What comes to mind when you think of a ranch?
Some people might envision stoic cowboys wrangling up livestock. Others may imagine sprawling fields dotted with bales of hay. But how many people think of sustainability? Or organic produce? Or humane treatment?

Chico’s own Llano Seco Rancho has made eco-friendliness and the compassionate treatment of animals its calling card. Llano Seco is a working ranch, which means it’s closed to the public. The natural beauty of its sprawling land is off limits.

But an upcoming dinner at the ranch is looking to change that while giving the public a chance to experience all that Llano Seco Rancho has to offer.

For those unfamiliar with Llano Seco and its prized organic pork, the colorful history of the ranch may come as a surprise.

According to its website, Llano Seco Rancho was established in 1845. Pio Pico, then governor of Mexican Alta California, signed over the land grant that made the ranch possible. After 16 years, the ranch was purchased by John Parrott. Fast forward to 2009, and the ranch is still in the Parrott family.

While the ranch has been used for many different types of agriculture, it’s the pork products that Llano Seco has become known for. Whether you’re in the mood for ham, sausage, bacon, chops, roasts or ribs, Llano Seco has something to offer.

But as far as the dinner is concerned, highlighting products comes second.

Dave Sieperda, Llano Seco’s ranch manager, sees the dinner as an opportunity to raise awareness and support. “The important thing is the message of local, organic, wholesome food,” Sieperda said.

Llano Seco Rancho wants to highlight its products while giving people the chance to see how committed it is to doing business in the progressive and responsible manner for which it’s known. And a big part of that is the environmental awareness the ranch makes a priority.

Llano Seco Rancho uses a sustainable approach to raising their hogs. They’re fed organic, vegetarian feed. The manure they produce is used to fertilize more organic crops, which are then used to make more food for the pigs. The cycle guarantees organic pork while reducing the ranch’s impact on the land.

The organic pork that Llano Seco sells is as natural as it gets. Following the strict guidelines of the California Certified Organic Farmers, the ranch adds no hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients to its meat.

The strict procedures that the ranch follows also include taking care of the land. This means taking extra steps to ensure the use of renewable resources and general conservation. Its dedication to green ranching won Llano Seco the Wetlands Award for Land Stewardship from the Environmental Law Institute in 2009.
Just as important as their use of the land is the ranch’s treatment of the animals that dwell there. The pigs of Llano Seco Rancho are treated with care and compassion by the ranch, whether it concerns their diet or their freedom to run around and play.

The dinner is an opportunity to see all this and more. Most importantly, it’s a chance to support local businesses dedicated to environmentally sound farming.

The dinner will be held December 10, at 5:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. Also pick up their delcious meets at S&S and Chico Natural Foods. For other locations check their website.

By Eric Wendt