Our Story
The French Ranch, located in Ettersburg, CA, is a multi-generational ranch and farm that has been in our family for 4 generations. Parts of the ranch were originally homesteaded by our great grandparents in the late 1890s and other parts by Albert Etter and his brothers, which is where the name Ettersburg originated.
Marty & Maurie Hobbs
Founders and Farmers, French Ranch Farms
As the 4th generation living on this beautiful land, we are working hard to restore and preserve this multi-generational ranch.
Sustainability has been the family’s mission since the area was originally homesteaded in the late 1890’s and we are committed to continue that legacy. We are, or planning to, raise grass fed/finished beef and lamb, pasture raised broiler chickens and eggs, and heritage apples, and chestnuts. All products are, or will be, naturally and sustainably raised with regenerative management practices.
Now Shipping our 100% Grass-Fed Beef in approx. 20 lb. Bundles
Shipping on Mondays to CA, OR, WA, NV & ID
Our Primary Goals & Mission
Our goal is to produce the highest quality, healthiest, most natural, sustainably-raised meat, poultry & eggs to be found in Southern Humboldt, all the while preserving the French Ranch for future generations.
We practice regenerative agriculture and take every opportunity to help educate our community about why it’s important to preserve small family farms and ranches; how it helps the community when people buy local products, and what makes our products better than conventional factory-farmed products.
We help people understand how farming practices effect one’s health, and how high-quality (more expensive) feed and natural habitat help produce superior food and nutrition.
Tom Hart: The Legacy of Albert Etter
Ettersburg Apple Legacies
The old Etter Orchard and many experimental trees are located on the French Ranch. Along with his brothers, Albert Etter produced 100’s of strawberry and apple varieties right here in Ettersburg.
We are having Albert’s orchard DNA tested to identify some of his forgotten discoveries. Our apples are currently going to Humboldt Cider Co. to be made into hard cider with the name of “Albert’s Experiment”. Someday we plan to re-establish the orchard and develop some of the popular eating varieties.
The Mattole Valley Historical Society hosted Tom Hart, of Humboldt Cider Co., to give an overview of the works and lifetime accomplishments of Albert Etter, who developed hundreds of apple and strawberry varieties here in the Mattole, starting in the late 1800s.
A tour of Albert’s test orchard on The French Ranch followed the talk. Maurie and Marty are re-vitalizing the old orchard, and currently selling the apples to Humboldt Cider Works! If you try any “Albert’s Experiment” cider, let us know how you like it!
The French Ranch was originally homesteaded in Ettersburg, CA in the late 1890’s
In 1898 or 1899 Edward and Sara French (ages 24 and 22) decided to leave Ferndale, where Ed was a butcher, for a homestead along the Mattole River. They came here at about the same time as the Etter brothers and settled in the area that became known as Ettersburg. One reason for this move was because Sara had such a hard time with her asthma in the Ferndale climate. Sara’s brother, Joe Pixton, came with them.