In May, we had the pleasure of hosting Sarah Pilla, a Spectrum News reporter, for her Farm Refresh series to explore our approach to regenerative agriculture
A Peek Into Regenerative Agriculture at TomKat Ranch: Spectrum News Farm Refresh Series
Sarah Pilla, Spectrum News 1
08/23/2023
By: Grace-Sonia Melanio, Office of Kat Taylor
In May, we had the pleasure of hosting Sarah Pilla, a Spectrum News reporter, for her Farm Refresh series to explore our approach to regenerative agriculture and the values we practice here at TomKat Ranch. During her stay, Sarah Pilla spoke with many key members of our team, and touched on some of our incredible projects.
In part one of the series, Founder Kat Taylor and ranch director Wendy Millet introduced Sarah Pilla to the ranch and how it functions as a science learning lab that practices regenerative agriculture intended to change our food system. Check out part one here.
Next, the reporter met with Chelsea Carey, Soil Ecologist with Point Blue Conservation Science and TomKat Ranch Manager Mark Biaggi. Our partnership with Point Blue Conservation Science is critical to the ranch and soil science research. Their cooperative efforts featured in part two of the Farm Refresh series focus on exploring various land management practices that show promising results in enhancing soil health and forage production quality.
Part three of the Farm Refresh series further raised awareness of the benefits of regenerative land practices that help rebuild and repair broken ecosystems. The segment featured interviews with Cal Fire’s Deputy Chief Jonathan Cox as well as TomKat Ranch’s Small Ruminant Assistant Mukethe Kawinzi and Mark Biaggi.
Part four highlighted TomKat Ranch’s connection to the community. Sarah Pilla met with Cata Gomes, a Ramaytush Elder and founder of the Muchia Te’ Indigenous Land Trust, as well as Chef Bryant Terry, an artist, author, and champion for food justice. Last year, TomKat Ranch partnered with the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and Chef Terry to host the Black Food Summit, a weekend of food, storytelling, and learning.
Sarah Pilla’s final story addressed the importance of changing our food system to support regenerative agriculture practices to ensure that all communities have nutrient-rich food. The segment featured interviews with TomKat Ranch’s Food Advocacy Manager, Kathy Webster, Kristen Lindstrom, Principal of Pescadero Elementary School, and UC Davis Health Executive Chef Santana Diaz.
