Help Farmers Protect the Best Farmland in the World
CURRENT COUNTIES SERVED
Sacramento, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, and Fresno
Board Officers:
Sam Zanutto, Sebastopol | President
Theresa Kiehn, Modesto | Vice President
Bill Hoobler, Patterson | Secretary
Michael Machado, Linden | Treasurer
Directors:
Patrick Johnston, Brentwood
Ken Oneto, Elk Grove
Ron Freitas, Modesto
Ryan Jacobsen, Fresno
Maxwell Norton, Merced
Barbara Smith, Courtland
Mike Wade, Modesto
Carrie Isaacson, Vacaville
Katie Patterson, Ripon
Trustee Council: Emily Rooney
Ann Veneman
Paul Wenger
Ron Dolinsek
Staff:
Charlotte Mitchell
Executive Director
Matthew Grizzle Operations Director
Amy Wolfe
Development Manager
Quinn Mulrooney
Conservation Manager
Where Land, Food, and Community Meet
Dear Friends,
As we open this new issue of Legacy, I am pleased to introduce someone who brings both heart and depth of understanding to our work. Our newest board member, Katie Patterson, has spent much of her life rooted in California agriculture. Her experience spans policy, community partnerships, and handson work with farmers across the state. What stands out most about Katie is her genuine care for the people who steward the land. She understands that protecting farmland is not only about conservation. It is about protecting the families, livelihoods, and rural communities that depend on it. We are grateful to have her perspective guiding the direction of California Farmland Trust, and I look forward to the leadership and thoughtfulness she brings in the years ahead.
This theme of commitment and continuity is reflected powerfully in the story of the Danbom Family. Their River Ranch in Merced County has been tended by generations of hands, each shaping it with hard work, stewardship, and hope for the future. When Paul and Taryn Danbom made the decision to place their farm under a conservation easement, they chose to protect far more than acreage. They chose to safeguard a family legacy, the integrity of their land, and the values they wish to pass forward to their children. Their story reminds us that farmland is irreplaceable. Once lost, it does not return. Protecting it requires intention, trust, and the willingness to think beyond today.
You will also read in this issue about our new What’s the Dirt on Soil? education project, created in partnership with Raley’s and California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. This hands-on learning experience helps students understand soil health and appreciate the work farmers do to care for the land that sustains us. In addition, we share a look back at this year’s Race to Slow the Pace, a day filled with community, celebration, and the shared belief that farmland is worth protecting.
As always, I remain grateful for your support. Whether you attend our events, share our stories, make a gift, or simply believe in the importance of protecting working lands, you are part of this mission. Thank you for standing with us, for caring about the future of farming, and for helping ensure that the land that feeds us remains protected for the generations who will one day depend on it.
With sincere appreciation,
Charlotte Mitchell Executive Director
Board Member Spotlight: Katie Patterson
Bridging Policy, Community, and Conservation for California Agriculture
Meet Katie Patterson, one of California Farmland Trust’s newest board members whose journey from Galt High School’s ag classrooms to state policy leadership is rooted in a lifelong passion for protecting California’s working lands. With deep experience spanning national conservation programs, local government, and advocacy for farmers across the state, Katie brings a rare blend of heart, policy insight, and hands-on understanding to California Farmland Trust’s mission.
“Protecting farmland matters because we all eat. Agriculture isn’t just an industry— it’s our lifeblood and our future.”
— Katie Patterson, California Farmland Trust Board Member
For Katie Patterson, a lifelong connection to agriculture began in an unexpected place—her high school schedule. As a senior at Galt High, she enrolled in an introductory agriculture class taught by Cheryl Reece, and it changed the course of her life. “I remember sitting there learning about California’s agricultural commodities and thinking, ‘Why aren’t we shouting this from the rooftops?’” she recalls. From that moment, her passion for agriculture took root and has continued to grow ever since.
Raised on a small acreage in Galt, Katie’s family raised and showed livestock, fostering an early understanding of hard work and stewardship. Agriculture was already part of her family legacy—her grandfather was an ag teacher who later worked for the state—and that connection deepened when she married an agricultural educator herself. “I learned early on that agriculture isn’t just an industry; it’s a community,” she says. “It’s where people come together, support one another, and share a deep respect for the land.”
That community-minded philosophy shaped Katie’s career path. After earning her degree, she interned with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, D.C., where she worked on national conservation policy, the Air Quality Task Force, and even helped coordinate a White House Conference on Cooperative Conservation. She describes that time as “eye-opening,” sparking her enduring interest in the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and policy.
Her career later brought her home to California, where she spent nearly eight years with the Farm Bureau, helping local farmers navigate evolving regulations and advocate for practical solutions. “It was a foundational experience,” she says. “I got to roll up my sleeves, dive into complex issues, and truly understand the challenges facing our growers.” From there, she transitioned to the San Joaquin County Administrator’s Office, working on economic development, legislative affairs, and media relations. Today, Katie serves as the Public and Government Relations Manager at South San Joaquin Irrigation District.
From there, Katie transitioned to the San Joaquin County Administrator’s Office, where she worked on everything from economic development and legislative affairs to media relations. Yet, despite her success, her heart called her back to agriculture. That calling led her to American Farmland Trust, where she served as California State Policy Manager—bridging her policy expertise with her commitment to protecting working lands.
Today, Katie brings that same dedication to her role on the California Farmland Trust Board. Her deep policy knowledge, local government experience, and statewide network uniquely position her to help strengthen the organization’s mission. “I’ve always been passionate about California agriculture,” she says. “This opportunity allows me to bring together my background in policy, conservation, and community to help ensure agriculture remains viable for generations to come.”
Katie is especially motivated by CFT’s leadership and legacy. Having known CEO Charlotte Mitchell since their early days working on Delta water issues, she deeply respects the organization’s integrity and impact. “California Farmland Trust has earned tremendous respect across the industry,” she says. “It’s the only agricultural land trust solely dedicated to this mission in California, and I’m proud to help continue that work.”
When asked why protecting farmland matters, Katie’s answer is simple yet profound: “Because we all eat.” She believes farmland preservation is essential not just for farmers, but for every Californian. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our way of life,” she says. “Protecting it means protecting our future.”
Keeping the Legacy Alive: THE STORY OF DANBOM RIVER RANCH
Nestled along the Merced River in Merced County, Danbom River Ranch is more than just farmland. It’s the living thread of a family story woven across generations. Since 1962, the 150-acre property has quietly served as the backbone for the Danbom dairy operation, growing corn, oats, and alfalfa to feed roughly 1,800–1,900 milking cows located about five miles away.
But the farm’s journey isn’t just about crops and cattle; it’s about stewardship, partnership, and a deep respect for the land.
The Story Begins
The story of the Danbom Family Farm dates back to the late 19th century. Like many at the time, Andre Danbom and his brothers made their way west in 1893 in search of prosperity, opportunity, and new beginnings. Their determination and entrepreneurial spirit guided them to California’s Great San Joaquin Valley where they jumped into farming with zeal. The brothers established a diversified operation from the beginning, raising livestock including cattle and hogs, while growing wheat and corn for feed. They also took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves and began a construction enterprise simultaneously, building barns and other farm structures for operations across their community.
The farm continued to pass down to Andre and his brothers’ descendants until, eventually, James Brindeiro and Paul Danbom came together. In 2003, Paul – a recent college graduate – stepped into his grandfather’s shoes and formed a partnership with his great uncle James. The two formed Brindeiro & Danbom Dairy Farms and while they were an unlikely pairing (the 68-year-old hardened dairyman and the 23-year-old full of ideas), they worked tirelessly to transform the operation to better reflect the world around them. They began integrating sustainable farming practices and developed plans to incorporate
technological advances that ensured the health of the farm from all perspectives – environmental, financial, and community-connected. James and Paul also further diversified the operation to include almonds, alfalfa, and oats, in addition to historical crops like corn and of course, the dairy.
“It was quite an unusual partnership,” Paul recalls with a laugh. “When we started, he was 68 years old and I was 23. But we fed off of each other’s energy. My great uncle liked my youth and ingenuity. And he brought a lot of wisdom to the table.”
“We were not your typical farm family. He was a 68-year-old bachelor who loved farming and seeing the results of hard work in the fields. I was a 23-year-old kid fresh out of college, but we worked hard and were always ready to make progressive changes and were ready to embrace smart, new practices.”
— Paul Danbom
Their synergy highlights something rare in today’s agriculture – genuine generational collaboration. With the average age of California farmers nearing 60, per the 2022 U.S. Ag Census, that passing of knowledge is more precious — and rarer — than ever.
Farming as a Family Affair: The Next Chapter
James passed away in 2017 and his departure marked the next chapter in the family’s farming story. Paul and his wife Taryn became business partners and Danbom Family Farms was born. Their vision includes further enhancements to the operation that allows for robust sustainable and regenerative practices.
Paul calls Taryn, “the backbone of the farm.” Between caring for their three children, the farm office, and managing relationships with 85 different vendors, Taryn keeps the operation organized — from office to orchard to dairy.
As Paul and his great uncle focused on progressive change and efficient practices, Taryn and Paul continue that same philosophy with a commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate smart technology. On the farming side, one major advantage is they grow their own feed. This helps them control crop quality and they aren’t beholden to external feed suppliers helping in years when feed prices surge.
“There’s always risk in farming,” Paul says, “but owning our feed base gives us a measure of control other operations may not have.”
Paul and Taryn also have integrated the most current technology to ensure there is little to no farm waste. They mitigate methane emissions from their dairy cattle manure, further separate those solids and composting them into their orchards and fields. This mulching effort reduces their reliance on synthetic pesticides, which in turn minimizes potential groundwater contamination.
Paul creates his own organic fertilizer from the nitrogenrich manure from the dairy and then mixes it with almond shells and shredded almond tree prunings. He lets this blend compost down over several months before applying it to his fields.
“We no longer spray herbicides along the access roads,” Paul remarks. “We just mow to keep vegetation down.” This strategy helps prevent dust, fights erosion, and encourages beneficial plants, and bee habitat — not to mention saving money. “In truth,” Paul admits, “It’s also cheaper. We aren’t buying chemicals, just using the mower.”
These practices provide for soil carbon sequestration, improve soil health, and reduce overall input costs to the farm. Paul and Taryn are demonstrating that farming practices that benefit the environment can be mutually beneficial to the financial success and viability of the operation as a whole. Their goal is that by making these strategic and intentional decisions, there will be a farm
“The modern farmer is a little bit of everything: a steward of land, a businessman, an accountant,” Paul shared. “The farmer should be right at the center of the California ‘green’ ideal because you couldn’t ask for a group of people who want to be more sustainable or more environmentally conscious than the California farmer.”
— Paul Danbom
ready and waiting for their three children to one day take over and continue this endearing Danbom family legacy.
“The modern farmer is a little bit of everything: a steward of land, a businessman, an accountant,” Paul shared.
“The farmer should be right at the center of the California ‘green’ ideal because you couldn’t ask for a group of people who want to be more sustainable or more environmentally conscious than the California farmer.”
A River Runs Through It — And Wildlife Follows
Danbom River Ranch is more than field crops. The land borders the Merced River, making it a sanctuary for nature. Paul grew up hearing his grandfather and great uncle share stories about the beavers, fish, birds, even deer that used to roam its banks.
“It became a key reason why I wanted to protect this farm with a conservation easement,” he says. “I wanted it to stay native land … there is nothing here that two years of floods wouldn’t return back to the way it was before.”
In wetter years, deer wander near riverbanks, pollinators dance among blossoms, and the whole place feels closer to wilderness than commercial agriculture.
To protect this delicate balance, Paul minimizes tillage, reduces herbicide use and protects the riparian (streamside) vegetation from disturbance. The River provides a corridor from which the wildlife benefit from the forage that the farm provides.
Additionally, the location of the River Ranch offers a flood buffer and beneficial groundwater recharge for the community of Hilmar. With its ‘excellent’ rating for groundwater recharge by UC Davis Soil Agricultural Groundwater Banking Index, this farm is important to the greater region’s water conservation efforts.
Locking in the Future: The Conservation Easement
The decision to place the farm under a conservation easement in 2025 didn’t come overnight. It was the natural conclusion of years of stewardship and forward thinking.
“I feel pressure,” Paul says. “I don’t want to be the generation that loses this land. This easement allows me to be a long-term steward of my family’s land. I feel better knowing it will stay in farming.” “The easement is basically a formal agreement to keep doing what we’ve done all along.” Paul added.
He’s also candid about the practical side: an easement can free up capital. By tapping equity, he was able to repay past debts.
An agricultural conservation easement (ACE) is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified entity or land trust, such as California Farmland Trust (CFT). CFT works with willing landowners who wish to see their land protected from non-agricultural uses and
to be farmed, forever. The ACE permanently limits some activities and uses, such as urban development and subdivision, while ensuring that a farming operation can continue perpetually, unthreatened by conversion to other non-agricultural uses.
His top advice for others? Choose your partners wisely. Paul expressed his appreciation for the partnership with CFT in helping him with the conservation easement on the land.
“Number one, dealing with the California Farmland Trust staff was absolutely fantastic, whenever we ran into hiccups, they were right there to help.”
Danbom River Ranch isn’t just a plot of land or a feed producer — it’s the spirit of continuity, family, and land ethics writ large. Here’s to many more decades of caring for the fields, the river, and the generations who’ll follow.
Easement Funding
Funds for River Ranch were made available through the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation. SALC is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap- and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Additional funding was provided by the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation. This family foundation helps to improve the quality of life within the geographical areas associated with the career and legacy of the California pioneer Henry Mayo Newhall.
Newhall was a New England Yankee who landed in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. He never found gold, but he did build a highly successful auction business. In the 1860s, he established the first railroad from San Francisco to San Jose and in the 1870s used the proceeds to buy Spanish land grants in central and southern California.
Along the way, Newhall became a founder and benefactor of many charitable, social and educational institutions in 19th-century California. In 1963, his fourth-generation descendants established the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation as a tribute to their patriarch. Among the grants awarded in 2025 is funding towards the conservation of agricultural land in Merced County.
Earlier this month, we hosted a special Conservation Celebration honoring the Danbom Family for their commitment to stewardship, along with our partners at the Strategic Growth Council and the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for their generous support of this project. Be on the lookout for a full event recap coming soon!
2025 Race to Slow the Pace: Running for Farmland, Together
If you joined us at Bokisch Vineyards on that sunny Sunday morning in September, you know — there’s nothing quite like the Race to Slow the Pace. The fresh air, the vineyard views, the laughter, the encouragement at the finish line — it’s a special kind of day that brings people together for something bigger than themselves.
This year marked our fifth annual race, and once again, our community showed up in the best way possible. Runners, walkers, families, and even a few wagging tails filled the vineyard rows, celebrating farmland, fitness, and friendship. Every step taken on those trails was a reminder of what we’re all working to protect — the open spaces and productive farmland that make California such a special place to live and grow.
As our Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell put it best, “Race to Slow the Pace is about connection — to the land, to each other, and to the mission of keeping California’s farmland forever.”
To Our Sponsors — Thank You for Believing in the Mission
We’re endlessly grateful to everyone who makes this event possible. A huge thank you to our Title Sponsor, the John & Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation, whose generous support continues to keep our mission moving forward.
To all of our sponsors: your support amplifies our mission, helps build connection, and ensures that farmland conservation continues as a shared priority across California. Thank you for believing in this event and its deeper purpose. You’re the reason our community can come together for this cause year after year.
Our Volunteers — The Heart of Race Day
Before the first shoe hit the trail, our amazing volunteers were already out there — marking routes, setting up water stations, welcoming runners with big smiles, and keeping everything running smoothly. You are the heartbeat of this event, and we’re so thankful for your time, energy, and genuine care for our mission.
And To Our Runners — You Inspire Us
Whether you ran for a personal best, walked with friends, or took it all in at an easy pace, we’re so glad you joined us. You showed up with heart — and every mile you covered helped raise awareness for farmland conservation. Watching everyone cross the finish line (and then raise a well-earned glass of Bokisch wine) reminded us why this event is so special.
See You Next Year
As the sun dipped over the vineyard and the last few finishers made their way in, one thing was clear — our community cares deeply about protecting farmland. Together, we’re slowing the pace of development and preserving the land that feeds us all.
From all of us at California Farmland Trust, thank you for running, walking, volunteering, sponsoring, and cheering alongside us. You make the Race to Slow the Pace what it is — a celebration of community, conservation, and connection.
We can’t wait to see you again next year on September 13th, 2026 — same mission, same joy, just a few more miles of farmland protected.
anticipate energy needs, collaborating on innovative solutions
To learn more about Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), visit, smud.org
Giving Tuesday Saving Soil, Feeding Tomorrow
their livelihoods while ensuring that our state remains a leader in sustainable food production. Imagine the ripple effect your donation can create—enhancing water conservation, promoting biodiversity, and securing fresh, healthy food systems for generations to come.
Contributing to the "Saving Soil, Feeding Tomorrow" campaign means you’re facilitating environmental stewardship. By saving farmland, you help protect vital ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and enhance the overall health of our environment. Your support is a commitment to a sustainable future, ensuring that the landscapes we cherish remain vibrant and productive.
We are grateful for every donor who believes in our mission. Your contributions have made a difference and continue to generate momentum behind our commitment to preservation. Together, we can build stronger communities and secure the future of California’s agricultural lands.
Every dollar counts and together, we can save our soil and feed our community tomorrow! Use the enclosed donation envelope or visit www.cftdonate.org today to make your gift. Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity this holiday season.
Thanks to our partners at Raley’s, California Farmland Trust, and California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC) are pleased to release What’s the Dirt on Soil?! This educational curriculum is intended to provide third to fifth-grade elementary students with a hands-on activity to learn about soil. Follow along with us on social media as we share the project and provide a live demonstration!
This activity helps students explore the composition of soil. Using a simple jar test, students will collect
Educator Overview
This overview supports educators in facilitating the What’s the Dirt on Soil? jar test activity. Through hands-on observation, students learn how soil texture—including sand, silt, clay, and organic matter—influences water movement, root growth, and the soil’s ability to support healthy plants.
Support students by addressing common misconceptions, such as the idea that
examples from students’
soil is always
neighborhoods,
or parks to
activity to their environment. Invite students to reflect on what might improve their soil or how it could be used in a school or home garden.
Students may observe sand settling at the bottom, followed by silt, then clay, with organic matter floating on top. The thickest layer might suggest the dominant particle type. If a sample has more sand, the soil likely drains quickly and may need compost to hold nutrients. A comparison to the “good soil” jar can help students identify what makes soil healthy—balanced layers, and visible organic matter. Loamy soils support a wide range of plants, while sandy soils suit drought-tolerant crops. If the soil compacts easily or doesn’t hold water, adding organic material can improve it. Texture also affects how water moves through the soil, how well roots grow, and how nutrients are absorbed.
To guide further discussion, you might use questions such as:
also draining well. It is ideal for growing vegetables, fruits, and most garden plants.
Facilitating Student Discussion
Encourage students to begin by describing what they observe in their soil jars before trying to analyze or interpret the layers. Before moving into real-world applications, have students identify each layer and take basic measurements. Then, use open-ended questions to help students connect their observations to real-world ideas such as water movement, plant health, and food production. Comparing their results to the “good soil” jar is a helpful way to spark deeper discussion and encourage critical thinking.
For additional resources, visit CaFarmTrust.org/Dirt or LearnAboutAg.org.
• What layers did you observe? Which one was thickest? Thinnest?
• How does your sample compare to the “good soil” jar?
• What kinds of plants might grow well in your soil, and why?
• What could improve your soil for growing food?
• How does soil texture affect water use, erosion, or plant health?
This activity helps students connect what is beneath their feet to larger ideas like food systems, environmental care, and the role of farmers in protecting our land.
soil, shake it with water, and observe how it settles into layers of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. The full lesson takes about 45–60 minutes over two class sessions.
To support learning, California Farmland Trust will provide a jar of “good” soil for students to compare their own samples with—making this activity easy to do in any setting, including urban environments.
COMMUNITY connections
Community Connections links our network to organizations doing good work for the preservation of our state's agricultural industry. To submit your event or organization for a feature, email Matthew Grizzle mgrizzle@cafarmtrust.org Operations Director.
2025 California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and YF&R State Conference
December 6-9 | Hyatt Regency Orange County | Anaheim, CA
The California Farm Bureau invites you to join them in Anaheim, a city known for its vibrant energy and magical attractions. This year’s theme, “Strong Roots, Bright Future,” celebrates California agriculture’s foundation—built on healthy soils, resilient communities, innovation and forward-thinking. Like the roots that anchor our crops, the legacy of Farm Bureau in California runs deep. With more than a century of leadership, advocacy, solutions and shared values, that foundation continues to ground us through change and challenge. Our future is bright because our roots are strong. The Annual Meeting brings together farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders from across the state to exchange ideas, deepen connections and explore new opportunities. Come ready to connect, learn and lead. Our future is rooted in what we build together.
www.cfbf.com/events/annual-meeting
2025 The Almond Conference: Cultivating a Healthier Future
December 10 – 12
SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
Sacramento, CA
Registration for The Almond Conference 2025 is complimentary and open to all almond industry professionals. Conference sessions are open to all registrants, both attendees and exhibitors/sponsors. Meal tickets are available for purchase during the online registration process and are optional.
Every January, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium trade show is home to over 650 suppliers to the wine and grape industry. With thousands of industry professionals attending and over 700 booths, the Symposium is the largest wine & grape industry conference and trade show of its kind in North America.
