Zankofa Farm
About Us
about us
Welcome to Zankofa Farm
Located in Wilton, CA, just outside of Sacramento, we are a family-run, minority-owned farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture, hands-on education, and giving back to the community. We teach urban youth and families about agriculture through hands-on experiences with livestock, interactive workshops, and immersive farm visits.
Beyond education, our farm serves as a community space to gather, learn, and reconnect with nature. We host seasonal events, workshops, and farm tours to engage and make agriculture accessible.
who we are?
Why "Zankofa"?
Zankofa Farm is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a philosophy, a legacy, and a bridge between the past and the future. Our name is inspired by Sankofa, a powerful Akan word from Ghana that means "go back and get it." It represents the idea that we must learn from our past to build a better future. This belief is at the heart of everything we do at Zankofa Farm.
We look back to honor the agricultural wisdom of our ancestors—Black and Latino farmers who have historically fed our communities, tour techniques include indigenous growing techniques that respected the land long before modern industrial farming.
We carry those traditions forward by teaching the next generation how to grow food, raise animals ethically, and reconnect with the land. Just as Sankofa teaches us to reclaim lost knowledge, Zankofa Farm is here to revive and share farming practices that nourish both people and the earth
The Phillips - Ortiz Family
the Heart of Zankofa Farm
IDARA PHILIPS
Idara has dedicated her life to agriculture, education, and community service. She has been raising livestock since the 1980s, first through 4-H and later on her family’s 100-year-old farm in Mississippi.
She holds a B.A. in Business Management and an M.S. in Accounting, combining her knowledge of farming with over 25 years of experience in business operations and financial management. As a 4-H leader and farm mentor, she is passionate about helping children and families reconnect with agriculture through hands-on learning.
MIGUEL ORTIZ
Miguel grew up in East Palo Alto, another urban area where agriculture was not common—but farming still called to him. He is a first-generation American, the son of immigrants whose families farmed in their home countries. As a child, Miguel spent time visiting family farms in Mexico, where he developed a deep love for animals, growing food, and working with his hands.
Though he did not grow up farming, Miguel became a skilled tradesman in electrical work and construction, eventually becoming a licensed electrical contractor with over 30 years of experience. His background in construction, engineering, and problem-solving has been essential in building the farm from the ground up.
At Zankofa Farm, Miguel has designed and installed electrical and water systems, constructed fencing, and built animal enclosures to ensure the safety and well-being of their livestock. He is the Farm Infrastructure & Facilities Manager, overseeing all site maintenance, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability improvements.
Miguel is also a wonderful caregiver for the farm’s animals. From pigs to goats, chickens to peacocks, he ensures that every animal is well-fed, sheltered, and cared for. His deep connection with the animals is at the heart of the farm, creating an environment where livestock is raised with respect, responsibility, and care.
OUR CHILDREN
Our kids are very active in the say to day activities on farm. They also actively participate in the 4-H program, where they raise and show livestock competitively at fairs and competitions. Through this program, they learn:
- Responsibility – Feeding, caring for, and training animals daily.
- Work Ethic – Committing to animal care no matter the season.
- Leadership & Teamwork – Helping younger members learn skills.
- Animal Husbandry & Showmanship – Preparing animals for livestock competitions.
Each year, our children compete at the Sacramento County Fair, showcasing their dedication and skills in raising and showing livestock.
Zankofa Farm
WHAT MAKES ZANKOFA FARM UNIQUE?
Urban Roots, Rural Passion
We come from the Bay Area, bringing an urban perspective to rural farming. Our journey into agriculture was driven by a lifelong dream to connect people with their food sources.
Minority-Owned & Culturally Inclusive
Less than 1% of farmers in the U.S. are Black, and even fewer raise livestock. As a Black- and Latino-owned farm, we are breaking barriers and making farming more accessible and welcoming for all. Se habla Español.
A True Farm Experience
Both Crops & Livestock – While many farms focus on either crops or animals, we do both! We raise over 20 varieties of chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, guinea hens, goats, sheep, and pigs, alongside a diverse range of heirloom vegetables and specialty crops.
A Farm That Gives Back
We don’t just grow food we share it. Most of what we grow is donated to families, schools, and organizations to help improve food access in our community.
Unforgettable Experiences
Our farm is a place for hands-on learning. We host workshops, educational programs, and farm tours to make agriculture fun, engaging, and accessible to all.
Our Home is Your Learning Space
Zankofa Farm isn’t just a business it’s our home and way of life. We welcome visitors with open arms, but we ask that you respect the land, the animals, and the hard work that goes into running a farm.
