First Stage goals of the Farm Co-op
Upon reviewing the projects listed below, a pattern emerges. We need to construct a significant amount of equipment. In order to offer a food source that is both cost-effective and natural, we must dedicate our time for the sake of our future. Unlike other farms, we strive to cut the cost of raising or growing foods, so that everyone can enjoy it. Our goal is true sustainability. Which means, a product is not sustainable unless everyone can afford to purchase it.
Boasting more than 30 years of expertise in the food processing sector, we specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining food processing, waste recovery, and refrigeration systems. Our team will be fully prepared to meet our projects requirements. We take pride in our partners and members who bring a wide array of skills, and we are committed to recognizing and deploying these talents efficiently. When we build this way, we save over 60% of the cost of buying these units.
Our Introduction
Black Soldier Fly Lavea for Feed
Our primary objective is to minimize the cost of our animal feed. By reclaiming pre and post consumer food waste throughout Napa County, we anticipate producing around 100 tons of Black Soldier Fly larvae feed annually for our fish, pork and poultry.
In collaboration with supermarkets, retirement communities, food processors, restaurants, food banks, coffee shops, and other entities, our goal is to reduce Napa County’s waste stream by an estimated 60,000 tons by the end of our second year, which would yield roughly 22,000 tons of BSFL feed each year. We can utilize this feed for our own usage of sell this protein to regional farms.
With this initiative, the cost feed out chickens could be less than $0.30, turkeys for $1.08, and hogs for $8.00. Additionally, 2-3 pound Bass and Catfish could be raised for less than $0.30 each on a diet of Black Soldier Fly Larvae. This method enables us to provide Napa County with a superior product at prices competitive with traditional supermarkets.
Our Introduction
Fall Sown Barley for Fodder Production
Our primary objective is to minimize the cost of our feed. By leasing land amidst vineyard rows, we can cultivate fall-sown barley. This barley can then be used to produce fodder at a cost of less than $40-60 per ton.
Initially, we will purchase barley to develop fodder for our chicken and rabbit growth operations.
Using this system, the cost to raise cattle can be under $260, while chickens can be raised for less than $0.60, turkeys for $2.19, and hogs for $19, all on a fodder diet. This approach allows us to offer Napa County a high-quality product that can compete with the prices of conventional supermarkets.
Our Introduction
Organically & Conventionally Pasture Raised Poultry
The Farm Co-op aims to swiftly launch its Pasture Raised Poultry initiative. In our first months, we plan to operationalize a hatcher container system. Upon receiving fresh chicks from the hatchery, up to 400 at a time. Within a year our weekly orders will reach the CDFA’s exempted maximum processing limit of 10,000 birds annually. Orders will be taken in advance, guided by our Buying Co-op’s shopping trends. We’ll raise only the necessary amount to meet these orders, with a small surplus. By the eighth week, we anticipate being prepared to harvest and process as many as 400 birds each week.
Our Introduction
Poultry Hatchery
Before we order our first batch of chicks for growth, two projects need to be underway. The first is a hatchery and a secure grow-out facility for transitioning chicks to outdoor rotational grazing. We plan to construct two containers with adjacent outdoor enclosures, allowing us to move the chicks into a confined area as they grow, before transferring them to our Prairie Schooners.
Our Introduction
Organically Created Compost
Compost is the cornerstone of every farm. We will be continuously producing compost for a variety of uses, from nurturing plant starts to enriching the soil for all the flowers and trees we sell, as well as for field preparation.
We will gather and repurpose every scrap of waste generated on the farm to guarantee our compost is the finest in Napa Valley. Once we receive county approval, we will package and sell it.
Our Introduction
Rabbit For Fertilizer
Some might wonder, why choose rabbit? Rabbit meat is not a widely popular protein choice. However, our rabbits are beneficial in several ways. They produce a type of fertilizer that is advantageous for our young plants, and their urine can be sold at a premium. Both contribute as swift resources to enhance the farm.
Fermented urine, combined with wood shavings and molasses, transforms into a powerful liquid fertilizer and doubles as an efficient insect repellent when used independently.
Our Introduction
Plant Start Containers
To initiate a garden, plant starts are essential. Purchasing them is prohibitively costly, so we plan to construct a container-based plant start facility with a high tunnel bay situated between containers. This will enable us to begin our plant starts before the planting season. Once the weather permits, we’ll be prepared to commence planting. Throughout the season, we’ll utilize the container system to cultivate house plants, trees, and flowers for year-round sales.
Our Introduction
Organically & Conventionally Grown Produce
In the initial phase, we aim to cultivate crops recognized as marketable produce through cooperative distribution practices. We are confident in our ability to sell these products. By creating diverse gardens, we ensure that our selections are not only varied but also saleable. Additionally, we will introduce indigenous flowers to attract native bees.
Recent Work
Explore Projects
Pest Control
Crop Production
Farm System