About Staff of Life

We look at conventional flour and proudly say “You flew here, we grew here.”

Growing up in San Diego, Staff of Life owners Rob Maden and Phil Jones have lived, surfed and fell in love with every city from the Mexico border to San Clemente.

After meeting his cosmic champion, starting a family and spending several summers at the family ranch nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains surrounded by fresh water and fertile soil a deeper appreciation of the natural world and farming emerged. Upon returning to San Diego, Rob was shocked to find no locally grown wheat in his Home town.

Tractor and wheat. Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.

Contrary to common belief, California was originally called “The Golden State” because of the amber waves of grain that graced its landscape. Staff of Life of proposes a new “Gold Rush” built on the currency of connection. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.

The Miller was once the centerpiece of the community.

Providing freshly milled wheat is our commitment and our business.

Community and family. Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.
Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.
Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.
Golden wheat stalk. Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.
Wheat stalk with green and golden grains. Staff of Life Wheat. San Diego, California. Farmer, Miller and Baker working with the community to provide locally grown, locally milled, locally baked wheat.

Shop our Flour & Wheat

Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux Rouge de Bordeaux
Quick View
Rouge de Bordeaux
from $8.00

Stone-milled to order from organically grown Rouge de Bordeaux wheat, this flour offers a rich connection to one of France's most celebrated heritage grain varieties.

Flavor Profile: Rich, sweet wheat flavor with notes of honey, toasted grain, and nuts.

Best For: Naturally leavened sourdough, country loaves, baguettes, pizza dough, rustic pastries, and blended artisan breads.

Origin: East of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Northern California

Farmer: Tom Traphagan

Growing Method: Certified Organic

Milling Method: Fresh stone-milled whole grain

50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend 50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend
Quick View
50/50 Red Fife Sonoran Blend
from $8.00

This unique blend brings together two of North America's most celebrated heritage wheat varieties—White Sonora and Red Fife—creating a flour that balances exceptional flavor, versatility, and history in every loaf.

Flavor Profile: Sweet wheat flavor with notes of honey, malt, toasted grain, and a subtle nuttiness.

Best For: Sourdough bread, country loaves, pizza dough, hearth breads, sandwich loaves, tortillas, and everyday baking.

Origin: Buckeye, Arizona

Farmer: Matt VanderHart

Varieties: 50% White Sonora, 50% Red Fife

Growing Method: Organic

Milling Method: Fresh stone-milled whole grain

Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran Gila Bend Sonoran
Quick View
Gila Bend Sonoran
from $10.00

Stone-milled from organically grown White Sonora wheat, this flour carries the story of one of North America's oldest cultivated grains. First brought to the Southwest more than three centuries ago, Sonoran wheat became deeply woven into the agricultural and culinary traditions of the desert regions of present-day Arizona, California, and Northern Mexico. Its remarkable adaptability to arid climates and its exceptional flavor have made it a treasured heritage grain for generations.

Flavor Profile: Sweet and buttery with notes of honey, cream, and fresh wheat.

Best For: Tortillas, sourdough bread, hearth loaves, flatbreads, pastries, cookies, muffins, pancakes, and pie crusts.

Origin: Gila Bend, Arizona

Farmer: Dax Hansen

Variety: White Sonora Wheat

Growing Method: Organic & Regenerative Organic Certified

Milling Method: Fresh stone-milled whole grain

*LIMITED QUANTITY

All Products