California Ag Network

Tag: family farms

  • California Walnut Board Announces Board Election Results

    The California Walnut Board is announcing a new Board of Directors, which has been certified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Board of Directors consists of 10 growers and 8 handlers, which include three new individuals, who will serve a two-year term beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027:

    DISTRICT 1

    Grower Member: William D. Carriere, Glenn

    Grower Alternate: Jeff Gallagher, Rio Oso

    Grower Member: Ben Walsh, Orland

    Grower Alternate: Michael Petz, Tracy

    Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters

    Handler Alternate: John Aguiar, Winters

    Handler Member: Eric Heidman, Stockton

    Handler Alternate: Dick Wolf, Stockton

    DISTRICT 2

    Grower Member: Brent Barton, Escalon

    Grower Alternate: Daniel Bays, Westley (New)

    Grower Member: Greg Wiersma, Visalia

    Grower Alternate: Benjamin Crane, Merced

    Handler Member: Frank Guerra, Hollister

    Handler Alternate: Brock Middleton, Hughson

    Handler Member: Mike Poindexter, Selma

    Handler Alternate: Aaron Martella, Hughson (New)

    AT LARGE

    Grower Member: Michael Machado, Linden

    Grower Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)

    “These newly elected board members bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the table,” said Robert Verloop, executive director of the California Walnut Board. “Importantly, they are not only committed to their own operations, but also to the broader success of the walnut industry. Their leadership will be critical as we work to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry through our strategic plan developed in 2023, which aims to make California walnuts craved around the globe.”

    The board certification concludes the election process that began in February when nominations opened for board positions. Growers and Handlers across California received nomination petitions, followed by ballots in mid-April listing eligible candidates for their respective districts and statewide positions.

    The California Walnut Board members will help shape the future of the California walnut industry and guide its ambitious strategic plan, which focuses on six key priorities: product quality, global sales and marketing, innovation, sustainability, goal-oriented production and post-harvest research, and revitalizing the board and commission for industry cohesion.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • 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.