The Talley Box: Talley Farms Fresh Produce at Your Door
Talley Farms isn’t just a name; it’s a legacy—a promise of quality produce, wholesome vegetables, and sustainable farming practices that prioritize people just as much as plants.
Tucked away in the lush, breezy landscape of the Arroyo Grande Valley is a family-owned agricultural gem that’s been growing more than just vegetables for generations.
“My name is Lisa Loogman. We’re at Tally Farms, and I am the Tally Farms box manager here. And we’re in Arroyo Grande, California on the central coast.”
“I was raised in agriculture,” Lisa says. “My grandparents were dairy farmers. My dad was a hay broker, and then my first job was on a horse ranch. So I’ve always been in ag. I studied ag business at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and then started working here at Tally Farms two weeks after I graduated.”
And with that introduction, Lisa invites us into a world where heirloom tomatoes are just the beginning of something extraordinary.
The Talley Family Roots Run Deep
Born in 1948, Talley Farms was the brainchild of Oliver Talley. Since then, this family-owned farm has blossomed into a fifth-generation operation rooted in the best agricultural practices. It’s this mix of deep tradition and modern expertise that makes Talley Farms the gold standard in California agriculture.
Why the Arroyo Grande Valley Is a Grower’s Paradise
San Luis Obispo County, or SLO as the locals affectionately call it, isn’t just scenic. It’s a microclimate mosaic. From cool, fog-kissed coastal pockets ideal for strawberries, to hot inland valleys perfect for peppers and heirloom tomatoes, this region is a grower’s dream. “Something that’s really unique about this area as far as agriculture goes is all of the micro climates… that allows us to grow a lot of different vegetables and fruits.”
This patchwork of terrain and weather allows Talley Farms to provide high-quality vegetables year-round. This is why their produce doesn’t just taste fresh—it tastes vibrant.
What Exactly Is the Talley Box?
Think of the Talley Box as a curated love letter from the farm. Every week, the team at Talley Farms selects a vibrant mix of fruits and vegetables—sourced from their fields and other California farms—and packs them with care.
“My favorite way that we sell produce here at Tally Farms is in our Tally Farms boxes… they always have a mix of fruits and veggies that are grown in California.” A sample box might include:
- Crisp broccoli
- Plump blueberries
- Creamy avocados
- Tender asparagus
- And yes, the sweetest strawberries you’ve ever tasted
Plus, each box comes with recipes, storage tips, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing the safety of their produce is a top priority.
Sustainable Farming with a Human Touch
Buzzwords like “sustainability” get tossed around a lot, but at Talley Farms, it’s lived every day. Sure, they use drip irrigation, rotate crops, and plant cover crops to boost soil health. But they go a step further—by caring deeply for the people who make the farm thrive.
“One thing that I think that’s overlooked with sustainability is how you treat your employees. The Talley family is now on their fifth generation, so how they treat their employees is super important to keep their family farms sustainable.”
From foremen who live on the farm with their families to HR managers celebrating 50-year work anniversaries, Talley Farms is a community, not a corporation.
How to Get Your Hands on a Talley Box
Ready to have Talley Farms’ fresh produce at your door? Here’s how it works:
- Choose Your Size: Pick from the Original or Junior box based on your household.
- Set Your Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly—you’re in control.
- Delivery or Pickup: Get it shipped across the Western U.S. or pick up locally on the Central Coast.
Lisa explains: “We source vegetables and fruits from our farm here, but also farms throughout the central coast and throughout California… we deliver it directly to you.”
Want to Visit? You Should
The Central Coast isn’t just a stunning place to visit—it’s also one of the best places to eat. You can visit Talley Vineyards or just up the road, attend one of the seasonal farm-to-table dinners around the area featuring Talley produce and wines. “You can come out here to the farm and organize a tour with us… Dolphin Bay is a good example. They’re doing a seasonal harvest meal, and so they take our produce and Talley vineyards wines and put on a fun dinner at their restaurant.”
A Farm Box That Feels Like Family
The Talley Box isn’t just about getting vegetables. It’s about supporting a family-owned farm that’s been feeding California with integrity and care for over 75 years. It’s about embracing the best agricultural practices without losing sight of the people behind them. And it’s about bringing the taste of the Arroyo Grande Valley—that fog, sun, and good old-fashioned hard work—right to your kitchen.
Ready To Hit The Road On An Excellent Golden State Adventure? Check Out This CA GROWN Spotify Playlist:
Hungry for more?
Visit TalleyFarmsBox.com to sign up, explore box options, or plan your visit. Don’t forget to follow @CAGROWN and tag your Talley Box adventures with #CAGROWN so we can see what’s cookin’ in your kitchen.
Are You Planning an Adventure to San Luis Obispo? Here are a Few Places To Check Out:
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.