Member Spotlight
For the past few years, “regenerative” has become a buzzword in agriculture, as farmers and ranchers look to move beyond so-called sustainable and even organic practices. The goal of regenerative agriculture is to foster a more holistic growing ecosystem by building and preserving soil health, among other ecological practices such as no-till and rotational grazing, for maximal benefit to the farmer, the community, and the environment. The focus is on reciprocity and abundance, not extraction and consumption. And for Jon and Misty Gay of Freestone Ranch, regenerative agriculture is truly a way of life. In this Member Spotlight, we visit…
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Every person’s journey to farming is unique, but perhaps none more so than that of Stephenie Chow, owner of Poppies & Petals Farm in Santa Rosa. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, she was born in Germany, moved to Canada when she was 10, attended school in Washington State and college in California, worked as a civil servant in Paris and in corporate banking in Hong Kong, before moving to San Francisco to work for a major startup, until the tech bubble burst and she pivoted to her own home accessory business and art gallery. After meeting her husband, David, she…
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The history of Sonoma County agriculture is filled with a similar theme: Tired of city life, folks go back to the land, relearn lost skills, and raise animals. Through a combination of good timing, risk taking, and innovation, they create a successful business for the next generation to shepherd. Such is the story of Redwood Hill Farm — Capracopia. One of the earliest members of Farm Trails — they originally joined in 1974 — this pioneering goat farm has evolved with the times but always kept its footing firmly planted in Sebastopol, and in the hands of the Bice family.…
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Wind your way through West Sonoma County, and you’ll notice the area’s apple heritage on strong display. Orchards dot hillsides and line rural roads. Street signs bear the names Gravenstein, Apple Blossom, Candy Apple, and so forth. Two of the largest events in Sebastopol are the Apple Blossom Festival and Farm Trails’ very own Gravenstein Apple Fair. Indeed, the seal of the City of Sebastopol features a Gravenstein. However, the apple industry has also endured formidable economic challenges over the decades, as orchards and apple processors have given way to vineyards and other development. But all is not lost. On…
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Ask anyone in the agricultural space in Sonoma County if they know Wendy Krupnick, and the answer will likely be a resounding “Yes!” A longtime resident of the county, Wendy is an environmental activist, seed saver, educator, volunteer, and community builder. She also owns and operates Chiatri de Laguna Farm in Santa Rosa, on the grounds of the former D. Grossi Egg Ranch (a charter member of Farm Trails), and is the volunteer coordinator for Farm Trails’ annual fundraiser, the Gravenstein Apple Fair. An indefatigable advocate for local sustainable agriculture, Wendy has inspired countless people, including all of us at…
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