State Fair’s Ag Heritage Breakfast honors farming and ranching pioneers
Bill and Carol Chandler of Chandler Farms in Fresno County, which was honored for 125 years of operation. (Image courtesy of CDFA)
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined the California State Fair and state agricultural leaders for the annual Ag Heritage Breakfast, a fair-sponsored event that recognizes the pioneers of California agriculture – Ag operations in business for 100 years or more.
The Ag Heritage tradition dates back to the 1940’s, beginning as a 100-year club and expanding its horizons as time passed.
“The miracle of California agriculture we see today began with these heritage farms and ranches,” said Secretary Ross. “However, they’re about much more than history. They’re also an essential part of our future as they’re all engaged in long-term planning that will keep their operations productive for generations to come. Their cumulative contributions and those yet to come are a genuine definition of resilience.”
The following family farming and ranching operations were honored this morning:
175 years
Rancho Omochumnes, Sloughhouse, Sacramento County.
150 Years
Clarence Scott Ranches, Yolo County.
Conlan Ranches, Marin County.
Former CDFA director Richard Rominger and his wife, Evelyne, at this morning’s Ag Heritage Breakfast. Evelyne is sporting a temporary blue ribbon tattoo supplied by the California State Fair. (Image courtesy of CDFA)
125 years
Creighton Ranch, Weldon, Kern County
Richard Wilbur Ranch, Live Oak, Yuba County
Chandler Farms, Selma, Fresno County
100 years
Fagundes Farms, Kings County
J&M Thomas Ranch Inc., Tulare County
Mountain View Ranch, Humboldt County
Oak Ridge Angus, Sonoma County
Porter Citrus Inc., Kern County