Sonoma Hay and Straw Products

Sonoma Hay and Straw began in 2005 when friends Matt Lanum and Cody Beacom offered to help a neighbor who wanted an old pasture cleaned up. Both being in college, they were looking for a way to help finance their education and baling hay seemed like a viable option. Starting on a shoestring budget and with borrowed equipment, the old pasture field was cut and baled. It didn't take long to discover that the local hay market offered serious growth potential. As a result, they have steadily expanded the operation to include straw, several types of hay, and custom pasture and hay field planting services.

Cody Cody started baling hay back in high school with a local farmer. This is where his interest in agriculture really sprouted. In high school Cody was active in FFA and took advantage of many opportunities to learn and explore agriculture. This led him first to Wilmington College studying agronomy, and then to The Ohio State University where he graduated with B.S. in Agricultural Systems Management and minor in Production Agriculture. While in college Cody worked in eight counties throughout Ohio with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as an intern. Then, upon graduation, he began fulltime as a Soil Conservationist with the agency. This served as an outstanding learning experience for him until another career opportunity came about as a Firefighter/EMT. Currently Cody is working in central Ohio as a fulltime Firefighter/EMT.

Matthew Matt grew up on his parent's farm and has continued to be a vital part of their operation. He has helped with everything from vegetable and flower production to beekeeping and sheep production. Currently Matt is a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in Agricultural Systems Management and minoring in Crop Science. In addition to his parent's farm, he has interned the past two summers with the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District as a Drainage Technician. This has helped provide him with a very diverse background. Matt is currently seeking a career to begin upon graduation of college.

Steve Snider has known Cody and Matt since childhood. Steve joined 4-H at a young age, and began to experience agriculture in full, "it provided an understanding to reach for higher aspirations". Throughout high school Steve was involved in FFA and advisor Ms. Grassbaugh helped cultivate an experience that has left everlasting impact on him. It was then he realized his true interest for agriculture. Steve started baling hay for a local farmer when he was 16 and continued until he went to Ohio State to study agriculture. Along the way he also became a volunteer firefighter, and entered the Army Reserves as a Combat Medic. After discovering his interest in public service he is back to school, and working towards a degree in Fire Science. Somehow in his busy schedule Steve still finds time to help Cody and Matt during the summer.

Joe Kelly is a long time friend of both Matt and Cody. They have all been involved with 4-H and Boy Scouts together. Joe currently works as a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic in Central Ohio, and enjoys helping Sonoma Hay and Straw during the summer when his schedule allows.