Send us your Photos!

What do we want?

FarmLink wants YOU... that means photos of you and your farm or ranch, your animals, or crops - whatever you think represents your operation visually! Don’t forget to put yourself or family member in the photo – people like to see who’s doing the farming.

Why do we want them?

Images speak.  We often need to plead our case, write up a report, put out a newsletter, get a story in the news or on our Facebook page – all to better serve our clients.  Photos often tell a story - better than words. These photos will appear on FarmLink's website, annual report, brochures & other publications that help promote family farming in California.

How complicated is this for you?

Not very! You send in the photo (high resolution), with description & names of those in the photo (if you like, they don’t need to be named), and we send you a photo consent form to sign and return. 

What do you get out of doing this?

Increased visibility of your farm and a good feeling of giving back if you’ve been helped by our organization. And if you’ve not yet been helped – this might spark someone’s interest!

Please email Linda@cafarmlink.org with questions AND photos

Seven Days, Seven Ways to Celebrate Farmers Markets

http://farmersmarketcoalition.org/seven-days-seven-chances-to-tell-your-market-story

Sonoma County Food System Alliance releases its Food Assessment

Getting the Dirt on Food in Sonoma County: The Release of a Community Food Assessment

As eaters, all of us have a stake in the health of our food system.  But as a new report from the Sonoma County Food System Alliance points out, there are a lot of other reasons to care about what’s happening in this area of our community.

The Sonoma County Community Food Assessment provides baseline data on the many interconnected areas of the local food system.  While the Community Food Assessment is intended to inform and support our work on the Food System Alliance, it can also be used as a tool for everyone – agricultural producers, individuals, organizations, and policy makers – concerned about the vitality of our food system

To learn more about the Sonoma County Food System Alliance and to view a copy of the report, please go online to the Sonoma County Food System Alliance website: http://aginnovations.org/alliances/sonoma/

Gov. Brown signs bill to preserve Williamson Act

This story from the Farm Bureau Ag Alert:


After months of uncertainty, a bill signed by Gov. Brown last week reinstates a revised Williamson Act program intended to preserve the state's landmark farmland-conservation law. Brown signed Assembly Bill 1265 by Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, which establishes the revised form of the Williamson Act through 2016.

While I'm Away . . .

Hey guys! 


I just wanted to let you all know that I will be gone from July 23rd to August 17th (I'm gettin' hitched and going on a honeymoon!). While I'm away, Linda Peterson, Media and Communications Person Extraordinaire here at California FarmLink, may continue posting events and opportunities from time to time. 


When I return, I plan to keep moving ahead as I have been and continue to welcome any feedback about how to make this a more useful resource for you all. 


Take care, and see you in a few weeks!

Feed for sale! horses, cows, sheep, goats

Mixed Italian rye grass/red oat. Three string bales, 85 to 110 pounds, stored in barn.


$6 /bale.  


Call: 707-782-0687

Update on Apprenticeships for New Farmers

I attended a fantastic meeting on June 23^rd, hosted and organized by the Sonoma County UC Cooperative Extension office. Representatives from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), the California State Department of Labor Standards and Enforcement, and the California State Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards, were present, along with experienced and aspiring farmers. The speakers explored all the current options for farmers to offer legal hands-on training opportunities to aspiring farmers. NCAT and California FarmLink collaborated on a one-page summary of some of the legal options available at this time. Let us know if you want a copy of this information!

The newest program we learned about is the recently established formal apprenticeship program run through the College of Marin, in conjunction with Peter Martinelli of Fresh Run Farm. This is the first of what may be many programs set up through the state that formalizes the education and training of young farmers. The apprentices in these programs are employees who agree to work for the farmer and also to take the courses their employer wants them to take. The program must include an educational component, though the apprentice is allowed to count courses they have previously taken. Each farm and farmer establishes the curriculum they would like their apprentices to follow and still need to pay all the wages, workers’ compensation and payroll taxes (just like any other employee). However, an apprentice is paid less in the beginning, and pay raises are built into the program. The farmer must work closely with the community college to formalize the program, and it can take a long time for the process to be completed. There are many details to discuss with these new apprenticeship models, so please contact the Division of Apprenticeship Standards for more information (415-703-4920). 

Off-Farm Job Announcement

Organic Certification Specialists 

California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)

Santa Cruz, CA

CCOF Certification Services is expanding our team of organic Certification Specialists in our Santa Cruz, CA headquarters.  Over the next several months, we will be filling new positions in our Grower/ Farm department and our Processor/ Handler department. These positions will work within CCOF's rapidly growing USDA National Organic Program and internationally accredited organic certification program.

The announcement can also be found at http://www.ccof.org/employment.php 

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Land/Home Purchase Opportunity in Santa Cruz Mts.

This is definitely outside our geographic region but is an interesting enough opportunity that I wanted to share it with you all. Feel free to distribute to anyone you think might be curious! This ad was written by the owner. Enjoy!

The Seven Vistas story and opportunity to join in.

www.7vistas.com

I have owned this property since 1988. 7 Vistas is 20.4 Acres at 600 feet elevation above the fog line, located in Corralitos, 4 miles from the coast with views of Monterey Bay and Eureka Canyon. A very private upper valley with a combination of agricultural terraces and wooded areas composed of Oaks, Redwoods, Madrone, and Manzanita.

Terraced irrigated and partially planted growing areas of fruits, herbs, lavender, and vegetables, city water. second stage of a Permaculture installation. Hiking trails, wild mushrooms, and cultivated Shitakes.

The main house is a custom built highly efficient, non-toxic materials, straw bale construction, radiant floor heating, built to exceed title 24 energy specifications. 2800 sq ft plus adjoining 600 sq ft. cabin, neighboring geodesic dome, and 35 ft Spartan Land Yacht. Rental income now $2200 per month.

This was the first permitted straw bale structure in Santa Cruz County. Architect designed, professionally constructed, custom features, beautiful views, Mediterranean climate, premium quiet living. 20 mins from Santa Cruz, 45 from San Jose and Monterey.

Looking for someone to come in and buy out my partner's 50% and create a Joint Tenants ownership under a Land Trust corporation and share the property and continue permaculture and development. Appraisal in 2008 $1.5M, now $1.1M looking for $550K to buy her out (friendly exit) or looking for 3 other people to buy 25% each at $275K each. If you do not have enough cash then there is an option to assume some debt. Great opportunity for little money get into a premium piece of property to develop community, sustainable food access, grow animals, potential home businesses or just relax in the quiet and enjoy nature.

Jeremiah 831-750-0738

jeremiah@wiseosolutions.net

www.7vistas.com

originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

One-Acre Historic Apple Orchard Available Near Sebastopol

Hey guys! 


I just posted a new land opportunity on the website. Here's the description: 


Sonoma County #1317: Historic one-acre apple orchard on an eight-acre parcel near Sebastopol is available for work/trade. Landowners would like to do a work/trade in exchange for the farmer donating a portion of their produce to a local food bank on a regular basis. Owners are open to pasturing animals on other parts of the property as well. No deer fencing currently in place. Property has a well, and owners plan to have it assessed in spring 2012 to know how much water might be available for use. No housing currently available. A couple of small storage buildings may be available to share. Landowners require chemical-free growing methods on their property.


Let me know if you are interested!

31 Acres for Sale Near Healdsburg!

I just posted an exciting new purchase opportunity on the website. Here's the description: 


Sonoma County ID #1260: Beautiful property FOR SALE. Half interest as joint tenancy in 62-acre farm in Healdsburg area. The 31 acres include six + prime acres bottomland and 2 plantable acres hillside, with small orchard (180 heritage apple, pear, plum, and peach trees). 2100 square-foot house on a hill plus 1200 square foot barn with cold storage, 2 year old 4 KW solar, chicken coop, two wells (low flow at the end of summer), 1.5 acre-foot pond, intermittent stream, wooded hill with great view. Successful crops grown on this land include wine grapes, fruit trees (especially pears), vegetables, raspberries, sugar pumpkins, tomatoes, and flower seeds. Fourteen and a half acres vineyard on other half of property. Bottomland soil is clay loam. The property also boasts a heritage tree. One acre includes deer fencing. There is some old deer fencing around two sides of the rest of the property. Owners are asking $1.15 million for this prime property.


You can also find this information on our website (here). 


Please contact me to let me know if you're interested!

Three Acres of Fruit Trees in Napa Available

Hey folks! 


I just posted this exciting opportunity in Napa (ID#1316). Please click on the ID number to follow the link and learn more! 


Let me know if you are interested. 

Reminder: FarmLink's New Santa Rosa Open House Friday, July 15th!

Please join us in celebrating FarmLink's move to a new location!

What: Grand Opening of our new headquarters in Santa Rosa. Taste local delicious tidbits; sip fine beverages; meet and visit with FarmLink staff, clients and friends.

When: July 15, 2011 from 4:30pm til 6:30pm

Where: 2360 Professional Drive, Ste C, Santa Rosa, CA 

Please RSVP to linda@cafarmlink.org, so we'll have an idea how many to expect.

Call if any questions: 707~528~2920 x 102

Great Land Opportunity Available for Lease Near Petaluma

Hey all! 


I just posted on our website an amazing leasing opportunity just south of Petaluma! You can lease up to 160 acres. Learn more here. 


Thanks!

Sebastopol Farmer Developing New Implement!

Hey there, farmers! 


One of the farmers in my network sent me an intriguing email today that I'd like to share with you. You can find the same information on this Craigslist posting! 


Here's what he wrote:


Hi Farmers -

We are going to build a farming tool that is primarily intended for use with a single animal and will be well suited for donkeys, mules & smaller work horses. The inspiration for this tool is the Kassine from France. The main feature of this tool will be its ability to work the tool off-center of draft. That means your animal can walk between the crop rows while the tool works in the crop row.

This tool will be fabricated in a professional shop. Cultivate, plow, harrow, hill, and more with a single tool and no need to maintain a team of draft horses. This is perfect for the smaller farm that wants to wean itself off the use of tractors.

We are going to have the prototype ready within 6 months to one year and probably manufacture a few shortly thereafter. Right now there are 3 in the queue, and we are looking for more buyers to reduce the cost for all.

If this interests you - please contact me via email or call 707-829-2380 eves only.

Thank you - Denny in Sebastopol, CA 

Wildstar Farm and Folk School Seeks Farm Manager/Partner

Wildstar Farm and Folk School is forming a 501(c)3 non-profit and is developing a piece of land in Mendocino County with minimal current infrastructure. They have plans to build permaculture and bio-intensive based gardens, raise a limited amount of livestock and to develop their Folk School, which shares sustainable living and folk arts with Northern California audiences. 

They are seeking a farm manager/partner, and their ideal person would have experience farming with gentle and regenerative techniques, be comfortable living off-grid (meals are prepared on solar oven, accommodations are tents and tipis), and secondarily have experience with non-profit management, budgeting and a passion for ecologically-minded and community-based living.  

Visit http://wildstarfarmschool.org to learn more, or contact Nate at 510-764-4387 or natestanis@gmail.com

Lease a 10-Acre Historic Apple Orchard in Sebastopol!

Hey folks! 


I just posted a new listing on our website. Check out #1315 here. 


This property has been in the landowner's family for generations, and the trees have been around for a long time. Some trees have been removed over the years, so there are open spaces throughout as well. Property has a well and a pump, but no current irrigation infrastructure. No fencing on the property. Owners are interested in a cash lease. There is also an old, large farmhouse on the property that may potentially be rented (4+ bedrooms, 1.5 baths). Land is gently sloped, with some flat areas. Owner lives on the property. Formerly certified organic by CCOF.


Let me know if you're interested. 

Marin Sun Farms Seeks Ranch Manager

Pt. Reyes Station, CA

Livestock and Pasture Ranch is seeking a very qualified Supervisory Production Manager to oversee Properties and Employees in Marin County. Innovative and cutting edge ranch/pasture management with an emphasis on local, sustainable, 100% grass fed and pasture raised livestock production.

ONLY VERY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS ARE TO APPLY

Mandatory Qualifications:
- Valid and Clean Driving Record
- Spanish Language Fluency
- Supervisory Management Experience
- Organized, Scheduled, and Task Oriented
- Responsible Decision Maker and Problem Solver
- Good Physical Health
- Able to Work Long Hours
- Passionate about Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production
- Equipment Operation: Highway Vehicles, Farm Tractors, Off Road Equipment, Construction Equipment & Machines
- Mechanical: Repairs and Maintenance of Vehicles and Equipment
- Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Internet, and Email Proficiency

Additional Experience of Interest:
- Domestic Livestock Health and Husbandry: Cattle and Poultry
- Welding, Metal Work, and Woodworking
- Construction: Structural, Plumbing, Electrical, Fencing, Grading, Etc.
- Natural Resources, Vegetation, Ecological Monitoring

Compensation: $40k Annual Salary; Paid Time Off, Health Care Plan, Meat/Food Discounts

TO APPLY:
Send resume and references to grassfedjobs@gmail.com, with "Ranch Manager" in the subject line. 


originally posted on the EcoFarm listserve

Gabriel Farm Seeks Temporary Help

Gabriel Farm & Olsons West in Sebastopol is looking for two people (a couple would be welcome) for their weekend and occasional weekday U-Pick operation. This is a work-trade position. 


Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday from mid-August to mid-November (3 months)
Duties:  Greet, orient and conduct sales with farm visitors, stock the farm store, maintain the farm store area, etc.
Work-trade:  A bedroom with a separate kitchen and bathroom for those same three months.
Our preferred person is: good with people, great with children, part of the team, self-starter, arithmetically proficient, dedicated & positive...

If interested, contact Torrey or Lucy at (707)829-0617 or torrey@gabrielfarm.com

FarmLink Santa Rosa Office Open House 7/15!

Please join us in celebrating FarmLink's move to a new location!

What: Grand Opening of our new headquarters in Santa Rosa. Taste local delicious tidbits; sip fine beverages; and meet and visit with FarmLink staff, clients and friends.

When: July 15, 2011 from 4:30pm til 6:30pm

Where: 2360 Professional Drive, Ste C, Santa Rosa, CA 

Please RSVP to linda@cafarmlink.org, so we'll have an idea how many to expect.

Call with any questions: 707~528~2920 x 102

New Property Listed: Five Acres of Pasture Near Sebastopol!

Hey folks! I just posted this opportunity on our website. It would be perfect for anyone with a small herd of goats. Owners are open to having sheep, too. Read about the details here and let me know if you're interested!