Grateful for the Growers Who Lead the Way

By: Alix Clausen, Director of Education & Engagement

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to take a moment to thank the farmers and producers who feed our community and care for the land throughout Stanislaus County. Every meal we share this season starts with a farmer who did the work long before the food reached our tables. Our Ag Conservation team works alongside many of these growers, and we know how much effort goes into every crop.

We are especially grateful to the growers who joined the farmer panel at our Stacking Regenerative Practices Field Day back in October at our SOILS Education Center. Darrell Cordova, Christine Gemperle, and Andy Su gave their time to answer audience questions about their experience bringing sustainable practices onto working farms.

The panel focused on what it actually takes to get started and how to manage risk during the transition. For growers in the room considering a change, hearing directly from peers who have done it carried more weight than any slide presentation could. Their perspectives brought the day’s message to life: regenerative practices work best when added step by step, in ways that fit each operation’s goals and resources.

Sharing that kind of experience is a real gift to our farming community. It helps other growers make informed decisions and builds the local knowledge that keeps agriculture strong in our region.

Thank you, Darrell, Christine, and Andy, and thank you to every producer who works the land here. We are proud to support you.