With an understanding of the balance that exists in nature, Open Field Farm strives to operate a productive farm that serves the needs of the community for food, that fosters a positive relationship between the farmers, the members and the land, and that continues to improve the farm ecosystem.
The Land
Open Field Farm is situated on a rolling grassland ranch with small stands of eucalyptus, walnuts, and cypress trees. There is a balance of flat land for crop production, and small hillsides for winter grazing. The farm is operated out of two main homesteads dating from the early 1900s including many old barns and outbuildings that we hope to repurpose to serve the modern vision of food production.
Our Vision
Open Field Farm is a diversified farm, raising grass fed beef, sheep, and pastured eggs, while also growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, dry corn, flowers, and small grains. We hope to continue to add to our diversity as we grow. All of our food is distributed through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
The Story of Open Field Farm
In July 2012, Seth and Sarah James purchased the ranch and began to create a new farm on the solid foundation that was left for us by the previous owners. It was historically operated as a dairy and chicken ranch in the first half of the 20th century. In the 1940s, the dairy herd was enlarged and the chickens were sold. The farm remained a dairy until the early 2000s when the farmer retired and leased the land to a local organic dairy farmer for silage and grazing. The grassland has been well maintained. The old farm buildings and much of the other infrastructure were in need of repair. With the help of many talented and thoughtful local tradesmen, we have replaced many of the old water lines, updated the electrical, and repaired some of the old barns. We also cleared away berry bushes from the sides of buildings and hauled away dumpster loads of debris. While we have completed the initial repairs that were necessary to our farming operation, we do hope to continue restoring the old barns and the farmyard so that they are useful to us and the larger community.
Our Farm
Our Food
Our CSA