Old Dog Ranch

People

Mollie and Roger Sitkin, along with 5 part-time employees

Farmland

1,000 acres in Linden, about 98 miles to San Francisco

About

Located in the San Joaquin Valley, Old Dog Ranch has seen many transformations since Mollie’s great-great grandfather purchased the land in 1918. It was originally a sheep ranch, and Mollie’s father, Roger, started growing apples, blueberries, and annual crops when he took over. Apple trees gave way to walnut orchards, which thrive in the area’s deep, well-drained soil and low winter temperatures. A small portion of the land is farmed; 85% of the ranch is wildlife habitat. Old Dog Ranch is the first Regenerative Certified Organic walnut farm, certified by the Regenerative Organic Alliance. To diversify the farms’ offerings, Mollie launched the farm’s value-added product line, including seasoned walnuts and walnut butters. walnuts, and introduced five bee hives that produce the honey used in the walnut butter.

Certification

Some of the farm has been certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) since 2012, while some is currently in transition.