The sheep are moved rotationally  through the orchard to graze the forage, stimulate root exudates, and fertilize.  We decided to run our own sheep so that we had absolute control over when and how they graze the forage.  Owning our own herd also gave us control over what they add to the orchard. Sheep and goats can be highly medicated, so we run our own to have the purest inputs.

We use Maremma dogs to protect the flock from predators.  These gentle giants are such a neat part of our farm. We love to find a dog with a lamb or two curled up beside him, or a whole pile of lambs.  The dogs live year round with the sheep and consider the sheep their own. 

I know, you don't usually think of pigs as any part of sanitation, except maybe to inspire the need.  It is real though. We employ the pigs to clean up any almonds on the orchard floor. This helps reduce populations of bugs that eat almonds. This replaces the use of heavy equipment, pesticides etc.that are employed in conventional almond operations. .learn more: blog or on our  Instagram: @into.the.orchard

In case you didn't know, the traditional varieties of almonds require pollination.  In the spring the bees come in from a regenerative farmer in South Dakota and get busy in the orchard.  We are so grateful for these amazing creatures--they are a fascinating world of their own.  We are so happy to offer a place where they not only have lots of blooms, but no sprays or GMO plants. 

We have so many amazing beneficial bugs.  Preying Mantis are definitely one of our favorites to see, but we also have loads of lady bugs, lace wings, spiders, and so many more.  When sprays are used on farms all bugs are killed, but your beneficial bugs are the slowest to recover.  We have been delighted to have them join the team in high numbers.

Its been a delight to see so many varieties of mushrooms show up. Mushrooms are indicative of healthy soil. Mushrooms also help break down organic matter and add nutrients to the soil. 

Check out our Instagram to see more.

Birds are helpful to the ecosystem in many ways, but their presence is a great stamp of approval from Mother Nature.  We have been delighted with the increase in avian life.  The Ecdysis Foundation has observed that our orchard has 16 birds to every 1 bird in the comparison orchard, (which is just a field away).  Life builds life.

UC Davis has been doing research on our farm for years.  There is  much to learn and many unanswered questions still about farming in natural systems, it seems most of the research has been done on chemical based farming. We are happy to be a part of working with this research team.  

Pretty much just a member of the family. 

Bella is our 16 year old Australian Shepherd. She stays busy all day doing nothing but be there for her humans.  We love this old dog. You'll find her by whichever family member is out moving, but if Mom is out, she is by her side: walking, driving, gardening, beside the tractor, etc. We really should put a pedometer on her. We have no idea how many miles she goes every day. 

We're the O'Crowleys.  We're all in on growing the cleanest most nutrient dense food that we can. Its what we want for our family and what we want to send out to offer all of you.  

We each wear many hats in keeping such a diverse system running, and it'd be a lie to say it is easy, but we have found so much joy in learning to work with nature.  We hope the beautiful food we grow will bless your health.