The Poncia Family’s Regenerative Ranching Revolution
April 9, 2025
Morning fog rolls thick across the Stemple Creek valley, blanketing the ancient grasslands in a pearl-white shroud. For five generations, the Poncia family has stewarded this ground, building upon each generation’s wisdom while navigating an ever-changing world. Today, the family’s enterprise—Stemple Creek Ranch—stretches across multiple Marin County ranches like a patchwork quilt, each piece protected by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT).
In Loren and Lisa Poncia’s hands, this farmland is beginning to speak a new language. A careful choreography keeps their cattle and sheep on the move, breathing life back into tired soils. Carbon sinks deeper with each bite of grass, each hoofprint a small act of resistance against our changing climate. Through their visionary leadership, Stemple Creek Ranch has emerged as one of America’s leading voices in the regenerative agriculture movement, and inspiration for agriculturalist nationwide.
Key Innovations & Accomplishments:
• Named finalist for 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award
• Achieved Audubon certification as “Grazed on Bird Friendly Land”
• Earned Global Animal Partnership Level 4 certification
• Spearheaded regenerative grazing techniques and carbon farming
• Maintained organic certification since 2008
• Received USDA-NRCS Excellence in Conservation Award
Scientists, policy makers, farmers, and local community members trek to these hills, notebooks in hand, seeking wisdom in the soil cores and grass heights. The Poncias have embraced their role as educators and advocates, Loren regularly preaching his practical wisdom from the pulpit behind the barbeque. This collaboration with scientific institutions and environmental organizations has helped bridge key gaps between academic research and on-the-ground understanding.
Beyond environmental leadership, the Poncias have established a successful direct-to-consumer business model that demonstrates the economic potential of sustainable agriculture. Each cut of meat carries a story of regeneration, each customer becoming part of the land’s restoration. More than a resilient business model, they’ve created a blueprint for other ranching families looking to enhance profitability while prioritizing land stewardship.
This commitment to community leadership extends to their deep involvement with MALT itself. Following in the footsteps of Loren’s late father Al Poncia, one of MALT’s founding members, both Loren and Lisa have served on MALT’s board of directors – Loren as a past board member, and Lisa currently serving, helping envision local agriculture that heals as it feeds.
“I’m a soil farmer,” explains Loren Poncia. “Everything in agriculture starts in the ground, the better we care for our soils, the better they care for us.”
Experience the Taste of Regeneration
The proof of Stemple Creek’s regenerative practices isn’t just in the soil samples—it’s on your plate. Their meticulously raised, 100% grass-fed beef and lamb deliver flavor profiles that simply can’t be replicated with conventional methods. Each bite tells the story of Marin County’s fog-kissed grasslands and the Poncia family’s dedication to healing the earth.
Ready to taste the difference?
Visit stemplecreek.com today to explore their premium cuts and seasonal offerings. From tender ribeyes to hearty roasts, your purchase supports a family legacy of environmental stewardship.
Order now and join the regenerative movement from your own kitchen. Deliveries available throughout California and nationwide shipping for select products.
Visit the ranch: Want to see regenerative agriculture in action? Stemple Creek Ranch offers seasonal farm tours where you can witness firsthand how thoughtful land management creates healthier ecosystems and exceptional food.