Loren and Lisa Poncia of Stemple Creek reached out to us before we opened our shop to tell us about their beef.  Aaron and I went out to their ranch in Tomales and had a look around, met the family and had a most delicious BBQ lunch.  Loren and Lisa are lovely people and their Stemple Creek beef is incredibly delicious.  Check out some photos of our visit at the bottom of the post!

We asked Loren a few questions and here are his answers…

TLBS: When did you start doing what you are doing now and how is it that you find yourself doing what you are doing?

I was born and raised on my family’s cattle ranch, so really, being a rancher is in my blood.  I have had my own cattle since I was 7 years old, her name was Daisy Lazy Poncia.  My herd has grown quite a bit since then!  I did move away to go to college and work in corporate America, but my heart has always been on our ranch and I am so happy to running Stemple Creek Ranch.

TLBS: What’s the story that got you to where you are today?

Maybe I already answered this?  Not sure.  Although I always knew I wanted to end up being a rancher, I took a detour to go to school and work off the Ranch. That experience was instrumental in helping me see the big picture and learn so many skills that are so useful to me know in our business.  After living away from the ranch for about 8 years or so m wife Lisa and I decided to move back to Marin County so I could be close enough to run the ranch and expand the business.  We were so happy doing what we were doing at that time, but the pull to come back was just too great to pass up. 

TLBS: What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Being outside, watching and listening to the  cattle graze on fresh pasture.  Hearing from our customers that our beef is the best they have ever tasted. Wow, now that is positive feedback!  It definitely makes it easier to get up in the morning and feel good about putting in a hard days work.

TLBS: What’s your least favorite thing about your job?

Bad weather. It can be bone chilling cold out at the ranch because we are just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean.

TLBS: What about your farm or your practices makes you unique?

I am a 4th generation rancher.  My family has been ranching on the same land for over 100 years. We try to work in harmony with mother nature. 

TLBS: What piece of wisdom would you like to pass on to our customers?

When consumer buy local from small producers it truly does make a difference for local agriculture and individual farming and ranching families.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: not one favorite but two! mint chip and cookies and cream

Favorite Color: Forest green

Favorite Cuisine: I love all food depends on my mood but really love Japanese(sushi),Italian, and Thai

Dogs or Cats? Definitely Dogs

Astrological Sign: Sagitarius

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