Second-gen farmer nurtures his California land for future generations

Stuart Woolf, a second-generation farmer in California’s Central Valley, shares his deep passion for farming and sustainable agriculture.

Woolf Farming Company, established by Stuart Woolf’s father in 1974, focuses on specialty crops unique to California, including almonds, pistachios, wine grapes, and processing tomatoes. The latter, Roma tomatoes, are particularly crucial for producing processed products like ketchup and pizza sauces. Notably, Woolf Farming not only cultivates these tomatoes but also operates a tomato processing plant, ensuring control over crop quality and production.

Despite California’s near-ideal climate for growing tomatoes, the state’s growers confront various challenges. Stuart Woolf’s farm, like many others, faces water scarcity, a pressing issue in a region with increasing droughts and water restrictions. Woolf’s primary mission is to optimize land that cannot be irrigated due to water limitations, prompting him to explore innovative solutions.

One of Woolf Farming’s forward-thinking strategies involves harnessing solar energy. Stuart Woolf and his team have started leasing parts of their land to solar developers, turning unused acreage into a source of income. This renewable energy source is seen as a way to diversify the farm’s revenue streams while contributing to a sustainable future.

For Stuart Woolf, sustainability and regenerative agricultural practices are paramount. His commitment extends beyond the present, as he envisions passing on a legacy of land to the next generation in better condition than received. By evolving farming practices and focusing on soil health, Woolf Farming Company is not only thriving today but also preparing for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Related Stories
Janie camps out at the remote State Line of Nevada & Idaho with Renee Jackson, wrapping up branding season at the historic YP ranch.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.