Ben Lyons, 65, didn’t just change careers—he reinvented himself.
In 2010, amid an economic downturn, a twist of fate put him in charge of Lockewood Acres, a small organic farm just outside downtown Vacaville, CA. He and his wife, Denise, had moved north from Southern California for her job promotion, and despite having no farming background, Ben dove in headfirst—armed with curiosity, grit, and a “common-sense” approach.
What started with a 1948 farm manual and a fascination with earthworms has grown into a thriving ten-acre ecosystem. Rows of dark leafy greens stretch toward an orchard heavy with apples, pears, pomegranates, figs, and more. Heritage chickens roam the pasture, goats and sheep graze in the barns, and a buzzing apiary works alongside cover crops to keep the soil alive.
Ben’s journey into agriculture began at 50, but his work ethic and neighborly charm quickly earned him respect from customers and fellow farmers alike. Saturdays find him at the Vacaville Farmers Market, his stand brimming with seasonal vegetables, heritage eggs, raw honey, and other farm-fresh staples.
Through his CSA program, local households enjoy reliable boxes of produce year-round. Lockewood Acres is also a fixture at Soul Food Farm’s community market stand, where Ben’s harvest adds to the variety and strengthens a shared mission to preserve soil health, biodiversity, and the traditions of farming.
Soul Food Farm owner Alexis Koefoed, describes him as “a devoted farmer… committed to learning and doing things the right way. It wasn’t an overnight success—he just keeps working toward getting better and improving. That’s inspiring.” She compares Ben to other regional fixtures like Morning Sun Herb Farm and Eatwell Farm, calling him “an anchor” in the local agricultural community. “People tell me, ‘We came because Ben was here.’” Ben’s strategy extends beyond the fields. He actively pursues agricultural grants to fund infrastructure and soil improvements without taking on heavy debt.
And he’s a master scavenger—finding bargains at garage sales, on Craigslist, or anywhere old tools and equipment can be repurposed.
His property doubles as an open-air museum of rescued gear and clever fixes, reflecting his blend of practicality, creativity, and frugality.
And then there’s Stevie—the wiry-haired mutt who greets every visitor as if they’ve been friends for years. Like the farm itself, Stevie embodies what Lockewood Acres is all about: warmth, welcome, and the kind of connection that keeps people coming back season after season.
Video/Photos: Ed Homich