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Carleigh Connelly
It was a perfect spring afternoon when guests had the opportunity to meet Niman Ranch’s Northern California lamb growers and see firsthand how high quality, all-natural lamb is produced. Niman Ranch, the largest network of U.S. family farmers and ranchers raising livestock traditionally, humanely and sustainably, hosted their inaugural Culinary Conference in Sonoma County in April for members and friends of the Niman Ranch “family.” Niman Ranch’s network of more than 600 independent, U.S. family farmers and ranchers practice the highest standards of animal husbandry and environmental stewardship.
Niman's ranchers raise lambs, in accordance with environmentally sustainable practices and the strictest animal handling protocols in the industry. The Niman farmers and ranchers raise cattle, hogs and sheep without the use of antibiotics or hormones. Their livestock is fed an all natural vegetarian diet and is raised outdoors on pasture.
The Sonoma gathering was in celebration of Niman Ranch’s U.S. family farmers and ranchers, showcasing Niman gourmet beef and lamb. Jeff Tripician, CMO of Niman Ranch said, “We are excited about making this an annual event that will allow us to position ourselves within the industry as thought leaders on topics such as animal welfare and sustainability.” Guests began their day at McCormack Ranch (third generation lamb ranchers), where they toured the ranch’s newly established grape vines that will eventually utilize sheep to graze the vineyard for control of invasive weeds.
Following an informational talk on lamb, attendees traveled to the Hoyt Ranch to visit the lamb growing operation, having the opportunity to watch shearers at work.
The evening culminated in the olive grove at Hoyt Ranch, with dinner prepared by Niman Ranch’s new partner, Levy Restaurants and Chef Andrew Hunter, formerly of Wolfgang Puck Inc. The dinner featured a variety of local ingredients, including Niman Ranch lamb, micro-greens from a California farm and freshly picked berries for dessert. Pulled lamb sandwiches, lamb chili and bacon lamb sliders were crowd favorites. Wine for the evening was provided by Boissett Family Estates, a California vineyard that shares Niman Ranch’s dedication to environmentally sustainable production practices and offers an entire line of organic wines.
