closing on their first easement in 2015. A portion of these projects were funded by the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), administered by the Department of Conservation, while the remaining funds were provided through a landowner bargain-sale.
Lone Tree Ranch is approximately 327 acres of various irrigated field crops two miles east of Los Banos, California. Owned and operated by Bowles Farming Company, the 160-year-old operation involves the sixth generation of Bowles and Lawrence families. This property was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in the fall of 2021 and was the 35th property protected in Merced County. Funding was provided by the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC), in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The C&T Murphy Property is approximately 72 acres of almond orchards. Located in San Joaquin county, the property is positioned just outside the town of Farmington along Highway 4. This property was permanently protected by an ag conservation easement with funding provided by the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation.
Vander Woude Dairy is approximately 65 acres of field crops that source the dairy. Located in Merced County, it is primarily made up of prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance. The property is in a robust agricultural area that supports various orchards, field crops as well as dairy operations. This property was permanently protected by an ag conservation easement through a mitigation agreement in 2020.
Mendez River Ranch is approximately 252 acres of walnut orchards and hay fields. Located in San Joaquin County, it offers unique soils perfect for growing crops. This property was permanently protected by an ag conservation easement with funding provided by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in 2019.
Williams Farm is approximately 110 acres of walnut orchards. With this property’s prime and unique soils in San Joaquin County, it was perfect for an agricultural conservation easement. This project was closed in 2019 with funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Kruppa Reed Farm is located near the little town of Ballico. Surrounded by many other easements, this property is home to almonds and row crops and was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in 2019.
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This beautiful property is located in San Joaquin County. This property is approximately 125 acres of bountiful walnut orchards and was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in 2019 with funding from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Tanner Farm is located in scenic Merced County next to Kruppa Farm, Kruppa Reed Farm
The Slater Trust Farm is located in Merced County in Ballico. The property is currently set up for row crops, specifically sweet potatoes. The property is roughly 43 acres facing growth pressure from the nearby city of Delhi. This property was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in 2019 and funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Kruppa Farm property is approximately 64 acres of beautiful almond orchards in Merced county. The property is comprised of prime farmland that is needed for sustained agricultural production. This property was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in 2019, funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Gail Martin Trust Farm is located in Delhi. With sandy soils, it is ideal for farming fruit and nut orchards. This beautiful property was permanently protected in 2019 by an agricultural conservation easement, funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The Brandstad Brothers Farm is held under Jon and Richard Brandstad. The 2 parcels encumbered by the agricultural conservation easement make up about 158 acres of protected property. Their land is comprised of tree crops (walnuts & cherries). The property is located east of the City of Stockton in San Joaquin County and was permanently protected by an agricultural conservation easement in 2014.
The Robert Prosperi Farms, Inc. property is located adjacent to the Prosperi Living Trust parcel in Madera County. This easement is comprised of roughly 57 acres of wine grape vineyards. This property was permanently protected in 2018 by an agricultural conservation easement.
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 in 2018 by an agricultural conservation easement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 protecting part of an important complex of lands in the Delhi region of California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 wine grapes they grow on their property. The land has been protected by a conservation easement since early 2018.
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, while protecting part of an important complex of lands in the Delhi region of California.
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.
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.
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 2012
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.
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 preservation by graciously donating the conservation easement to the California Farmland Trust. It now stands as an important piece of an array of protected lands in the area.
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.
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.
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 to the efforts of the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust.
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 from urban encroachment with an agricultural conservation easement in July 2011.
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.
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 no artificial hormones and no antibiotics used in producing the milk, and the cattle are fed 100 percent organic feed and graze on the permanent pastures. This land was permanently protected in December 2006.
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 led to their decision to pursue an agricultural conservation easement, and the land was permanently protected in July 2000.
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 conservation easement on the property to keep the land in farming for future generations. It was permanently protected in 2011.
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 utilized, a self contained underground returned system was installed on the property. The property is strategically located on Mariposa Road between Stockton & Escalon and was permanently protected in 2011.
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 was permanently protected in 2012.
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.
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 perpetuity and the land was permanently protected in June 2011.
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 it was permanently protected with an agricultural conservation easement in 2010.
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.
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 worked so hard in earlier years to save the farmland during difficult times. This land was permanently protected in December 2007.
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 placed an agricultural conservation easement on these 155 acres of prime farmland in honor of Charles and Anna in January 2009.
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 2006.
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 trees near the river; enhanced salmon spawning; replanting of willow and cotton wood trees along the river levees and planting a hedge row of native shrubs at the end of the slough. This land was permanently protected in December 2006.
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 placed an agricultural conservation easement on the property. This land was permanently protected in December 2008.
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 was permanently protected in April 2005.
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 rapid development in the county led to their decision to pursue an agricultural conservation easement, and the land was permanently protected in July 2000.
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 valley’s farmland. This awareness was their motivation for conserving their farm, and the land was permanently protected in April 2008.
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 ensure the land would always be farmed. It was permanently protected in 2002.
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 to her son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Barbara Carman. This prime farmland currently produces corn and alfalfa. The family donated this agricultural conservation easement, and it was permanently protected in 2009.
Beach Farm is a beautiful 80 acre parcel located near the City of Livingston in Merced County. This prime farmland produces almonds and has been in the family for 25 years. An agricultural conservation easement was placed on the property and it was permanently protected in 2008.
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 for 40 years and is currently managed by the Samran family. An agricultural conservation easement was placed on the property to ensure the land would always be farmed. It was permanently protected in 2002.
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.
The California Farmland Trust is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with many agencies that support farmland conservation. Several of the easements featured herein were funded by the following programs:
