A Legacy Rooted in Bakersfield
In the heart of California’s South Valley, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Jason Giannelli, a fourth-generation farmer from Bakersfield, carries forward a rich family tradition. With roots stretching across both Italian and Irish heritage, Giannelli proudly represents the next chapter in a long line of dedicated agriculturalists.
Giannelli serves as the director of farming for Old River Farming Company and RNG Fanucchi, overseeing the cultivation of corn silage, wheat silage, and other crops essential to feeding dairy cows across Kern and Kings Counties. Managing approximately 30,000 acres, his work ensures that local dairies are well-supported while maintaining a commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Farming Through Generations
The evolution of farming over generations is a central theme in Giannelli’s story. “Compared to where my great-grandfather started and everything to where we are now, our area has changed a lot,” Giannelli explains. Urban expansion, shifts in land use, and technological advances have reshaped the farming landscape in the South Valley. Despite these changes, Giannelli emphasizes the enduring commitment of his family: “Even with everything going on in California, we’re still here. My dad has always said they’re not running us out of this state.”
Navigating Water Challenges
Water remains one of the most pressing issues for California farmers. As towns like Stockdale and Shafter expand, the competition for water resources intensifies. Giannelli highlights the complexities of balancing urban growth with agricultural needs: “Those cities have 20-year plans for water, but as farmland disappears, we end up with less surface water. With SGMA coming into play, we’ll have regulations on what we can pump.”
The South Valley enjoys relatively stable water availability, but allocations are not always guaranteed. Giannelli notes that farmers must adjust their cropping patterns in response, choosing crops like Milo that require less water when supply is limited. “It’s all about being smart with water, not just conserving,” he says, pointing to the role of automation in managing valves and detecting leaks to protect both resources and the bottom line.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
Giannelli is also active on the board of the California Ag Tech Alliance, working to integrate technology into modern farming. From autonomous sprayers to advanced sensors, innovation is key to sustaining productivity amid labor shortages and environmental challenges. “Those types of innovations are what’s going to keep us viable and keep us going for the next generation,” he says.
Yet, technology is only effective when it complements hands-on experience. Giannelli emphasizes that farming is still inherently practical: “Everything’s a tool in the toolbox. I still use my shovel and soil probe to verify what technology tells me.”
Addressing Labor and Policy Challenges
Labor availability and regulatory pressures continue to shape farming operations. Giannelli describes the gap between policymakers and agricultural realities: “A lot of these policies come from people who have no idea how farming works. They still have full bellies, but don’t understand how that food gets to their table.”
This disconnect underscores the importance of agricultural education. Programs like FFA (Future Farmers of America) are critical in teaching the next generation—and their families—about farming practices, helping bridge the gap between urban perceptions and rural realities.
The ROI of Innovation
For Giannelli, every decision revolves around return on investment (ROI). Whether adopting new technologies or exploring automated solutions, the key consideration is whether the investment can be recouped efficiently. “If it’s going to take me 10 to 15 years to pay it off, it’s not worth it because technology changes so much,” he explains.
Balancing innovation with practicality ensures that farming remains sustainable, both economically and operationally, while preparing for a future shaped by technology, water constraints, and evolving agricultural policies.
Eyes on the Land
Even with the latest technologies at his disposal, Giannelli maintains a hands-on approach. “Farming is all about putting eyes on everything,” he says, noting that microclimates and unpredictable weather require direct observation to supplement technological insights. From rainfall variations to soil conditions, no automated system can fully replace the judgment and experience of a seasoned farmer.
Precision Agriculture and Automation in Modern Farming
As agriculture evolves, automation has become a cornerstone of modern farming practices. Giannelli highlights the importance of precision irrigation systems, weather monitoring tools, and drones, all of which allow farmers to tailor water and nutrient applications with unprecedented accuracy. “Some areas might get one inch, some areas might not need water,” he explains. By leveraging technology, Giannelli and his team can optimize efficiency, reduce unnecessary labor, and make better-informed decisions without constantly driving across thousands of acres.
He emphasizes that these innovations are tools to supplement traditional methods rather than replace them entirely. Automation allows for improved oversight and operational efficiency, giving farmers more flexibility to manage multiple ranches and communicate with teams remotely.
Navigating Commodity Prices and Dairy Management
Despite technological advances, farming remains subject to market realities. Giannelli points out that growers are price takers, meaning they have little control over commodity prices. “All we can do is grow the best yield possible and farm for yield,” he says. Even with fluctuating markets, the focus remains on efficiency and maximizing output.
Dairy operations in the region have maintained herd sizes while becoming increasingly efficient. Giannelli praises the industry for its innovation, particularly in sustainability practices: “From methane digesters to milk production, to composting manure, to reusing water on fields, nothing really goes to waste.” Water is reused multiple times within operations, showcasing the ingenuity of California dairies in balancing productivity with environmental stewardship.
Advocating for Agriculture and the Bigger Picture
Giannelli stresses the need for policymakers to understand the broader impact of regulations on farming communities. He explains that seemingly beneficial laws can inadvertently harm local economies, reduce tax revenue, and threaten jobs. For example, water restrictions under SGMA could force farmland out of production, affecting both agriculture and municipal funding. Similarly, restrictions on oil production in areas like Taft can jeopardize local employment and economic stability.
To address these challenges, Giannelli works with advocacy groups such as Californians for Science and Energy to educate the public and policymakers on energy and agricultural issues. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based advocacy: “You have to come at them with facts and logic… show them the big picture.”
Leadership, Advocacy, and Education
With a presence on multiple boards and active engagement in agricultural organizations, Giannelli exemplifies leadership in the farming sector. He prefers to work behind the scenes, influencing policy and educating others rather than holding political office. “I’ve been in the political world my whole life,” he notes, but his passion lies in farming and mentoring the next generation.
Giannelli also prioritizes hands-on education for his own children, ensuring they understand agriculture firsthand. By teaching them about crop management, pest control, and sustainable practices, he instills knowledge, pride, and respect for the land. Social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook serve as tools for sharing these experiences, highlighting his commitment to fostering awareness and understanding of farming within both his family and the broader community.
Farmers as Environmental Stewards
Jason Giannelli emphasizes that farmers are among the greatest environmentalists. “Why would I want to destroy my soil health?” he asks. For multi-generational farmers like Giannelli, maintaining soil fertility and sustainable practices is not just an ethical choice—it is essential for the long-term viability of their operations. Protecting the land ensures that it can continue producing crops year after year, allowing future generations to carry on the family legacy.
Looking Ahead: California Farming in 2026
When asked about the future of California agriculture, Giannelli expresses cautious optimism. He believes the state has the potential to regain its status as a thriving agricultural hub. “California can be great again,” he asserts. While current policies may not be the most business-friendly, Giannelli is confident that awareness and informed voting can drive positive change. He emphasizes that good policy benefits communities by supporting strong businesses, creating well-paying jobs, and generating tax revenue to sustain local services.
Giannelli also addresses labor challenges, a longstanding concern for California farmers. While the timeline for meaningful reform may span several years, he remains hopeful that regulatory improvements and practical advocacy can address labor shortages and support farm operations more effectively.
Supporting Local Agriculture and American Food
Beyond policy and technology, Giannelli underscores the importance of supporting local and domestic agriculture. “Whether it’s up and down the state, local agriculture, or American-grown food, it is the healthiest and best food you can eat,” he states. He points to California’s dairy industry as a model of innovation and efficiency, highlighting their sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to quality. Giannelli encourages consumers to appreciate and invest in the work of farmers, emphasizing that milk and other locally produced foods represent the pinnacle of both nutrition and agricultural innovation.
A Personal Connection to Farming
For Giannelli, farming is more than a profession—it is a family tradition and a personal passion. He takes pride in involving his children in day-to-day farm life, teaching them about crop management, soil health, and sustainable practices. By passing on knowledge and experience, he ensures that the next generation values the land, understands the intricacies of agriculture, and appreciates the commitment required to maintain a successful farm.
Final Thoughts
Jason Giannelli’s insights reveal the complexity, innovation, and resilience inherent in modern California farming. From adopting cutting-edge technologies to navigating water scarcity, commodity markets, labor challenges, and policy impacts, Giannelli exemplifies the adaptive and forward-thinking mindset required to sustain agriculture in the 21st century. Above all, his dedication to family, the land, and the broader agricultural community underscores why farmers remain indispensable stewards of the environment, guardians of food security, and pillars of local economies.