This California Certified Organic Farm in Merced, is family owned and operated by David and Michelle Silveira, along with their two sons, Joseph and Antonio. It is an abundant 65 acre ranch that produces organic crops, along with organic oat hay, Boer Goats (for sale) and many grass fed Sexlink chickens.
As we walked into the garden the colors were amazing. All neatly lined up in rows, about 20 to 30 different types of winter crops…. Kale, Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Celeriac, Leeks, Bok Choy, Garlic, Radishes, Turnips, Carrots, Broccoli, Beets, Rutabaga, Pack Choy, Lemon Grass, Arugula, and much more. The newly planted oat hay had three inches of growth that covered most of the ranch like a soft velvety green blanket, some day to feed local organic cows.
Throughout this last year, Silveira Farms provided fresh produce to about 100 happy CSA subscribers, their boxes are full of beautifully colored quality produce raised and harvested on the farm. Dedicated to keeping their members connected to the farm, a newsletter is included with recipes for what is currently in season. In addition to their shares, they offer add-ons of produce from other local organic farms like: T & D Willey Farms, Riverdance Farms, Cuyama, and A V Thomas. With drop sites in Merced, Turlock and surrounding areas, David plans to increase their CSA participation by 100 this next year.
This committed farmer shared with us how he has been farming this diversified ranch for about three years, and found this particular land through California FarmLink, a non-profit organization that helps build and conserve family farms in California. This property had sat vacant waiting for an organic farmer, David filled that spot and turned it into a successful alternative to store bought well traveled produce.
David has been honored this month by California FarmLink, with an invitation to Washington DC and discuss the 2008 farm bill, concerning policies and the future of farm business.
Congratulations Rancho piccolo – Silveira Farms!
Make 2008 a year of healthy food choices and sign up for a CSA!
David and Michelle can be contacted by calling (209) 380-9104 or at silveiradavid@hotmail.com
[...] Rancho Piccolo – Silveira Farms [...]
What a wonderful honor for this delightful family who are committed to the ideals of providing and promoting healthy local food. They both talk the talk and walk the walk. It is about time that our country gets behind folks such as the Silveira family…good luck in Washington, David. k.
Thank you for your support Karen.
The Silveira family truly are proud and passionate about the food they produce for their community!
Hey, it’s me, Victoria, again! I just met David today at MJC’s Earth Day celebration and he was so helpful and nice! I’m hooked now… going to sign up with a friend of mine to start picking up fresh produce weekly. I’m really happy to know that there will be a newsletter and recipes, too… what a great bonus
Thanks once again for promoting this wonderful way of supporting our local farmers. I’m excited to get started!
[...] interested in supporting local farmers and living a more healthy lifestyle, hop on over to the Silveira Farms page at Local Choices to learn [...]
Oh Victoria…. you are going to love your box!
Their recipes are helpful in making wonderful dishes, if you need more help visit this fabulous website http://www.101cookbooks.com.
I am interested in joining organic crops delivery.
Do you have rates/costs for delivery, dates of delivery in Merced ?
In general I would like all available information.
Thank you, Eve Snelling
(209) 724-2024 – phone has voice mail 24 hours a day.
Mailing address: 2984 Willowbrook Ct.
Merced, CA 95348
If, you prefer to mail me the information.
Eve,
Give David Silveira from Rancho Piccolo a call for all the details, his contact information is listed!