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Local Stories of Agricultural Diversification

In the Fall of 2015, local farmers and ranchers took a moment to share their personal accomplishments and inspirations on the path to agricultural diversification. These stories, gathered in Point Reyes Station at the event “Honoring Agricultural Diversification,” highlight a trend of the last 40 years that has enhanced the environmental and economic sustainability of local operations, ensuring their viability for years to come. By diversifying their operations, farmers and ranchers have been able to meet changing market demands, rise above volatile commodity prices for milk and meat, and leverage the growing popularity of organic, local as well as niche and artisanal products.

Hear directly from some of Marin’s hard-working, entrepreneurial and creative producers in this video series produced by UCCE Marin.

And for more insights, check out this page to hear some of Marin’s farmers and ranchers reflecting on the question, “What is success in agriculture?"

Karen Taylor, Bivalve Dairy - organic dairy farmer

Rick Lafranchi, Lafranchi Ranch & Nicasio Valley Cheese Company
- organic dairy farmer & farmstead cheese maker

Dave Evans, Marin Sun Farms - meat processor & rancher

Guido Frosini, True Grass Farms - grass-fed cattle rancher

Janet Brown, AllStar Organics - organic farmer

Warren Weber, Star Route Farms - organic farmer

Arron Wilder, Table Top Farm - organic farmer

Caymin Ackerman, Big Mesa Farm - organic farmer

Tamara Hicks, Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery - sheep and goat
dairy farmer & farmstead cheese maker

Kitty Dolcini, Chi'ken City by Kitty - free-range pastured egg producer

Mark Pasternak, Devil's Gulch Ranch -grazing livestock rancher