Last month, I had the opportunity to join a field day hosted by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) at Machado Family Farms in Linden, California. The event brought together growers and technical experts to explore how practices like cover cropping and integrated sheep grazing improve soil health and reduce inputs in California walnut orchards.

Cover Cropping and Grazing: A Grower's Perspective

Drew Cheney from Machado Family Farms shared his journey toward a holistic, soil-centered approach to farming. Over the past seven years, Machado Family Farms has introduced cover cropping across all of its orchards and, for the last four years, has integrated sheep grazing into the system.

"We're not the first to do this," Drew said, "but I don't know anyone else doing it at this scale."

Today, cover crops and grazing support all of the farm's walnut, almond, cherry, and olive orchards, resulting in:

A reduction in pesticide use from four or five applications to just one
Lowered fertilizer inputs
Healthier, more resilient trees
Stronger nutrient cycling and overall soil vitality

"I look at this from the basis of health," Drew said. "That includes the health of our business, employees, community, and industry."

Digging In: Soil Health and Insects

The field day offered a hands-on opportunity to examine soil structure, root development, and water infiltration. Using shovels and probes, we compared the condition of bare soil versus soil protected by diverse cover crops. The difference in aroma, texture, and structure was tangible, proof that healthy soil teems with life.

We also explored beneficial insect populations using sweep nets and sticky cards, learning how cover crop diversity and grazing timing can preserve habitat for pollinators and predator insects. Slower termination methods, such as sheep grazing, may offer advantages in maintaining this delicate balance.

Attendees analyze soil samples to evaluate structure and health.

Expert Insight and Perspectives

Tom Johnson, a veteran cover crop consultant, shared actionable advice on building soil biology through cover cropping:

“Start simple," he advised. "You don't need a lot of variety in the first year. Let your soil biology catch up first."

He emphasized the importance of patience, while the benefits of cover crops take time to appear, they often result in:

Improved water infiltration

Reduced compaction

Greener, more resilient trees within 2–3 years

Tom also touched on the economic side of sustainability, encouraging growers to start with cost-effective seed mixes tailored to their region and goals.

More Than Mowers: The Role of Sheep in Orchard Systems

Vince and Frankie Arburua, the grazers working in partnership with Machado Family Farms, offered insights on the challenges and rewards of bringing livestock into orchard systems.

"Cover crops are great—but if you can add animals, you're multiplying the benefits," Vince explained. "We're seeing four times the nutrient cycling."

They emphasized the importance of timing, orchard layout, and clear communication between growers and grazers—especially when balancing food safety, weed suppression, and soil health.

"We're shortening the timeline for benefits," Frankie added. "Sheep jump-start the process."

Sheep grazing beneath walnut trees aids cover crop management and soil enhancement.

Observation to Implementation

Throughout the day, the group rotated through activity stations on soil health and pest management. The event fostered an open environment to learn, ask questions, and make observations that could be applied back on the farm.

For me, this day was a powerful reminder that grower-led innovation, supported by science and collaboration, is key to advancing sustainability in agriculture.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to:

Machado Family Farms for generously hosting us

CAFF for organizing an engaging and educational event

Drew Cheney, for sharing his farm's transformation

Tom Johnson, for digging into cover cropping and soil health

Vince and Frankie Arburua, for sharing your work on integrating sheep into orchard systems

I left informed, inspired, and more committed than ever to supporting the long-term sustainability of California's walnut industry.

Supporting Sustainability for California Walnut Growers: A Field Day at Machado Family Farms