Old Dog Ranch

Old Dog Ranch is a fifth-generation family farm nestled in San Joaquin County, California along the Calaveras River. Lovingly named after two of the family’s beloved, long-lived canine companions, Old Dog Ranch is home to the Sitkin family who have lived and farmed there since 1912.

Today, Mollie Sitkin continues her childhood passion of experimenting with fresh, organic ingredients picked from the fields and orchards directly outside her kitchen door. Located on the same land Mollie’s great-great-great grandfather tended crops for his sheep a century ago, Old Dog Ranch was certified organic by CCOF in 2015 & made history in 2021 as the first Regenerative Organic Certified™ walnut farm.

Deeply committed to farming sustainably and responsibly, the Sitkin family uses drip irrigation to conserve water, builds healthy soil with cover crops and manure, and thoughtfully selects crop varieties known to flourish in the unique microclimate of the banks of the Calaveras.

Walnuts thrive in the deep, rich topsoil of the San Joaquin Valley, and Old Dog Ranch focuses specifically on Chandler walnuts for their excellent flavor, golden color, and easy-to-crack shells.

Using organic Chandler walnuts from an orchard her father planted the year she was born, Mollie and her three-person crew carefully grind, stir, season, and toast Old Dog Ranch products in small batches at a CCOF certified organic kitchen in Pacifica, California. At mid-day, the team always pauses to prepare & enjoy lunch from ranch-grown produce and fresh farmer’s market finds.