Conaway Ranch
The 17,300-acre Conaway Ranch, located to the east of the cities of Davis and Woodland and west of the Sacramento River in Yolo County, is a vital part of the region’s agricultural and environmental heritage. The Ranch holds more than 15,000 acres of farmable acreage, rights to more than 50,000 acre-feet of Sacramento River water and significant groundwater resources. The Ranch is zoned A-1 (Agriculture General) and AP (Agriculture Preserve). Like much of Yolo County, much of the Ranch is currently within the Williamson Act program.
The Ranch has been farmed since the turn of the century. Most of the lands of the Ranch were fully reclaimed during the 1920’s shortly after Reclamation District 2035 was formed. While the Ranch was initially dedicated to cattle ranching, by the late 1940’s, the prospects for continued cattle ranching became limited, and a long-term lease on the entire Ranch was negotiated with the Heidrick family for purposes of farming. Historically, up to 25 individual farmers primarily have grown rice on the Ranch, followed by alfalfa, tomatoes, wild rice, and other row crops.
Early History of the Ranch
For more information about the early history of Conaway Ranch, please read this document which was prepared by Howard Plank, who's family has been involved with the Conaway Ranch for 2 generations. Thanks Howard!
Please email us if you have have additional stories about the Ranch!
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