Recently, I have answered more and more inquiries from those who own a parcel and are wondering about agricultural development or those who are looking to purchase. The foothills, it seems to me, are becoming impacted by a growing California population and those who may be priced out of other locations and seek a rural lifestyle.

But the "what can I grow?" question, as I call it, is more complicated to answer than some anticipate.  The key is to not have any preconceived notions (this isn't the Valley nor is it the North Coast) and to be open to exploring the opportunities, and challenges, the foothill landscape offers.  The foothills are kind of like Nebraska, whose new slogan is "Honestly,...