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First Generation

In 1918, Marion Rufus Struble purchased the ranch from the original owner, Dick Cook. Cook was part-owner of a saloon in Loomis. The ranch at that time was named Alta Vista, Spanish for “high view”, because of the spectacular 360-degree view from the top of the hill. Our farmhouse was built on the property’s highest elevation to take advantage of the majestic views and beautiful sunsets.   

Second Generation

In 1934, Harold bought the farm from his father and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Edgell. They raised their two sons, Bill and Jim, on the farm and lived on the property for over 60 years. In 1956, Harold first planted Owari Satsuma Mandarins with the help of two local farmers. In 1961, Harold and his sons cultivated and sold their first mandarin harvest to the public.

Third Generation

In 1976, Jim and Jan Struble moved to the farmhouse. And in 1984, we planted a second and larger grove of Owari Satsuma Mandarins. To provide an even greater variety of citrus we planted Clementine Mandarins, and Navel Orange trees on the property. The farming tradition is continuing to the fourth generation of Strubles as we enter our 64th citrus harvest. 

We do what we love… and we love what we do!

Here at the Struble Ranch, we proudly grow the best tasting Satsuma Mandarins in Placer County.

Our Orchard

Since 1956 when our first Owari Satsuma Mandarin tree was planted, three generations of Strubles have farmed what are now 330 citrus trees. Our Mandarin trees are planted on a southern slope to gather optimal sunlight in the Fall, and to reduce any frost potential in the Winter. Our trees are grafted to a Cleopatra root stock, a hardier variety of citrus, which creates larger trees that can survive a cooler climate. 

Citrus Crops

We grow and sell three different citrus crop varietals. Our signature crop is the Owari Satsuma Mandarins, known for their exquisite taste and easy peeling. Weather dependent, we harvest mandarins from November through December. Our second harvest includes Clementines (a cross between mandarins and navel oranges) beginning in December and running through January. Rounded out our season, our final harvest in February consists of our delicious Navel Oranges.

Farming

The Struble Ranch is a pesticide-free ranch. We choose to feed the tree’s foliage with natural supplements of Zinc, Magnesium, and Iron. Also in late February, a balanced fertilizer is spread to feed the shallow roots and stimulate new growth. We irrigate on a 12-day rotation cycles during the summer months. The sweetness of the fruit is enhanced by allowing the picked fruit to rest for a few days. This brief pause allows the starches to turn to sugar, and only then are the mandarins ready for sale. 

Barn Quilts

A barn quilt is a colorful painted quilt pattern mounted to a barn or historical building. In 2012, Jan Struble painted the ranch's first barn quilt, titled Citrus Beauty. With Jim’s help, the 4’ x 4’ quilt pattern was hung on our 100 year-old barn. Later that year, two more Barn Quilts were put on display at the ranch. In 2013, Jan organized the Loomis Basin Barn Quilt Committee which has designed, painted, and publicized 15 barn quilts now displayed on barns throughout the Loomis area. The Barn Quilt Trail Map is available at the Struble Ranch, providing the locations of all other local barn quilts.

Testimonial

“Struble Ranch is a place I definitely plan to visit again and again. There is something about the history, dedication, and family that turned this land in Loomis into a magical gift not only for generations of Strubles, but it’s a place for generations of local families as well.”

- Heather Palmer
Farm Tots Blog