Farms no longer just for growing

Farmers have always faced uncertainties, but in recent years, smaller farms have also been beset by rising land prices, competition from corporate operations and a loss of land to development.

In response to such pressures, many Petaluma-area farmers are tapping into a growing interest in agri-tourism by opening their lands to farm tours, events and weddings that draw people to their land. At a time when the average farming family earns only 15 percent of its income from the farm itself, a move to agri-tourism can help families derive more value and revenue from their land.

Chileno Valley Ranch is one such farm, run by Sally Gale and her husband Michael, both of whom moved onto the family land in 1993.

The land had been in Sally Gale's family since 1856, when her great, great grandfather, Charles Martin, acquired it from Henry Halleck, who was chief of staff to President Abraham Lincoln.

They set about reinvigorating the 600-acre farm, including a once-elegant Victorian home that was literally falling down, planting more than 200 native trees and restoring the creeks. Today, the rolling hills and pastures are home to a herd of 120 grass-fed Angus cow/calf pairs and five bulls. The Gales have enough apple trees to sell some apples to restaurants and bakeries. They also sell meat from their small, pastured herd, primarily to families, who buy "futures." When the cow is slaughtered, they receive the portion they have selected.

Still, the Gales needed additional revenue. To bolster the traditional farm operations, they added seasonal farm tours and U-Pick events on Sundays in September and October. They also host several weddings each year.

The events, in addition to bringing in more money, will make the farm more enticing for their grown children to take over one day, the Gales hope.

Katie Gordon, one of the Gales' three children, has formed a particular bond with the farm.

"I love giving the tours and introducing families to the animals and taking them through the gardens," said Gordon, a nurse, wife, and mother of twins who lives nearby. "We have hundreds of people visit each Sunday during the summer season. They feel the care and nurturing that goes into working a farm."

Bloomfield Farms and Events might be the newest farm to join the growing trend of offering events in addition to produce.

The 113-acre farm in the rolling hills of western Petaluma bills itself as a wedding venue complete with a gourmet kitchen, a historic barn, bocce courts and hot tubs.

Michael Agins and his life partner had fast-track lifestyles and were seeking a property that would counterbalance the hectic pace of their careers. The farm they purchased in 2001 had been neglected for years.

Agins' goal was to build a sustainably run farm and create a public venue for events and celebrations. Plans are to expand the area farmed as the soil regenerates.

Using reclaimed wood, natural materials and native vegetation, they restored the farm while equipping it with modern conveniences. Nearly all the structures serve more than one purpose, from daily farming to providing rustic elegance for a wedding. With much of the work complete, Bloomfield is now booking events for 2014.

By chance, Bloomfield got an opportunity to showcase its event venue recently, when a young couple's plans to get married at Yosemite National Park were ruined by the government shutdown. After Jennifer Terwilliger, event manager for Bloomfield, saw a news report about the couple's plight, she got a go-ahead from Agins to donate Bloomfield for the wedding. Terwilliger pulled together a team of local wedding experts, including Eliot James, who did the hairstyling, and Lagunitas Brewing Co., which provided the beer and Hotel Petaluma, which provided lodging. In all, 20 businesses donated their time and services.

Closer to town, Tara Smith, who runs Tara Firma Farms on I Street, has initiated numerous events to bring people to her 300-acre working farm, ranging from barn dances to farm dinners, school tours, and member celebrations.

A passionate evangelist for nutritious food, Smith feels the purpose of the farm is to both educate people and attract new members to subscribe to the CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture program. Membership is currently around 1100.

Though Tara Firma is not profitable yet, Smith projects that it will be in the next few years. "We pump every penny back into the farm," said Smith. "The goal is not only to show people how to farm organically and in harmony with nature but to also prove that small-scale and family farming can provide a viable living."

(Contact Dyann Espinosa at argus@arguscourier.com.)

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