Living in L.A, we’re hyper aware of the effects of the Californa drought: lawns are being replaced by succulent gardens, restaurants are serving water by request only, and some of our fave produce has become a little harder to find. We love that everyone is doing their part to conserve our precious resources, but we love it even more that farms and ranches have gotten in on the action and are leading by example. L.A.-based farm-to-table delivery service Out Of The Box Collective gives us the lowdown on one Santa Barbara-adjacent ranch doing their part to make a difference…

For five years now, one of our favorite stops at the Santa Barbara farmer’s market has been Rancho San Julian’s market table, where Elizabeth Poett sells pastured beef from her family ranch. This 14,000 acre ranch has been in Elizabeth’s family for over 8 generations and is one of California’s oldest family run ranches. A profound love and respect for the land has been passed down through these generations. They have been raising cattle on pasture and using traditional herding methods on horseback for more than 200 years.

The ranch, which is graced by forests of California Live Oak, also grows a variety of vegetables, grapes, and lavender. Its tradition of environmental stewardship extends now to solar power in a watering system designed to protect its many creeks and arroyos. Faced with the challenges brought on by the recent severe drought, Elizabeth Poett, who was born and raised on the ranch, has worked with her family to bring back the ranch’s sustainable farm by bringing on bio-dynamic guru Chris Thompson.

The crops they have been growing, with minimal water, are absolutely beautiful, and a testament to the love and care that has gone into cultivating them.