The Background:

I grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, next door to the local hardware store and hatchery owned by my grandparents. My childhood was spent surrounded by chickens and I've always felt a special attraction to them. Everyone we knew had a garden, some animals of some sort and lived a pretty simple self-sufficient life. I remember spending the long evenings of late summer snapping beans or trimming tomatoes for the marathon canning sessions my family would have. Living close to the land was in my blood.

About twenty years ago, while living in Indianapolis, I was preparing a business plan to start a company called "Nature's Best". It was to be a "pick your own" organic destination with fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, a fishing pond, a few barnyard animals in a sort of a "petting zoo", and many fun family activities. The idea was for city dwellers to have an interesting, entertaining and educational place to bring their children for an afternoon while having the opportunity to purchase good food grown without the use of pesticides, or chemicals. I found the perfect property just west of Indianapolis and less than 10 miles from where I grew up. The location was perfect because it was close to the city, and right at an exit on the interstate. There was already a decrepit old red barn, a nice sized pond and a pretty little woods out back.

That summer, while working on my plan, I visited my cousin in California and met my first husband Fred. I figured I could still start my organic farming business, but it just wouldn't be in Indiana. However, life got in the way and I didn't start working on that project. Instead I got caught up in working for a living and taking care of my instant family. In time, I "forgot" about my original goals and life moved on.

Fast forward twenty some odd years [ like I'm really going to tell you how old I am! :) ] and finally my dream is becoming a reality. The ranch that Steve and I found almost seven years ago isn't that close to any city, the location is a bit out of the way, and the decrepit barn was renovated into our house. But the idea of growing our own food in a sustainable and respectful manner; living close to the earth, and sharing our passion for good food and healthly eating habits has stayed with me.

We've been working non-stop on so many projects to get this fledgling business going... Muscles are sore, skin is burned and fingers have permanent dirt stains, but we know that the end product will be worth it. Food that is fresh, flavorful and grown with a respect for health - not only our health but the earth's as well.

So Safan Ranch now has many distinct "products"!

Many of our neigbhors also have wonderful farm fresh products available... for fresh, grass fed beef, please check out www.amadorgrazers.com!

We'd love to have you spend some time looking at the different areas of our website and get to know more about Safan Ranch.. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to get more information on our products, projects, or life in general, please contact us!