CSA Farm Profile: Kingfisher Farm

 CSA FARM PROFILE

 KINGFISHER FARM

Matt and Lauren Lechmaier, transplants from Wisconsin, are happy to be farming in what Matt claims to be “one of the planet’s most fertile valleys”. Their 1.5-acre farm sits on the banks of the Putah Creek in Winters, nestled in the Sacramento Valley. Kingfisher Farm gets its name from the small, brightly colored, species of bird that visits the farm. April through November, Kingfisher delivers weekly produce shares to their CSA members, all within a few miles of the farm. Matt and Lauren have a strategy behind staying small; to foster connections with each member of the CSA by delivering only within their community, and to limit the number of miles their food travels, reducing the farm’s carbon footprint. The land is certified organic by CCOF, and was formerly an organic walnut orchard. 

By day, Matt coordinates an environmental education program for high school students, through the Center for Land Based Learning. Matt’s first foray into farming was helping his Pop plant tomatoes and dig up potatoes in his backyard garden in Wisconsin. Now, Matt and Lauren grow more than forty varieties of produce, including ornamental gourds and flowers. Kingfisher partners with two other local CSAs, Cloverleaf Farm and Free Spirit Farm, to occasionally provide organic fruit in the boxes. CAFF is proud to have such great neighbors, with our main office located just down the road from all three farms.

CAFF is a strong supporter of CSA farms in California, both advocating in the state Capitol as well as hosting workshops that provide technical assistance to CSA operators. To find a CSA near you, visit caff.org/programs/local-food-systems/search-bfbl/. You can contact Matt and Lauren by e-mail at kingfisherfarmca@gmail.com or look for Kingfisher Farm on Facebook.