Yolo Land Trust Celebrates Farmland at Gill Orchards
The 37th annual A Day in the Country event showcased local agriculture on a 120-acre farm in Davis.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should your local community prioritize the permanent conservation of farmland over new residential or commercial development?
More than 350 attendees gathered at Gill Orchards in September 2026 to celebrate local food and farmland conservation. The 37th annual event highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture in the region.
Why it matters
The gathering supports the mission of the Yolo Land Trust to protect working lands from development. It highlights the efforts of regional producers and farmers to maintain agricultural heritage.
The 120-acre property secured a conservation easement in 2024 to protect its legacy as a third-generation farm. Twelve local restaurants partnered with over ten growers to serve small plates to the guests.
The players
Yolo Land Trust
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to conserving farmland and ranchland within Yolo County.
Gill Orchards
This third-generation farming operation is a 120-acre agricultural site located near Davis.
The details
Chefs utilized ingredients from local producers to create pairings for the guests while showcasing the regional bounty. More than 40 sponsors provided support for the day, which took place just 0.5 miles from the Davis city limits.
Timeline
The Gill family began their farming operations in 1965.
Yolo Land Trust was founded in 1988.
Gill Orchards established a conservation easement in 2024.
The 37th annual A Day in the Country took place in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This event reflects a broader movement toward community-supported agriculture and the preservation of local food systems. It highlights the growing importance of protecting regional farmland against urban sprawl.
Residents can support regional agriculture by sourcing ingredients from the local growers featured during the event. This participation helps maintain the viability of nearby farms and preserves the surrounding open space.
The takeaway
Supporting local land trusts is a practical way to ensure long-term food security and the health of regional ecosystems. Residents interested in farmland preservation can advocate for local conservation easements in their own municipalities.
Further reading
Learn more about local farming efforts on the Organic Food section of our site.
More information
View full details and upcoming initiatives on the Yolo Land Trust event page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Democrat.
Live Poll
Should your local community prioritize the permanent conservation of farmland over new residential or commercial development?
