March 26, 2007, Rutherford, CA - Long Meadow Ranch announced today that Courtney Delello, effective immediately, will assume the position of Farm Production Manager with responsibilities that include LMR Rutherford Gardens. Agriculture teacher and experienced garden manager, Courtney joins with a unique skill set that perfectly prepares her for the position of Farm Production Manager. Born in Fremont, CA and raised on a farm in Washington, Courtney is no stranger to organic farming. She teaches classes on how to do it.

With her B.S. in Ecology and Systematic Biology and her M.A. in Social Sciences: Environment and Community, Courtney is well prepared for the farming and educating aspects of her position. With experience as a farm manager at Canvas Ranch, a farmers’ market manager, a naturalist at the Woodleaf Outdoor School, and, most recently, a faculty member in the Agriculture/Natural Sciences Department at Santa Rosa Junior College, Courtney is a perfect match for Long Meadow Ranch.

As Farm Production Manager, Courtney will assume responsibility for all aspects of farming at LMR Rutherford Gardens. Planting, watering, weeding, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting are among the many tasks she and her team will perform. Courtney also will lead the educational program at the gardens which creates opportunities for local schools and agriculture groups to come to the gardens and learn about food production and organic, sustainable farming practices.

In addition to managing LMR Rutherford Gardens, Courtney will manage the production herb garden at Long Meadow Ranch. The original vegetable production plot for the ranch will now be dedicated to an array of herbs and cut flowers that will be available both fresh and dried.

Visitors can see the bounty of Courtney’s work when LMR Rutherford Gardens roadside stand opens for the season on Saturday, April 14, at 10AM. Or, shoppers can visit the LMR stall - in its eighteenth season - at the St. Helena Farmers' Market starting Friday, May 4, from 7:30 AM to noon. The full Long Meadow Ranch offering of grass-fed beef, extra virgin olive oil, heirloom fruits and vegetables, and organic eggs will be available at both locations and our award-winning wines will be available at St. Helena Farmers' Market.

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Contact: Monty J. Sander
vox 707.253.8503
fax 707.253.8501
emax monty@longmeadowranch.com