Paicines Ranch
Join us in Paicines, California for a week of farming, learning, and building community, with a focus on financing regenerative agriculture. This week-long farm experience is part of the Climate Farm School learning program.
About the farm
The property
Nestled in the heart of San Benito County, among the sweeping oak-studded hillsides, the historic Paicines Ranch is habitat for wildlife. The ranch mission is to work with the dynamic natural world to regenerate the health of the ecosystem from the soil up while growing delicious, nourishing food for the surrounding community. The ranch consists of approximately 7000 acres of rangeland, 550 acres of row crop ground, and 25 acres of vineyard, all certified organic. In all three areas, farmers and ranchers are making changes to move towards more perennial systems, more complexity and diversity. The farm also produces 100% grassfed beef, lamb, pork, and turkey.
- Paicines, California (USA)
- Part of Terra.do's Climate Farm School
- paicinesranch.com
Farm team
Paicines Ranch is owned by Sallie Calhoun, an impact investor, activist, and philanthropic funder in regenerative agriculture. Her work focuses on improving the health of agricultural soils and sequestering carbon in soil to mitigate climate change, while creating healthier people. She is also the founder of the No Regrets Initiative, which seeks to use all available forms of capital to create change in the agricultural system. Participants will also interact directly with Greg Richardson (Director of Monitoring and Research), Kelly Mulville (Vineyard Manager), Elaine Patarini (Learning Center) and members of the livestock team.
Glimpses from the farm
Hands-on activities
Prepare to get your hands dirty with a wide range of activities offered at the farm.
Farming and ranching
- Soil health and ecosystem monitoring workshop led by farm director of monitoring and research
- Moving animals in extensive grazing system
- Vineyard work, featuring innovative vineyard design that integrates grazing sheep throughout the growing season
- Visits to nearby Pinnacle Organic (organic fruits and veggies) and Burroughs Family Farm (regenerative almond orchard)
Food and cooking
- Group meal preparation and basic food preservation led by resident chef
- Meals in Paicines Ranch dining hall prepared and presented with local ingredients by onsite chef
- Wine tasting from Paicines Ranch vineyard
- Special dinner prepared by Chez Panisse chef for course participants
Pricing and expected commitment
US $2200 – $3500 / 4 weeks
Hear from Climate Farm School fellows
Caroline Santinelli
"Climate Farm School should be required coursework for every generation.. I've learned that it doesn't matter if you work in the climate or agriculture industry; as humans, we are a part of, not apart from, the agro-ecosystem, and we owe it to ourselves and our planet to understand the complexity of our food systems."
Varsha Uthappa
"The week spent on the farm was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.. This course has given me so much knowledge, insight, perspective and hope.. The course material combined with all the people associated in making it what it is makes it so unique and like nothing else out there."
