"To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world."
Rudolf SteinerIn 2021, the true potential of the area was uncovered by Kat Massey who saw through the overgrowth and wreckage of failed attempts at exploitation.
Kat, a highly-driven single mother with a knack for nurturing, immediately understood that the land was not meant for condos and strip malls. It was yearning to be revitalized, honored, appreciated, and cared for. Kat saw the potential for it to become a model of conscious stewardship. She curated a team of trailblazers and experts to explore not only what the land could give them but also what they might be able to do for the land. The idea of returning to a simpler, more connected, way of living became the project's guiding light.
Thus, Rancho Almasomos began to manifest.
Rancho Almasomos sits at the base of an extinct volcano within the lush greenbelt of a cottonwood tree-lined, perennial creek. There's a soothing busyness as ranch workers, visitors, and animals (wild and domestic) interact and mingle. Each group plays its part in creating a holistic, natural ecosystem where everyone and every action has a purpose. Rancho Almasomos is dedicated to transforming the Verde Valley, growing life, and healing the world.
Rancho Almasomos is intentional in every aspect of its design and functionality—from the plants that are put into the restored soil to the connection and interaction with the local community. It is mindful not only of preserving the entire ecosystem that surrounds it but also to strengthening and nurturing its fullest and most natural potential as Arizona's first certified biodynamic farm.
Biodynamic farming looks at the farm as a living organism. It focuses on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem with holistic practices free of chemicals and outside unnatural interventions. The foundation of biodynamics is to build nutrient-rich, healthy soil to grow nutrient-dense, healthy food far beyond what even organic certification can offer. The benefits of this type of farming are far-reaching at both a local and global scale.
Rancho Almasomos stands for fostering well-being and renewal—from the soil to the souls who come to experience the ranch and reconnect with the land.
"It is a place of balance and transformation — of gratitude, simplicity, and connectivity."
Rancho Almasomos serves the families and businesses within the Verde Valley. It hosts many lively community events, such as harvest festivals with hayrides and pumpkin patches; numerous workshops—from canning vegetables to making compost; and farm-to-table events that are as magical as they are nutritious. It is a place to let go of the hubbub of busy lives. At Rancho Almasomos, it is possible to become grounded and restored.
While admiring the rich, native wildlife, visitors can interact with the friendly, four-legged members of the ranch crew who are an integral part of creating the healthy soil.
There are many memories to be made on the ranch for individuals of all ages. It is a place of balance and transformation—of gratitude, simplicity, and connectivity. Rancho Almasomos is where everyone can renew themselves and reconnect to the sacred Earth.
"To truly know the world, look deeply within your own being; to truly know yourself, take real interest in the world."
Rudolf SteinerKat Massey
Founder
Kat Massey, was the youngest female member to become a floor trader in the history of the Chicago Board of Trade. Working for almost a decade as an independent commodities broker, she learned the economics of commercial farming production. After transitioning to investing in real estate and flipping houses, health concerns lead her to seek a more sustainable and fulfilling life. She brought her children and her expertise to Arizona where she sought out an opportunity to create something amazing as a legacy for her children, something in alignment with her visions of creating a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to business. When she first stepped on the property that would become Rancho Almasomos, she felt like the land had been waiting for her.
"When I first saw this property and felt into how many plants, animals and humans this little creek has supported throughout the ages and how those beings lived in a harmonious balance together – it became the inspirations for our name." ALMA meaning "souls" and SOMOS meaning "we are."
When she was introduced to the Biodynamic farming process, her vision for Rancho Almasomos suddenly sprouted and began to grow. Now with the help of her dedicated team of trailblazers and experts in the field of Biodynamics and holistic sustainable practices, she's created a premier agritourism destination connecting visitors to their food and the land from which it came.
Kevin Wheeler
COO, Public Relations & Outreach
Kevin brings decades of hands-on leadership experience across hospitality and restaurant management, driven by a deep passion for people, whether that's guiding teams to success or building meaningful partnerships. He's built a reputation as a trusted leader, mentor, and innovator, respected by those who've had the chance to work alongside him.
What sets Kevin apart is his ability to connect on a personal level, coaching individuals and teams through challenges to achieve remarkable results. His approach brings about lasting, positive change while empowering people to reach their full potential, whether that means helping a business break through stagnation or guiding a team toward stronger communication. Kevin has a natural ability to see what's holding people back, and how to help them push forward.
Beyond the work itself, Kevin is deeply committed to giving back to his community, and that same spirit of service carries into everything he does at Rancho Almasomos. At his core, Kevin believes in the power of people: helping them grow, thrive, and create lasting impact.
Rod Moser
CEO & Real Estate Development Leader
Rod is the Chief Executive Officer leading the vision and creation of Rancho Almasomos. With a distinguished career in real estate and financial management, Rod is an expert in resort and land development, hospitality, mixed-use projects, and commercial real estate, with skills spanning architecture and engineering coordination, project feasibility, contract negotiations, and real estate finance.
Throughout his career, Rod has served as the developer, managing director, consultant, or owner's representative for numerous high-profile resort and land development projects across the country and internationally, from master-planned golf resorts and marinas to historic vineyard redevelopments and large-scale residential communities. Each one demanded the same care for the land and the long-term vision behind it that Rancho Almasomos demands.
Rod combines that financial acumen with decades of development experience to deliver innovative, large-scale projects. At Rancho Almasomos, that experience is in service of something simpler: building this vision the right way, so the land can keep doing its work for generations to come.
Trace Evans
Ranch Supervisor
James Lilly
Lead Farmer
Henry Vargas
Farmer
Daniel Mora
Ranch Team
Jacob Barmakian
Farm Team
Luke Barmakian
Ranch Team