March 2025
Planning for the Future, Painting the Present: Farmland Conservation Through Legacy and Art
February was a month of both practical planning and artistic inspiration as Yolo Land Trust hosted two unique events that brought together different aspects of farmland conservation.
At our “Conserving Your Legacy” workshop, farmers, growers, and landowners gathered to explore the complexities of succession planning—ensuring their land remains productive and protected for future generations. Experts shared insights on estate planning, conservation easements, and strategies to keep family farms thriving.
Meanwhile, creativity took center stage at Art & Ag’s first farm visit for the year, where local artists immersed themselves in the beauty of a Yolo County almond orchard in full bloom. This event provided a unique opportunity for artists to connect with the landscape, capturing its essence through their work while deepening the community’s appreciation for the land we strive to protect.
Both events reflect the many ways we work to support Yolo County’s agricultural heritage—whether through preserving farmland for future generations or celebrating its beauty through art.
Thank you to all who joined us at the Conserving Your Legacy Workshop in February.
The “Conserving Your Legacy” workshop—the first of its kind for Yolo Land Trust—provided essential succession planning resources for farming operations across the North State. This engaging program featured experts on estate planning, business transition, appraisals, and conservation strategies, equipping attendees with the knowledge to begin securing the future of their land and operation.
Hosting this workshop, and hopefully more in the future, is a vital step in supporting farms as they transition to the next generation of ownership. With the average age of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners continuing to rise, the land they steward is at a critical turning point. By 2035, at least one-third of U.S. agricultural land is expected to change hands—making this transition period the most vulnerable time for farmland, as it faces the risk of conversion and development.
At Yolo Land Trust, we are committed to educating and empowering the agricultural community with the tools and resources needed to ensure that working lands remain productive for generations to come.
Art Meets Agriculture
This almond bloom season, a group of talented artists visited a conserved orchard to capture the beauty of farmland in full bloom. With petals drifting in the breeze and rows of blossoms stretching to the horizon, the orchard became both studio and muse.
From painting and photography to sketching and mixed media, each artist found inspiration in the land—highlighting the vital connection between farmland, nature, and creativity.
A huge thank you to Dave Silviera of Monticello Farming for sharing their orchard and for being a steward of both agriculture and art. Together, we celebrate the landscapes that nourish us—both body and soul.
The Art and Ag Project is a nationally recognized program which cultivates a dialogue between artists, farmers and the community to raise awareness about the importance of preserving farmlands and the visual arts in Yolo County.
