The Brazelton family, in partnership with the Solano Land Trust, will ensure the Brazelton ranch in Vacaville remains intact in perpetuity by placing their property under a conservation easement with funding from the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program. Conservation of farmlands that surround urban areas helps promote infill development, avoid GHG emissions, and maintain a viable agricultural economy in the region. For Brazelton Ranch, it also ensures that current and future generations will continue to farm the property.

California grows more than two-thirds of the country’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables, which generate over $45 billion annually in revenue. However, the expansion of non‑agricultural lands uses, including urban development, can lead to less land available for agricultural production. This is the case in Vacaville, a Northern California city historically known for farming. From 1960 to 2019, the population has grown from nearly 11,000 to over 100,000, and as a result, prime farmland has been lost to development.

Brazelton Ranch is a 2,204-acre plot of irrigated land and rangeland that provides sweeping views to the west of Vacaville. The Brazelton property produces fruit and grazes cattle, and sits in the Blue Ridge Berryessa Natural Area, which was identified by local partners as a conservation priority. The Brazelton family sells its fruit six days a week at a busy on-site farm stand that continues to gain popularity with the rise of the “buy local” movement.

“Solano Land Trust is excited to support the Brazeltons’ choice to protect the family ranch and keep it available for productive agriculture for generations to come. The family and the ranch are mainstays in Solano County, offering fresh local produce, a friendly farm atmosphere, and an expansive view of the Vaca Mountains to visitors to enjoy. We commend them for their hard work as farmers and stewards and protectors of the land,” said Tracy Ellison, Conservation Program Manager of Solano Land Trust.

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