Common Table Part I: Soil Born Farms

On July 11, I participated in a series of workshops and seminars called Common Table. Over the next few weeks, I’ll share some of the things I learned.

Soil Born Farms has been a part of Sacramento since 2000, and the American River Ranch location (where I visited) was established in 2008. Randy, one of the Farm Managers, gave us a tour of the farm area.



We got to see the chickens.


And the main building where part of the onion harvest is being cured.


Soil Born Farms is more than just a giant garden, though. They are working to create an urban food system that works with the community and provides local, organic food and education for everyone.

This year, they started a youth job program where teens help grow crops, distribute food to the needy, and restore native habitats along the river.


They also work in partnership with the Sacramento Food Bank and Alchemist to get food to the underserved. This takes several forms: direct donations to the food bank; subsidized farmers’ markets in economically depressed areas of town; and work-trade programs.


We learned much, much more, but I’ll save that for another day. After the tour, I headed out into the fields to lend a hand. Guess what needed to be done? Weeding! Lucky me. I spent an hour digging up this evil stuff called “Johnson grass” before it was time to go to the next class. I had dirt envy though—the soil by the river is just amazing.


A quick scritch for the farm doggie and I was on my way.


More about Common Table next Monday. Stay tuned!