Help get water to our farm

Hi, we are Mario and Kate of First Field Farmstead. Our dream is to build community through farming while contributing to the local food-shed. We believe in making vibrant and healthy food accessible in service to the greater good of our community. Over five years ago we began farming on the family ranch, Dickson Ranch, in Woodacre CA. On this plot we do not have access to water, though we have been experimenting with dry farming. In 2020 we launched an honor system stand at the entrance of the ranch and have had received positive feedback from our community. 

Over the last couple of years it has become clear that due to climate change our harvest season is limited to spring. With our deepest desire to serve our community throughout the year, we will need water. As we enter a drought this has become even more evident that water storage tanks will be a part of our future, enabling us to farm year-round. After meeting with specialists, we have a plan in place to purchase storage tanks to capture rain water off of the existing structures on the ranch. 

We have been growing garlic, onions, leafy greens, squash, tomatoes, potatoes, medicinal and culinary herbs, and much more. Just this year we put up a greenhouse and preparing to welcome chickens back to the farm. This means eggs! 

Getting water to our farm will help us accomplish the following goals:

1: Allow for planting throughout the seasons:   We are currently limited to Spring and early summer harvests. With irrigation, we will be able to grow food consistently throughout the year.  As we enter a drought, this brings forth scarcity amongst our greater food system. With the ability to use rations of water to establish crops, we will then be able to provide food for our community throughout the seasons.  

2: Greater yields with consistency: With collecting rainwater we would have drip irrigation, allowing consistency within the crops and greater yields.  We would still practice dry farming techniques for some crops, yet be able to give plants water when it gets too dry.

3: Raising chickens for eggs: With water we will be able to raise chickens on the farm and provide eggs through our self-service stand. Local, humanely raised chicken eggs are a no-brainer. 

4: Honor system farmstand: Located in the heart of the Valley on Dickson Ranch in Woodacre, California. Here is where we sell directly to our community. Our goal is to provide produce, eggs, and other delights with consistency. Water on the farm will enable us to fill the stand  throughout the year!

5: Food Sovereignty:  May we all have the ability to grow our own healthy, fresh produce; and may we provide for those who do not have easy access to local food. At First Field Farmstead, our mission is to bridge the gap between access to fresh local produce and underserved communities. Having water on our farm will increase our production, giving us the ability to donate food to local agencies within our community. 

Our goal is to raise $30,000 by November, 2021 to purchase water storage tanks and build a rainwater catchment system off existing buildings.

Our commitment to sustainable farming for our community is unwavering. But we cannot accomplish this project without your help. Please support our farm by donating today and by sharing this campaign with your friends and family.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Mario and Kate

Instagram @firstfieldfarmstead