Nearly 100 Years of California Farming
As pumpkin season gets into full swing, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni sat down with Bryan Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons in Manteca to discuss pumpkins, watermelons, water, labor, innovation, family and the future of California agriculture.
The Van Groningen family has been farming in the Ripon-Manteca area for nearly 95 years, with the family’s California agricultural roots dating back even further. The company’s history traces its California operation to 1922.
Today, Van Groningen & Sons farms approximately 5,000 acres, with watermelons and pumpkins serving as two of its signature crops. The operation also grows alfalfa, wheat, corn and almonds and operates a beef cattle feedlot.
That diversification is part of a vertically integrated operation that plants, grows, harvests, packs, sells and ships its crops.
Pumpkins Thrive in San Joaquin County
Van Groningen said San Joaquin County is the second-largest pumpkin-producing county in the United States, with the region’s combination of warm days, cool nights and Delta breezes providing favorable growing conditions.
The family markets its pumpkins under the Pamper’d Farms label and grows dozens of varieties, including traditional carving pumpkins, miniature pumpkins, gourds and unusual ornamental varieties.
The pumpkin season has also become increasingly long. Van Groningen said the farm began shipping pumpkins in August, with shipments continuing for approximately 12 weeks as retailers prepare for Halloween.
Some varieties can last three or four months, while traditional carving pumpkins may have a much shorter shelf life. The family carefully manages varieties, harvest timing and handling to keep pumpkins marketable throughout the fall season.
The company also operates a pumpkin patch at French Camp and Jack Tone Road, where consumers can see a wide selection of pumpkins and decorative gourds.
Watermelons, Water and Rising Costs
Watermelon production was still underway during the interview, although production had declined to roughly 40% to 50% of peak levels.
Van Groningen said newer watermelon varieties have improved shelf life, sweetness and color. Warm daytime temperatures followed by cooler nights can also help increase sugar content.
Water supplies have been relatively favorable for the operation. Approximately 25% of the family’s acreage is supplied by surface water, with the remainder relying primarily on wells in some areas. Van Groningen credited irrigation districts including South San Joaquin, Central San Joaquin and Stockton East with helping provide water supplies.
He said some curtailment occurred but did not significantly affect production.
At the same time, rising fuel costs continue to squeeze farm margins. Because Van Groningen & Sons handles production, packing and shipping, higher fuel prices affect the business throughout the entire operation.
Labor and Automation Remain Challenges
Pumpkins and watermelons remain highly labor intensive.
Both crops require careful harvesting and handling by hand because bruises, cuts and blemishes can reduce their value. Pumpkins, in particular, are judged heavily on appearance.
Automation has been introduced into the packing shed, where computerized equipment can help sort and size produce. However, employees continue to perform much of the handling and packing.
Van Groningen estimated the operation remains approximately 90% hand labor and 10% automation.
He said labor has been manageable partly because workers displaced or affected by difficulties in other agricultural industries have moved into different crops.
Innovation Is Key to Standing Out
Innovation is another major part of the Van Groningen approach.
The farm dedicates acreage each year to testing new pumpkin varieties. Seed companies bring potential new products to the operation, but Van Groningen said a new variety must offer more than an unusual appearance—it must also have a market.
One example is the Honey Bee pumpkin, a darker variety with yellow stripes resembling a bee.
Van Groningen works directly with retailers to determine which new varieties could help stores distinguish themselves from competitors. The family has also invested in decorating pumpkins, creating painted products with Halloween, patriotic and other themes.
Agriculture Education and the Next Generation
Van Groningen also emphasized the importance of introducing young people to agriculture.
He supports the FFA program at Ripon Christian and has participated in Ag Days, where pumpkins help students connect with agriculture.
Although Van Groningen did not have an FFA program available when he was in high school, he believes today’s FFA students gain valuable skills in public speaking, leadership, confidence and teamwork.
Van Groningen & Sons also welcomes school field trips and has participated in Ag in the Classroom through California Farm Bureau. One virtual field trip took students from the pumpkin fields through the packing shed and reached classrooms across Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Schools interested in agricultural field trips can contact the company at info@vgandsons.com.
A Family Business Looking Ahead
The next generation is already finding its place within the family operation.
Van Groningen said members of the younger generation are working and learning within the business, while others are pursuing careers that complement agriculture. His son, for example, is studying to become a CPA and is interested in the financial side of the family business.
For Van Groningen, allowing each family member to use his or her individual strengths is an important part of keeping the operation moving forward.
That philosophy extends beyond farming.
Van Groningen proudly shared the story of his son Braden Van Groningen, who became a two-time All-State basketball player at Ripon Christian before pursuing men’s volleyball at The Master’s University.
Braden eventually became an All-American and helped lead his team to a 27-0 season and national championship. He was named the NAIA men’s national player of the year and national tournament MVP.
For Bryan and his wife, traveling to watch their son compete became a memorable part of family life—and a reminder that the discipline, work ethic and dedication learned through athletics can carry directly into business and life.
Listen to the Full Ag Meter Interview
From nearly a century of farming to California’s pumpkin season, water supplies, labor, automation, agricultural education and the next generation, Bryan Van Groningen offered Nick Papagni an inside look at what it takes to keep a large family farming operation moving forward.
The conversation provides far more detail than can fit into one article, including the story behind Van Groningen’s pumpkin varieties, the challenges of producing pumpkins in California and the family’s commitment to agriculture and community.
Listen to the full interview between “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Bryan Van Groningen for the complete conversation.
For pumpkins, watermelons, fall décor, school programs, fundraisers and product information, visit vgandsons.com. Van Groningen & Sons lists info@vgandsons.com as its general contact email.
Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below
Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below