Through regenerative practices and a vertically integrated approach, Matt Billings brings a passion for innovation and sustainability to the crafting of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt

The story of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt begins in 1913 on the Billings family farm. As a boy, Matt Billings had the best seat in the house: riding around with his dad and grandfather in the family pickup truck, three generations of Billings men exploring their fields. Life on the farm taught Billings that a good reputation requires a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing. Now a father, farmer, and founder of AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, Billings brings a passion for innovation, healthy living, and sustainability to the practice of farming organic almonds – a legacy he is passing down to his own children.

For Billings, being a good farmer means being a responsible steward of the land. Taking a regenerative approach to agriculture, he persistently seeks creative ways to modernize and more thoughtfully use resources. For example, while the farm currently operates by both conventional and organic means, Billings is working to actively transition more acreage each year until it is fully organic. He also takes steps to build symbiotic relationships with farm wildlife, partnering with nature to produce a higher quality nut and superior yogurt flavor. Without bees, there would be no almonds. So, Billings takes pride in helping them to prosper, having maintained a relationship with the same beekeeper for over 20 years.

Likewise, Billings prioritizes the conservation of land resources while supporting the environment in its organic growth. He does this, in part, by allowing natural ground covers to flourish in the orchards, promoting a diversity of rich flora. He also does this by taking care not to overwork the land, leaving some acreage out of production each season. This allows it to rest and regenerate – an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the farm. To that end, Billings makes every effort to maintain the farm’s most precious resource: water. Adhering to the state of California’s rules and regulations, Billings cultivates in a sustainable irrigation basin. Then, he goes above and beyond these guidelines by sourcing most of his water from natural snowmelt and rain.

As Billings watches his oldest son (age 19) work the family land, he understands that the greatest gifts he can give his three kids are the lessons, morals, and expertise passed down from his own father and grandfather. Plus, he now has his own distinct legacy to offer: the production of creamy, probiotic-rich AYO Almondmilk Yogurt, backed by a 100-plus year tradition of responsible cultivation and successful almond farming. With his solid foundational expertise and vertically integrated capabilities, Billings carried out a lifelong vision of building a quality consumer brand that delivers on what customers want: a delicious, clean-crafted dairy alternative with a healthy nutritional profile. Thanks to the skills and principles Billings learned growing up on the farm, he exceeded expectations with a sustainably made, vegan yogurt that tastes great! Visit ayoyogurt.com to learn more and shop AYO Almondmilk Yogurt at Mother’s Market.