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| Tree Row |
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Conventional Beginnings
Raised and trained in conventional farming techniques, Russ and Kathy managed a conventionally farmed almond orchard for Russ’ father, a long time Santa Clara Valley farmer, after their graduation from University of California at Davis. It was soon apparent that the old almond trees would never recover to an economically viable orchard and the decision to remove the 70+-year-old trees was made in 1978. In 1979, Russ and Kathy offered to buy this 68-acre orchard from his parents. With the sale, a partnership between the four of them was formed. Tree removal continued and the first block of walnut trees were planted in 1980.
As finances were tight, Russ farmed the remaining almond trees and young walnut trees with little outside help. This also meant that he started to farm the almonds by using fewer chemicals, fertilizers and by employing the new idea of Integrated Pest Management. With the help of Chad Cheney, a forward thinking and resourceful pest control advisor, it soon became apparent that we could eliminate most chemical usage by changing a few farming practices.
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| Walnut on Tree in the Summer |
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Changes
In the late 80’s, a series of events informed Russ and Kathy’s decisions to seek continued farm practice improvements. A number of personal health problems, the discovery of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in Russ’s Dad and a study linking this type of lymphoma to herbicides caused us to reconsider even the few herbicides and fertilizers that we still used. We decided, for our young families’ health, to take the next step. Russ’s father’s death in 1989, due to complications from his cancer, ended not only the partnership, but also our use of chemicals.
Herbicides were easy to eliminate—we could till and hoe more. Fertilizers seemed more difficult as walnuts are heavy nitrogen users. With research, it was discovered that legumes, such as Lana vetch, could produce enough nitrogen. The first planting of Lana vetch went in the ground in the fall of 1988 and the cover crop was an overwhelming success, with plants climbing the trees like vines in a jungle!
A Rich Mix
Meeting Dr. Robert Bugg in 1989 also proved fortunate for Dixon Ridge Farms. Bob suggested diversifying the cover crop mix. Soon Bob, Fred Thomas (of Lohse Mills) and Russ were dreaming up a mixture of seeds that would diversify the leguminous source of nitrogen, but also would bind up any excess nitrogen, increase organic content of the soil, and would attract and feed a host of beneficial insects that would specifically take on the pests common to walnuts. Out of this came the “Lester Cover Crop Mix” which eventually became the BIOS Rich Mix.
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| Walnut Cases in Freezer Ready for Shipping |
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From Growing to Processing
After strengthening the farm’s crop management system, Russ turned his attention to processing and marketing. We received CCOF organic certification in 1991, and sold that small crop conventionally. It was our larger crop of 1992 that moved us in the direction of processing. Russ had contacted a local processor to do the shelling, sorting and packaging for us. And as that year’s crop was quite large, that processor ended up being too busy with his own work. As luck would have it, we were able to locate a walnut plant that was for sale due to bankruptcy. The equipment was purchased and the building was leased in the town of Woodland, twenty miles northeast of Winters. Shelling operations stayed there until 1996 when a new building and freezer were constructed on our home property in Winters. Operating closer to home has been more economical and environmentally sound. This machine and facility underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2002 and additional freezer capacity has been added this year.
Growing the Land
In addition to the 68 acres purchased in 1979, another 96 acres were purchased in 1992. Two leased operations were added—68 acres in 1995 and 10 acres in 1999. In addition, 200 acres of bare land near Yolo, CA were purchased in 2000; trees were planted in 2004. In 2001, we purchased 811 acres of bare ground and acquired the 68-acres of previously leased trees. All 240 acres of walnuts are certified organic and our 200-acre piece will be certified organic when it comes into production.
We grow and process only organic walnuts. Because we are also fully vertically integrated we are able to maintain control of our product at each stage. We use only California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), California Department for Food and Agriculture (CDFA), International Federation of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allowed materials and procedures.
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