Stories You Haven’t Heard

The rhythmic patter of hooves skimming the earth below was a sound Amy never tired of when she was young. Whether in the hot sweat-inducing summer or the bone-chill frost of winter in upstate New York, the sound was ever-present, because Amy was always riding. With 100 acres and the surrounding landscape of woods, creeks, … Continue reading “The Collaborative Steward”

Much like a pinball, he was seemingly in constant motion whizzing from one side to the other. But, instead operating inside an arcade game, George Kimball was bouncing across Northern California delivering some of the best fruits, vegetables, eggs and meats Yolo County farmers had to offer. Perched in an old Dodge truck, he traveled … Continue reading “The Habitat Creator – Mary Kimball”

Growing up, Julie Rentner watched the vast rolling hills north of Mt. Diablo in the heart of the Bay Area get gobbled up by tract homes and paved streets. Her favorite playground along Marsh Creek felt like it disappeared overnight. Her parents saw the hurt in their daughter’s eyes, and offered a bit of hope … Continue reading “Bringing Laulima to the Rivers”

The lure of a ten-speed bike was all it took. This was no ordinary bicycle, however. This was a radiant red Schwinn with swooping sight lines, 10 gears of unfettered pedal power that would serve as a freedom chaser to propel 9-year-old Ann Hayden to explore country roads in her rural Yolo County neighborhood. And … Continue reading “The Collaborative Habitat Creator”

Even as he dreamt of herding cattle on ranch lands in Northern California, a body of water was ever present in that cowboy fantasy. Whether a pristine lake or a rippling river, the youngster was always drawn to the beauty these waterways imposed on the landscape. Some 60 years later part of that dream is … Continue reading “Dreams of a Cowboy”

As thick white smoke filled the air, Charlie took a moment to soak in what was about to happen. Here was this former small-town farm boy with one of the biggest action movie stars in history, who now also happened to be the governor of California. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently came into office with a decree … Continue reading “The Farmer Who Defied His Father”

The eyes of the beast hovered slightly over the water. The seemingly unworldly reptile peered across its horizon at the little girl who sat frozen in the canoe. Only a thin sliver of aluminum separated the two. With the hot Texas sun leaving beads of sweat across her brow, Maya believed “this was it.” But, … Continue reading “Like Father, Like Daughter”

From the time he was old enough to slip into a pair of waders, Jacob could be found down at the creek perfecting his fly-fishing technique. In those early days you would find the father and son fishing northern California together everywhere from Putah Creek, little Sierra lakes and the Truckee River. Many times, the … Continue reading “Chasing Nigiri”

A trail of dust swirled behind the ‘57 Chevy pickup as it barreled down the path in an attempt to keep the herd in the pasture. Not one’s typical choice to prevent the cattle from veering off course, but when you’re nine months pregnant, it is a bit easier to maneuver when you have a … Continue reading “Son of a Rancher’s Daughter”

How Meghan Hertel’s failed farming attempt was a boon for wild birds in California There wasn’t an older brother or sister. Single mother worked full time, and in an age when this was normal, the outdoors became her babysitter. Few of her friends lived in the same Pinehurst, North Carolina neighborhood, so Meghan was left … Continue reading “Birds, Farms and a Carolina Girl”

Virginia was feeling a bit down. She was hoping to land an internship during the summer break. Prospects were bleak. Virginia’s attitude even more so. Ever since she was eight years old, Ed could see it in her eyes. His little girl was destined to become a biologist. Each summer they spent time at the … Continue reading “The Radiant Biologist”

Girls were not allowed. Agricultural-Science was a class for boys who would one day become farmers or ranchers. School-age girls were to take home economics so they could learn to cook and clean. Or so thought educators at Merced High School until they met Mary Callen. Mary didn’t take a ‘no’ as easily as others … Continue reading “Mary Wells’s Story – A “No” Will Not Suffice”

He wasn’t supposed to be able to grow anything on this plot of land, but somehow, that is exactly what Al Montna did. It was 1967, and following in his father’s footsteps, Al came back home to Northern California after college to give farming a shot. His family owned some land south of Yuba City … Continue reading “Personal Stories – The Unchallengeable Man”

Listen to “No Frills and No Tills” Podcast here. While the rest of the world was watching a flying DeLorean, humming along with a material girl and marveling at a man taking flight on a basketball court, Fritz Durst focused his attention on the ground. It was 1985 and Back to the Future was a … Continue reading “No Frills and No Tills”

Listen to “Through a Cloud of Dust” podcast here. Innovators are lauded for their vision and ability to see the future. But in 1930’s Nebraska, vision was a tricky subject. Some days, Albert Lundberg could barely make out an object three feet in front of his face. Albert didn’t need glasses. There was nothing wrong … Continue reading “Personal Stories – Through a Cloud of Dust”

Listen to “The Designer with a New Plot in Life” Ralph Gorrill was one of those astute types, he could see a problem and know the answer would be found at the tip of his drafting pencil. A builder seemingly at birth, it was only fitting that he would be nose deep into those back-breaking, … Continue reading “Personal Stories – The Designer with a New Plot in Life”

  Listen to “A Winter Farmer” Podcast Here It is the dead of winter but the rice fields outside of Knights Landing are full of life. Traditionally, this is the slowest time of year for the farmer as his crops have been harvested and he typically would be found patiently waiting for the spring planting … Continue reading “Personal Stories – Winter Farming At River Garden Farms”