The Ranch
In 1852 the five Marshall brothers left Markethill, Ireland and settled in Tomales, California. They bought a herd of Milking Shorthorn cows, which could be used for both milk and beef.
The brothers sold off a lot of land but kept the best 1,000 acres for themselves -the "Marshall Home Ranch" where we are today.
Fun Fact: In 1870 the brothers built the first hotel on the banks of Tomales Bay, called Marshall's Hotel. It was a prime location near the port for Schooners bringing butter and potatoes from surrounding farms to the city of San Francisco.
Soon the surrounding township was named after the hotel and the town of Marshall, California was born.
The Hotel was later destroyed in a fire, but the Marshall Home Ranch and cattle business stayed strong.
We are proud to be the 6th and raising the 7th generation ranchers here.
For us, this ranch is the most important resource we have. We operate with the idea that we are borrowing the land from future generations.
Our priority will always be protecting our healthy soil, precious water, and clean air. Our livelihood and the future depend on it.
The ranch has an easement under Marin Agricultural Land Trust, so it is forever protected from urban development. MALT is an integral part of our stewardship of the land, offering knowledge and support for best environmental practices.
These days the custom beef business is operated by Louis and Marissa Silva, along with kids and future ranchers Paisley and Reed. Together we manage all aspects of the business and are proud to carry on our family's agricultural tradition