Capay Canyon Ranch: Generating food for generations

By Wendy Weitzel for the Davis Farmers Market

When the Davis Farmers Market started in 1976, 8-year-old Todd Barth was there, helping his mom and grandfather sell apricots and cherries.

Today, his daughters, now in their early 20s, are the fifth generation to help with the farm. His wife Jen and daughters Madison and Alex work the family farm’s produce stand, selling their Capay Canyon Ranch almonds, and its organic grapes and raisins.

Farming runs in both sides of Barth’s family. That maternal grandfather was an architect in San Jose until he decided to buy a 60-acre plot in Winters for Pleasants Ranch. 

The ag link goes back further on his dad’s side. His great-great grandfather grew corn in Iowa. His grandfather’s family grew alfalfa in Lancaster and then Madison, California, then that grandpa bought property in Esparto, branching out on his own. That was the start of Capay Canyon Ranch, now 340 acres – 210 of it almonds.

“Grapes are kind of a side kick for us, even though that’s my favorite part of the year,” Barth said. “I just love the summer fruit.”

He said it was the same with his grandfather’s cherries. “I would eat them until I was sick.”

Grape season begins around late July, and that’s when the Capay Canyon booth starts at the Davis Farmers Market. Barth enjoys selling there, chatting with people. “When you’re farming, you want to provide the best product. It just makes for a good feeling when the customers are saying, ‘We’re so glad you’re back.’” 

It’s one of the rewards for the hard work. This year has been especially challenging with the triple-digit heat. Some of the grapes have brown spots and other sun damage. “We’re going to have to drop a bunch on the ground and throw them away.”

Water is a challenge too, especially for the almonds. “We love all the rain that filled up all the lakes but it’s an issue.”

And wholesale prices are unpredictable. “A grocery store can raise their price but we can’t. You just take what the market gives you.”

But at age 56, he wouldn’t choose another life. “Farming’s kind of in your blood. We don’t retire. … I just love being part of the land.”

Capay Canyon
Find them at the Davis Farmers Market every Saturday.
Products: almonds, grapes, raisins
Farm address: 14650 County Road 87, Esparto
Website: http://capaycanyonranch.com/
Phone: 530-662-2372

Davis Farmers Market
Central Park, Fourth and C streets, Davis
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round
Wednesdays: 3 to 6 p.m. October through April; 4 to 8 p.m. May through September for Picnic in the Park