Toolin’ Around Town: Loren Poncia, generations of local farming

By ,

September 25, 2019

After partnering with his parents, Al Poncia became instrumental in founding Marin Agricultural Land Trust, established by ranchers and environmentalists to protect the future of farming in Marin County. A West Marin pioneer in conservation and environmental stewardship, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for 50-plus years in agriculture by the Marin County Farm Bureau. In 2002, he received the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Excellence in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More stories like this:

On Ranch Roping (and the Art of Looking Like an Idiot)

August 20, 2026

On ranch roping, California’s vaquero roots, and the value of being bad at something.

Read More

How Grazing Reduces California Wildfire Risk – What the Science Says

August 19, 2026

In one year, California’s livestock ate 11.6 billion pounds of wildfire fuel. The science on grazing and fire is striking.

Read More

How to Prepare Your Ranch for El Niño and a Wet Winter

August 11, 2026

A record-strength El Niño is on track for this winter. Here’s what forecasters are seeing, what to do before the rains, and how MALT can help. The short version: a strong El Niño is building, and this fall is the time to get your ranch ready. It may bring a hard, wet winter. It may…

Read More