Welcome to
The CaliCo Farmstead, located in
Livermore, Colorado

 

After 33 years in Law Enforcement, working the South-Central areas of Los Angeles County, including East Los Angeles as a Gang Detective, and my last 20-years at Homicide Bureau as a Homicide Investigator, I finally retired and left California.

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I moved to a small ranching community, located in Livermore, Colorado. My new home came with a barn, chicken coop, plenty of pasture, oh, and let's not forget the 500-bottle wine cellar, but that's a story for another day.  What could a "retired detective" like me know about country living, let alone farming?  Absolutely nothing. 

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After several years of talking with and watching the local ranchers and cowboys work, I began taking mental notes of their work ethic and the knowledge they so kindly shared with me. Once I felt confident in challenging myself, I began to emulate their lifestyle.

 

I wanted to take advantage of what my property offered.  So, in 2020, I started out small; three honeybee hives.  A few years later, in 2024, with the help and support of my family and friends, I decided to try my hand at livestock, specifically, pigs. And if that wasn't enough, a few months later, I found myself buying a herd of Mini-Nubian Goats to raise, breed and milk.  

 

Not only was I now raising livestock, but I was also working at the local mercantile and learned there was a need for live worm bait for fishing at the local lakes. So, to solve that need, I decided to raise worms and sell them.

 

There is an additional benefit to raising worms, "worm castings"(worm poop or "Worm Dirt" as my cousin calls it) an excellent garden fertilizer, for promoting plant growth.  

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What came next?  Chickens. There is nothing better than fresh eggs in the morning.

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I consider myself a "farmer in training," I have learned a great deal from the many friends I have made in the area and I continue to learn daily. 

 

I have a new understanding and deep respect for the real ranchers, farmers and cowboys who do this work 24/7, regardless how sick they might be, or the harsh weather conditions, their dedication and hard work to the lifestyle runs deep.  I urge everyone, if given the opportunity, to thank a farmer, rancher or cowboy for their sacrifice and selfless work they do daily to keep food on our table.   

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What's in a name?  The CaliCo Farmstead "From the Badge to the Barn - Respect the Simple Life," has personal meaning to me.  California will always be home; however, Colorado is my (new,) home away from home.  "Farmstead" is a street I grew up on and have fond memories of the friends I grew up with.

 

In patrol, there was a phrase we would often say at the end of the shift, "Let's head back to the barn." Thus, the tag line, "From the Badge to the Barn." Once I decided I was committed to starting a small, at home farming business, everything felt right, life in Livermore was falling into place. I found joy in life's simple pleasures; and I am content with natures miracles and life's blessings.  

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I soon realized there were many similarities between law enforcement, farming, and ranching.  Hard work, commitment, dedication, problem solving, dignity, time management, respect and so much more.  I have humbled myself in learning to respect the simple life and those who choose to live it.  That my friend, is the story of "The CaliCo Farmstead." 

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The CaliCo Farmstead offers various goods, such as pure-unfiltered raw honey, fresh eggs (local area only), live worm bait, natural worm castings, pork, and 100% natural pork lard, to customers seeking quality farm products and want to support local and small business. In addition to the farm goods, we also carry farm themed gift items.  Also available are re-designed one of a kind, flannel shirts that represent farm and country living in a fun and stylish way.

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The mission is to provide sustainable, high-quality goods while connecting with nature and supporting local farming communities.  ​     ​

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