4/23 Sierra Orchards Open Farm Day

Tuesday, 4/23/2024, 9 am-12 pm

Open to all.

This event is intended for farmers who want to see and discuss practices, but all are welcome to join. Questions and lively conversation are encouraged.

Our hosts: Sean & Craig McNamara, Sierra Orchards

About the farm: In 1980, Craig and Julie McNamara started as first generation farmers growing conventional walnuts. Today, they farm 450 acres of certified organic walnuts and are joined by their two adult children, Emily and Sean. They focus on regenerative farm management practices that encourage health, opportunity, and resiliency for the soil, trees, water, employees, and community. In recent years they also initiated a sheep program, received Regenerative Organic Certification on walnuts, planted an almond orchard, and forged direct to consumer marketing pathways by branding the farm as well as custom packing walnuts, olive oil, and lamb.

SITE 1 9-10:30 am: (Meet and park at 9264 Boyce Rd. Winters, CA 95694)

The first site provides demonstration of orchard removal with a Healthy Soils Grant: Whole Orchard Recycling component, closed-loop compost made from pruning’s and by-product of walnut harvest, and how to manage fertility and weed management in orchard replant on a decades-long investment.

SITE 2 10:45-12 pm: (Meet and park at 38.524604, -121.921984, park along Putah Creek Road)

At the second site, Craig and Sean can share their experience with cover crops (incorporating forage for sheep), rotational grazing with 1400 sheep; hedgerows; no-till & low-till to deal with orchard floor management and squirrel destruction; and general squirrel and gopher control in an organic system.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Restroom facility is only available at 1st location, “facilitrees” available at 2nd location
• Light snacks provided
• You are welcome to join for both or either site.

Please contact Margaret Lloyd:  530-564-8642 with any questions, no RSVP required