
In this episode we continue the conversation on the impact of Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) in Linden, California. You’ll hear from the father and son duos of Colombini Ranch and Chinchiolo Farming Company about the impact BIOS had on the different generations of their farm, and why they continue to follow BIOS practices like cover cropping and integrated pest management.
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Jul 8, 2025
39 min

The Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) project has brought together growers, scientists, farm advisors, and pest control advisors with the goal of implementing farm practices to reduce dependence on chemical inputs. In this episode we head down to the Northern San Joaquin region to interview early BIOS collaborating growers, Chris and Christy Locke, and PCA, Jeannine Lowrimore…
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Jun 18, 2025
37 min

In this episode we travel to Southern California to meet with Samuel Guitron of Gospel Swamp Farm in Santa Ana and Johnny Wilson from The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano to talk all about Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, in urban farms. You’ll also hear about how soil health is monitored using potatoes at Gospel Swamp Farm, how wheat and rice bran are being used to manage soil-borne pathogens at The Ecology Center, and so much more.
Episode Resources:
Gospel Swamp Farm website: https://heritagemuseumoc.org/gospel-swamp-farm/
Gospel Swamp Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gospelswampfarm/?hl=en
The Heritage Museum of Orange County: https://heritagemuseumoc.org/
CAFF Cover Crop Decision Guide for Annual Cropping Systems: https://caff.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CAFF-Cover-Crop-Guide-for-Annual-Systems-112222.pdf
The Ecology Center website: https://theecologycenter.org/
The Ecology Center instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theecologycenter/?hl=en
Regenerative Organic Alliance: https://regenorganic.org/
Joji Muramoto’s UCCE page: https://ucanr.edu/?facultyid=42875
Master Gardeners Handbook - 2nd Ed.: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3382
CAFF webpage: https://caff.org/
CAFF instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caff_famfarms/?hl=en
CAFF Ecological Pest Management website: https://caff.org/epm/
Aug 16, 2024
32 min

The Goat Girls
Cal Poly Sheep Unit
SB 675
AB 297
Paso Robles- Salinas River Vegetation Management Project
CEQA and grazing resources
Prescribed Herbivory White paper from the Rangeland Management Advisory Committee
Regional Water Quality Control Board and Grazing tips
Upper Salinas- Las Tablas Resources Conservation District
CAFF’s Wildfire Resilience Program
California Climate and Action Network: Wildfire Policy Resources
Resources Legacy Fund- Wildfire Strategies
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Podcast hosted by Amber Schat and supported by Grizzly Corps Fellow, Joshua Harjes
Audio engineering and editing by Coby McDonald
Music by Blue Dot Sessions
Release Date: 12/08/202
Dec 9, 2023
43 min

In this episode we delve into all things on-farm composting, from its production to its use and relevant agricultural policies. We hear from Abel Ruiz at CRECE Farming Collective in Santa Ana about their use of various composting methods at a small scale. Liz Schroeder of Spreadwing Farm in Rumsey shares about their use of compost on an organic farm, from considerations around sourcing compost to its application. Dave Runsten, CAFF’s Water Policy Director, also provides an update on the state of composting policy in California.
Show Notes
CRECE Urban Farm Collective: https://www.crece-coop.org/about
CRECE Urban Farm Collective Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crece.coop
Spreadwing Farm website: https://spreadwingfarm.com/
Spreadwing Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spreadwing_farm
Tierra Negra (es) : https://tierranegramx.wixsite.com/website
Assessing Compost Quality for Agriculture: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8514.pdf
Organic Materials Management from CalRecycle: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/farming/
More on CAFF’s policy work: https://caff.org/policy/
On-Farm Composting video with Frog Hollow Farm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSUSUH04Bjw
Audio engineering and editing by Coby McDonald
Music by Blue Dot Sessions
Aug 7, 2023
37 min

In this episode, we learn about integrated crop livestock management from two Northern California Farms. First, we hear from Lorraine Walker of Eatwell Farm in Dixon, CA, where they incorporate laying hens into their diversified vegetable production, and also touch on soil health and fertility management. Ken Walker of Pasture 42 in Guinda, CA then walks us through how they incorporate sheep and…
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May 18, 2023
26 min

In this episode, we travel to First Rain Farm in Nevada County, where Tim Van Wagner is integrating a number of effective wildfire preparation methods on his property, as well as those of his neighbors and surrounding community. By combining targeted ecological grazing and prescribed burns, Tim is able to rehabilitate overgrown forests in the foothills to productive foraging systems that support…
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Dec 14, 2022
25 min

In this episode, Sarah Keiser of Wild Oat Hollow in Penngrove, CA describes her entry into ranching and how her love of the land positioned her to become a leader in developing and supporting community grazing cooperatives. Join us as Sarah shares her experience with wildfires in Sonoma County and how grazing is making a difference for regional wildfire protection and preparedness…
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Nov 30, 2022
27 min

In this episode we visit Cheetah Tchudi at his diversified operation in Yankee Hill, Butte County, CA. Cheetah shares his experience surviving the 2018 Paradise wildfire, and some methods for recovery; addressing toxic ash using fungi to capture and and treat persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. Release Date: 11/16/2022…
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Nov 16, 2022
33 min

Queridas oyentes, este es nuestro último episodio de la temporada. Esperamos que disfrute de este episodio especial en español presentado por el productor de nuestro podcast, Jaime Roque.
En este episodio, visitamos Luna's Farm, una granja familiar Latinx multigeneracional que cultiva vegetales orgánicos en Hollister, California. Antonio Luna comparte sobre la granja de su familia y su historia agrícola en los Estados Unidos, que se remonta a más de tres décadas. Aprendemos cómo la granja reduce los riesgos de inocuidad alimentaria a través del uso del agua, la capacitación de los empleados y la evaluación previa a la cosecha para detectar la intrusión de animales. Antonio también comparte consejos para otros agricultores sobre el mantenimiento de registros de inocuidad alimentaria.
Jun 22, 2022
21 min
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