The Farmers

Over the last 20+ years, we've had the good fortune to work with many wonderful organic farmers in our region and across the state for our raw ingredient needs, farmers like:

Cornerstone Farm

For over forty years we, John Tannaci and Kirsten Olson, have been certified organic farmers in Siskiyou County. Over this period we have lived and farmed near Happy Camp at a homestead in the mountains, at Hunter Orchards near Grenada for 25 years, and for the past ten years at Cornerstone Farm just north of Gazelle. In addition to a field of wheat and other grains, Cornerstone Farm is home to a small orchard, a pumpkin patch, and market garden.

The photo shows wheat as it is maturing in the field: the grains, or “berries,” are forming within the head becoming more plump each day. Irrigation is necessary to grow a healthy and productive crop here in the Shasta Valley because this area receives very little rainfall. We are fortunate to have a good well and we are always aware of the need for wise water use. When it is close to harvest time, the irrigation is curtailed and soon the field turns golden. In the wind there truly are “amber waves of grain.”

After the wheat is plump and golden and harvested with the combine, it is cleaned and bagged into 50# units waiting for delivery. In an ideal world all bread would be made from freshly ground flour because wheat retains more nutrition and flavor if it is used soon after it is milled. But there are few ideal bakeries, ones that have their own grain mill. We have been growing wheat for several years and only recently have we been successful in finding the ideal bakery. Or actually, it found us.

In early December of 2024 we were contacted by Dave Miller of Miller’s Bake House and soon afterwards our flatbed truck was carrying a few tons of wheat to his bakery at Yankee Hill. This delivery turned out to be much more than just a delivery; it was an experience. Through our mutual love of wheat we spent this shared time in easy conversation while unloading and stacking 50# bags, having a tour of the mill and bakery, and exchanging stories. As it turns out, the threads of our lives share some mutual friendships and the simple connection of wheat farmer to miller-baker hints at a magical connection.

Fillmore Farms

The Fillmores have been farming in Gridley since 1917. We have been using their delicious walnuts for many years. The children of Gerald and Brit Fillmore are carrying on the family tradition of stewardship and produce some of the most flavorful walnuts you will find anywhere.

Alvarado Farms

Our almonds come from Alvarado Farms. Many of you will recognize them from their booth at the Chico Saturday Farmer’s Market where they sell their almonds and the most amazing almond butter available.