Spend a day on the Tara Firma Farm in Petaluma

There’s nothing like a good play on words, which is one of the many reasons we love Tara Firma Farms in Petaluma.

The name is a twist on “Tierra Firma,” which, of course, means firm ground. It also happens to be a veiled reference to Tara Smith, the woman who, along with her family, owns and operates the agricultural operation.

And what an operation it is. The farm cranks out thousands of pounds of healthy chemical-free, all-natural fruits and vegetables, and raises grass-fed, pasture-raised and humanely-treated pigs, cows, and chickens. On Sundays, the place also offers free hands-on educational tours about their all natural and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Of course Tara Firma sells some of its goodness, too. Visitors to the farm can buy it in person—most products sell for $1 or $2.

There’s also a community-supported agriculture program (though Smith calls it the “Farm Food Program”) through which farm workers deliver food directly to customers’ doors or predetermined pickup locations.

Our favorite Tara Firma goodie just might be the farm’s handcrafted sausage. Flavors vary but generally consist of: Thai Basil, Sweet Jamaican, Sweet Italian, Apricot Chipotle, Hot Italian, Maple Breakfast, Bratwurst, Spicy Maple Breakfast, Veal Stroganoff and Stroganoff. Packages sell for $8 a pop. Trust us: you won’t be able to just buy one.

Last but not least, Tara Firma sponsors lectures and other public-oriented events.

The next one is coming up next weekend: A talk and dinner with Lierre Keith, author of “The Vegetarian Myth.” Seating for this shindig is limited, and reservations are suggested. Tickets start at $95 for members, $110 for non-members. For more information call 707/765-1202.