In the heart of Sonoma County, Winter Sister Farm stands as a beacon of resilience and community spirit. Founded in 2020 by sisters Anna and Sarah Dozor, the farm has grown into a vital part of the local agricultural landscape, thanks to the unwavering support of their community and the instrumental role of California FarmLink.
Winter Sister Farm began with two sisters who found their way to farming through different paths. Anna started with livestock and dairy, while Sarah pursued gardening. By 2018, both were farming independently but often discussed the possibility of working together. Years of conversations and holidays spent envisioning their shared future finally led them to purchase a property close to Sebastopol in 2020. Their vision: an accessible farm that could serve the local community.
Starting a farm is never easy, and Winter Sister Farm was no exception. The sisters faced numerous challenges, from idealistic business plans to unexpected financial hurdles. Scaling up faster than anticipated, they quickly realized the financial realities of farming was far different from their initial projections. Acquiring equipment proved to be one of their biggest hurdles. "We didn't have anything to get into the ground until the week before we had to start planting," Sarah recalls.
Fortunately, the local farming community became their lifeline. "We needed so much more from other people than we expected," Sarah admits. From borrowing equipment to using a neighbor’s well for irrigation, the sisters leaned heavily on this support network. Even the equipment they eventually purchased was found through this network. “A neighbor knew we were looking for a specific piece of equipment and connected us to someone who had exactly what we needed,” Sarah shares.
The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model has been a cornerstone of Winter Sister Farm's success. Their primary goal is to provide food to the community during the cold, wet months when many local farms scale down or close. They work hard all summer to grow staple storage crops like potatoes, winter squash, onions, and beans, which are stockpiled and distributed from November through May. This year-round effort ensures that their CSA members receive a diverse array of produce even in the off-season. This model also provided a stable income stream and a committed customer base that understood the challenges of winter farming. When a severe windstorm destroyed their hoop houses, the CSA members rallied to help rebuild, demonstrating the strength of community support. "Not a single member complained when we couldn't provide salad greens for a few weeks," Sarah notes. This level of trust and commitment from their customers has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of farming.
Winter Sister Farm is exploring new markets as they continue to grow, including farmers' markets and wholesale opportunities. They remain committed to their CSA model but recognize the importance of diversifying their income streams. Their relationship with California FarmLink has been instrumental in their journey. Operating loans from FarmLink have helped bridge the financial gaps between growing seasons, allowing them to scale up and improve their financial management. "The support from California FarmLink has been crucial," Sarah emphasizes. "Their loans helped us manage the seasonal financial gaps and provided the stability we needed to grow."
Anna and Sarah encourage aspiring farmers to approach the journey with realism and preparation. "Be realistic about your financial situation and have a clear plan for the first few years,” they advised. “Understand your goals and be prepared to let go of less critical aspects to focus on what's essential." Winter Sister Farm stands as a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and adaptability in farming. The sisters’ journey proves that even the most challenging dreams can become a reality with determination and the right support.
The Dozor sisters’ Winter Sister Farm CSA offers an exclusive experience for its approximately 150 members, who enjoy weekly visits to the farm to hand-select fresh vegetables and pick their own flowers and herbs. CSA shares start at $830 for a 24-week season, running from November through May. For nonmembers, the farm also operates a public farmstand, open on Tuesdays from 2–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Winter Sister Farm - 1670 Cooper Road, Sebastopol
