Stemple Creek Welcomes General Manager Conner Hackett

We are excited to announce that Conner Hackett has officially joined the Stemple Creek Ranch team as General Manager! Conner started working with Stemple Creek in early 2024 as a consultant. Conner’s impact has been so positive that we are proud to bring him on full-time to lead the day-to-day operations of our meat enterprise and play a key role in leading Stemple Creek Ranch into its next era of success. Conner will work in close partnership with Loren and Lisa Poncia, who will remain in their roles of leading the ranching and event venue enterprises, respectively, while also shaping the strategy for Stemple Creek Ranch. 

Conner’s passion for agriculture, business, and sustainable food systems was cultivated during his upbringing on Howe Creek Ranch, where he developed a deep appreciation for land stewardship and animal husbandry. This connection to the land inspired him to pursue a career in the meat industry, where he has accumulated over a decade of experience.

Conner began his career with Prather Ranch, one of the pioneers of sustainable meat production, where he honed his expertise in operations management, supply chain oversight, and financial strategy for fully integrated meat companies. In 2017, driven by a desire to have a greater impact, he founded Integrate Consulting, providing innovative solutions for meat processors, distributors, marketers, and retailers, helping them develop strategy and increase operational efficiency. 

Conner is also a strategic advisor in his family’s livestock business, Ferndale Farms, in Humboldt County. Ferndale Farms has been a trusted producer partner with Stemple Creek Ranch for over 10 years, and Conner and his family embody our core values of trust and authenticity. Additionally, Conner has led efforts through a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the North Coast region’s ecology, agricultural economy, and cultural heritage, focusing on land rehabilitation, water conservation, and strategic agricultural investments.

Conner’s diverse experience and leadership will be invaluable as Stemple Creek Ranch continues to innovate and thrive in the regenerative agriculture space. We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to Stemple Creek Ranch and our broader agricultural community!