We had such a nice turnout in August at Anna Fricke’s Ranch. She organized a historical dairy and cattle Barn Hop with her neighbors Rick and Norma Plocher, Marshall and Angie Bambino, and Louis Muller, featuring historical barns aged by time and weathered by the seasons. These unique structures balanced in harmony with the tended fields. We drew much inspiration from the four barns included in our tour. Thank you to the Plocher family, the Fricke family, and all those who attended.
We visited several historic barns from the turn of the 19th Century. Anna and Brendon Fricke invited us to explore four barns located on and near their property and to get a glimpse of Woodland’s dairy farming legacy.
The Fricke family purchased their home and property in 2025. Originally built as a dairy farm by the Plocher Family, a highly regarded dairy farming family, in the early 19th century. The property is situated alongside a golden safflower field. Most of the homes and barns included in this Barn Hop were originally constructed by the Plocher family and are located near the site of one of the last operating dairies in the county.
Cache Acres Dairy was established in 1906 when Frederick Plocher acquired the surrounding acreage and developed a large Holstein cattle operation. The dairy was later managed by Harold Plocher and subsequently by Rick Plocher. Located near County Roads 96A and 18A, Cache Acres Dairy remained in operation until March 21, 2009, when the herd of 310 Holstein cows was sold.
Anna has served on the Art & Ag committee for more than twelve years and is recognized for designing the welcoming atmosphere of Art Farm events. From large-scale displays and seasonal decorations to floral arrangements and centerpieces, Anna’s contributions have played a significant role in shaping the character and experience of the Art Farm event.
“I am excited to host the artists and share the local history. I love the connections the Art & Ag Project makes between artists and farmers, allowing the ability to share the importance and beauty of our local agriculture.”— Anna Fricke
Barn Hop:
#1) Anna's Barn
The primary barn on the property was constructed in 1906 as a dairy barn, while the residence was built in 1908. The property consists of 2.3 acres with multiple outbuildings including the old cream room, a chicken coop, and a small orchard full of almost ripe pears. A large heritage oak tree stands near the safflower field beyond the barn. Today, one side of the barn houses 4-H project animals, while the other is being renovated into a batting cage for the Fricke’s sons. According to local accounts, the barn was once used for raising exotic birds.
#2) Cattle Barn
Located west of Anna’s barn, directly across the road, this dairy barn was built in 1913 by the Plocher family. The property is still owned by Rick and Norma Plocher who hold a wealth of knowledge of the area. Their residence and the nearby water tower were among the last structures completed on the site in 1916. The property has views of open fields and the Berryessa Gap to the southwest.
#3) Old Adams Barn
Continuing west from the Cattle Barn, visitors will encounter the smaller, more rustic barn. Although the property was acquired by the Plocher family in 1906, the barn itself was not constructed until the 1920s by an extended family member. While the barn hasn’t been used for many years, the structure still contains its original cattle chute and fencing. The surrounding property is planted with tomatoes which will be close to harvest!
#4) Red Barn
To the east of the main property stands the Red Barn. This property is home to Marshall and Angie Bambino and operated by Louis Muller. The open landscape between the main property and the Red Barn offers expansive views, including sightlines to the Sutter Buttes on clear days.
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Photos (Left to Right): Carol Basey, Alan Fishleder