Who: If you love avocados than you probably already love farmer Laura Ramierz of JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch, a certified organic farm located in Redlands, California.
What: JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch grows over twenty varieties of avocados. In season right now at Laura’s stand you will find Hass, Pinterton, Fuertes, Lamb Hass, Gwen, Whitsell, and Reed avocados. She also grows over twenty varieties of citrus including kumquats, traditional and Meyer lemons, and limes, all in season now, as well as persimmons to look forward to in the fall. Laura’s father started the farm in 1948. He always worked in farming, and as a kid used to spread manure for other farmers. He bought his first tractor at 15 and eventually a farmer he used to work for sold him some acreage to start his own farm. As an only child, Laura grew up farming and worked on her dad’s farm her entire life. A natural with customers at a young age, she started selling her dad’s citrus in their front yard.
Laura went on to get a degree in Agricultural Business with a specialty in Fruit Industries from Cal Poly Pomona and also has an Art degree from Cal State San Bernadino. After her father passed away Laura took over the farm. She has been attending the Santa Monica Farmers Markets for over 15 years and you can find her at the Wednesday and Saturday Downtown Markets.
Why: Laura’s favorite part of farming is going to Farmers Markets; she loves the community and personal interaction found at Farmers Markets. She knows her customers personally, has wonderful relationships with them, and has grown up with many of them, sharing in their milestones. It’s wonderful to know who is eating your produce, she says. Laura’s favorite avocado is the Pinkerton and her favorite citrus fruit is the Cara Cara orange.
