Nevada City, California
Farm Size: 4 acres
What They Grow: Peas, Radishes, Beets & Greens
First Rain Farm is a Certified Organic farm nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills just outside Nevada City, California. At 2,500 feet in elevation, the farm’s fields are surrounded by a diverse landscape of coniferous and deciduous forests, with Brush Creek meandering through the property on its way toward the nearby South Yuba River. This rich natural environment provides habitat for abundant wildlife and plays an important role in how the farmers approach caring for the land.
At First Rain Farm, farming and land stewardship go hand in hand. The farm produces nourishing food for its community while working to care for the entire property and the diverse ecosystem that surrounds it. Livestock are thoughtfully integrated into the farming system, helping create rich compost that is returned to the fields to nourish future crops. Through this closed-loop approach, the farm is able to produce approximately 90% of its fertility needs right on the farm.
Certified Organic by CCOF, First Rain Farm places a strong emphasis on building and protecting healthy soil. The farm has used minimal-till practices since 2017 and continues to experiment with ways to improve soil structure, increase water retention, build fertility, and grow an increasingly diverse selection of high-quality crops.
At the heart of First Rain Farm is a commitment to continually listen and respond to the needs of the land. Together, the farm’s dedicated team works to grow exceptional food while stewarding a healthy, resilient landscape for the future.
