About Us
A Legacy of Growth, Sustainability, and Wellness
Rooted in the pioneering spirit of the Blum family, Bloom Ranch stands as a beacon of continuous stewardship and innovation under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bill Releford. Nestled in the fertile heartland of California, the ranch integrates artisanal European techniques with the rich agricultural traditions of America’s Deep South, creating a diverse and sustainable farming model. This synthesis honors our heritage while promoting sustainable practices and whole-body wellness, making Bloom Ranch a key player in supporting Black farmers and creating a future where wellness is not a privilege but a right, accessible to everyone, everywhere.
As California’s largest Black-owned ranch, Bloom Ranch is more than a working farm—it's a serene escape that blends the luxury of tranquility with the robustness of agricultural life. It's a place where people can reconnect with the land and access fresh, organic food, nurturing wellness from mind, body, to soul. Dr. Releford’s leadership ensures that the ranch remains a pillar of community well-being and environmental stewardship, driving forward a legacy of health, inclusivity, and prosperity for generations to come.
From Swiss Beginnings to California Dreams
The story of Bloom Ranch traces back to 1891 when George Blum and Magdalena Greutman, Swiss immigrants, homesteaded 160 acres in Acton, California. George began the family's legacy with the establishment of orchards and a beekeeping tradition that would define the ranch for generations. Over the years, the Blum family expanded their land, cultivating pears, apples, and lilacs. The construction of a substantial rock house in 1916 stands as a symbol of their enduring commitment to the land.
The Billet Era
In the mid-20th century, the union of Elizabeth Blum and Ray Billet marked a new chapter for our ranch under the Billet family's stewardship. Ray introduced the 'Blum’s Beauty' peach and expanded our orchards to include 60 acres of pears, peaches, and lilacs. This era was all about blending innovation with tradition, showcasing our ranch's resilience, and deepening our roots in the Acton community.
The Ziegler Family
The Ziegler family brought the ranch into the modern era, renaming it 'Bloom Ranch' to honor its origins. Captivated by the ranch's scenic beauty and the exceptional taste of its peaches, they embraced the mission to make our wholesome, flavorful produce more accessible. Their commitment to sustainable farming and healthy living breathed new life into Bloom Ranch, strengthening our focus on community, wellness, and environmental care.
Dr. Releford's Vision for the Future
Dr. Bill Releford, the new steward of Bloom Ranch, brings a dynamic blend of medical expertise and visionary leadership. With over 30 years of experience in diabetic limb preservation and transformative healthcare, Dr. Releford sees the ranch as a crucial platform for making health and wellness universally accessible. His expansive vision integrates medicine, advocacy, and education to foster holistic health. Committed to uplifting communities globally, he uses the farm to promote wellness, education, and sustainability, ensuring Bloom Ranch remains a nurturing force for the community and the environment.
Bloom Forward
The Next Chapter in Wellness at Bloom Ranch
At the helm of Bloom Ranch, Dr. Bill Releford steers the historic enterprise into a dynamic new chapter, marrying its storied past with forward-thinking innovations. Drawing upon his rich background in the agricultural traditions of the Deep South and his formative years on an Oklahoma farm picking cotton, Dr. Releford integrates his heritage with his medical expertise. Renowned for revolutionizing diabetic limb preservation through preventative healthcare, he extends this holistic approach to wellness beyond the clinical setting and into the very heart of Bloom Ranch, transforming the way we farm, eat, and live.
As we look ahead, Bloom Ranch is set to expand its impact, creating a blueprint for a sustainable future where our community and environment thrive together. His strategy integrates agriculture, wellness, and sustainability to enhance individual health, foster community well-being, support Black Farmers, and seed sovereignty in the food system. With every plant we sow and every product we deliver, we are building a legacy of health and sustainability that promises to transform lives and landscapes for generations to come.
Nourishing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Everything that we do at Bloom Ranch supports wellness, harmony, and happiness.
Advocacy
Black Farmers Campaign
Empowerment Through Agriculture
VISIT US
Explore our sustainable practices, savor the fruits of our labor, and connect with the vibrant community that calls this land home.