Nova Farming

Watch a special TV interview with Jordan College Dean Rolston St. Hilaire on a #BlackHistoryMonth month show that featured Central Valley residents and the impact they’re making on their communities. Dean St. Hilaire’s feature, which discusses his background and his recent appointment to the state board of food and agriculture, is at: https://lnkd.in/gPn6kzxu (and airs between the 14:45-17:00 minute mark in the 25-minute magazine show Viewers can also watch a segment featuring an area female cattle rancher/Cornell grad Rizpah Bellard, MA, who runs Bufford Ranch with her father (who is a California State University, Fresno alum), at the 7:50 mark. More information about Dean St. Hilaire’s appointment to the board is also at: https://lnkd.in/gvZ3XhPh

?? Calling All Small Farmers & Local Food Advocates ?? The 37th Annual California Small Farm Conference is almost here! Join the San Joaquin Valley Regional Gathering on Friday, February 28 at Merced College for a day of connection, learning, and growth. This in-person event, hosted by Community Alliance with Family Farmers with support from the F3 Initiative & F3Local, will feature keynote speaker Rizpah Bellard, MA of Nova Farming, expert-led workshops, a buyer-farmer mixer to connect small-scale growers with local buyers, and more. Don’t miss this chance to build community and gain valuable insights! Register now at: https://lnkd.in/g9aviyrP

Help us give a shoutout to Fibershed community members who were named California Farm Champions by Community Alliance with Family Farmers! ???? ?? Rizpah Bellard, MA of Nova Farming was named New Farmer of The Year. Rizpah was a recipient of Fibershed's scholarship for the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center shearing school. CAFF writes: "Rizpah Bellard is a visionary trailblazer in agriculture, social justice, and entrepreneurship, merging her upbringing on a Black Angus cattle ranch in Northern California’s Capay Valley with academic experiences at Cornell University and the University of Denver." ?? Rancho Las Palmas was named Ecological Farmer of the Year. In 2023, this Fibershed Producer Member partnered with us to host a husbandry day where dozens of community members came together to care for around 100 sheep. CAFF writes: "Nestled along the coast in Davenport, California, Rancho Las Palmas exemplifies ecological stewardship through its holistic and innovative farming practices." Read more and meet all of the honorees here.

Selected from nominations from all over the state, we’re thrilled to introduce you to this year’s California Farm Champions, inspirational change-makers who are blazing trails for regenerative agriculture, strengthening our local food system, and growing a healthier and more just future for all. Big thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate their local food and farm heroes. And congrats to the awardees! Check out the online ceremony at next month’s CA Small Farm Conference. Read the full announcement and honoree profiles at: https://lnkd.in/gTFydzZ3 New Farmer of the Year: Rizpah Bellard, Nova Farming Legacy Farmer of the Year: Russ Lester, Dixon Ridge Farms Ecological Farmer of the Year: Rancho Las Palmas Farm Advocate of the Year: Moises Plascencia, Santa Ana USD Farm Policy Champion of the Year: Assemblymember Lori Wilson Food Business of the Year: Magpie Cafe Farmers Market Champion of the Year: Jaclyn Allen, The Hen's Roost

Learn how to start your own livestock based AgEd program for youth, K-12!

Another year, another magazine! Thank you Christina Wernikowski for taking the time to hear the story behind Nova Farming and share it with the world. Check me out in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of On Land magazine ?? a publication of Western Landowners Alliance

Selected from nominations from all over the state, we’re thrilled to introduce you to this year’s California Farm Champions, inspirational change-makers who are blazing trails for regenerative agriculture, strengthening our local food system, and growing a healthier and more just future for all. Big thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate their local food and farm heroes. And congrats to the awardees! Check out the online ceremony at next month’s CA Small Farm Conference. Read the full announcement and honoree profiles at: https://lnkd.in/gTFydzZ3 New Farmer of the Year: Rizpah Bellard, Nova Farming Legacy Farmer of the Year: Russ Lester, Dixon Ridge Farms Ecological Farmer of the Year: Rancho Las Palmas Farm Advocate of the Year: Moises Plascencia, Santa Ana USD Farm Policy Champion of the Year: Assemblymember Lori Wilson Food Business of the Year: Magpie Cafe Farmers Market Champion of the Year: Jaclyn Allen, The Hen's Roost

Happy Holidays from Thomas ???? I am still working on training Thomas so he can go meet students at their schools lol he is a work in progress because he obviously does not listen ??

Rizpah Bellard, MA is currently the only female and black cattle rancher in the State of California. Women in Ag Magazine had a chat with her about what it's like to be her. Read Rizpah's story in the September issue of Women in Ag Magazine - the magazine is digital and completely free! Click here to go directly to the interview: https://lnkd.in/eXPSrWym

Meet Rizpah Bellard, MA, owner of Nova Farming - a Black woman-owned company dedicated to educating youth and beginning farmers about sustainable agriculture and livestock management. From raising grass-fed beef to empowering the next generation, Rizpah is transforming the future of farming. Learn more about her inspiring work and her connection to?F3.?#F3Spotlight #F3Initiative #FarmsFoodFuture