When I first discovered Stemple Creek Ranch, it felt like stumbling onto a living history farm—but with a modern twist. Nestled in the coastal hills north of Tomales, California, this fourth-generation family ranch produces organic, grass-fed meat while stewarding the land with a vision that spans past and future.
The Family Legacy: From Italian Roots to Regenerative Ranching
Four Generations, One Mission
The story began over a century ago when Angelo Poncia, an immigrant from Italy, established a dairy on this remote Marin County land. Fast-forward to today: Loren and Lisa Poncia are leading the ranch, joined by their daughters and cousins—the fifth generation of family stewards.
A Bold Shift Towards Regeneration
Loren took the reins with a clear vision: to honor their heritage while transforming the ranch into a leader in regenerative, organic agriculture. No grain, no hormones, no shortcuts. Cattle and sheep roam freely on pasture, pigs live in spacious outdoor pens, and everything grows and grazes in harmony with nature.
Land & Ecosystem Stewardship That Feels Alive
Regenerative Practices at Its Core
This isn’t just about raising beautiful meat—it’s about caring deeply for the land. Through rotational grazing, composting, and working with the Marin Carbon Project, the ranch builds soil health and pulls carbon into the ground to strengthen the ecosystem.
A Protected Landscape
Within their own 1,000 acres plus leased pastures, they’ve shielded riparian zones and restored ecosystems, helping native plants and wildlife thrive again.
Science Meets Farming
They were among the first ranches to participate in regional carbon sequestration research. Now you can taste—and feel—the difference of food grown from richer, healthier soil.
What You’ll Find in Their Meat Boxes
Ethically Raised, Truly Grass-Fed Meats
Whether it’s beef, lamb, pork, or chicken, everything is 100% grass-fed or pasture-raised, with no grains, antibiotics, or growth hormones—just meat that tastes how it’s meant to.
Harvested with Care
They offer everything from ground beef to whole animals, variety boxes, and subscription options. Custom cut-and-wrap services let you personalize your order to your family’s tastes.
A Real Connection to Your Food
When you order from Stemple Creek, you’re not just getting great meat—you’re supporting a family, a landscape, and an honest approach to farm-to-table.
Why Stemple Creek Ranch Stands Apart
Farming Rooted in Values and Place
The Poncia family didn’t just inherit land—they inherited responsibility. Their choices come from a place of stewardship, not spreadsheets. You see that in every decision—from fencing to grazing rotations to soil regeneration.
A Sustainable Business That Gives Back
Loren left a career in pharmaceuticals to return home and build a cooperative, regenerative farm. His gamble paid off: what started as a small direct-to-consumer operation grew into an $8M business rooted in values, not volume.
Events That Share the Story
On weekends, the ranch opens up for weddings, farm dinners, private tours, and stays in restored farmhouses. It’s food, community, and connection rolled into one immersive experience.
Final Thoughts on Stemple Creek Ranch
Stemple Creek Ranch isn’t simply another meat supplier—it’s a place where history, soil, and family converge to produce something nourishing in every sense. On their pastures, you taste integrity; on their land, you feel restoration. It’s food that feeds more than just the body—it nurtures stories, ecosystems, and hope.
