Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariela Gottschalk. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Ariela Gottschalk has been farming vegetables for 20+ years in the Santa Maria Valley Area. Over a year ago, she was approached by Jerry Rutiz of Rutiz Family Farms in Arroyo Grande. Jerry was ready to retire and wanted to find a good steward to carry on his legacy of growing pesticide-free, gourmet veggies, berries and flowers using organic practices. Together with her husband Jeff Pienack, they renamed the farm Halcyon Farms after the historic town of Halcyon adjacent to the farm. Ariela and Jeff continue to sell the farm’s delicious seasonal produce and flowers at their popular farm stand year-round. In the summer, they offer u-pick strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries when in season. Fall brings pumpkins and pumpkin decorating activities at the farm.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Fortunately, we have been able to keep the same field crew from the Rutiz Family Farms, many of whom had been working this same land for almost 20 years here in Arroyo Grande. There was continuity and knowledge of the fields that was priceless while we were able to get our bearings in this new endeavor. We’ve also been very fortunate to have wonderful support from the community that we serve. While there have been challenges related to starting a business, we are incredible grateful to our amazing field and farm stand crew to help us carry on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Halcyon Farms?
We are a pesticide-free, organically fertilized veggie, berry and flower farm in Arroyo Grande, CA. We strive to provide our community with healthy food, making locally grown, seasonal produce a convenient and affordable option. Visit us at 1075 The Pike on Tues & Fri 12-5, Sat 10-3
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is of roaming my seemingly vast backyard with my dog Raspberry and climbing the magnolia tree.
Contact Info:
- Website: halcyonfarmsag.com
- Instagram: @halcyon_farms
- Facebook: HalcyonFarmsAG
