Who Should Attend?
Anyone wanting to take their farm or ranch to the next level. This course will examine practical and applicable aspects of regenerative farming/ranching, real life economics, multi-species enterprises, building lasting resiliency, and improving net profitability. Hands-on experience will be heavily emphasized.
This is a power-packed three days that will change your operation.
What You Will Learn
- Universal Principles of Regen Ag & Why They Work Anywhere
- How to Build Lasting Profitability
- Year-Round Grazing Management Strategies
- Understanding How Soil Functions
- Enterprise Economics & Effective Marketing
- How to Make Highly Informed Decisions
- How To Radically Increase Biodiversity
Tuition of $1,375 includes:
• Regen Ag 101 course ($499.00 value), which we would like you to complete prior to the first day of class;
• In-person attendance at the SHA school, as well as course materials, snacks, water and lunch each day; and
• Access to future scheduled conference calls with the instructors.
About the Ranch
Nestled amid the rolling coastal hills of Northern California near the quaint town of Tomales, Stemple Creek Ranch stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of four generations of the Poncia family.
Meet Loren and Lisa, the passionate co-owners of Stemple Creek Ranch. Loren, a fourth-generation steward of the land, follows in the footsteps of his parents, Al and Cathie Poncia. A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a major in Dairy Science and Ag Business, Loren always dreamed of returning to the ranch to pursue his passion in agriculture. Together with his wife Lisa, who hails from Southern California, the couple has breathed new life into the family enterprise, focusing on the production of top-tier, grass-fed, and finished meats.
Today, Stemple Creek Ranch is not just a family legacy but a thriving example of regenerative and organic agricultural practices. The ranch's philosophy revolves around working in harmony with Mother Nature to promote optimal biodiversity, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the land.
Loren & Lisa Poncia with daughters Avery and Julianna
Regenerative Agriculture and Grass-fed Farming Practices
Stemple Creek Ranch is at the forefront of regenerative agriculture, emphasizing practices that aim to enhance and rehabilitate the entire ecosystem. Their commitment to soil health involves employing regenerative farming techniques, such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, and maintaining diverse plant species. These practices not only contribute to the well-being of the land but also result in superior-quality meats.
Loren checking cattle
The pastured, free-range beef cattle, primarily Angus with some Angus crosses, adhere to strict genetic standards. Through fifteen years of meticulous herd management, they produce premium finished meat. Grazing year-round on green grass is crucial, so they rotate the cattle between the home ranch in Tomales and seasonal pastures across Northern California. They collaborate with select cooperator herds, ensuring their precise standards are maintained by outstanding ranchers in Northern California and Oregon.
White-faced ewes, mainly of Dorsett, Parendale, and North Country Cheviot breeds, lead free-range lives on certified organic pastures. The Berkshire cross pigs, raised amid Eucalyptus groves in Tomales, enjoy organic and non-GMO diets, showcasing natural behaviors in their communal activities.
Team Stemple Creek Ranch
From farmers' markets to ranch hands, events, shipping, bookkeeping, sales, and marketing, Team Stemple Creek Ranch collaborates tirelessly week to week, bringing quality sustainable meat to families, all while championing regenerative agriculture practices for a healthier planet.
Scholarship Money Available
We are committed to helping you finance this educational experience. If you want to attend one of our 3-day events, you are eligible for a scholarship. Our scholarships for this school were made possible by a donations from the following organizations as well as from private donors.
We encourage anyone with interest to apply. We will be giving special consideration to the following:
- Students
- Families or farms with more than one person attending
- Past SHA students
- Veterans
- Agricultural educators and influencers
- Minority, tribal, women and historically underserved individuals
Veterans
Young Beginning Farmers | Women
Ag Educators and Influencers | Minority | Tribal | Women | Historically Underserved
Students | Farmers | Alumni | Ag Educators and Influencers | Minority | Tribal | Women | Historically Underserved
Hotel Information
26985 CA-1
Tomales, CA 94971
(707) 888-9991
Rooms are $120/night (discounted from $210). There are only 10 rooms, so don't wait to get yours reserved.
Use this link to book directly into the block. The block will be released to the public on February 18th and will loose the discount at that time.
Ranch and Classroom Location
Stemple Creek Ranch
900 Burbank Ln
Tomales, CA 94971
Closest Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco, California
(650) 821-8211
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
1 Airport Dr
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 563-3300
