About
WHY FARMING FIRST
To us, dependability is everything. We don’t just want to sell you products. We want to be your partner. That’s why we grow high-quality, light dep cannabis at an incredible scale, consistency and value. Let’s talk about how we can support your unique needs.
134
acres slated for light dep cultivation
200+
combined years of family farming heritage
$1M+
committed to restoring habitats of vulnerable species
300+
days in our growing season
HOW WE HELP YOU GROW
Farming First wants to start a new chapter for California cannabis. To solve your logistical challenges, we’ll have rolling harvests ten months out of the year. That means consistently fresh product to keep your customers happy and your business growing.
- Three retail-ready product lines
- Single-source bulk wholesale flower
- White-labeling
- Co-packaging
- Custom farming contracts for specific needs (fresh frozen, unique strains, trim and more)
OUR BRANDS
What we farm
OUR PRODUCTS
We’re proud of our sustainably-grown cannabis plants – rich in essential cannabinoids and terpenes. Up to now, premium cannabis has been in short supply for long stretches of the year. With rolling harvests, Farming First will ensure that our partners can rely on a constant source of high-quality material at an exceptional value.
- Sativa, Indica and hybrid strains
- Terpene-rich varietals for specific effects and extraction
- High yielding cannabinoid content for potency
WHO WE ARE
Farming First has assembled an incredible team that brings together the best of agricultural know-how and modern innovation. Our roster includes expert farmers, lifelong entrepreneurs, cannabis-industry veterans and visionary designers.
William Terry
President
5th Generation Farmer & Co Founder of Farming First
Born and raised in Ventura, William has been farming since the day he was born. With experience running a 2,000+ acre farming operation, Will’s farming heritage runs through his entire family. As former President of the Ventura County Farm Bureau and Vice President of Terry Farms, Will’s expertise in agriculture leads the way at Farming First.
Stephen Walden
Director of Operations
Serial Entrepreneur & Co Founder of Farming First
Although born and raised in Arizona, Stephen moved to California where he met William while attending Loyola Marymount University. He went on to start Bosse Tools, receiving design awards for numerous patents on ergonomic hand tools, which he later licensed. Years later he launched a lifestyle cannabis brand in 2018 before partnering with William.
Thomas Salzillo
Director of Finance
Conducted Financial Audits for Green Thumb Industries, Verano, Acreage, etc.
I have a background on financial statement audit with a focus on cannabis IPOs. My favorite hobbies are surfing, volleyball, and golf. My favorite food is Italian paired with a nice bottle of wine. I’m excited that our products will enhance all my favorite things.
Scott Wilson
Director of Branding
Former Chief Experience Officer for Cresco Labs
Founder and principal designer of MNML. Former design leader for Nike, IDEO, Fortune Brands, and Motorola with award winning consumer product designs for XBOX and Apple.
Mario de la Piedra
Director of Compliance
Managed insurance policy for Hunt Road Farms & Salt Springs Farms
Born and raised in Ventura County, Mario has been involved in all aspects of agriculture – Farming, Political Advocacy and most recently Agribusiness Insurance. Mario currently serves as an advisor to Seso labor an Agtech Labor Marketplace.
Cruz Sandoval
Director of Infrastructure
Built a career designing and implementing irrigation systems around the world. Cruz recently moved to the United States and became a certified safety instructor training farm laborers safe working techniques. Cruz joined Farming First in December in 2021.
Konrads Wallace
CCTT Officer
Certified METRC & Field Compliance
4+ years of experience in cultivation compliance throughout the state of California. Experience in compliance SOP creation and Field Certified for METRC Track and Trace data management. Grew up in Half Moon Bay and spends his time surfing and video editing.
Joseph Arroyo
Director of Processing
I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado and raised in Fillmore California. I hold a Bachelors in Sustainable Manufacturing and a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Chico State. I have over 10yrs experience in manufacturing working for multiple large companies. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids on road trips, as well as having friends and family over for bbqs.
Scott Howland
Director of Distribution
14+ years of regulated cannabis industry experience in Colorado and California. I grew up in Massachusetts and went to the University of Colorado Boulder. I’ve worked in every aspect of this industry from seed to sale, and spent several years in the Emerald Triangle working with 100+ craft cannabis farmers. I am doing what I love, so I don’t have to work another day in my life.
Jared Micheli
Director of Agriculture
Former Operations Manager for Canopy Growth
4th generation farmer in N. CA. 10+ years experience in cannabis agriculture. Assisted w/recreational THC regulatory framework & managed production for public companies.
Matt Plotkin
Senior Accountant
Born and raised outside Los Angeles, Matt moved to Ventura four years ago for the better weather and beautiful beaches. He likes working for start-ups and watching them grow. A gentleman farmer, he has grown everything from tomatoes to broccoli to cannabis in his backyard.
Anthony Bonino
Irrigation Manager
Anthony graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a fifth generation farmer from Gilroy, CA with 8+ years of commercial agricultural experience. He has a thorough understanding of plant nutrition, plant health and specializes in agricultural irrigation systems.
Alyssa Terry
Director of Labor
Born in the same bloodline as William Terry – fifth generation Ventura native. Has extensive experience as a Farm Labor Contractor, but more exciting is a wildly popular podcast “Let’s Get Haunted.”
Russell Pentecost
Genetics Specialist
They call me Russ OG.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Positivity is a renewable energy
A lifetime of farming has taught us the more good you put in, the more good you get back.
That’s as true for your plants and methods you use as it is for the way you do business and treat people.
Day after day, season after season, the good keeps growing bigger. And what was impossible becomes real.
We’re serious about moving the cannabis industry forward. Not just for ourselves. But for you, your customers and our community, too.
We’re going to do it the only way we know how.
Because Farming First isn’t just our name. It’s our mission.
