Brunch for the Future
A lovely Summer brunch at the Ridgewood Ranch started long before the Sunday morning our guests arrived. We began working with local farmers and caterers Black Dog Farm to source ingredients long before the family style platters were placed onto tables! 13 farms and ranches grew the abundant food served to supporters of the Grange School, and dozens of volunteers helped make it happen. While the food was an absolute hit (sweet potato biscuits, country sausage gravy, summer salads, potatoes… the works!) the program stole the show. 
Doug Mosel of the Mendocino Grain Project started growing heritage grains in Mendocino county after hearing the reports of how much food we source from in-county. Grain growers were sorely needed, so he took up the project himself and today works diligently to bring beautiful ancient grains to bakeries and local kitchens. He is always an inspiring field trip host for our students, showing off his grain cleaning equipment, massive and powerful, while demonstrating the poetic meaning of the nobility of farming. Doug interviewed two current Practicum students (James Bording and Lyndsey Burns) and one Capstone student 
(Joshua Sternberg) during our brunch event, to ask them about their aspirations of becoming farmers and ranchers. The three came from non-agricultural backgrounds and find themselves here for similar reasons: they want to make a difference in the food system, they are passionate, driven and service-oriented.
You can watch the full interview below:
Our guests left brunch satisfied and inspired. Many gave generously, and those that didn’t have funds to give found other ways! We got offers of small land parcels, equipment, technical computer work.. the list goes on. The fact is, many of these community members are starting to see the school as a conduit for bringing intelligent, compassionate, community driven people to our county who come to learn and stay 
to participate. It is a good thing for economic development to be reversing rural flight, and if we are increasing community resiliency by bringing in smart entrepreneurs who are growing delicious, good food… well we just can’t think of anything better. We took the guests on a tour of the farm and campus, served fresh apple cider, answered questions and got to know everyone just a little bit better. Thank you to everyone for contributing, and for making our 1st Annual Brunch a success!
