Time on the farm

In the early 1950's my grandparents moved from Shoshone which lies on the out-skirts of the Death Valley National park and bought land in the fertile San Benito valley with the goal of starting a family. Nestled between Hollister and San Juan Batista, my family have been growing walnuts on the farm for nearly half a century. Although most of the trees have been taken out as they became to demanding for my aging grandparents, we still have a handful of fruit trees and 15 walnut trees. Apple, peach, nectaplum, lemon, pear and pepper trees can all be found growing on the property. As with any farm, there is some upkeep. If you ask most farmers what they despise the most they might say pruning, harvesting, watering or weeds. If you ask my grandmother what she dislikes the most she will most definitely say weeds.


Today I ran the Kubota disking and cultivating the soil in an effort to KILL ALL WEEDS. After a handful of hours running the tractor and using a shovel it was hard not to notice the look of glee on my grandmother’s face. On my grandmother's "little piece of heaven", a tidy farm is the only way. Now there is talk about getting a cow and maybe a goat to accompany the five cats and five chickens which are already on the prowl. I must say, the Bradford for farm is quite a gem, something I feel fortunate to be a part of.



Panaramic view of the farm




Lots of shade under the big white oak




Walnuts ready to go through the nut huller




Standing next to grandma Bootie