By Wendy Weitzel for Davis Farmers Market
Dewey Farms started selling nuts at the Davis Farmers Market in the 1990s. But it’s been around since 1876, and harvesting almonds since 1917.
The farm operated for nearly a century in Fair Oaks, but a development squeeze forced a change. It moved to a rural part of Woodland in the late 1960s. Today, its 60-acre operation includes 37 acres of pistachios, 20 acres of almonds, two acres of walnuts and an acre of flowers. Three generations take part in the work, managed mostly by Joey Thomas, 31, and his twin brother John.
“My grandparents (Harry and Jane Dewey) started (the Woodland) portion of the farm,” said Joey Thomas. “As I was growing up, my mom and uncle didn’t want to farm but I fell into it. We’ve been visiting our grandparents here since we were about 10.”
Thomas said he’s had to learn every part of the operation, but thinks that’s key to good ag business. And he enjoys working the stall at the farmers market, where he sells pistachios, almonds, almond butter (crunchy and creamy), walnuts and flowers. His best sellers are the roasted no-salt almonds, garlic pistachios and walnuts.
“I care about my product. I care … about being able to provide something for the community. You drive by some farms and 80 percent of the people who are working there don’t ever get to taste them. The farm is more of a monetary investment than a community investment.”
He likes selling at the Davis market because it’s special. “It’s more of a community farmers market. Sometimes there’s markets that people stop by for lunch. The Davis community really comes together, and can really find their groceries at the farmers market.”
His biggest challenge is keeping all the equipment running and learning when to take a break – there’s always something to do.
“I really enjoy the lifestyle,” Thomas said. “As long as we make enough money to do it again next year, I’m pretty happy.”
Dewey Farms
Find them at the Davis Farmers Market every Saturday, rain or shine.
Farm address: 15754 County Road 97B, Woodland
Website: https://www.deweyfarmsca.com/
Instagram: @dewey_farms
Davis Farmers Market
Central Park, Fourth and C streets, Davis
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round
Wednesdays: 4 to 8 p.m. May through September for Picnic in the Park; 3 to 6 p.m. October through April
Joey Thomas is shown at the Davis Farmers Market in October 2022. (Wendy Weitzel/Courtesy photo)
