California Ag Network

Tag: Fresno County Farm Bureau

  • Fresno Chamber Presents Ag Awards at Malcolm Media Expo

    Malcolm Media’s annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo returned to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds on November 14th, where 1,600+ ag professionals gathered for some amazing networking and educational opportunities. With a vast indoor and outdoor agricultural tradeshow, CE credited seminars, BBQ tri-tip lunch, and an expanded series of State of the Industry sessions for key grape, nut and fresh fruit commodities, attendees enjoyed a one-of-a-kind experience and took home insights that will benefit the future of their farming operations.

    New to the Expo this year – the Fresno Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Ag Awards in partnership with Malcolm Media and the Fresno County Farm Bureau.  To celebrate the occasion, the fairground tables and stage were lavishly decorated by The Chamber with flowering plants from Belmont Nursery and an edible arrangement of fresh grapes, persimmons and pomegranates.

    AGvocate of the Year: Shelly Abajian

    The first award, for AGvocate of the Year, was conferred on Shelly Abajian.  Abajian said that after college, “I farmed a little bit with my father and then ended up with the job of my life with US Senator Dianne Feinstein. . . . Because of that job, I was able to meet and connect with agriculture and people throughout the state.”  During the 21 years that Abajian worked for Feinstein, she earned the appreciation of farmers as a trusted broker of their interests.  She travelled the state and dug deeply into the issues, especially water.

    Abajian resides as the third generation on her family’s raisin farm in Selma, accompanied by the fourth and fifth generations.

    Shelly Abajian, awarded AGvocate of the year, served as a liaison between farmers and the late senator Dianne Feinstein.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Edgar Blanco

    The second award, Agricultural Employee of the Year, was bestowed on Edgar Blanco. Originally from Mexico, Blanco serves as the Vice President of Operations for the Home Management Group, Inc., where he plays a central role in strategic workforce planning, vineyard development and safety compliance across all ranch operations.  In 2021 he expanded his leadership role even more by partnering with Earl Hall to co-own BH Grinding, LLC, a vineyard and orchard removal company.

    “Blanco’s career reflects the very spirit of the award: unwavering dedication, leadership, and a profound understanding of what it takes to keep agricultural enterprises thriving,” remarked Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen as he presented the award to Blanco.   

    Edgar Blanco (pictured with Ryan Jacobsen) was awarded Agricultural Employee of the Year for his “unwavering dedication, leadership, and profound understanding of what it takes to keep agricultural enterprises thriving.”

    Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year: Belmont Nursery

    The “Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year,” was awarded to Belmont Nursery.  Belmont owner Jon Reelhorn was a self-described “city boy” who studied landscaping at Fresno State.  After selling plants for another large wholesale nursery for 15 years, Reelhorn acquired Belmont Nursery in 2001.  The previous owner, Jerry Palmer, graciously mentored him.

    Expanding under Reelhorn’s leadership from 13 to 50 employees, Belmont stands out for its innovation and industry leadership.  They have modernized operations and developed unique plant varieties.  As Reelhorn says, “We’re a grower first, and then we happen to have a store.”  They encourage employee-driven creativity in their own business and beyond.  They further invest in the broader horticultural community, hosting educational events, supporting staff certifications and actively participating in state and national nursery associations.

    Equally impressive is Belmont’s commitment to philanthropy.  Their Giving Committee donates plants, supplies and funding to schools, community gardens and educational programs.  Belmont also champions sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping, enabling customers and peers to surround their built environment with plantings that are both ecologically responsible and visually appealing.

    Jon Reelhorn accepted the “Baker Tilly Agribusiness of the Year” award on behalf of his business, Belmont Nursery. The Nursery encourages employee-driven creativity and promotes sustainable, drought-tolerant landscaping.

    Agriculturist of the Year: Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farming

    The prestigious Agriculturist of the Year award was presented to Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farming.

    Woolf’s specialty crops farm lies in a water-challenged area along the west side of the southern Central Valley.  To accommodate the insufficient water, Woolf is experimenting with growing agave on 450 acres of his farm.  Agave needs only 2 inches of water per year, compared to 45 inches for other crops.  Agave is used to make mezcal, a Mexican distilled liquor, of which tequila is the most familiar type.   

    Besides being an innovative farmer, Woolf is known for treating everyone around him with respect.  He claims that he loves going to work on his farm even more than going to the beach or the mountains.

    The Chamber was pleased to honor these four recipients for their contributions to Fresno County agriculture, celebrated with an amazing turnout of Expo attendees.   

    California Fresh Fruit Association President Daniel Hartwig (left) congratulating Stuart Woolf (right) awarded as Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s “Agriculturist of the Year” at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno on November 14.

  • Fresno Chamber Honors Harold McClarty as Agriculturalist of the Year

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is delighted to unveil the recipients of the 2024 Ag Awards, a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the outstanding leaders within our local agricultural industry. These distinguished individuals and organizations will be honored at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 7th, hosted at Pardini’s Banquet and Catering.

    The 2024 Ag Awards Honorees are as follows:

    Agriculturalist of the Year: Harold McClarty, HMC
    Harold is an innovator in the fresh fruit industry, using technology to enhance safety and productivity on the farm. His investments in innovation, including new trellises and automation, are shaping the future of agriculture. A past chair of CFFA, he also serves on the board of Western Growers, working closely with F3 to improve the lives of farm employees.

    Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year: Trinity Company
    Trinity Company, a family-owned and operated company, was founded in 1991 by David E. White. Since then, Trinity Company has become a vertically integrated organization with a complete year-round portfolio. As grower, packer, and shipper, they feature fruit for every season. They also offer sales and logistics to make Trinity Company a full-service partner.
    AGvocate of the Year: Jeff and Jill Aiello 18THIRTY Entertainment
    Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff and his wife Jill are passionate advocates for agriculture. Their work includes the documentary series American Grown and Tapped Out, which highlights critical issues in agriculture and water. Their storytelling and videography educate the public and inspire trust and engagement in agricultural narratives.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Silverio Madrigal, P-R Farms
    With 48 years of dedicated service, Silverio has risen from a tree fruit picker to a Farm Manager. He exemplifies loyalty and commitment, emphasizing safety training and communication with fellow employees. His long-term contributions showcase his value to the employer and family.

    “These awards symbolize vital facets of Fresno’s agricultural community,” remarked Scott Miller, CEO & President of Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “The Ag Awards Celebration has expanded its recognition to include those who play pivotal roles in the prosperity of our local industry and the broader Central Valley.”

    For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or 559-905-6090.

    To view the list of past recipients of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year awards, visit https://fresnochamber.com/.

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education and relationship building.

  • Tribute to Allied Grape Growers’ Nat DiBuduo

    Allied Grape Growers’ Nat DiBuduo recently retired after 18 years of dedicated service as President of the Association. He will be deeply missed by all who have come in contact with this great man. Watch this video tribute to Nat, as shared at Allied Grape Growers 2018 Annual Meeting, with comments from some of the many people who have been influenced by Nat over the years. Read Nat’s story in the June issue of American Vineyard Magazine or online Here

    Enjoy our Ag video news?  Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!

  • FCFB to Welcome Agricultural Comedian “Tim the Dairyman” on May 3!

    Fresno, Calif., (April 9, 2018) – Fresno County Farm Bureau (FCFB) is over the “moooooon” to welcome Florida dairy farmer and agricultural comedian “Tim the Dairyman” at its inaugural “Bounty of Fresno County” event on Thursday, May 3, at Wolf Lakes Park in Sanger.

    The social will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 6:15 p.m. Seating is extremely limited due to venue size. This event will SELL OUT, and we don’t want you to miss this opportunity to celebrate with us!

    To purchase tickets or become a table sponsor, click here, or for more information, contact FCFB at 559-237-0263 or info@fcfb.org.

  • Fresno County Farm Bureau issues statement on Support for Proposition 1 Funding of Temperance Flat Dam

    Fresno, Calif., (August 15, 2017) – “After decades of talk and nearly two years of a regional effort to put together a stellar application packet, Fresno County Farm Bureau celebrates the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority’s official filing of the Temperance Flat Dam bid for state water bond funding.

    “Temperance Flat is an absolute must for the viability of farms throughout the Central Valley.  The lack of a reliable water supply over the past decade has cost this region billions of dollars in agricultural production, economic activity and jobs.  This project will benefit all Californians and Americans who depend on a domestic food supply while ensuring water solutions to our local communities.

    “Fresno County Farm Bureau has been a supporter of Temperance Flat since the beginning.  Our organization was among the many in our communities who marched for water in 2009, and who, again, in 2014, fought for the $2.7 billion in Proposition 1 funding for storage projects including Temperance Flat.  Make no mistake…our statewide coalition specifically sought funding for aboveground storage projects knowing that Temperance Flat is the best project in the state to benefit.

    “The project’s location is ideal for capturing, storing and moving water South-of-Delta while having minimal effect on the environment.  Additionally, with the implementation of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Temperance Flat will allow local communities and agriculture the opportunity to put additional water supplies back into the ground.  In 2016-2017 alone, as much as 2.5 million-acre feet will be released as flood flows that should have been used for water/irrigation supplies, as well as groundwater recharge, in both this and future years.

    “This project alone is not a cure-all to our local water supply challenges, but it is a necessary step towards building a reliable water future for the Valley.  Fresno County Farm Bureau now asks the California Water Commission to fund this needed project.  It is our hope to see ground broken on this significant infrastructure investment in the not-too-distant future.”

    Statement by CEO Ryan Jacobsen