Mike Polis' Other Day Job

Nestled against the sloping hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Camp Far West Reservoir lies a small sheep ranch, which I own and operate in my free time. I still devote most of my time and energy to my Sacramento law practice, but I have also managed Pomopolis Farms with my wife, Julie, and sons Ethan and Matthew for over 10 years. Sacramento considers itself a “farm-to-fork” community. I would like to see more emphasis on the “farm.” I am trying to change that through the sale of lamb to the Sacramento community. I run the small business on a shoestring budget, keenly aware of operational costs, including property tax, regulatory and licensing costs, the cost of water and power, and land conservation costs. 

The ranch has provided us with an opportunity to serve the dietary needs of various growing immigrant communities. Equally important, Pomopolis Farms has given me the opportunity to work with my two sons to manage the farming operation. Each day has its own challenges, and might include vaccinating the herd, rotating the flock to other pastures, negotiating the sale of the lambs during the fall lambing season, and repairing fences. While the news of the day in many instances has been heart-wrenching, walking the acreage with Addie, my Australian Shepherd, is always rejuvenating.