Black Ranch is located near Etna, CA, in the shadow of the Marble Mountains. Gary and Eric Black’s grandfather, Carl, moved to Etna in 1941 from Alturas and established the farm. Today it is what I feel to be the premiere organic wheat farm in northern California. Certified organic by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) the Blacks grow without chemical fertilizers, insecticides or sprays to ensure a vigorous, thriving, population of soil organisms, and clean ground water. They use a soil-building rotation of alfalfa followed by small grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.

Wheat is grown as a winter crop in California, so it is much less dependant on irrigation than more typical, summer crops grown in the state. The majority of the water needs for Black Ranch are met by winter and spring rains, with minimal irrigation usually needed in the last stage of development of the wheat plant.

At nearly 3000’ elevation the harsh winters, and cold spring weather temper the grain to set a high protein level. The ripening fields cure as the hot, dry summer takes hold, and the grain is ready for harvest. These are ideal conditions for wheat growing. We are fortunate to have such a farm in northern California to supply our wheat and rye.