Kristina & Jason Walker
StarWalker Ranch
Kristina and Jason Walker are the third-generation owners of Starwalker Organic Farms, which they took over in 2012 from Jason’s family. The farm spans about 3,500 acres in Scott Valley, California surrounded by mountains. They raise highland cattle, hogs, and produce a variety of crops, including alfalfa, wheat, and peas, keeping a closed nutritional loop on-farm. The Walkers are committed to organic farming, a tradition that has been in place for over 40 years on their land. They see organic practices as essential for maintaining soil health and producing high-quality, sustainable food. The Walkers prioritize the health of their soil and land through organic and regenerative practices, utilizing animals for natural fertilization and carbon storage.
EQIP
California
The Walkers are passionate about having a direct connection to their community through farmers markets. In 2020 they expanded their sales radius by launching an e-commerce platform for national direct-to-consumer sales. This growth led them to purchase a processing plant that has enabled them to have full control over their products, ensuring consistency and allowing them to label their meat organic and Regenerative Organic Certified.
The improved water management has led to lush, nutrient-dense pastures, creating an ideal environment for our cattle to graze. As a result, we’re able to maintain healthier livestock and continue our commitment to regenerative agriculture, which includes rotational grazing, enhancing soil health, and supporting biodiversity.
Kristina Walker
The Walkers received funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to manage brush and improve irrigation infrastructure to their pastures. This allowed them to utilize land in a way that was more efficient with irrigation and build nutrition in their pastures. The improved water management has led to lush, nutrient-dense pastures, creating an ideal environment for our cattle to graze. By leading with regenerative practices, the Walker’s approach focuses on minimizing soil disturbance and reducing tillage, which helps increase soil organic matter and sequester carbon. By maximizing plant and animal diversity, this method naturally protects against pests, enhances soil health, and supports ecosystems. Integrating grazing livestock and keeping soil covered with living roots year-round ensures continuous carbon sequestration, feeding the soil and maintaining its vitality.
I grew up around organic farming. That was my life when I was a kid. I think when we came back, there was really no question in our mind that that’s what we wanted to do. We wanted to continue on the tradition of organic farming. Now, to be able to actually have that as part of what we’re creating here is so important to know that we are doing better for the soil.
Jason Walker
We’ve witnessed incredible ecological transformations on the land. The pastures have become more vibrant and diverse, with a variety of grasses and plants returning, creating healthier forage for our cattle. We’ve also noticed an increase in wildlife; birds, insects, and other small animals that thrive in this enriched ecosystem. The soil feels more alive, with better structure and moisture retention, supporting deeper root systems.
Kristina Walker
