October 3, 2016 – On October 19th and 20th, two pioneers of organic agriculture, Tom and Denesse Willey will come to Auburn and share their wisdom with farmers from Placer and Nevada Counties. A farmer dinner at 6 PM on October 19th followed by a hosted breakfast on October 20th at 8 AM will be held at the Auburn Memorial Veterans Hall (100 East Street, Auburn, CA). Tom and Denesse are entertaining and eloquent speakers with more than 35 years of experience growing and selling amazing fruits and vegetables in the San Joaquin Valley. Come share a meal and learn how they started and grew their farm. Hear the secrets of their success and find out why a relentless focus on quality, innovation, and fair treatment of their workers has allowed them to raise a family and make a living as farmers.
Tom and Denesse started farming in 1980. TD Willey Farms grows Mediterranean vegetables year-round on their 75-acres farm in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Certified Organic since 1987, they employ 50 full time year-round workers and an additional 50 seasonal workers. The Willeys have long been committed to stewardship of the earth and the dignity of their workers. The bounty of the farm is sold up and down the west coast and as far east as Minnesota. This is a rare opportunity to hear the story of one farm’s journey.
- From early small farm days to 75 acres and a staff of 100
- The importance of paying good wages and providing year-round staff with benefits
- What it takes to succeed as a small farmer
- How a focus on innovative thinking and a commitment to quality leads to success
If you farm or ranch in Placer and Nevada counties, you will want to attend. Come and learn from people who know what it takes to make a living as farmers. These events are open to anyone who currently operates a commercial farm or ranch in Placer and Nevada counties. Registration is required for both events.
Farmer Perspectives with Tom and Denesse Willey
Farmer Potluck Dinner
When: Wed., October 19, 2016
Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm
Cost: FREE
Register on-line at: http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=18762
Farmer to Farmer Breakfast with the Willey’s
When: Thurs., October 20, 2016
Time: 8:00 to 10:30am
Cost: $10.00
Register on-line at: http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surverynumber=18939
Funding for this project was provided by the Washington State University Western Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the Risk Management Agency and the Farm Service Agency.