Woodleaf Farm Tour
From the September 28, 2008, tour of Woodleaf Farm in Oroville, California.
Carl Rosato of Woodleaf Farm gives a tour of the 26 acres, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. Over 2000 fruit trees have been closely planted on seven acres in the past two decades.
Woodleaf lost the bulk of its peach crop this year to a late freeze. Quick on his feet, Carl chose to grow row crops -- tomatoes, beans, squash, basil, etc. -- instead.
Woodleaf peach trees.
Carl Rosato grows many varieties of fruit including figs, nectarines, pears, plums, cherries, and apples. He is best known for his peaches.
Woodleaf clover.
This wind machine contains a massive propeller that can pull cold air out of the orchard, raising the temperature by a few degrees. If Carl hadn't been out of town during the spring freeze, he would have turned the machine on and would probably have saved some fruit.
Squash.
Veggies.
Carl said that fire blight is the biggest disease problem in his pears.
This mower runs on electricity from solar panels.
Carl built this mower to help with sustainable orchard management. Pulled behind a tractor, it can mow beneath the trees on either side--promoting air flow and thus preventing rot--while leaving the cover crops between the rows of trees intact. The cover crops create habitat for beneficial insects. Says Carl, "I love sitting on a tractor and mowing!"
Packing shed.
Inside the Woodleaf packing shed.
According to Carl, many of the boxes he uses have been around since the 80s, when he began farming.
Carl grows bamboo as an extra income source. He sells the wood for decorative purposes and makes vases that he sells at the farmers market.
On the left is the Woodleaf orchard; on the right are squash and corn planted this year. The squash plants are nearing the end of their life cycle. Carl says of the vegetables, "It's certainly not the income I'd get from the peaches, but it's enough to stay in business." Leo, the other man behind the Woodleaf operation, can be seen in the distance.
Winter squash from the farm.
Coach 21 gives CUESA a generous discount on the charter fees, helping keep farm tours affordable.
