Podcasts about Capay Valley

This week Kevin meets with Thaddeus Barsotti of Farm Fresh To You a local CSA farm in the Capay Valley that delivers fresh organic produce to families across the nation. Thaddeus shares his story and his vision for a future that celebrates locally grown food. Learn about the food industry, organic farming, regenerative farming, crop rotation, and Kevin's weekly garden tasks.Check out Thaddeus' book: Betting on the Farm: An Heirloom ChildhoodGreen Acres Garden PodcastGreen Acres Nursery & SupplyGreen Acres Garden Podcast GroupIn the greater Sacramento area? Learn how to make your yard Summer Strong and discover water-saving rebates at BeWaterSmart.info.

#190

Latinx farmworkers, who make up over 80% of California's agricultural workforce, face some of the state's lowest levels of food security, wealth, and homeownership. This week on Terra Verde, host and producer Hannah Wilton is joined by longtime farmer and co-owner of Full Belly Farm Paul Muller to discuss their research and development initiative to create a replicable model of affordable homeownership for farmworkers. Their pilot project, “Casas Capay Valley,” will provide resident-owned housing for several farmworker families employed at Full Belly Farm through the acquisition of a 43-acre parcel in Yolo County by a community land trust. Muller speaks to the importance of strengthening rural communities, building equity for farmworkers, and fostering long-term social and economic stability for California's agricultural workforce. The post “Casas Capay Valley” Farmworker Housing Pilot appeared first on KPFA.

#196: Real Organic farmer Paul Muller takes the stage at Churchtown Dairy to remind folks about the importance of a food system that celebrates farmers who sink their hands into the soil as they grow food and tend land. Paul Muller is a lifelong farmer and co-founder of Full Belly Farm in northern California's Capay Valley, along with his wife Dru. Since the 1980s, Full Belly has been supplying Bay Area restaurants and eaters with a diverse selection of organic food, including nuts, fruit, eggs, and a broad and ever-changing array of vegetable crops. They are known for their decades of commitment to local farmers' markets, their annual celebratory Hoes Down Festival, and their on-farm summer camp experiences for kids.https://fullbellyfarm.com/To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://realorganicproject.org/paul-muller-at-churchtown-2024-cultivating-affectionThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

#187: Judith Redmond sits down with Dave at Full Belly Farm in California's Capay Valley to discuss the values and motivations that drew her and others to organic farming decades ago. As times have changed and the issues have multiplied and deepened, what draws the next generation to this work and how can we help them succeed?Judith Redmond is one of the four founding farmer-owners at Full Belly Farm in northern California, having helped to supply the Bay Area with organic food since the 1980s. Full Belly is known for its diverse approach, offering dozens of crop varieties, tree fruits, nuts, meat, and value-added jams, sauces, pickles, etc. from their on-farm kitchen. They have been a mainstay at local farmers markets, and have hosted long-running on-farm children's programs, as well as a much-loved annual Hoe's Down Festival. Judith came to farming inspired by her work at  agricultural nonprofits, which focused on water rights and labor justice in California. https://fullbellyfarm.com/To watch a video version of this podcast please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/judith-redmond-becoming-activist-farmer-episode-one-hundred-eighty-sevenThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Fans!https://www.realorganicproject.org/1000-real-fans/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

Have you ever wondered about the art of drying flowers and creating stunning arrangements that last a lifetime? In this episode of the Backyard Bouquet Podcast, we have the pleasure of hearing from Hannah Muller, a cut flower farmer located in the beautiful Capay Valley of Northern California. Hannah shares her journey from growing up on Full Belly Farm to becoming a wedding farmer-florist to shifting her focus to dried flowers. We explore the process of drying flowers, the best conditions for drying, and the importance of harvesting at the right stage.Plus, get a glimpse into Hannah's newly released book, "Designing with Dried Flowers," which offers 32 unique arrangements that capture the enduring beauty of dried flowers. From everyday wreaths to breathtaking celebration pieces, Hannah teaches us how to craft these beautiful arrangements ourselves, whether from a backyard garden or a simple supermarket bouquet.Tune in to today's episode to discover the secrets of preserving the fleeting beauty of flowers into something permanent and the joy of connecting people to the earth through Hannah's work.In This Episode You'll Hear About: 00:02:29 - Hannah's Journey to Writing Her Book 00:03:05 - Growing Up on Full Belly Farm 00:05:01 - College Years and Return to the Farm 00:06:11 - Transition to Wedding Flowers 00:09:05 - Impact of COVID-19 on Wedding Industry 00:10:55 - Writing the Book on Dried Flowers 00:13:10 - Personal Stories and Inspirations in the Book 00:14:46 - Evolution of Flower Growing at Full Belly Farm 00:18:19 - Incorporating Dried Flowers into the Business 00:22:46 - Tips for Drying Flowers at Home 00:32:07 - Sunflowers and Other Dried Flowers 00:33:56 - Inside the Wreath Room 00:38:19 - Favorite Dried Flowers and Techniques 00:39:17 - Harvesting and Drying Techniques 00:41:28 - Experimenting with Drying Different Flowers 00:43:10 - Importance of Harvest Stage for Drying 00:45:13 - Outlets for Selling Dried FlowersLearn More About Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/farmerhands/ https://www.instagram.com/wreathroom/ https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/ https://fullbellyfarm.com/ Designing With Dried Flowers Book: https://amzn.to/4bADBC1***Rate, Review, & Follow The Backyard Bouquet***If you enjoyed this episode, will you please consider leaving the podcast a review? Your review helps make the podcast more discoverable to others and allows me to continue creating more episodes. I'd love to know what you enjoyed most about the episode.New episodes coming every Tuesday to help keep your garden blooming!Sign up for newsletter: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.myflodesk.com/nlw4wua8s3

How has organic farming evolved over the years and what might the future hold? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by Paul Muller who is a part of the pioneering force at Full Belly Farm, a 450-acre certified organic farm in North Central California. For over four decades, the farm has championed economic stability, year-round employment, and a strong community connection, ensuring nourishment for this generation and those to come. Tune in to hear all about how Paul ensures that this large organic farm continues to thrive! You'll hear: How Paul got started in farming 0:59 About the Full Belly team 10:20 More on the history of organic farming and the Real Organic Project 15:48 About Paul's take about soil science 22:28 How Full Belly uses cover crops 34:39 What Paul is doing to bring up the next generation of farmers at Full Belly 46:15 About Paul's advice for new farmers 56:15 About the Guest: Paul Muller farms with family and partners at Full Belly farm, a diversified 450 acre organic farm in North Central California's Capay Valley. For more than 40 years, Full Belly has been seeking to evolve a model farm that is economically stable, honors employees with a business design that creates year round employment, strives to grow more layers of life on a farm for environmental complexity, and seeks to connect with a community of farm supporters for a broader social impact. Resources: Website - fullbellyfarm.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/full_belly_farm/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FullBellyFarm   The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! At our Growing Farmers store, planting season is in full swing! A treasure trove of plant starts and cuttings await. Our team is shipping everything from elderberry and willow cuttings to strawberry starts and potato slips.  So if you've been eyeing that sunny spot by the fence or considering how to fill that quiet corner of your yard, look not further. Visit shop.growingfarmers.com today for the first step towards a greener, more fruitful farmstead or garden.

#095: Dru Rivers, one of the original founders of Full Belly Farm in California's Capay Valley, remembers the early days of organic with CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), when ideas, practices, and inspiration were exchanged freely between peers. Dru Rivers co-founded Full Belly Farm in the 1970s with her partner Paul Muller, and friends Judith Redmond and Andrew Brait. Full Belly has grown into a highly diversified operation, that grows over 80 different crops on 400 acres including nuts, vegetables, flowers, fruit, seeds, and livestock. Full Belly has been celebrated by generations of eaters at local farmers markets and restaurants in northern California.https://fullbellyfarm.com/To watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/dru-rivers-organic-farmer-to-farmer-movement-episode-ninety-fiveThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/Hi Listeners, this is Linley Dixon, co-director of the Real Organic Project, inviting you to join myself, Dave Chapman, Paul Hawken and 10 incredible organic farmers for a day of Ted-style talks on January 17th at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California. Our Eco-Farm Conference is called Real Organic: Stories From the Front Lines, and features talks by organic farmers who will share their personal experiences within a dysfunctional organic marketplace and the solutions th

A lot of my work at the moment is centered around building community and connecting people across Europe who are on a journey into regenerative agriculture. As I learn more and more about the farmers that I'm working with and their challenges and desires for the future I'm struck by the stories that unfold. Stories of legacy, perseverance, experimentation, recovery from adversity, hope, and so much more. As I work to gather and record these stories and to connect these people so we can better collaborate and support one another, I've been drawn to reflect on some of the past episodes in this podcast that featured the unique stories of growers and land stewards.One of my favorite episodes that centered around telling the stories of farmers was with Elvira Di'Brigit, the author of the book “Why We Farm” which is an investigation into the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Viewed through the lens of the environment within the Capay Valley of northern California, each chapter features a different model of farming. In each profile, farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer. The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system.In this interview from back in season 1 of this show, Elvira talks about how she first came to the Capay Valley and her motivations behind wanting to live a farming lifestyle. We talk about how the farmers profiled in her book tell a larger story of modern farming in the United States, and even the trends and challenges facing the agricultural industry around the world. Elvira also gives a unique perspective into the growing community outreach that is strengthening the bonds in the valley and fostering a larger network of resilience that should be inspiring for anyone living in a rural community. Join the discord discussion channel to answer the weekly questions and learn new skills with the whole community Links: Elvira on facebook http://whywefarmcapay.com/

In this episode we visit Vitis and Ovis Farm, a multi-generational Swiss-American-Ethiopian family farm located in the Capay Valley and specializing in pastured duck eggs, fruit and medicinal herbs. We talk to Hans, Barbara and Giselle Herren about the 30+ years of stewarding their land, including the recent shift from producing only wine grapes to […] The post Vitis and Ovis Farm Podcast Episode appeared first on Community Alliance with Family Farmers.

#062: Real Organic farmer Paul Muller of California's Full Belly Farm, shares what it will really take to reclaim and rebuild the organic movement: activist farmers of all ages, engaged consumers, scientists, and university programs that are passionate about improving our soils. Paul Muller is a co-owner and co-founder of Full Belly Farm in Northern California's Capay Valley where, along with three partners, he grows 80 diverse crops that are all sold within 120 miles of the farm. Full Belly is known nationwide for their deep organic practices, their on-farm "Hoes Down" harvest party, and for training slews of future organic farmers.To watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/paul-muller-farmers-need-consumers-episode-sixty-twoThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/farmsWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

Today's episode features a special friend who has been an important part of my life for over a decade. We are discussing sustainable agriculture, climate change, and more! Join us! Judith Redmond has been a farmer for over 30 years. She is one of the founders and owners of Full Belly Farm in the beautiful Capay Valley of northern California. In addition to overseeing 400 acres and 80 different crops, Judith has run their CSA (community-supported agriculture) program and managed the weekly Farmer's Market. With many hands-on tasks, Judith is also part of the regulatory compliance effort and helps oversee the financial and business operations at the farm. She understands the larger issues and the importance of sustainable agriculture, along with facing the challenges of wildfires and drought in the midst of their Mediterranean climate. Judith explains what it's like to be a farmer in the era of COVID and what organic agriculture can offer to help mitigate climate change and move us forward.   Show Highlights: How Judith was inspired by her grandfather to become a farmer How Full Belly Farms began when four farmers came together in 1989 with a desire to produce organic food How the farm has grown and expanded to include 80 different crops, flowers, chickens, and sheep How the farm is forward-thinking in the “fertility” of the farm through composting and cover crops, all in an effort to return carbon to the soil How the pandemic challenges demonstrated that the local food system was there to help people when the mainstream food industry failed Why Judith considers farming a form of activism How community-supported agriculture works  How the relationship works between fertile soil and microbes, so the groundwater is not tainted with water-soluble fertilizers Why farmers need to take risks, learn new techniques, and be willing to constantly adapt to meet the challenges of the pandemic, wildfires, and climate change How Judith has moved into a transition time toward retirement from full-time farming and working more with nonprofit organizations  Why community, communication, and collaboration are important to Judith What Judith is working on right now What it means to Judith to live in her purpose Hear Judith's answers to rapid-fire questions about helpful advice, grounding habits, favorite hot beverage, last meal on earth, morning routine, an inspiring person, something people might not know, what she's reading, and what's bringing her joy right now.  Resources: Connect with Full Belly Farm and check out farming internship opportunities: http://www.fullbellyfarm.com ( www.fullbellyfarm.com)    Books mentioned and recommended by Judith:   https://amzn.to/3KXPNiP (Violeta) by Isabel Allende https://amzn.to/3JTx86y (One! Hundred! Demons!) By Lynda Barry https://amzn.to/3OkA5jQ (These Precious Days )by Ann Pratchett https://amzn.to/37tK1Hh (The Secret to Superhuman Strength) by Alison Bechdel Want to learn more about the planets? Visit my website for more information with myhttps://weaveyourbliss.teachable.com/p/home ( Planets) course. Are you an online business owner? Join my free Facebook group:https://m.facebook.com/groups/weaveyourbusinessbliss/ ( Weave Your Business Bliss) Get the 2022 Astrology Guidebook: https://weaveyourbliss.ck.page/products/2022-astrology-guidebook (https://weaveyourbliss.ck.page/products/2022-astrology-guidebook) Join the Patreon for weekly updates and more information: https://www.patreon.com/weaveyourbliss (https://www.patreon.com/weaveyourbliss)

In this episode, Dr. Bob has a conversation with Chef Casey Willard about his journey as a trained chef and working with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. There, he has implemented a farm to table concept for the tribal school and community. This is a wonderful must listen episode about the power of food and family. Chef Casey Willard grew up in a small town outside of Sacramento in Northern California where vast farming and agriculture surrounded him. He still has fond memories of going to his Grandfathers garden in Winters, CA and seeing firsthand what farm-to-table was before it was even a thing. A memory that stands out is biting into the sun warmed tomato, fresh from the vine with a little kosher salt, and knowing that this is a special way of eating. Chef Casey took his passion for culinary and all things food to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he trained in classical French technique. After graduating from the CIA, Chef Casey went and worked in restaurants and hotels in South Florida and Atlanta. Returning home to California, his next venture took him to Raley Field in Sacramento to help initiate a Farm to Table atmosphere in a concession stand environment. After Raleys Field, Chef Casey promoted to the youngest Executive Chef for Ovations Food Service, opening an account at Texas Tech University, where he oversaw all sports based food production. He then helped open and run a Tribal Hotel & Event Center in Pocatello, Idaho for the Shoshone Bannock Tribe. Chef Casey returned to California to work for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. There, he has implemented a farm to table concept for the tribal school, community and The Seka Hills Olive Mill, utilizing all the available produce and meats that the Capay Valley has to offer. Chef Casey continues to get excited everyday knowing that he works in one of the most fertile and organic growing region in the country. How to contact Chef Casey Willard: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefcaseyd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casey.willard.12 How to contact Dr. Bob: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChztMVtPCLJkiXvv7H5tpDQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroberthamilton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hamilton.1656 Seven Secrets Of The Newborn website: https://7secretsofthenewborn.com/ Website: https://roberthamiltonmd.com/ Pacific Ocean Pediatrics: http://www.pacificoceanpediatrics.com/

We're out west where host Matthew Denetclaw visits with our friend Jim Etters at Seka Hills. In native Patwin language, ‘Séka’ means ‘blue,’ and in selecting Séka Hills as the name for their line of premium tribal products, they honor the blue hills that overlook our homeland in Northern California’s Capay Valley. Today, with more than 17,000 total acres in production, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation owns one of the most diverse farming operations in Yolo County and is one of a few tribes with expanding agriculture in California. Join Us for a great conversation!

The real dirt to common ground is found "Beyond Your Table".  It's a new podcast launched at the 2020 World Ag Expo in Tulare CA. Leading voices in the agriculture and food space found common ground  on the future of agriculture from diverse perspectives. Podcasters and co-hosts, Michael R. Dimock of Flipping the Table and the advocacy group Roots of Change and Rodger Wasson of Farm to Table Talk  engaged two of California’s most important farmers in a roundtable dialogue. Don Cameron President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture and VP and General Manager of TerraNova Ranch joined Judith Redmond, Co Owner and Co Founder of Capay Valley's Full Belly Farms. Don is a diversified large-scale grower, producing  25 conventional, organic and biotech field crops on over 9,000 acres in Fresno County.  Full Belly Farms produces over 80 crops on 400 organically certified acres. Since global and domestic challenges appear larger than ever to farmers and ranchers with battles over trade, falling prices, regulatory burdens, labor shortages and extreme weather events, running an agricultural operation is hugely challenging. Is the real dirt inevitable conflict or is there  common ground? This is the inaugural episode of a the new podcast launching in 2020 from the host of Flipping the Table, Michael Reid Dimock and the host of Farm To Table Talk, Rodger Wasson.  The World Ag Expo graciously hosted this first live podcast event.  The underwriters of this podcast are the Environmental Defense Fund and the Agricultural Council of CA.

Dru Rivers, co-founder and co-owner of Full Belly Farm, shares her journey from the bewitching woods of rural Vermont to a love story that inspired the now 400-acre certified organic farm in Capay Valley.

Tracy Harding, general manager of Capay Valley Farm Shop, shares her journey from hosting CSA drop sites at her home in Oregon to running a food hub that distributes food from 40 family farms to the San Francisco Bay Area.   

It took two years to track down the Capay Valley arsonist. He was convicted of 12 counts of arson, but he's suspected of setting 152 fires over the course of 18 years.

John Laird is a candidate for California Senate District 17 (Santa Cruz), the former Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, and the first openly LGBT man to serve in the State legislature along with his colleague Mark Leno. SHOWNOTES
1:02 - John Laird & Mark Leno were the first male LGBT legislators in California 2:00 - The HIV epidemic wiped out the would-be first generation of male LGBT legislators
6:20 - Carl Demaio is a dickhead 10:10 - Would the Roy Ashburn thing happen today? 
12:20 - John’s history with oil politics and leading the effort against oil drilling off the coast of Santa Cruz in the 80’s
14:30 - Water politics 
15:15 - Local food, family farms in Capay Valley and the State Water Project 17:06 - The issues with desal 
22:30 - Wildfires 
24:20 - Forestry management & jurisdiction issues 29:00 - Excess fuel across the state 
31:20 - Trapped in a drugstore in the paradise fire
33:00 - Can the logging industry help fire preparedness efforts in California?
35:00 - Jerry Garcia ties 
37:39 - Sacramento’s revitalization over time
Wrapping up

Sally Fox is an organic bio-dynamic farmer located in the Capay Valley of Northern California. In addition to her climate beneficial wool Sally Fox has made a huge contribution to the genetics of cultivating and bringing naturally colored cotton to the market. Show Notes: www.gistyarn.com/episode-52

The Capay Valley is pretty serene, except for the cacophony inside its most lucrative business: the Cache Creek Casino. Up to 2,000 visitors a night swell the valley’s population and traffic, causing tension between local farmers and the tiny tribe that runs it. In this story we ask: do farming and gambling mix?

I’m super excited to introduce my guest today who I think I have a lot in common with as she is also a Farmer’s wife and writer! I think we both have a passion for biographies! She’s written a book about some farms in California so I hope some listeners will learn about some farms in their own neighborhoods! (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) Why We Farm: Farmers’ Stories of Growing Our Food and Sustaining Their Business (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) is a book for people who want to know the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Each chapter features a different model of farming. Farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer. The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system. Elvira Di’Brigit is the farmer’s wife and cat-herder at The Gettleshtetl Gardens, where they grow organic olives, walnuts, and much more. She has been a resident of the Capay Valley for over 15 years. Becoming familiar with the valley’s landscapes and people is what inspired her to write Why We Farm (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) . The Farmers (Leapfrog Farm) Learn how one farmer makes a living from a one-acre crop. ( Cache Creek Lavender (http://www.cachecreeklavender.com/) ) (Full Belly Farm) Read about people who chose to start farming in their retirement. (Capay Valley Vineyards and Grumpy Goats Farm Olive Oil) See how livestock ranchers are adopting ecologically beneficial methods. (Skyelark Ranch, Riverdog Farm, and Pasture 42) I’m super excited to introduce my guest today who I think I have a lot in common with as she is also a Farmer’s wife and writer! I think we both have a passion for biographies! She’s written a book about some farms in California so I hope some listeners will learn about some farms in their own neighborhoods! Why We Farm (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) is a book for people who want to know the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Each chapter features a different model of farming. Farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer. The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system. Elvira Di’Brigit is the farmer’s wife and cat-herder at (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) . (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) Tell us a little about yourself. I like seeing your bio on your website, my husband does a lot of the farming and I come out and help sometimes. I used to go to Montana every summer. My grandparents lived in Coures d’Alene outside of Troy, MT I was lucky to spend the summers there. Spending the summers in the garden learning about homesteading animals big vegetable garden more about myself I grew up in the Bay Area in California when I had children really started looking around for a place to live a little healthier environment that’s how I got into the organic  Capay Valley good questions a lot of people who live near by have not even heard of CApay Valley it’s a little secret west of davis, sacramento about an hour California has a big central valley that takes up most of the state from the first foothills to the west napa valley one more set of hills 3 children 2 are all grown out of house a little older yep secrued this route to getting to the Capay Valley we found about it knowing about Wilbur Hot springs wilderness retreat space 10 miles north of the Capay Valley exploring looking for land Tell me about your first gardening experience? no, I think it was really with my grandparents actually moved from Brooklyn NY to Idaho Support this podcast

In this weeks episode, we have the pleasure to hear from Elvira Dibrigit, author of "Why We Farm." The audio is a not so good because this is my first Skype interview and I still have a lot to learn.Her book is about the farmers of the Capay Valley in California. Most of the farmers in her book have small holdings and rely on C.S.A.s (community supported agriculture) and farmers markets to sell their produce. This hidden valley is a refreshing glimpse into the past (and the future), before most farmers had to have huge holdings in order to make a profit. Today farmers only make up around 3% of our total population.This book is all about inspiring you and I to grow something and support those that do.You can buy her book and learn more about her work at www.whywefarmcapay.comand your favorite social media site at Why We Farm.Come visit us at www.havenhomestead.com and please consider supporting the show at www.patreon.com/havenhomesteadThanks for Listening!

In this weeks episode, we have the pleasure to hear from Elvira Dibrigit, author of "Why We Farm." The audio is a not so good because this is my first Skype interview and I still have a lot to learn.Her book is about the farmers of the Capay Valley in California. Most of the farmers in her book have small holdings and rely on C.S.A.s (community supported agriculture) and farmers markets to sell their produce. This hidden valley is a refreshing glimpse into the past (and the future), before most farmers had to have huge holdings in order to make a profit. Today farmers only make up around 3% of our total population.This book is all about inspiring you and I to grow something and support those that do.You can buy her book and learn more about her work at www.whywefarmcapay.comand your favorite social media site at Why We Farm.Come visit us at www.havenhomestead.com and please consider supporting the show at www.patreon.com/havenhomesteadThanks for Listening!

One of the big questions we ask on this show is why farmers farm, and our guest today asked the same question. Elvira DiBrigett is the author of Why We Farm: Stories From Farmers of The Capay Valley. Together we talk about what inspired her to write this book, the importance of the sustainable farmer, and of course, why farmers farm. Why We Farm - http://a.co/g24NHnw http://whywefarmcapay.com/ Our Links! https://intellectualagrarian.com/ https://www.facebook.com/intellectualagrarian/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy4DwMfEZHcxPSLR1rw4uuw https://twitter.com/T_Layhew  

Connecting a community to its farmers and local food resources. In This Podcast: The community of farmers that she lived in was rich with interesting people and stories, so Elvira Di'Brigit took the time to get to know them. She shares her story of how she started farming as well as introducing a few interesting farms from her valley. Their cooperative methods of working and providing food for their community are great examples of thinking outside the box. Don't miss an episode! Click here to sign up for weekly podcast updates or visit www.urbanfarm.org/podcast About 17 years ago, Elvira moved her family to Capay Valley, where her passionate interest in sustainable living took hold. While teaching she explored curricula surrounding farming, environmental preservation and nutrition - all in support of sustainable living. She is the editor of CapayValleyGrown.net and the author of Why We Farm. She also serves on the organizing committee for the Hoes Down Harvest Festival, a fund-raiser for the Ecological Farming Association. Elvira holds a BA in international relations from UC Davis, a teaching credential and a Waldorf/Steiner Teaching Certificate. She lives in Rumsey, CA with her husband and 3 children. Go to www.urbanfarm.org/whywefarm for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.

'Why We Farm'-author Elvira Di'Brigit tells the personal stories of how organic small scale farmers are maintaining a sustainable land stewardship whilst making a living in the Capay Valley.

Show Notes are at www.bdnow.org Welcome to Episode 43 of the Biodynamics Now! Investigative Farming and Restorative Nutrition podcast. Your host is Allan Balliett Today's guest is Elvira DiBrigit, author of "Why We Farm: Stories from Farmers of the Copay valley." An expert in sustainable living and farming, Elvira has profiled more than a dozen small, family farms in Northern California's Copay Valley in an insightful collection that shines a spotlight on the challenges and rewards of independent farming in the 21st century. Capay Valley is a narrow slice of farmland nestled in the mountains of Northern California, just north of Napa. The area is home to more than 60 organic farms, one of the highest concentrations in the country. The rich soil produced by the rivers and creeks in the area provides ideal conditions for wine, fruits and vegetables and a booming olive oil crop In 2000 Elvira Di'Brigit moved her family to Capay Valley, where her passionate interest in sustainable living took hold. While teaching she explored curricula surrounding farming, environmental preservation and nutrition - all in support of sustainable living. She is the editor of CapayValleyGrown.net and the author of WHY WE FARM. She also serves on the organizing committee for the Hoes Down Harvest Festival, a fund-raiser for the Ecological Farming Association. Elvira holds a BA in international relations from UC Davis, a teaching credential and a Waldorf/Steiner Teaching Certificate. She lives in Rumsey, CA with her husband and 3 children. An expert in sustainable living and farming, Elvira has profiled more than a dozen small, family farms in an insightful collection that shines a spotlight on the challenges and rewards of independent farming in the 21st century. The small/family farm was becoming an anachronism two decades ago, but the surge of public interest in organic and "locally-grown" food has inspired a new generation to explore farming and self-sustainability. The Capay Valley farming culture is a phenomenal example of how this once dying profession has taken on new life; Elvira Di'Brigit and her book, WHY WE FARM: Stories from Farmers of The Capay Valley, highlight the diversity of business models that have brought success to a myriad of 21st century farm. Capay Valley is a narrow slice of farmland nestled in the mountains of Northern California, just north of Napa. The area is home to more than 60 organic farms, one of the highest concentrations in the country. The rich soil produced by the rivers and creeks in the area provides ideal conditions for wine, fruits and vegetables and a booming olive oil crop. From Full Belly Farm – a 350 acre farm founded in 1985 as a pioneer in organic and sustainable farming – to the tiny 1 acre Cache Creek Lavender Farm, the farmers in the Capay Valley are a microcosm of 21st century sustainability and provide the lion's share of organic and toxin-free food and product to San Francisco's booming farm-to-table restaurants and neighborhood farmers' markets. Elvira Di'Brigit has investigated and chronicled the production of real food while living in farming communities throughout Northern California and Hawaii. She and her family moved to the Capay Valley seventeen years ago and Elvira began teaching the children of local farmers, which allowed her to gain an insider’s view of farming as a business.

Hot on the heels of getting a go-ahead from a couple of Federal Organizations, the Delta Tunnels plan has been hit with the first of what promises to be several lawsuits to halt that big dig beneath the Sacramento River. We have the details. What lessons did California farmers learn from our recent five year drought? We find out. The Sacramento processing tomato crop was hit hard by the recent heatwave, we have the numbers. And, profiles of several farming families of the Capay Valley, it's all in a new book. Plus, crop reports and pest updates…all on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

Hot on the heels of getting a go-ahead from a couple of Federal Organizations, the Delta Tunnels plan has been hit with the first of what promises to be several lawsuits to halt that big dig beneath the Sacramento River. We have the details. What lessons did California farmers learn from our recent five year drought? We find out. The Sacramento processing tomato crop was hit hard by the recent heatwave, we have the numbers. And, profiles of several farming families of the Capay Valley, it’s all in a new book. Plus, crop reports and pest updates…all on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

My Guest today is Elvira Di'Brigit, the author of the new book “Why We Farm” which is an investigation into the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Viewed through the lens of the environment within the Capay Valley of northern California, each chapter features a different model of farming. In each profile, farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer.  The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system. In this interview Elvira talks about how she first came to the Capay Valley and her motivations behind wanting to live a farming lifestyle. We talk about how the farmers profiled in her book tell a larger story of modern farming in the United States, and even the trends and challenges facing the agricultural industry around the world. Elvira also gives a unique perspective into the growing community outreach that is strengthening the bonds in the valley and fostering a larger network of resilience that should be inspiring for anyone living a rural community. For "The Abundant Edge" listeners only, you can now get 50% off your digital subscriptions to Permaculture Magazine North America by entering the code PMNA50abedge at checkout. Get your subscription today and dive deep into the local and global solutions that go beyond sustainability. Listen in at the end of this podcast to find out how you can win your own copy of "The Urban Farmer" from New Society Publishers Resources: on facebook http://whywefarmcapay.com/

Episode 106 The future of humanity may very well rest on the success of the small, sustainable farm. If that sounds like a severe exaggeration to you, consider the following: Industrial agriculture uses excessive amounts of chemical pesticides, herbicides and hormones that end up in what we eat, drink and breathe Factory farms and industrial slaughterhouses often create unsanitary conditions that cause food contamination, sickening 76 million people in the U.S. yearly. Topsoil erosion and aquifer depletion caused by industrial agriculture undermines genetic diversity, and pollutes air, water, and soil with toxic chemicals, causing $34.7 billion in environmental damage annually in the U.S. alone. Management of animal waste at factory farms often contaminates nearby  soil and water with pathogens, heavy metals, and excess nutrients that can sicken neighboring residents. Industrial agriculture contaminates ground and surface water with toxic pesticide and fertilizer runoff, hormone and antibiotics residue, heavy metals and harmful pathogens. Industrial farming often results in dead soil due to extensive plowing, constant planting and reliance on toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Routine use of toxic pesticides by industrial agriculture  pollutes air, soil and water, and damages human health. Antibiotics regularly fed to industrially raised animals to promote growth and keep them alive in unsanitary conditions contributes to the creation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, an increasing threat to human health. Hormones routinely fed to livestock in factory farms have been linked to illness in animals and humans. Genetically engineered monoculture crop systems favored by industrial farms drain nutrients from the land, allow pests and disease to flourish and undermine genetic diversity. Large amounts of fossil fuel are required to plow fields, transport foods over long distances, and produce fertilizers on industrial farms. Factory farmed animals are  subjected to cruel and unsanitary conditions that cause widespread disease and aggressive behavior. Factory farms hire as few workers as possible and do little to support the local economy. Industrial and factory farm workers often endure unhealthy and dangerous working conditions for unlivable wages and are denied access to unions, overtime pay, safety training and worker compensation. The Small, Sustainable Farm It's clear that damage done to humans, animals and Mother Earth by industrial farming is massive and if left unchecked, could spell disaster for all three. But small, sustainable farmers are changing this paradigm. In her book "Why We Farm: Stories of Farmers from the Capay Valley" Elvira Di'Brigit shares accounts of small farmers drawn to a Northern California community to grow food as serious "stewards of the land." In this episode of the podcast, Elvira and I discuss how these amazing farmers have found success using sustainable growing techniques and non-traditional business models that connect them directly to consumers. Farming is hard work and small farmers face many obstacles not shared by their industrial counterparts. But these folks revel in it and enjoy their lives in the Capay Valley. It makes me wonder why.  Is it the joy of using their ingenuity to solve problems in novel ways? Is it the satisfaction of knowing their work is helping to heal people and the planet? Or is it just the peaceful, bucolic life in the Capay Valley? Perhaps all three. If you'd like to learn more about these fascinating farmers, you can pre-order Elvira's book here. You can follow Elvira's work and connect with her online at the following sites: Facebook.com/WhyWeFarm Facebook.com/CapayValleyGrown Instagram.com/CVFarmStories WhyWeFarmCapay.com  

Lawsuit challenges Delta Tunnels OK by Feds. Processing tomato crop heat woes. Rural broadband grant for CA. Profiles of Capay Valley farmers. Rice crop update.

Lawsuit challenges Delta Tunnels OK by Feds. Processing tomato crop heat woes. Rural broadband grant for CA. Profiles of Capay Valley farmers. Rice crop update.

Dru Rivers began farming in 1983 with her partner, Paul Muller, in Northern California’s Capay Valley. Since that time, Full Belly Farm has grown to over 200 acres of vegetables, with still more acreage devoted to flowers, animals, fruits, nuts, and even grains. They’ve recently ventured into value-added products, as well. All of this is marketed to farmers markets, CSA customers, and wholesale customers in the Bay Area, Davis, and Sacramento. Full Belly Farm has also grown in the number of people – and not just their intern program or their employees, although we dig into how Full Belly has created a renowned and very successful internship program and an environment that fosters fantastic employee retention. Full Belly’s ownership has also grown, with an early partnership with Judith Redmond and Andrew Brait, as well as a more recent expansion to include some of Dru and Paul’s children. Dru shares about why their partnership has worked, the return of all four of her children to the farm, managing a wide diversity of enterprises, and the renowned Hoes Down Harvest Festival. The Farmer to Farmer Podcast is generously supported by Vermont Compost Company.