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Nestled between the scenic villages of Bodega and Bodega Bay, Salmon Creek Ranch is more than just a ranch—it’s a testament to sustainable farming and a deep-rooted agricultural legacy. This 400-acre expanse of rolling hills, redwood groves, and natural pasture is a labor of love for owners Lesley and John, who have been selected as this month’s featured vendor at the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market.
Lesley and John’s path to Salmon Creek Ranch was paved with a passion for environmental stewardship and a desire to reconnect with their agricultural roots. Both originally pursued careers in the non-profit sector, driven by a shared concern for environmental sustainability. However, their hearts yearned for a more hands-on approach to conservation and food production.
Inspired by their respective farming backgrounds—John’s upbringing on a dairy farm in New Zealand and Lesley’s ownership in a historic Ventura County ranch—Salmon Creek Ranch became their haven for putting ideals into practice. In 2007, they took the leap, acquiring the land and embarking on a journey to transform it into a model of sustainable agriculture.
At Salmon Creek Ranch, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s woven into every aspect of their operation. The ranch is certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers, reflecting their commitment to nurturing the land and respecting its natural rhythms. Here, Scottish Highland and Angus cattle roam freely, grazing on nutrient-rich grasses that sustain them from birth to market. Kiko goats, valued for their meat and breeding stock, also play a vital role in the ranch’s ecosystem.
Beyond livestock, Salmon Creek Ranch produces organic duck eggs and occasionally raises flocks of ducks and geese, adding diversity to their offerings while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and environmental impact.
No discussion of Salmon Creek Ranch would be complete without mentioning Angie (commonly known at the SROCFM as ‘The Duck Egg Lady’), their vibrant and essential Ranch Manager who brings a unique flair to their booth every Saturday at the market. Angie has been a crucial part of the ranch, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that the animals are well-fed and content—she even claims fluency in cow, goat, duck, and dog (though her interactions with the latter might be more comedic than communicative).
In May 2016, Angie found her calling at Salmon Creek Ranch amidst personal loss and heartbreak. Responding to a Craigslist ad, she embraced a new beginning, trading office walls for the open pastures and the company of animals. “Your ad on Craigslist sounded very compelling to me,” Angie recalls humorously. “I was looking for physical work, to get dirty, and to be surrounded by nature. I guess you could say I’m tough on the outside but kind and caring on the inside—especially when it comes to these animals!”
Since then, Angie has been an integral part of the ranch, bringing her intelligence, self-starting attitude, and ability to see the bigger picture while minding the details. Her journey at Salmon Creek Ranch has been more than just a job—it’s been a transformational experience of healing and growth, set against the backdrop of rolling hills and grazing cattle.
Lesley, John, and Angie are not only farmers but also advocates for bridging the divide between urban consumers and the realities of sustainable agriculture. Through active participation in organizations like the Sonoma County Farm Bureau and the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market, they strive to educate and connect with their community. Their goal is to dispel misconceptions about farming practices and foster a deeper appreciation for where food comes from.
As Salmon Creek Ranch continues to evolve, they envision expanding their impact on sustainable agriculture and conservation. They aspire to be a beacon of hope and a model of resilience in an increasingly complex food system. Their journey is one of dedication, passion, and a profound respect for the land—a story that resonates with anyone who values quality, sustainability, and the connection between field and table.
Salmon Creek Ranch is more than a place—it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of sustainable farming and the power of stewardship. Through their dedication to organic practices, community engagement, and environmental conservation, Lesley, John, and Angie exemplify what it means to cultivate not just food, but a brighter future for generations to come.
In every egg, cut of beef, and grazing goat, there lies a story of tradition, resilience, and a commitment to doing things right. At Salmon Creek Ranch, the journey from pasture to plate is a journey worth taking—a journey that nourishes the body, enriches the soul, and preserves the land for future harvests.
Sonoma County lost a cherished treasure and a dear friend to our Sonoma County Farmers’ Markets in early August. Paula Downing sadly passed away, at the age of 82 in her Sebastopol home, overlooking the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Paula’s influence on our community’s farmers markets was nothing short of transformational, and her legacy continues to thrive in the heart of our community.
In the early 1990s, Paula played a pivotal role in the creation of the Sebastopol Farmers’ Market. For the first two years, she was a vendor and served as a board member for the market. Then, when the original market manager had to leave due to family obligations, Paula’s 25 year tenure as the manager of the market began, where she brought to fruition the vision of the market organization: transforming it into a community based event, one where people would come not just for the sake of buying produce, but as a way to pass the time and connect with others.
Paula’s journey as a market manager continued with the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market, located in the east parking lot of the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. Under her guidance, this market evolved into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors of Sonoma County.
Paula’s commitment to small farmers was unwavering. She always went the extra mile for each member farm, providing assistance personally or by connecting them with the resources they needed. Her deep understanding and love for farmers made her a beloved figure among the farming community. Her impact was felt far and wide.
Pegi Ball, the current market manager, fondly remembers Paula as an unwavering source of support and wisdom. She shared, “Paula was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. She reached out to me when I was just starting, answering my questions and offering unwavering support. Her mentorship was invaluable, and many vendors owe their success to her guidance.” Despite her unique personality that sometimes led to friendly disputes, Paula’s dedication to farmers and agriculture was unquestionable, earning immense gratitude from all who crossed her path.
Paula’s markets were not just places to buy fresh produce; they were vibrant community centers. She organized special events throughout the year, from tomato tastings with guest chefs to customer appreciation days and holiday-themed festivities. Paula also made a significant contribution by advocating for fair compensation for farmers, putting an end to the practice of endless requests for donations.
In addition to her market work, Paula was a passionate advocate for the environment, clean air and water, local foods, and the preservation of biodiversity. She was an integral part of Slow Food Russian River and played a crucial role in efforts to save the Gravenstein Apple. Her impact extended beyond markets, as she tirelessly worked to protect headwaters, combat the use of DDT, and save old-growth trees in Oregon.
Paula’s sister, Barbara, highlighted the remarkable dedication Paula displayed in taking on all these demanding roles. She remarked, “Paula willingly dedicated herself to this challenging work out of her love for the community and her sense of duty.”
Paula’s infectious energy and dedication to her passions were felt by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever shape the landscape of Sonoma County’s farmers markets. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life filled with love, advocacy, and a profound impact on our community. Paula, you will be deeply missed, and your spirit will forever inspire us.
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SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET
P.O. Box 3148, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
707-596-8553