A Lifelong Connection to the Farm

From childhood, every corner of the Farm was my kingdom. I imagined myself a pirate, brandishing a machete against briars and tire swings. My affection for this land never faded, even as I left to pursue education and a career elsewhere.

Inspiration from Abroad

Years later, a visit to Barcelona, Spain in 1999 introduced me to the culinary wonders of Hofmann Restaurant and Cooking School, where a dinner highlighted by fresh truffles left a lasting impression. That magical evening sparked my fascination for truffles, which only deepened as I traveled and lived in Amsterdam, immersing myself in Europe's rich culinary tradition.

Deepening Culinary Passion

While living abroad, I was fortunate to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, renowned for its rigorous and excellent curriculum. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for food and honed my culinary skills.

Family and the Farm’s Future

During this period, my mother passed away, followed by my father a few years later. At 82, Dad decided it was time to put away his chainsaw; after a car accident, he also stopped mowing the yard. We then hired a local landscaping company owned by Bobby and Sandra Lee. Meeting Bobby again after decades—having gone to high school together—rekindled a friendship built on mutual respect.

The Birth of West Highland Truffles

After my father passed, I approached Bobby about starting a truffle orchard together. He and Sandra agreed, and thus West Highland Truffles began. Thirteen years on, our partnership has blossomed, and the farm now produces truffles in saleable quantities.

Our Canine Family and Partners

Grand Champion Champion Tullybloom’s Covert Commander Chaos

Grand Champion Champion Tullybloom’s Covert Commander Chaos, who holds titles as a Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog, was the inaugural member of our truffle hunting team. Commander was specially trained to detect truffles, yet his efforts were limited by the orchard’s early-stage production at the time. Despite the modest harvests, his impressive aptitude and success in training led us to select him as the official representative of West Highland Truffles. This choice not only honored his connection to the West Highland Terrier breed but also reflected our deep admiration for Commander. Now at over 14 years old, Commander enjoys a well-earned retirement from truffle hunting.

Grand Champion Champion Tullybloom’s Wonder Woman

Our succession plan for truffle hunting included Grand Champion Champion Tullybloom’s Wonder Woman, who is also recognized as a Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog. Although she possesses many of the qualities ideal for truffle hunting, Wonder Woman has shown no interest in pursuing truffles. Nevertheless, she remains a cherished member of our family and holds a special place as Daddy’s little girl.

Larcan’s Tartufo di Nicciolo (Ceres)

Currently, Larcan’s Tartufo di Nicciolo, known as Ceres, leads our truffle hunting efforts. Ceres is a Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed specifically developed for truffle hunting. She exhibits notable intelligence and is highly trainable, consistently excelling in the orchard as she locates truffles with enthusiasm and skill. Her performance and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our truffle operation.