Ranchers

Rich Mathews

and I like to play with the backhoe

Summers spent on a family dairy farm and college years in the agricultural heartland of the Midwest led to a lifelong fascination with the plants, animals, and machines for food production.  Moving to California instilled an appreciation for fresh, organic produce and sustainable management of resources.    Years of experience in the highly precise field of semi-conductor development and processing innovation fostered innovation, an attention to detail and quality.

Looking for a venture to combine his interests and skills in a new way, Rich jumped at the opportunity to participate in the rebirth of the artisan olive oil industry in California.   Currently, Rich is focusing all his energy and talent in refurbishing Sadeg Ranch, one of California’s earliest and largest organic olive groves and producing superior quality organic estate olive oils.

Diane Mathews

Diane enjoys the open vistas, birds, animals, and plants that are abundantly present on the ranch and the challenges of bringing a turn-of-the-century ranch house back to life.

Leah, Ray, and Cora Shady

Cora likes to drive the tractorrs

Ray uses his mechanical engineering background to advantage by tackling the renovation and repurposing of the equipment and tools on the ranch and in provides creative insights into all aspects of olive grove management and oil production.

Leah shares her knowledge of marketing and sales to support the business end of the olive oil process and enjoys spending time in the slow lane as a break from her career in medical technology.

Juno

Following a career on the Dog Show circuit, Juno has retired to MoonShadow Grove to provide protection to the ranchers and cattle.  Bouvier des Flandres are utility farm dogs.  Juno is happiest when racing through the grove in pursuit of ever illusive prey or just for the joy of running.