In the Fields: Conversations with Coastal Sun’s Partner Farms Featuring Riverstar Ranch

If you’ve enjoyed Coastal Sun products, you may have noticed our information-packed labels. Beyond THC and terpene percentages, we delve into genetics, flavors, fragrances, and potential effects. Yet, among these crucial details, we believe one stands out: where the cultivar is grown.

While a significant portion of our greenhouse and sungrown cultivars are grown at our Santa Cruz County Farm, we're fortunate to supply you with flower from farms across Northern California. Rather than concentrating on constructing a single large-scale growing facility to meet demand, we recognize the value of cultivating a network of owner-operated farms. This approach aligns with our mission and provides customers with a diverse selection of cultivars that reflect California's rich terroir.

"In the Fields" is our latest blog series highlighting our beloved partners and their integral role in our overarching mission. This month, we spoke to John Foley, owner and operator of Riverstar Ranch, an organic farm located in Grass Valley, California.

view of Riverstar organic cannabis cultivation in Grass Valley hills

1. How long have you been growing cannabis?

I harvested my first cannabis plant when I was 18 years old, 24 years ago.

2. What are you trying to accomplish with your organic cultivation practices?

My goals have always been to grow the cleanest, highest quality product possible in the most economical and lowest impact way. I started as a personal grower, so naturally, I wanted to have the best smoke possible. Back in the day, I used to study cannabis cultivation on the early web forums overgrow.com and icmag.com and the best growers I followed used unconventional organic methods.

I began brewing organic teas using bulk nutrients as opposed to buying prepackaged nutrients marketed towards growers. I started seeing better results at a considerably lesser cost than other farmers I knew. I have carried that same philosophy throughout my cannabis cultivation career, and it has allowed me to maintain my quality standards and stay profitable even during downturned markets.

3. How did you end up working with Coastal Sun, and how long have you been a partner with them?

I have been partnering with Coastal Sun since 2020. I was introduced to the Coastal team by a friend/partner who felt my methods, quality, and personality would mesh well with Coastal Sun’s philosophy.

4. What's your favorite cultivar that you've grown for Coastal Sun?

I’d have to say my overall favorite cultivar is Blueberry Pancakes from The Humboldt Seed Company. This was a new strain for the farm in 2023 and it checked all the boxes I look for as a commercial grower AND consumer. It’s rare to find both. This cultivar will be in heavy rotation in 2024.

5. What are a couple of things you want the people enjoying your cannabis to know about your farm?

We are a true family farm. In fact, the name Riverstar is a combination of my 5-year-old twins' names, Rivers and Stella. My family and I live on the farm, where we also graze beef cattle and tend orchards and food gardens. It’s important to know that when purchasing Coastal Sun and Riverstar Ranch products, your dollars are going to real people and families.

6. Do you have a bucket list of things you want to achieve with your cannabis farm?

Over the next few years, my goals are to build the farm into full production, increase efficiencies and continue to build a great team to help the farm flourish for years to come.

Long term, I would love to pass the farm on to my children and turn this into a multigenerational business.

7. Would you like us to highlight any things you do to give back to your local community?

I serve as the Board Chair of the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance and as a Regional Chair of Origins Council. I have been a dedicated cannabis policy advocate for many years and see it as important and valuable as my work on the farm.

8. How have organic and regenerative agriculture methods made production more profitable and/or efficient?

By soil testing and buying bulk organic nutrients I can make sure the plants are getting exactly what they need without using unnecessary inputs. By amending properly, I also cut down on labor and infrastructure costs required for heavy fertigation. Optimal plant health also reduces pest pressure, further decreasing labor and supply costs.

9. Are there any cultivation practices that are unique to your farm?

I follow the KISS method – Keep It Simple Stupid. Sun, water, and soil. Let the girls do their thing.

10. Do you have any farm pets?

We have a Great Pyrenees/German Shepard mix, Rip, and a miniature wiener dog, Tank. We also have two cats, Kubota and Jolene, and a bunch of chickens.

Rip is the farm mascot and loves stealing the new guy’s lunch.

11. Do you have any advice or first steps for any cannabis farmers out there thinking about switching to organic?

I think it really depends on the cultivation style one wants to pursue. Some are more conducive to organic cultivation, and some to conventional. If you like a simpler, more holistic approach, organic is the way to go. I think, especially for small farms with limited financial resources, organic cultivation allows you to grow amazing quality products with simpler infrastructure and lower input costs.

tall sungrown cannabis plants grow in hoop houses

We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming demand for our flower in California. Our Partner Farm Program isn't just about expanding the organic cannabis farming community; it's also a strategic move that allows us to concentrate on brand growth and consumer education. These farms are pivotal in our journey, contributing to our vision of cultivating healthy organic cannabis.

Thank you to John of Riverstar Ranch for interviewing with us. Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter for more Coastal Sun blogs.