California Ag Network

Tag: American Agri-Women

  • California State Fair Honors Generations Announcing 2025 Ag Heritage Awards

    The California State Fair proudly recognizes the legacy, resilience, and contributions of multi-generational farming and ranching families as part of the 2025 Agricultural Heritage Awards. This year’s honorees include families whose operations span over a century of dedication to California’s rich agricultural landscape, with two families celebrating an extraordinary 175 years of continuous farming.

    The honorees were celebrated for their remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to California agriculture at the Ag Heritage Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, July 16th at the Clubhouse at the Michelob Ultra Racetrack Grandstand. The Friends of the State Fair were also acknowledge their scholarship recipients.

    “These families represent the spirit and perseverance of California agriculture,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “They’ve remained committed to working the land and feeding their communities and the world.”

    175-Year Honorees

    Locke Ranch Inc. – Lockeford, CA

    Founded in 1850 by Dr. Dean Jewett Locke, Locke Ranch is a testament to six generations of agricultural innovation and perseverance. From cattle and dairy to wine grapes and walnuts, the Locke family has continuously adapted to the times, overcoming floods, failed crops, and economic shifts. Today, the ranch spans 600 acres and remains under the stewardship of Chris and Elliot Locke, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

    Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch – Pleasants Valley, CA

    Settled in 1850, the Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch helped give Pleasants Valley its name. Through generations, the family raised livestock, grew orchards, and now focuses on queen bee production and regenerative agriculture. Despite the destruction of historic buildings during the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fire, including an original 1880 barn, the ranch was rebuilt. Under the care of Ethel Hoskins and the Joyful Ranch Foundation, this historic homestead is preserved for future generations and recognized on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

    125-Year Honorees

    Gowan’s Family Orchard – Philo, CA

    Established in 1876, Gowan family orchards are located in Philo, California, near the Mendocino coast, in the heart of Anderson Valley. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is California’s pre-eminent premium cider, estate grown, produced, and bottled. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is self-distributed in California, and available online throughout most of the US.

    Tyron Ranches – Del Norte County

    The Tryon family first settled in Del Norte County in the early 1800s. In November 1883, George Tryon purchased the original ranch property, laying the foundation for a multi-generational legacy in agriculture. Today, the ranch is proudly owned and operated by his great-niece, Rose Tryon. Rose acquired the ranch from her father, Presley Scott Tryon. Rose attributes her deepest inspiration to her grandmother, Celia W. Tryon, the matriarch of the ranch who passed on a profound respect for the land and her family’s heritage. Rose is honored to farm the same fields today where she once fed hay alongside her grandmother as a child. A lifelong advocate of agriculture, Rose Tryon has dedicated herself to advocacy and leadership. She is a former State President of California Women for Agriculture and currently serves as the National President of American Agri-Women.

    100-Year Honorees

    Heinke’s Family Farm – Paradise, CA

    Founded in 1925, Heinke’s Family Farm has evolved from fruit preserves to organic juice and specialty crops. Known for launching the U.S. kiwi industry, the farm faced devastating loss during the 2018 Camp Fire—but the orchard and vineyard survived. Today, Heinke’s stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, continuing to grow and distribute organic produce nationwide.

    San Gabriel Nursery & Florist – San Gabriel, CA

    Established in 1923 by Japanese immigrants Fred and Mitoko Yoshimura, this beloved nursery overcame immense adversity. In 1942, the Yoshimura family—American citizens—were forcibly relocated to an internment camp during World War II. After the war, they returned and rebuilt across the street, growing the nursery into a flourishing business and cultural landmark. Fred was a pioneer of the California Bonsai Society, and the family introduced unique plant varieties like the “Mission Bell” azalea.

    About the California State Fair Ag Heritage Program:

    The Agricultural Heritage Club was established in 1948 to honor California farm families who have maintained continuous family ownership and operation of their land for 100 years or more. The awards are a cherished State Fair tradition celebrating the vital role agriculture plays in California’s identity and economy.

    The California State Fair runs through July 27. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday. For tickets, schedules, and updates, visit castatefair.com.

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

  • American Agri-Women Announces Road to Influence Inaugural Cohort

    Six dynamic women will make up the inaugural Cohort of the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to influence. The Road to Influence (RTI) is a new program developed by AAW designed to be a bold and innovative personal development experience for members. The program is intended to identify and move beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors, ultimately resulting in stronger leaders for AAW and beyond. The initial cohort will kick off their journey on August 24 in conjunction with the AAW event, Leading, Empowering & Aspiring toward Progress (L.E.A.P.) in Reno, Nev. L.E.A.P. is open to all AAW members, registration is available at www.agr.fyi/leap.

    Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will develop critical skills in areas such as communication, collaboration, driving vision and purpose, trust, managing conflict, and persuasion. In person sessions will be held in conjunction with AAW events through the 2024 AAW Convention in Wisconsin and the program will culminate in a capstone project designed to bring value to AAW, its state and industry affiliates, and members.

    “AAW has a vision to create a one-of-a-kind development program for members,” said AAW Leadership Development Team Lead Sara Reid Herman. “Road to Influence is the culmination of an 18-month effort of a team of established leaders within the organization to identify the core competencies we want to develop in our membership. We are confident this program will strengthen and refine those skills within the culture of our organization.”

    AAW is grateful for sponsorship from key industry alliances such as John Deere, Syngenta, Valent, and AAW Past President Mitzi Perdue to make this vision a reality. These partners will provide financial support, curriculum consultation, and additional resources to bring the program to fruition. In addition, AAW will partner with learning and development professional Sarah Hummell to provide key course content and program facilitation.

    Initial Cohort members:

    • Debbie Bacigalupi – Co Owner, BaciBeef and Ranch Hand, Cold Springs Ranch, Montague, Calif.
    • Vikkie Becker – Co Owner, Becker Farms, Alexander, Ill.
    • Jenny Hitner – Owner, Timber Town Real Estate & Century Forest Management, Monroe, Ore.
    • Ally Moreau – Business Analyst, American National Insurance Co., Feura Bush, N.Y.
    • Donnell Scott – Food Labeling Professional, AIB International, Manhattan, Kan.
    • Chrissy Wozniak – Founder, North American Ag, Cape Coral, Fla.About American Agri-Women

      American Agri-Women (AAW) is the national coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women’s organizations and state and commodity affiliate organizations. AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org. AAW promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org.

  • Join Ag Advocates Nov. 1-5 for the American Agri-Women Annual Meeting

    American Agri-Women (AAW) will hold their 48th Annual Meeting in the heart of downtown Sacramento, California, Nov. 1-5, 2023. The host group, California Women for Agriculture (CWA), has planned colorful tours and informative speakers for convention attendees.

    The event will be held in Old Town Sacramento at the Embassy Suites. Tours for attendees and guests will explore the diverse agriculture of northern California.The line-up of guest speakers, business sessions and informative workshops is designed to provide leadership and advocacy awareness training for the membership and guests. AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of women in agriculture with members in 42 states. Additional information about AAW and registration details can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org.

    Photo Caption: Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
    American Agri-Women’s Annual Meeting host hotel, Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade, in the shadow of Sacramento’s iconic Tower Bridge

    This marks the fourth time that California Women for Agriculture has hosted an AAW Annual Meeting and the second time the event has been held in Sacramento.

    “We are excited to host our affiliates and the AAW leadership team in our state’s capitol,” said current CWA President, Sharron Zoller. It provides CWA with a wonderful opportunity to showcase our State’s Capital and the historical backdrop of Sacramento’s Old Town District sets a wonderful setting for the events and learning.” California Women for Agriculture  hosted the event in San Diego (79′), Sacramento (90′), Monterey (05′).

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) is the national coalition of farm, ranch, and agribusiness women’s organizations and state and commodity affiliate organizations. AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org. AAW promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/ (@americanagriwomen). #standupspeakout4ag

  • American Agri-Women Release Vision for 2023 Farm Bill

    “We in agriculture need to block out the noise and move forward with a vision that works to solve the critical problems facing our country,” said American Agri-Women (AAW) President Heather  Hampton+Knodle.  “Agriculture is on the front lines of challenges such as dealing with climate extremes, food security, national security, and worldclass telecommunications to enable further advancements in natural resource management.”   Yet, agriculture receives approximately 1% of federal discretionary funding each year. And less than one quarter of a percent of total spending.

    AAW’s recent work builds on concepts the group published in 2022 that included fundamentals like well-funded, flexible crop insurance; revitalizing research infrastructure that has outlived its intended life; access to markets and inputs including credit to pay for exponential increases in inputs and equipment; and modernizing aging utilities for water and underserved telecommunications in rural areas.

    Additions to the vision include using export programs to secure global supply chain logistics for inputs and exports; increasing programs to support rural, large livestock veterinarians; and workforce development for the timber industry.

    AAW envisions a Farm Bill that tailors programs to support a robust and self-sufficient food and agriculture sector based on ownership of private property because it leads to innovation and continual increases in production to feed, clothe and fuel our domestic population and much of the world.

    AAW supports food programs as part of the Farm Bill. In order to feed people with programs such as SNAP and school lunches, investments begin at the farm level with critical components for managing risk such as crop insurance and access to credit; research and innovation that is transferred to farms and value-added processing in rural areas; symmetrical connectivity and data transfer for real-time decision making and communications; conservation programs that emphasize the health of working lands rather than discourage their wise use.

    Hampton+Knodle said, “We need healthy and vibrant rural communities where we can train qualified minds and hands to enact the vision. The Farm Bill is needed for food security and national security as well as playing roles in maintaining a positive trade balance in agriculture and sustaining rural economies throughout the U.S. Given the importance of agriculture to solving key problems in nutrition, trade, energy, and conservation, AAW believes Congress should increase baseline funding for the Farm Bill.”

    AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/(@americanagriwomen). #standupspeakout4ag

  • American Agri-Women “Road to Influence” Leadership Program Applications Due June 21

    American Agri-Women (AAW) members can apply now for the “AAW’s Road to Influence” personal and leadership development program.  The group is making history with this unique program that is for women only, from across the nation, from a variety of backgrounds in farming, agribusiness, ranching, forestry and the food industry.

    AAW’s President Heather Hampton+Knodle said, “We are not tied to one state or emphasizing one set of issues. It is not a “one hit wonder” one-day event.  We are investing in the growth and evolution of women so they can lead meaningful conversations and progress in their homes, work, communities, and the industry.”

    The 14-month program will launch in August in conjunction with AAW’s LEAP: Leading, Empowering and Aspiring to Progress event in Reno, Nevada which is open to all AAW members.  As they travel the AAW Road to Influence, participants will explore three phases: a deep dive into themselves to identify and manage blindspots and strengths; maximizing working in teams; and enacting a program or initiative to advance the AAW mission.  The program will integrate virtual meetings with intervals of three to four in-person seminars that culminate with graduation at the 2024 AAW Convention in Wisconsin.

    Applications are due by June 21st to the AAW Leadership Development Team Lead, Sara Reid Herman.

    The packet and membership information can be found at the organization’s website, www.americanagriwomen.org.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/ (@americanagriwomen). #standupspeakout4ag

  • American Agri-Women Decide Legislative Policy Positions

    American Agri-Women (AAW) updated its legislative policy positions in the areas of natural resources, commodities and education, and ag business and economics at its annual mid-year meeting held recently in Jordan, Utah. AAW, a national coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, is in its 48th year of advocating for agriculture.

    American Agri-Women members updated the organization’s legislative policy positions at its Mid-Year meeting held recently in Nashville, Tenn.

    The 2023 AAW Mid-Year meeting was held in beautiful Nashville, Tenn., April 12-15 at the Embassy Suites Hilton – Nashville Airport. Women nationwide gathered to discuss current agricultural issues and policies and voted to create the 2023 AAW Position Statements.

    The meeting began with an afternoon session on April 12, with both the Executive and Foundation committees holding their meetings, followed by a joint planning session between the two committees.

    April 13, began with the Board of Directors meeting followed by mid-year orientation. Following orientation, the group traveled downtown Nashville to the RFD-TV studio. After the RFD-TV tour, we heard about Media Strategies from Genevieve O’Sullivan, VP of Marketing CropLife America. For the remainder of the afternoon, members worked on updating the AAW Position Statements.

    Members finished the position statement on the final day and voted to accept them along with fly-in orientation.

    The AAW Foundation held the mid-year silent auction, where members donated items to be used for the fundraiser. The Foundation promotes and develops educational and leadership programs and opportunities relevant to agriculture.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org.

  • Daughters of American Ag Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

    The American Agri-Women (AAW) Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarships. The application may be found here:  https://americanagriwomen.org/scholarships. The deadline is March 1. Late applications will not be considered.

    The Jean Ibendahl Scholarship (for ages 18-23) and the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship (for ages 24+) honors the memory of these courageous and adventurous women who played an essential role in serving and leading and who encouraged agricultural pursuits.

    These scholarships are available to any farm, ranch, or agri-business woman to pursue accredited courses in agriculture leadership, communications, rural sociology, medicine or other college-level studies directly related to agriculture. American Agri-Women members and affiliates maintain the scholarships.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women     (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information and to join, www.americanagriwomen.org.

  • American Agri-Women Call to Rescind Arbitrary Water Rule

    American Agri-Women (AAW) call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rescind the proposed Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).

    “The proposed WOTUS rule exposes farmers to arbitrary and confusing case-by-case determinations,” said Heather Hampton+Knodle, President of American Agri-Women.

    The proposed rule features an overreaching, expanded definition of the qualifications of WOTUS to include ephemeral drainage paths, low drainage areas, artificial ponds, and ditches. In addition, the proposed rule removes exemptions for several agricultural related activities. These changes would lead to increased regulations, complex permitting, and increased costs.

    Hampton+Knodle said, “Given the Agency’s past abuse of their authority under the Constitution and the Clean Water Act, AAW members are convinced this proposed rule will be detrimental to our livelihoods and ability to produce food, fiber and renewable fuels for our country.”

    The letter emphasized that the proposed WOTUS rule fails to follow legal decisions and precedent set by the courts as well the intent of Congress. In contrast, the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) provides clear and concise definitions and regulations that follow the law.

    Gayle Baker, P.E., AAW Issue Lead for Water Quality, said, “I work with farmers that are trying to achieve Prior Converted Cropland determinations, which under this proposed rule, would not have the previous exemptions regarding the ‘Change of Use’ policy. This, as well as other exemptions that are no longer included in the rule, would restrict farming activities and regulate farming and ranching operations. It is so important that AAW’s voice is heard on this proposed rule.”

    AAW expressed concerns that the proposed rule removes the power to administer the Clean Water Act from the states and prescribes limited management practices that will stifle innovation and best solutions for site-specific sustainability.

    The AAW letter concludes, “One thing is clear: even though America’s farmers and ranchers care about the land, care for it because it is paramount to our livelihoods and our nation’s food security, and we continue to innovate our farming methods based on science and research, the Agencies and the proposed rule will make it more difficult to improve the land and water practices, thereby hampering our self-sufficiency and potentially leading to negative impacts on our land and water due to bureaucratic interference.”

    For more information, contact communications@americanagriwomen.org or visit the organization’s website at www.americanagriwomen.org.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through a safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information and to join, www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media  at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/(@americanagriwomen.) #standupspeakout4ag