Rosario
How did you get your start in farming?
My second job when I first came to the US was working on a strawberry farm. That’s where I met my wife. Eventually, we decided to grow our own berries and rented a 3 acre plot of land.
What do you love most about your work?
I love all the different things involved in being a farmer. Things like fixing and driving tractors, building equipment, preparing the soil, checking the plants for potential disease, checking the weather all the time. You never get bored as a farmer!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Driving my motorcycle, and flying.
What is one of your most memorable moments with Rodriguez Farms?
When we first switched to growing organic produce, I didn’t know much about the process. Learning how to grow organic with the same efficiency as conventional berries has been one of the most rewarding moments for me.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tasajos. It's a cut of dried beef that absorbs the flavor of the salsa it is cooked with. Specifically, my one meal would be the tasajos that my aunt Carmen makes in my hometown in Mexico.
What is one of your favorite family activities?
I love just spending time at home with them.
Favorite music to listen to right now?
Mariachi.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Alaska in the summer.
Who are some of your favorite fellow vendors at Farmers Markets?
Pedro from Mora Farms and Ruben from Avila Farms,
Favorite post Farmers Market food stop on the drive home?
Super Taqueria.
What is one of your favorite strawberry recipes?
Strawberry fruit tarts
Patricia
How did you get your start in farming?
My parents lived and worked on a farm. As a kid, I was always out there helping, and as I got older it became a part time job. I met my husband there and he had the idea to start our own farm.
What do you love most about your work?
The interaction with people and the relationships I have with our employees, other farmers, market managers, and customers.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family and cooking
What is one of your most memorable moments with Rodriguez Farms?
That’s hard. There have been so many great memories over the years! I think getting to see customers that I've known for years always feels very special.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Homemade beans and salsa with steak.
What is one of your favorite family activities?
When we all gather to eat a meal and talk.
Favorite music to listen to right now?
Mariachi ballads and 80’s Rock.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Where I live, The Monterey Bay area.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Cancun, Mexico
Who are some of your favorite fellow vendors at Farmers Markets?
Swank Farms, Borba Farms, Twin Girls Farms, Apricot King Orchards
Favorite post Farmers Market food stop on the drive home?
Super Taqueria.
What is one of your favorite strawberry recipes?
Chocolate ganache tart with fresh strawberries
Omar
What is your favorite thing about Rodriguez Farms?
I love getting to interact with customers who we have known for years. Some of them have even known me since I was months old. It’s also fun to go to a new market and make connections with brand new customers.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing video games, watching anime, listening to music, and singing
What is one of your most memorable moments with Rodriguez Farms?
Probably when the 4 of us went to Reno, NV for a market and we stopped at Dairy Queen on the way back to celebrate Yuli’s birthday.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi
What is one of your favorite family activities?
Going on long drives.
Favorite music to listen to right now?
Mozart and Metal.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Home.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Japan.
Who are some of your favorite fellow vendors at Farmers Markets?
Beckmann’s Old World Bakery, Roli Roti, Delicious Crepes.
Favorite post Farmers Market food stop on the way home?
In-N-Out. Especially since moving to Boston, I’ll get it whenever I can.
What is one of your favorite strawberry recipes?
Strawberries with whipped cream.
Yuli
What is your favorite thing about Rodriguez Farms?
It’s so complex. So much goes into the farming aspect, irrigation, machinery, science, also the farmers markets, the paperwork. I like how they are each an endless pool of things to learn about, and how they come together to make Rodriguez Farms
What do you like to do in your free time?
Yoga, go to the ocean, and sing
What is one of your most memorable moments with Rodriguez Farms?
In Los Altos, when Omar and I used to make forts and castles out of the empty crates. That time when I wanted to go to the Reno farmers market, and I was finally allowed to go and it was the best day ever
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fried rice with tofu
Favorite music to listen to right now?
Post Malone, Mozart, Sam Smith, and the Hamilton soundtrack.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
The ocean.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Iceland.
Who are some of your favorite fellow vendors at Farmers Markets?
Rainbow Orchards juice is fire. Also Delicious Crepes and Roli Roti.
Favorite post Farmers Market food stop on the way home?
In-N-Out all the way!
What is one of your favorite strawberry recipes?
This is my salad recipe: Kale, walnuts from Apricot King, gorgonzola cheese, strawberries, and dried cranberries with literally any dressing.