SRJC Shone Farm
7450 Steve Olson Lane
Forestville, CA 95436-9450
Phone: (707) 535-3700
Website: www.shonefarm.com
Agriculture/Natural Resources: (707) 527-4408
Ag Pavilion: (707) 535-3707
Current map of Shone Farm is located at: https://maps.santarosa.edu/
Santa Rosa Junior College’s Shone Farm, named for a former member of the college’s Board of Trustees, Robert Shone, was established in March 1972. The District was granted the use of 285 acres near Forestville, which was owned by the federal government and used during World War II as a federal broadcast information site. In 1986 the lease of an adjacent 80- acre parcel expanded the farm to its current 365 acres. Shone Farm is a self-supporting enterprise that ensures it is managed in a practical way to provide students with real-life educational experiences.
Gravenstein apples, hay and cattle were the only income-producing enterprises when the farm began. Today, Shone Farm features products for sale, such as award-winning wine and olive oil, produce and grass-fed beef. The farm has evolved into a diversified unit that provides a wide variety of educational opportunities for students majoring in agriculture and forestry. In the early 70’s the livestock program began raising cattle and sheep on the 100 acres of pasture. Horses were later added for use by the equine program.
In the early 80’s, fifty acres of vineyard were planted for use by the Viticulture program. This has grown to eighty acres that include varieties of grapes that are appropriate to our Russian River Valley wine appellation.
The Charles D. Belden Center, named in memory of the dean who helped establish SRJC’s Agriculture Program, was built in 1983. The Belden Center, constructed with labor and materials donated by community and industry members, serves as the hub of activity at the farm.
In 1997 the College established a Sustainable Agriculture site on seventeen acres that includes a 2,000-square-foot greenhouse, as well as a block of apples and olives that are used for olive oil. SRJC’s Culinary Arts Program uses the vegetables grown by the Sustainable Ag Program. Shone Farm produce is also sold direct to consumers and wholesale customers.
In 2002, the Rich Thomas classroom was built in dedication to Rich Thomas, the first Viticulture instructor for the SRJC Agriculture Department. This classroom is the result of the first major fund raising event sponsored by the SRJC Ag Trust. It is also used to host events and workshops.
In 2007, the Warren G. Dutton, Jr. Agriculture Pavilion was built at the farm. The pavilion offers instructional space for the college’s Agricultural and Natural Resource Management programs, and provides an area for related community events. This facility also features a showcase arena, conference and learning center, wine education laboratory, and culinary kitchen.
In fall 2008, the Russ Gleason Memorial Arena was dedicated to SRJC’s Equine Program. The most recent addition to the farm is the G. K. Hardt Stable completed in spring 2010.