WILD RIVER FARM TOUR
Earl’s sent a cohort of buyers to meet with Wild River recently – our 3rd generation farming partner in the outskirts of Marysville, CA. Founded by the Noland Family, they farm on 400 acres in the flood plain of the Yuba River and Feather Rivers, which flow from the Sierras into the Sacramento Valley. Contrary to many in the area, they decided to embrace the rivers’ flooding cycle. Every 10 years the water overflows into their farm, which helps to continuously build extremely fertile soil for growing Kiwis, their primary focus. Working with nature like this is what they call the “Wild River Way.”
They also grow Fuyu Persimmons, Plums and Pluots, Satsuma Mandarins, and have a growing import tropical program. Right now, we are promoting their Guatemalan Rambutan!
Sustainability is an important practice for Wild River, and they put their words into action by working with the wildlife in their unique habitat, from pollinators to owls. Have you noticed the little owls on the Wild River PLU stickers? There’s a story behind that!
They have built boxes throughout the farm to house wild owls, who are excellent natural pest deterrents. Specifically, pocket gophers and voles can majorly damage vineyard roots. According to their farm: “Recent studies conducted in the region indicate that the average family of barn owls consumes between 2,000 and 3,000 rodents each year and often remains faithful to nesting boxes for extended periods.” This is an example of the kind of farming practices we love to highlight – working with nature to overcome pests in a sustainable way, without adding dangerous chemicals into our food supply!
What is Rambutan?
Native to southeast Asia, this unique fruit is related to lychees and longans. Remove the soft spiny skin to reveal the translucent flesh – it has a sweet and bright tropical flavor. Make sure to avoid the internal brown pit (this is the fruit’s seed, like an avocado)!
Wild River works directly with small 1-acre growers in Guatemala to import their fruit. Travis spends a month each year after kiwi season and before stone fruit to help coordinate growers, packaging, and air freight to the US.