From Christmas Trees to Pumpkin Dreams: The Prancer’s Farm Journey

Welcome to a captivating episode of Farm Talk, where we dive into the heartwarming story of Mario and Vanessa Robledo, the dynamic duo behind Prancer’s Farm in the picturesque town of Santa Paula, California. In this special interview with host Paul Ward, discover the incredible journey that transformed Prancer’s Farm from a humble Christmas tree venture to a vibrant hub of agricultural delight and community connection.

Join us from the very beginning as we meet Mario and Vanessa, the cheerful faces behind Prancer’s Farm. In this episode, we explore the fascinating evolution of their farm, starting with Paul’s first on-location episode three years ago featuring Prancer’s Farm. Learn about the farm's incredible fall offerings, from pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to unexpected delights like a TEQUILA BAR, stilt walkers, jugglers, and live bands.

Mario, a former policeman turned pumpkin farmer, shares his experiences of planting and harvesting pumpkin seeds while Vanessa takes us on the journey of how they ventured into pumpkin farming. Ever wondered if pumpkins pick their buyers or the other way around? The answer might surprise you!

Mario and Vanessa Robledo reveal their enduring commitment to education, their involvement with farmer’s markets, and their collaboration with organizations like the California Dairy Association. Hear about their challenges, triumphs, and the international recognition they’ve gained over the years. Plus, get a sneak peek into their future plans and the exciting festival on October 22, 2023, featuring live bands, folklorico dancers, a mariachi band, and dancing horses.

Watch the full episode on Paul’s YouTube Channel

0:00 Welcome to the show: Mario and Vanessa Robledo from Prancer’s Farm in Santa Paula, California

0:21 We find out that Prancer’s Farm was Paul’s first Farm Talk episode on location

0:54 How many people are expected to visit the farm on the day of filming

1:11 Besides Pumpkins, what else does Prancer’s Farm have going on this fall?

1:49 A TEQUILA BAR, stilt walkers, jugglers, live bands: Just another fall weekend on the farm

2:35 Mario is a Policeman turned pumpkin farmer, but his dad was a farmer

3:32 Vanessa tells us how they got into pumpkin farming

4:07 Mario explains what planting and harvesting pumpkin seeds at Prancer’s Farm is like

5:06 Do pumpkins pick their buyers or is it the other way around?

5:49 What determines the size of the pumpkins?

6:14 School field trips are a daily occurrence on the farm

6:30 A 95 year old woman on a mechanical bull and the desire to get people exposed to farm life

9:03 Believe it or not, LA brings more visitors to the farm than surrounding areas

9:19 Prancer’s Farm: A family operation

10:24 The produce stand is open year-round

11:19 Mario and Vanessa explain the farm’s relationship with farmer’s markets

12:05 Education on the farm and the California Dairy Association

13:38 Prancer’s Farm has both “Fat-Happy Cows,” beef cows, and Miniature Dexter cows, but also the furry ones, the Highlander cows.

14:18 Other farm animals come from the Ventura County Fair and the 4H club

14:52 The future plans for Prancer’s Farm and riding a bike on the railroad tracks

17:09 “Prancer’s Farm” all started from Christmas trees. Mario and Vanessa tell us how that started 

19:45 Once the Robledo’s got a bunch of Christmas trees, find out how they sold them and what sacrifices they made to be successful

21:56 The first year of tree selling definitely came with its challenges

22:33 After 10 years, Prancer’s Farm becomes the only focus of the Robledo’s, and now they are a hotspot for day trips and travelers

24:15 Prancer’s Farm even gets international visitors

25:34 Growing pumpkins for fun

26:16 The Robledo’s also run and operate the Fillmore Equestrian Center

27:01 Find out what other varieties of produce is grown on the farm

27:50 Find Prancer’s Farm online at www.prancersfarm.com, on Facebook and Instagram

28:08 Hours of Operation for Prancer’s Farm

28:46 On October 22, 2023 there will be a festival with Live bands, folklorico dancers, a mariachi band, and dancing horses starting at 1:30pm

29:43 Thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

 

Related Episodes:

Interview with Prancer’s Farm and The Polar Express

Fresh Thai Coconuts & Artisan Products You Can Purchase at Farmer’s Markets with Mingle’s Coconuts

Interview with Suzannah Underwood of Underwood Family Farms

 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

 

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.