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
Jim Jorgensen, Rocklin
Maxwell Norton, Merced
Barbara Smith, Courtland
Mike Wade, Modesto
Carrie Isaacson, Vacaville
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
Springing Forward With Purpose
Dear Friends,
As the California Farmland Trust (CFT) team and I have been lamenting our efforts to adjust to spring forward with daylight savings, I am reminded of the energy this time of year brings. Almond trees have bloomed with bees doing their vital pollinator work. New growth is pushing up through the dirt as summer crops begin their journey to our tables. There’s still a crispness in the early morning air, but the warm sun also brings us all out of our dark winter. It’s exciting and energizing; it’s one of the best aspects of being a farmer.
Spring also brings with it a vital aspect of our work - agricultural conservation easement monitoring and stewardship. Under the direction of our Conservation Manager, Quinn Mulrooney, our team and dedicated volunteers are working in partnership with each of our easement holders to conduct an annual review of their property. This is a critical part of ensuring that the land we have protected in perpetuity is being managed in accordance with our agreement with the farm family owners. Over the next few months, we will visit each of these farms and talk with the families about how their plans for the future continue to unfold.
We’re also excited to launch an education and outreach series, Friends of Farmland. We’ll be hosting three total workshops in Lodi, Modesto, and Merced, providing an opportunity for our neighbors and community to come and learn about agricultural conservation easements. In 2025, we are committed to strategic connection to landowners seeking to place land under agricultural protection. We are seeking to be thoughtful and intentional about our work and in stewarding the generous resources provided to us by our donors and partners. Learn more below and consider joining us!
Lastly, I am delighted to share that once again, the John and Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation will be the title sponsor of the Race to Slow the Pace. John and Jeani are lifelong partners of CFT, our original easement holders, and deeply generous farmers with whom we have the pleasure of working. Be sure to join them and us on September 14th for the fifth annual 5K/10K family-friendly trail run at Bokisch Vineyards.
As always, thank you for your continued dedication and support of California Farmland Trust!
With warm regards,
Charlotte Mitchell Executive Director
| Legacy
Tribute to Michael J. Tanner | A Leader in Farmland Conservation
November 27, 1941 - January 25, 2025
Michael "Mike" Tanner, a cherished figure in the agricultural community, passed away on January 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion. Born on November 27, 1941, in Turlock, California, Mike's life was defined by hard work, a deep love for the land, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Mike was raised in Mariposa by his Nana and Grandaddy, where he developed a strong work ethic through handson experience on the family farm. It was there that his love for agriculture and the natural beauty of the Central Valley took root. His lifelong mission was the preservation of farmland, and he became a founding member of the Central Valley Farmland Trust (now the California Farmland Trust, or CFT), ensuring the region's agricultural legacy would thrive for generations to come. Working alongside Bill Weir, Lonnie Hendricks and Maxwell Norton, Mike dedicated countless hours to monitoring farmland easements in Merced County. His devotion to farmland conservation led him to encourage his cousin, Carl Kruppa and neighbor, Kathy Slater to protect their farms in Ballico, CA, in 2019.
To honor Mike’s tireless volunteerism, exemplary stewardship, and dedication to CFT’s founding principles, the "Golden Plow" award was established. Mike was the inaugural recipient, receiving the honor on November 8, 2014.
A proud graduate of Mariposa High School in 1959 and Fresno State in 1964, Mike earned a degree in Agricultural Inspection and Services. That same year, he began a distinguished 38-year career with the Merced County Agricultural Commissioner's Office. Starting as a field inspector, he ultimately served as Agricultural
Commissioner for nearly 20 years. His work was not just a job—it was a passion that left an indelible mark on the agricultural community at local, regional, and state levels. Even after retiring in 2003, Mike continued to advocate for agriculture in the Central Valley.
A talented athlete, Mike excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, passing on his love of sports to his daughters and grandchildren. He spent countless hours coaching, supporting, and sharing his enthusiasm for athletics with his family. Mike also found peace in the great outdoors, whether backpacking, cross-country skiing, or traveling with his beloved wife of 40 years, Cathy. Together, they shared a life full of adventure, love, and cherished memories.
Mike’s legacy lives on through his three daughters—Kelly Nunes (Jon), Lisa Biolley (Paul), and Amy Pellissier—and his eight beloved grandchildren, Jordan and Julia Nunes, Sarah, Chesna, and Niles Biolley, and Tanner, Elise, and Reagan Pellissier. He is also survived by three greatgrandchildren, Frida, Killian, and Jameson. Mike inspired all who knew him with his integrity, generosity, and warmth. He was a pillar of strength and fairness, deeply respected by all.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy; his parents, Frank Tanner and Mary Ellen Himmelstoss; and his brother, Thomas Fausone.
The California Farmland Trust, its board of directors, and staff pay tribute to Michael J. Tanner. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
A memorial tribute has been established in honor of Mike Tanner at the CFT. If you would like to contribute in his memory, donations can be made online at cafarmtrust.org or mailed to California Farmland Trust, PO Box 1960, Elk Grove, CA 95759. Please be sure to include Mike’s name with your donation, either online or on the check.
Charlotte Mitchell, Mike Tanner, Kathy Slater (Left to Right)
A Landmark Victory for Agriculture:
I n a significant stride toward safeguarding California’s agricultural heritage, California Farmland Trust (CFT) has successfully closed an agricultural conservation easement (ACE) on Lucas Ranch, a beloved 66.93-acre walnut orchard located just two miles west of Gustine in Merced County. This easement closing not only preserves prime farmland but also represents a vital step in maintaining the integrity of a region renowned for its diverse agricultural output.
The Lucas Ranch, owned by Laura Dompe, has been an integral part of their family since 1918. It originally thrived as a small dairy and later transitioned to wheat and alfalfa production. Today, it stands as a testament to modern agricultural practices, featuring walnut trees planted in 2012 on soils designated as Prime farmland.
The protection of the Lucas Ranch also plays a pivotal role in the broader context of land preservation. Along with two other ACEs held by CFT, the ranch forms a substantial 633-acre greenbelt that will prevent the urban sprawl of Gustine and commercial encroachment along Interstate 5. This greenbelt is not just a boundary; it represents a commitment to maintaining agricultural production in the area, which is crucial to Merced County's economy.
in production, we not only secure food sources for generations to come but also preserve the rich tapestry of California’s agricultural landscape. The closure of the Lucas Ranch easement is a reminder that when individual farming families come together to protect their land, they are investing in a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
LEGACY OF RESILIENCE: THE STORY OF LUCAS RANCH
History has always been important to me, especially local history and family history. This sentiment from Laura encapsulates the essence of her family's journey, which began at the turn of the century with the influx of Portuguese dairymen.
The story of Laura's family ranch starts with her maternal grandfather, who immigrated from the Azores to California at the age of eleven. Alongside his aging father, he worked at an established dairy operation owned by relatives near Newman. They were compensated with housing, food, and calves, which became the foundation of their own milking herd. This unique form of payment, called “building their own string” was intended to give Laura's young grandfather a solid start in the thriving dairy business of the time.
As we pause to celebrate the protection of Lucas Ranch, it is integral to recognize the collaborative efforts of landowners like Laura Dompe, CFT, and neighboring farms in the success of land preservation. Agricultural conservation easements are not merely about preserving the past; they are about ensuring a sustainable future for our communities, our environment, and our local agricultural economies.
In a world where farmland is increasingly under threat from development, the protection of the Lucas Ranch stands as a beacon of hope and a model for future conservation efforts. By keeping prime farmland
LAND OF ONE’S OWN
By the age of eighteen, Laura's grandfather had a substantial herd of dairy cows. In 1915, he purchased sixty improved acres in Newman with cash, marking a significant milestone in the family's history. This property became the steppingstone for further acquisitions and establishing his own dairy operation. A photograph from 1915 captures the moment he moved his herd to the new property, symbolizing a monumental turning point: "No more renting property. No more borrowed. No more somebody else’s," as Laura puts it. His success in operating the Newman Ranch allowed him to buy the Lucas Ranch in Gustine in 1918.
THE LUCAS RANCH IN GUSTINE
In 1917, Laura’s grandfather sent for his brother, sister, and mother from the Azores, who would reside on the Newman property while Laura’s grandfather would begin new operations on the Lucas Ranch in Gustine. In those days, friends and family worked together contributing their volunteer labor and talents, helping each other build their horse barns, dairy barns and milk houses, and corrals. With structures up, a growing herd to bring in, and a wealth of new skills and experiences, he managed to create another thriving dairy operation. By 1919, the ranch had expanded with a new house for him and his bride (Laura’s grandmother). He even built bunkhouses for his workers, one of which still stands today.
Moving the Herd to Gustine in 1917
Lucas Ranch Protected, Merced Co.
Laura reflects on the sheer amount of work there was and how there were not a lot of employees, but those who did come to work for him would also be given calves to begin their own dairy herds. The Lucas Ranch was clearly taking shape by the early 1920’s. Laura’s mother, Rose and Rose’s five siblings were born on the ranch. The ranch thrived, a treasured source of many precious memories. When her grandparents moved their young children back to the Newman operation in 1932, other local couples enjoyed building their futures and families as tenants on the Lucas Ranch.
Fast forward forty years to 1959 when Laura’s grandparents have retired and entrusted their son-in-law and daughter (Laura’s parents) to operate and manage both the Newman property and the Lucas Ranch in Gustine. Laura and her brother, Doug, were children and helped their parents. Laura reflects on how difficult it could be to sustain small ag operations. She recalls with a smile, “My dad had a saying: ‘What’s for dinner tonight? It’s going to be either chicken or feathers.’ Her father and brother subsidized their ag operations with other careers. Both were involved in farm equipment sales, real estate and cattle businesses, while Laura, being the daughter, helped in the office. Later, the ranch’s only residual income was rent from one of the houses, and whatever crop income they could get from farming, sometimes jointventuring or renting out the ground. The once-thriving farming industry had its own challenges at this time, and the Lucas Ranch was not insulated from them.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Laura and Doug were aware that there might not be anyone to carry on at their beloved grandparents’ ranch after them. They wanted to honor the hard work of previous generations, and both agreed that an agricultural conservation easement would be the best way to achieve that.
In 2021, Doug reached out to Charlotte Mitchell, CFT executive director. A real estate broker and developer for over 50 years, Doug had spent his career working on development projects in Stanislaus County and the surrounding areas. Though he had encountered agricultural easements throughout his career, it wasn't until later in life that he truly realized the importance of protecting farmland, particularly in California’s rapidly vanishing Central Valley. Charlotte recalls, “I spent an entire day with Doug, visiting properties he had once owned with his partners and farming neighbors who should understand the significance of ag easements.” Doug's passion for preserving the Lucas family legacy was evident during their time together.
Laura and Doug, siblings who treasured this beautiful inheritance, decided to move forward with placing the Lucas Ranch under an agricultural easement, ensuring that its future as farmland would be protected forever.
Sadly, Doug Lucas passed away suddenly on February 10, 2022, before he could see his vision realized. Weeks later, their mother Rose died too. Thereafter, Laura Lucas Dompe carried on his commitment and completed the process of securing the Lucas Ranch agricultural conservation easement, recording the easement in June 2024.
A LASTING LEGACY
After losing her brother and mother, Laura ensured the ranch's future through the Lucas Family Trust. Laura reflects on this as "such a rich blessing," knowing that their family land will always be farmland. "Only because of CFT were we able to do that," she says, ensuring the legacy of their family ranch for generations to come.
This story of resilience and dedication highlights the importance of family history and the enduring legacy of the land. Laura's family ranch stands as a testament to their hard work and commitment to preserving their heritage.
This article is dedicated to Doug Lucas, whose spirit, kindness, and boundless energy left a lasting impact on many, especially the staff at CFT. This dedication serves as a humble expression of our gratitude for the time we had to share in his deep love for the farm and the land. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.
The Lucas home built in 1919
Educational & Outreach Series
Join us for an informative seminar designed to introduce agricultural landowners to the California Farmland Trust and the benefits of agricultural conservation easements.
Choose one of our upcoming events to learn how you can protect your farm for future generations.
- How conservation easements can preserve your land
- Understand the financial and environmental benefits
- Connect with experts and fellow landowners
Choose One Date & Register Today! 11:00am-2:00pm
April 10
El Capitan 609 W Main Street Merced
May 7
Wine and Roses 2505 W Turner Road Lodi
May 15
Greens on Tenth 953 10th Street Modesto
To register email info@cafarmtrust.org or scan the QR Code!
Sponsor Spotlight
Based in the Sacramento region, Raley’s is a third-generation family business with a mission to make healthier food accessible to everyone. Driven by the belief that good food can transform lives, Raley’s is dedicated to changing the way the world eats—one plate at a time. The company recognizes that its success is directly tied to the health and prosperity of the communities it serves, and proudly gives back through strategic financial and in-kind donations, as well as unique community partnerships.
Raley’s is a proud annual sponsor of California Farmland Trust because of the organization’s lasting impact on the preservation of family farms, the health of our communities, and the sustainability of our planet. Their mission to protect farmland and foster agricultural education aligns perfectly with Raley’s vision for building healthier, more resilient communities.
In addition to supporting farmland protection, Raley’s focuses its community efforts on six key areas: Advocating for Good, Child Welfare, Environment & Sustainability, Food Access, Food System Education, and Total Wellness. From providing fresh, nutritious food to those in need, to supporting programs that educate the public about where their food comes from, Raley’s is committed to nourishing the communities it serves—mind, body, and planet.
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 Development Manager, Amy Wolfe at awolfe@cafarmtrust.org.
Growing Healthy Soils & Healthy Profits in Orchards
April 1-3, 2025
Burroughs Family Farms | Denair, CA
For More Info or Registration: www.soilhealthacademy.org/schools/denair_ca-2/
Farmworker Appreciation Awards
April 1, 2025
Double Tree Hotel | Modesto, CA
Keynote Speakers:
Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture
Patty Lopez, Duarte Nursery
The awards are presented in partnership between AgSafe, Modesto Rotary Club and Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Honoring the hard-work, dedication and lifelong commitment of the agricultural workforce.
For More Info or Registration: www.modestorotary.org/events/farmworker-apprecaiation-awards
California Agriculture Special Interest License Plates
You can help support agricultural education and the CalAgPlate program by purchasing a special interest license plate at your local DMV office or online today.
Shop Your Local Farmers Market!
Scan the QR code to find a farmers market near you.
Partnering with the Ferrari Family Foundation for the 2025 Race to Slow the Pace
We are beyond thrilled to once again partner with the John and Jeani Ferrari Family Foundation to present this year’s Race to Slow the Pace!
This annual 5K/10K family fun run, held at the beautiful Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi, is a trail run designed to connect people with nature, the environment, and the family farms that feed them—all while supporting our mission to protect farmland and slow the pace of development.
Runners will wind their way through the vineyard, taking in the vines, natural habitat, and the value of the open space that farmland provides. Participating in the race connects you with the local community and shows your support for agriculture. This is a family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and pet-friendly event— perfect for enjoying the beauty of Lodi and experiencing a working vineyard up close.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025, and visit cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace to check out highlights from our 2024 event!
Race Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Benefits include prominent placement of your company's logo on event materials, recognition in promotional campaigns, and more. More details can be found on our website, cafarmtrust.org/racetoslowthepace.
To learn more or to become a sponsor, please contact Amy Wolfe at awolfe@cafarmtrust.org or (209) 499-4091.
We look forward to partnering with you to make this event a success!
Cultivating Curiosity AgVenture Success & Tools for Teachers
Our California Farmland Trust (CFT) team recently participated in two successful AgVenture programs in Stockton and Lodi! Executive Director Charlotte Mitchell, Conservation Manager Quinn Mulrooney, and Operations Director Matthew Grizzle spent time in February and March engaging with nearly 6,000 enthusiastic third graders.
They shared our interactive Orange You Glad We Have Farmland activity, which helps both children and adults understand the limited amount of land available worldwide to grow our food.
We’re grateful for the continued support of Raley’s, our valued partner in bringing this educational experience to our communities. We also extend a big thank you to the dedicated San Joaquin County AgVenture team for making these impactful events possible.
We’re looking forward to attending the final AgVenture of the year in Tracy on April 9—we can’t wait to connect with even more students and share the importance of protecting farmland!
ORANGE YOU GLAD WE HAVE FARMLAND EDUCATIONAL KITS AVAILABLE
In partnership with Raley’s and the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, we have developed the Orange You Glad We Have Farmland program. This engaging curriculum is designed for 3rd–5th grade students and offers a fun, visual way to explore how much land is needed to grow enough food for the world’s population.
At the heart of the program is a hands-on activity—as featured at the AgVenture events—where an orange is used to demonstrate how Earth's land is divided and utilized for different purposes.
Now, we’re excited to offer classroom kits so you—or your favorite teacher—can bring this experience directly into the classroom! Each Orange You Glad We Have Farmland kit includes 25 cutting boards, kid-safe knives, placemats, and an instructor’s curriculum guide. Just add oranges, and you’re ready to go! Materials are available in both English and Spanish.
If you're interested in receiving a kit, please contact our office via email at info@cafarmtrust.org. To learn more about the Orange You Glad We Have Farmland program, visit cafarmtrust.org/education-outreach.
Limited supplies are available while they last.
California Farmland Trust Celebrates Ag Day at the Capitol
The CFT Team spent March 19, 2025 in Sacramento at Ag Day at the Capitol as part of National Ag Day festivities. This annual celebration acknowledges California’s agricultural community by showcasing the bounty of crops and commodities produced in our state. It is also a day for farmers and ranchers to educate and advocate state legislators, government leaders and the public on the importance of sustaining farming into the future.
Best of all, we had popcorn!! It made our booth incredibly popular with the Capitol staff and farmers, alike. The heavy foot traffic gave us the chance to share our mission, vision and purpose, creating a greater awareness around the vital need to preserve farmland in perpetuity. We also had the chance to connect the environmental benefits and broader community impacts of protecting family farms.
Our time also gave us the chance to catch up with old friends, including photos below: Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture, Quinn preparing popcorn to hand out to visitors, and Bobbin Mulvaney, California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom Board Member.
