Meet Mollie Sitkin of Old Dog Ranch
Let us introduce you to Mollie Sitkin, a fifth-generation farmer in San Joaquin County, California.
Tell us a little bit about the history of your farming operation.
Old Dog Ranch Family Farm is a fifth-generation family farm located along the Calaveras River in San Joaquin County, operated by my family since 1918. My dad, Roger Sitkin, is a progressive farmer and is always open to try new things like hazelnuts, blueberries, mangos, bananas, and walnuts. He planted Chandler walnuts the year I was born in 1984, making me the second generation to grow walnuts. Initially, my dad sold to wholesalers, earning a small premium for quality, but when I suggested organic and regenerative, he was open to trying it out.
Can you share more about how Old Dog Ranch became the first Regenerative Organic Certified® walnut farm?
Old Dog Ranch Family Farm was originally certified organic, and in 2021, it became the first Regenerative Organic Certified walnut farm. Soil health is very important to our family, so we worked with the Regenerative Organic Alliance for certification. As of today, 27 acres are certified, and we are in the process of transitioning an orchard owned by ourselves and extended family, spanning 40 acres. This is a huge accomplishment for our ranch, and I’m proud to source Regenerative Organic Certified-grown products from my family’s farm for our direct-to-consumer and wholesale line of fresh walnuts, seasoned walnuts, and walnut butters.
How did you start working in the family business, and how has your role at the farm evolved?
I started working in sustainability for a winery and then moved into marketing for beverage companies. I returned to the farm when I realized we could provide premium walnuts and walnut products to consumers looking for the best quality. I then began selling directly at farmers’ markets.
Now, I’m based in Pacifica, California, where our production facility is located. I handle the processing of the walnuts into our retail products, sales, marketing, and processor certifications. Farm-level certifications are collaborative, while my dad and a couple of on-farm staff handle all of the farming.
What products do you sell?
We sell super fresh raw and toasted walnuts, walnut butters, and seasoned walnut snacks, which we hand-make in small batches, incorporating locally grown organic ingredients and honey produced at the ranch whenever possible.
What are your hopes for the future of Old Dog Ranch?
Not only are we farmers, but we also have a long-term vision. My main goal in our farming and operational practices is to leave the ranch for the next generation, like my daughter, cousins, and beyond. We are not looking to expand Old Dog Ranch Family Farm, as our current size allows us to maintain quality and sell out every year. Our dream would be to keep our family legacy ongoing for future generations.
