042. AgEmerge 2020 - Stemple Creek Ranch: We’re Soil Farmers

What does it look like when an idea becomes reality? Loren and Lisa Poncia of Stemple Creek Ranch in Marin County, CA, tell us how they took a chance on an idea and made it a reality. They started Stemple Creek Ranch with the dream of raising quality, grass-finished beef, pork, and lamb to work with, not against, mother nature and they’ve redefined small-scale family ranching. Listen in as we discuss not only how they began this journey and what it looks like to work together as a family to see it through. We find out how the operation works and as Loren said, “not only is the grass greener, there’s a lot more of it!” What’s one of the big keys to this whole system functioning? It’s carbon! And what do you do when something like a pandemic hits? You shore up and redefine again what works for your business and operation. Not only have they redefined a business, Loren says, “we’re paying attention to the soil. We are soil farmers and photosynthesis farmers.” Attention to detail, working with mother nature, and recognizing the benefits of a functioning system is what makes this family team, work. More about Loren: Loren Poncia of Stemple Creek Ranch is a 4th generation Marin County organic rancher who has redefined small-scale family ranching. Loren started Stemple Creek Ranch with the dream of raising quality, grass-finished beef, pork and lamb to work with, not against, mother nature. His ranch had the first carbon farm plan in the U.S. and Loren is proud to be part of the Marin Carbon Project. A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a major in Dairy Science and Ag Business, Loren always dreamed of coming back to the ranch to pursue his passion in agriculture. He oversees the entire ranching operation and spends countless hours carefully studying genetics with the goal of raising grass-fed and finished beef that is tender, well-marbled, and tastes great. More about Lisa: Lisa Poncia of Stemple Creek Ranch in Marin County, CA, is an entrepreneur, attorney, and organic rancher who, along with her husband Loren Poncia, has redefined small-scale family ranching. The ranch had the first carbon farm plan in the U.S. and Lisa is proud to be part of the Marin Carbon Project. Lisa attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a major in Political Science and Minor in Business Administration, and then U.C. Hastings College of Law. She runs her own law practice and manages the business side of Stemple Creek Ranch, including finance, marketing, and operations. Lisa is a member of the Board of Directors of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust. Stemple Creek Ranch sells its products to grocery stores, butcher shops, restaurants, and directly to consumers. www.stemplecreek.com