A Family Legacy Under Threat
Stephanie Moreda-Arend, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Petaluma, California, is sounding the alarm over an unfolding crisis that threatens the very existence of multi-generational family farms in the Point Reyes and Petaluma region. Farming alongside her parents and brother at Moreda Family Farms, Stephanie represents a dwindling population of small-scale producers fighting to preserve their heritage.
Environmental Lawsuits and Land Displacement
The root of the crisis, according to Moreta, is a series of legal battles instigated by powerful environmental NGOs that target farmers operating within and near Point Reyes National Seashore. These lawsuits began as far back as 2016 and have drained local farmers financially and emotionally. “They were given grim choices,” Stephanie explains. “They’ve been battling this for a decade.”
Despite previously reaching a settlement with the National Park Service, these groups filed a second lawsuit in 2022, pushing for stricter restrictions that would make traditional farming unsustainable. “The financial burden was so much,” Stephanie notes. “They bled them dry.”
Elite Agendas and Shadow Campaigns
Stephanie describes elite-backed fundraisers—complete with valet service—that strategically raised funds to launch lawsuits aimed at evicting farmers. “That’s just being glossed over,” she says. “It’s a facade. They say it’s about saving elk or nature, but it’s really about land acquisition.”
The Illusion of Compensation
Though headlines touted a $30 million settlement for 12 ranchers, Stephanie challenges the narrative. “You can’t buy a nice home here for under a million. That money won’t regenerate a new ranch. It’s a shutdown price.”
Federal Involvement and Reversals
Stephanie reveals that efforts were made under the Trump administration to protect farmers from these exact legal tactics. Executive orders put in place to block environmental overreach were reversed by the Biden administration, paving the way for this aggressive push.
Despite claims that former President Trump was aware of the issue, Stephanie expresses skepticism, noting that the situation would likely feel personal for him if he knew how his previous protections had been overturned.
A Call to Action
Stephanie urges the public to act now. “Reach out to your representatives. Let them know that we want to save our farmers.” She points to her website, DairyGirlDiaries.com, where concerned citizens can find contact information for key legislators, background information, and the latest updates.
Stephanie is active across social platforms under the name Dairy Girl Diaries and calls on readers to share her content widely—even if they can’t personally engage with lawmakers.
Protecting Our Food Future
This issue extends beyond land—it impacts America’s food supply. Organic dairy farms in Sonoma and Marin counties supply 80% of California’s organic dairy products. “We lost over 14,000 farmers last year nationwide,” Stephanie warns. “This is about food security and the survival of small farms.”
That was Stephanie Moreda-Arend, from Moreda Family Farms. Follow Dairy Girl Diaries on social media.
—-Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, reporting for AgNet West.