JLT Ranch

Left to right, back row: Kelsey, Jamie, Joey (Jamie is holding), Jim and J.V. Front: Teresa, Tammy, Jacob (in Tammy’s lap) and Luci

Jim and Luci Mendoza started their dairy, the JLT Ranch, in 1979 in the agricultural region of Lakeville, south of Petaluma, in Sonoma County, CA. Jim and Luci and their son JV, tend to 400 head of organic and conventional milk cows.

Jim is a fourth generation dairyman, whose family began dairying in Marin County in 1912. Jim and Luci met while attending college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California. Though Luci did not come from a dairy family, she is now very involved in the family business and in the North Bay agricultural industry at large.

The Mendozas feel it is very important to be industry leaders. Jim and Luci have both served on the Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors. Luci is also a member of the local Fair Board, is very active in the local chapter of California Women for Agriculture and holds positions in various other agricultural organizations.

Jim and Luci have three grown children that all grew up working on the dairy and their son JV is now a partner in the dairy following in his father’s footsteps.

“We’re pleased to be part of the Clover Stornetta Farms family and are very proud we produce the quality of milk Clover demands. Clover’s North Coast Excellence Certified program rewards the JLT Ranch for high quality milk that exceeds even California state standards. Taking care of the health of our cows and keeping up the ranch’s appearance is as important to Clover as it is to us.”

– Jim Mendoza