ROOTED IN PURPOSE
As you enter Live Oak Farm you are greeted by our namesake, a century old standing testament to the rich history of our property.
This land was formerly known as the Bundesen Ranch. It was lovingly cared for by four generations of Bundesens who, we like to think, sought shade underneath that magnificent oak tree. The Bundesens were chicken farmers who helped build the agricultural legacy of Petaluma, once called the “Egg Basket of the World.”
In 2014, Randy Goldstein purchased the property. Randy was interested in food, health, and as a green energy entrepreneur for 35 years, the impact farming had on the environment. He was inspired by the idea that small scale solar and wind projects could ultimately provide enough energy for society. And he wondered, “could small farms feed the world’s growing population in a more environmentally friendly manner?” This question inspired him to begin exploring small scale agriculture, a new model for living the good life and supporting the environment.
These interests, along with his desire to build an energy efficient house and live a simpler life, turned Randy’s eyes toward the country. Yet Randy wondered how he could both live on the land and retain the community-feel found in a close-knit neighborhood. One day he heard his answer, “if you build it, they will come.”
Since starting the Agrihood at Live Oak Farm, Randy has encountered many people with similar dreams of living together in a new and meaningful way. Live Oak Farm will provide that opportunity to many families, and perhaps inspire others to pursue their own vision for defining a new kind of community.
From the day Randy decided to purchase the property, we have been busy. In 2015 we began our first growing season here at Live Oak Farm. We laid out beds, fed them with rich organic compost and rejoiced in our first harvest of tomatoes, chard, and peppers which we sold in our roadside farm stand, at the Petaluma Farmer’s Market and to local restaurants and grocery stores. In 2016, our land was certified organic by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). We also added close to 1,000 fruit trees to the property including apples, pluots, pomegranates and persimmons. In 2017, the road that will someday be dotted with houses, row crops, and food forests was completed.
Over the next few years we’ll continue to develop the farm and lay the rest of the groundwork for new homes. Stay tuned for developments here on our website or by following us on Facebook and Instagram. We hope you will join us as we continue to build upon the rich history of this property!
