Commitment to the land
Tour the Barton Family Ranch
Join us in the pickup as we tour the “home ranch”, originally purchased by our great-grandfather, P.F. Barton, in 1912. Are you comfortable? Excellent! Let’s begin.
Upon entering the property, you’ll first notice a small house near the ranch office. This was the home of P.F.’s son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Alice Barton. Here, they raised their two sons, Hugh and Jerry. The house, which has sheltered three generations of Bartons, stands as a testament to our family’s deep-rooted history and farming heritage.
As we ascend to the bluff’s peak, you’ll see our expansive orchards below. Located on some of California’s finest soil, this land is a product of the Stanislaus River’s slow deposition over thousands of years. It’s perfect for growing walnut trees, boasting deep, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Looking east, the foothills are visible, and on a clear day, the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains rise in the distance.
You might wonder why we refer to our business as the “Barton Ranch” rather than a “farm” or “grove”. In California, “ranch” denotes any agricultural venture, from raising cattle to growing oranges, olives, almonds, or walnuts. The term “ranch” here doesn’t necessitate a vast expanse; many 40-acre properties are also termed “ranches”. The common thread is each farmer’s love for their land and commitment to its stewardship.
Descending into the orchards, the lush foliage envelopes us. It’s notably cooler here, shielded from the California sun. Among the trees, the sunlight filtering through the branches gives us a glimpse of the future walnut harvest. We examine the size of the nuts and the number of “doubles” on the trees, with the rare “triples” causing particular excitement.