From Creek to Table: The Brazil Family’s Regenerative Ranching Legacy
April 7, 2025
For the last three decades, the Brazil family has listened to the waters of Walker Creek. Their Marin Coast Ranch, protected by a MALT easement in 1992, encompasses a critical portion of the watershed, one of the few freshwater creeks in the Bay Area that sustains endangered coho salmon.
The family has prioritized water quality and wildlife habitat restoration at the heart of their ranching practices, working closely with public agencies to revitalize the ecosystem. Their efforts have yielded remarkable results, with their section of Walker Creek recording a 20% increase in coho salmon smolts (young salmon) in 2023. This success story illustrates how ranching can enhance, rather than compete with, wildlife conservation.
Building on their commitment to sustainability, the Brazils are pioneering innovative waste management solutions. Through MALT’s small grant program, they’re trailblazing the use of wool pelletization technology, transforming belly wool, a previously discarded byproduct of shearing, into valuable soil amendments. This new technology not only reduces waste but will provide the local community with new ways of building soils and capturing atmospheric carbon.
Their direct-to-consumer business model also reflects a deep understanding of natural cycles and sustainable production. Adhering to USDA Certified Grassfed standards, they’ve built a business that educates consumers about the importance of seasonal eating patterns in regenerative agriculture. Their clear communication about seasonal availability helps customers understand the natural rhythms of grass-fed ranching, particularly during periods of limited grass growth.
“We believe that successful ranching means being in tune with natural cycles,” explains Mandy Schmidt, of the Brazil family. “Whether it’s timing our grazing to support salmon habitat and sensitive riparian areas, or helping our customers understand why beef availability follows grass growth patterns, everything we do is about working with nature rather than against it.”
Key Achievements & Practices:
• Introduction of over 20,000 tracked salmon smolts in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Development of innovative wool pelletization system for soil enhancement
• Establishment of successful direct-to-consumer grassfed meat operation
• Stewardship of critical Walker Creek watershed lands with public agencies
• Leadership in consumer education about seasonal meat production
• Integration of regenerative grazing practices with watershed management
• Community connection through agritourism, on-ranch workshops, and school field trips throughout the year in their restored 150+ year old barn: The Haven at Tomales
Support the Brazil Family
Every meal from the Brazil family ranch isn’t just nourishment for your family—it’s a direct investment in watershed health, wildlife conservation, and regenerative agriculture practices. Experience the flavors of responsible ranching:
• Order their seasonal, USDA Certified Grassfed meats directly from their online store
• Book a guided ranch tour to witness their watershed restoration efforts and sustainable grazing practices firsthand
• Attend seasonal workshops on wool crafting, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem management
Your support allows the Brazil family to continue their vital work as caretakers of both land and water for generations to come. Every purchase, visit, and shared experience strengthens their ability to innovate, restore, and protect this precious ecosystem.