Diggin' Roots Farm

The seed that grew into this farm was planted in 2001, when Conner and Sarah first met at UC Davis. Their mutual appreciation for food and the natural world sparked the journey, evolving from a friendship forged over good meals, bad movies, and backpacking into a shared life of farming. Building a farm together became their vision, a life of work they enjoy and can share. The farm is both their home and their livelihood, requiring a delicate balance between work and family. Their journey is rooted in a land of historical injustice, and they acknowledge the systemic racism and oppression intrinsic to the food system.

Soil is treated as the heart of the farm, with investments in cover crops, diverse crop rotations, minimal soil disturbance, and compost application. Pests and diseases are managed proactively through crop rotations, habitat for beneficial insects, physical barriers, and resilient crop varieties. They prioritize regionally adapted, organic seed varieties to support a sustainable food system. Weed management relies on early intervention with tools like a 1950’s Allis Chalmers cultivating tractor, hand hoes, and a four-burner flame-weeder. Biodiversity is encouraged in the soil, pastures, riparian areas, and hedgerows, shifting from monoculture to a vibrant, life-filled ecosystem.

The farm acknowledges the historical and ongoing injustices faced by black, brown, and indigenous communities, and they strive to advocate for an equitable society. They are committed to healing both the land and their community, aiming to provide their children with the tools to be active participants in a society free from racism, bigotry, and hate.