Holy Guacamole! Sustainable Farming and Soil Health at Petty Ranch

In this episode of Farm Talk, host Paul Ward visits Petty Ranch in Saticoy, California, with special guest Chris Sayer, a fifth-generation farmer. Chris discusses the transition of Petty Ranch from growing lemons since the 1930s to becoming a 100% avocado farm. The decision to switch crops is attributed to opportunities for crop rotation, changes in the global lemon market, and pest and seed issues. Chris details the types of avocados they grow, including the Hass and Lamb Hass varieties, and highlights their commitment to soil health through practices such as cover cropping and mulching. The discussion also touches on the water-saving benefits of these practices, contributing to improved soil structure and water retention.

Chris Sayer emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming, mentioning the farm's efforts to enhance soil health and water efficiency. The conversation explores the impact of cover crops on soil moisture, water holding capacity, and drainage improvement. Chris also anticipates the future application of technology in agriculture, particularly in soil monitoring and water management. The episode concludes with insights into the collaborative farming culture in Ventura County, the significance of Ventura County's agricultural green belt, and the unique climate that makes it an ideal region for farming.

Watch the full episode on Paul’s YouTube Channel: HERE

0:00 Welcome to the show
0:29 This is Petty Ranch and its size
0:42 Are avocados the main crop
1:05 Why are you switching from one crop to another
1:34 What varieties of avocados does Petty Ranch grow
2:04 What is the difference between hass and lamb hass avocados
2:50 Does Petty Ranch sell directly or use a packing house
3:37 Out of the box thinking for healthy soil at Petty Ranch
4:37 How cover crops are planted at Petty Ranch
5:36 How much water does Chris Sayer estimate is being saved due to cover crops
7:53 Are other farmers also doing cover crops
9:16 Do these practices fall under a regenerative category
11:16 What are allocation cuts with water
12:23 If the water is cut back on an avocado tree it won’t produce well

13:14 The best time to water
14:05 Does cover crop help reduce dust when the winds come
14:49 How many generations of Sayers have been farming Petty Ranch
15:04 Did previous generations farm full time or was it a hobby and Chris Sayer’s story
17:45 Did Chris grow up on Petty Ranch and does his mom still live on the ranch
17:56 Petty Ranch is farming in Santa Paula too
18:10 Educational groups at Petty Ranch
19:24 The outdoor classroom where kids come and learn
19:43 Sesame Street at Petty Ranch
20:51 Where is technology going in terms of agriculture and water conservation in Ventura County
22:28 Different parts of the ranch keep moisture longer
23:29 Artificial Intelligence and agriculture
25:19 The cost of labor and workman’s comp
25:56 Collaboration between local farmers
26:47 Chris Sayer and Farm Day
27:27 The Green Belt of Ventura County and the ocean and Sespe Watershed
29:34 Thank you Chris Sayer for being our guest
29:48 Thank you to our sponsor: Opus Escrow

Contact Pau Ward:
paul@homeandranchteam.com
805-479-5004

Related Episodes:

Harvesting Futures in Agricultural Education

Organic and Sustainable Hop Farming in Fillmore, CA

Sage Brews- A Female Owned Organic Brewery

 

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

 

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