July 2024
Meeting today’s challenges. Planning for tomorrow.
san joaquin
farmbureaunews
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
Lockeford Grange has rebirth and looking to grow
SJ County ag, FFA programs continue excellent education
By Craig W. Anderson
By Vicky Boyd
THE NATIONAL GRANGE harkens back to an era long before cell phones and social media when neighbors and families met to discuss the latest issues and possibly enjoy a meal together.
More recently, the Lockeford
Grange – known officially as No. 579 – has been enjoying somewhat of a rebirth for the past two and a half years ago after sitting idle for a while.
“Traditionally, Granges were put in places like Lockeford
See Grange, page 4
CALIFORNIA’S high schools are in the midst of a renaissance in career and technical education to prepare students with the skills needed to acquire high-wage jobs in agriculture-associated industries and San Joaquin County’s high schools are at the forefront of creating a forward-thinking agricultural educational environment in a county where agriculture generates more than $2 billion annually.
See FFA, page 6
3 4-H doing well in San Joaquin County
12 SJFB, YF&R support area youth at Junior Livestock Auction
13 Third-graders enjoy new Healthy Dinner Program
Vicky Boyd
Curtis Hansen (left) and Angie Vana show off cherry pies they won during a recent cherry pit spitting contest, one of many family activities held during regular monthly meetings.
Tokay FFA Grapevine Pruning State Champions
SJFB 2024-25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Acampo
Joe Salazar, Chair
Joe Petersen
Charlie Starr
Calla Nile Garden
Tim Weststeyn, Chair
Bruce Oosterkamp
David Phippen
Bryan Van Groningen
Collegeville
Chester Murphy, Chair
Kent Norman
Neil Norman Escalon
Caleb Gervase, Chair
Katie Veenstra
Paul Voortman
Lafayette
Richard Rodriguez, Chair
Stanton Lange
Daniel Meza
Alfred Nicolini
Linden
Nick Ferrari, Chair
Donald Drake
Jim Ferrari
Joe Ferrari
Steven Galvin
Roberts Union
Nick Mussi, Chair
Patrick Drury
David Strecker
Tracy
Joe Bacchetti, Chair
Phil Martin
Pete Reece, Jr.
Victor
Nick Bokides, Chair
Dave Simpson
Kelton Fleming
Officers
Les Strojan, President
James Chinchiolo, First Vice President
Herman Doornendbal Jr., Second Vice President
Directors at Large
Josh Barton
Phil Brumley
Jean Cabral, Emeritas
Jim Connolly
Karen Cultrera
Dennis Drake
Brad Goehring
Jack Hamm
Bob Hesseltine
Jim Larkin
Joe Luis
Steve Moore
Jerry Robinson
Jake Samuel
Paul Sanguinetti
Ken Vogel
Darrell Voortman
Andrew Watkins
Kenny Watkins
Advisory
Jenna Swenson, Farm Service Agency
Sonya Miller, NRCS/USDA
Krista McCoon, SJ CWA
Kamal Bagri, Ag Commissioner
Sheriff Pat Withrow, Sheriff’s Dept
Brent Holtz, UC Cooperative Extension
Staff
Andrew Genasci, Executive Director
Jessica Coit, Program Director
from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
By Andrew Genasci
Summer brings key SJFB events
IT IS JULY and we are officially halfway through the year! Things have been rocking and rolling here at the San Joaquin Farm Bureau office. We finished preparations for the AgFest buyer’s lunch and our board and Young Farmers and Ranchers group served some 700 lunches to the buyers and supporters of the youth here in San Joaquin County. This is something that the Farm Bureau does every year to give back to our community. Supporting the next generation of agriculturalists and community members is the Farm Bureau’s top priority.
In June, I along with our new President Les Strojan were able to attend the NASCAR race in Sonoma as part of their Farm to the Finish Line Day. We were able to meet with fans from as far away as Australia and talk about the triumphs and challenges of farming here in the Central Valley. It was a wonderful time to visit with businesses from the area and other county Farm Bureaus also. Being there to support Sonoma County Farm Bureau in their fight against the antianimal agriculture ballot measure being proposed by radical environmental groups was important to us also and I am glad we were able to be there.
Our 110th Annual Meeting at the San Joaquin Historical Society. I enjoyed seeing the nearly 200 Farm Bureau members, dignitaries and scholarship award winners and their families at the event! Time spent building the bonds both between those within agriculture and those who support us is something we never can do enough. Bringing our members and supporters together in such a beautiful location is really the cherry on top. Thank you to all our supporters and sponsors, without you we could not have had magnificent events like this! Read more about it in Jessica’s
column on page 12. Full coverage will hear more about the Annual Meeting in the August SJFB News.
Recently, I was able to attend a presentation on the updated State Groundwater Management Act application for our area. If you are not keeping up with this, I strongly encourage you to do so. Many of us have been watching the groundwater basins in the south of the valley and their struggles with the Department of Water Resources. DWR has even had to step in to manage one of the basins because they felt that the basin plan was non-compliant.
While we may differ on how to bring our basin into compliance with SGMA, I
think we all can agree that the last thing we want is for the state to step in to manage it for us. Our updated plan is due at the end of the year, so there will be many important meetings between now and then to lock in the details. Please attend, or if you cannot, make sure that you are educated in how this will affect your operation. Feel free to swing by the office or give us a call any time. If you are having an issue, think we may be able to help you, or just want to talk through one of the myriads of issues agriculture faces, please give us a call. We will continue to work on your behalf but would love to hear from our members too!
President, Les Strojan
First Vice President, James Chinchiolo Second Vice President, Herman Doornenbal Jr. Executive Director/Publisher, Andrew Genasci Editor/Production, Kevin Swartzendruber Advertising Agency, AOS, (916) 961-9999 Produced by Exclamation Point Communications for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation, 3290 Ad Art Road, Stockton, CA 95215, (209) 931-4931.
Kevin Swartzendruber
SJFB members cooked hundreds of lunches for the AgFest buyer's lunch. Pictured left is Paul Sanguinetti. At right is l-r Dave Simpson, James Chinchiolo, Andrew Watkins and Caleb Gervase.
4-H doing well in San Joaquin County
4-H IS ALIVE AND WELL in San Joaquin County with 13 active clubs teaching and entertaining kids of all ages.
“It’s good that 4-H and the Grange are doing well and providing a good agricultural experience for youth,” said SJFB
“One of the most interesting and fun days was Presentation Day,” said 4-H Senior Office Assistant Angela Tipsey.
“This program encourages members to speak on different topics in a variety of ways including convincing the audience, projects successfully,” Tipsey commented. weekends or agreed upon times and they
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Many San Joaquin County 4-H members participated in AgFest last month.
Kevin Swartzendruber
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Grange
Continued from page 1 people the skills they need to thrive and succeed throughout their lives.
Tipsey noted that members from the County program journeyed to state competitions and took second place in the national Fashion Review. “A significant number of members attended the state conference and had a really good time, many members participated in AgFest and an important influx of funds from the Board of Supervisors will go to reestablishing the 4-H Summer Camp.”
She said the county program is building its membership that hit a rough spot when, said Tipsey, the program lost its Youth Program Representative. “We’re actively searching for a replacement, a member and volunteer working on countywide support and development for projects and activities.”
Families wanting to enroll their kids and perhaps themselves as volunteers can begin logiin and enrolling for the 20242025 program year on July 18 at noon.
or Linden where there wasn’t a town,” said Molly Watkins, Lockeford Grange secretary. “They provided reasons to get together and push to lobby on behalf of the farmer.”
Much like their forefathers, Lockeford Grange members meet each month to share a meal with friends and family members and discuss business, like planning events and fundraisers. Family activities, like cherry pit spitting contests or pumpkin carving, typically follow.
Unlike 4-H, which is overseen by university Cooperative Extension and designed for youth aged 5 to 19, Grange is part of a national organization founded more than 150 years ago. It is designed for the entire family, and youth involved in Grange still can show animals or enter projects in the San Joaquin AgFest Junior Livestock Auction as well as the California State Fair.
This opportunity dates back to 1982, when the state Grange adopted a resolution that established a Youth Fair Program with the California State Fair. It allowed young Grange members to participate alongside 4-H and FFA. Grange junior exhibitors 13 years old and younger show their animals alongside 4-H’ers, while those older compete against FFA students.
Although San Joaquin County is home to three other Granges – Ripon, Woodbridge and Escalon – Watkins said Lockeford is the only one with a youth program.
San Joaquin Farm Bureau First Vice President James Chinchiolo said he favors groups that support agriculture, regardless of the format.
“The more we can continue the cohesiveness of ag in the county, the better,” he said.
Lockeford Grange reawakens Watkins, who formerly was a 4-H sewing leader and was active on the county’s advisory council, was approached by a group of Linden-area parents about
restarting the Lockeford Grange in late 2021 or early 2022. She was already familiar with the organization, having a friend in Solano County who was a former FFA advisor and had moved over to the Grange.
After a few phone calls to the state Grange office, Watkins said one of the officials came to Lockeford, opened up the Grange Hall and handed her the keys. Although most Lockeford Grange members live nearby in the Linden or Lockeford areas, a few families come from as far away as Vernalis and Manteca.
During a recent monthly meeting, attendees said they didn’t like the direction 4-H was taking shortly after COVID, and they supported the family-centric focus as reasons why they joined the Grange.
“4-H is there for the kids,” said Brian Clary, a Linden resident who with his wife and children made the move. “FFA is geared for the older kids, but Grange is more of the whole picture family-type
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of group. I was in 4-H growing up, but it’s changed a bit. This came up and it’s been good to get to know people, and it’s a really good group of people.”
As a non-profit organization, Watkins said the Lockeford Grange has five years to turn a profit.
“So we’re 2½ years into that, and I haven’t figured out how we’re gong to achieve that,” she said.
Ideally, Walkins said she’d like to find other organizations or groups that would like to rent the Lockeford Grange Hall for its meetings. Lockeford Grange members also realize the challenges and say they’d like to increase membership. That said, they’re working to get the word out about the Grange.
A family-centric group
At the recent monthly Lockeford Grange meeting, 14-year-old Linden resident and President Mason Galluzi presided over the meeting alongside Treasurer Angie Vana, an adult from Linden. That’s
because once a Grange member reaches 14 years old, they’re considered an adult and can serve as an officer.
Older adults occasionally made suggestions to Galluzi on how to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, but honing his leadership skills was one reason why he said he decided to seek office.
“We’re very small, and I thought it was a very good opportunity to learn in a smaller environment and I could get some helpful feedback,” Galluzi said. “And this could set me up for future leadership goals.”
Amandataylor Morales and her mother, Jennifer, drove from Vernalis to attend the monthly meeting. The younger Morales, who has been showing pigs for several years, said they liked the more inclusive focus of Grange.
“I like that Grange offers the whole families projects – it doesn’t exclude parents like 4-H does,” Amandataylor Morales said.
Taylor Montgomery and her mother, Jennifer, came from Manteca. Jennifer Montgomery said they made the move
because they didn’t agree with the direction 4-H was taking.
But the Montgomerys liked how both adults and youth could be involved in Grange activities as well as Taylor still being able to show steers at AgFest.
The Lockeford Grange meets the third
Thursday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m., at 19727 Cotton St. just behind Lockeford Sausage. Dinner is $20 for the entire family. If you want to check out the Grange, Watkins suggested giving her a call ahead of time at 209-401-8591 so she could ensure enough food.
President Mason Galluzi thanked the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors recently on behalf of Lockeford Grange youth members for their recognition of the San Joaquin AgFest, Junior Show and Auction.
Photo courtesy of Lockeford Grange
agriculture students put on “Ag Day” for the incoming freshman class, to promote interest in the pathways offered: Animal Science, Floral Design, Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics.
Lathrop High School
Danelle Ariaz, Ag Department head at Lathrop High School said her 337 students and two instructors have “really good financial support from the district. Also, this year with the changing of the Ag Incentive grant, it allowed us to get more money from the state for our program which meant we don’t have to fundraise just to do the mandatory things [and] it has allowed us to take more kids to different functions...they never would have been able to go to otherwise.”
Helping keep the excitement going, Lathrop’s ag program added a new Bobcat tractor at the school farm, “Something that has been greatly needed for many years. And the rabbit barn had work done for the coolers,” Ariaz explained.
Regarding fundraisers, Ariaz said, “Normally, we only do drive thru dinners, but this year we added Rocky Mountain Candy Apples. They were really amazing and sold very well.”
Lathrop High fared well in competitions, Ariaz said. “Students have done well from placing in the opening and closing contest all the way through winning the section El Credo contest and we also had a student make it to the regionals for her prepared speech on lab-grown meat.”
Ag Science, Animal Science and Wood and Welding are the course pathways; these and other portions of the ag program are aided by grants.
Rabbits have been big for Lathrop’s instructors who have raised them and sold them to students to be raised as market projects. Ariaz has operated the Sheep and Boer Goat Co-Op for a decade. “Each year the sheep and goats get better and more students are raising them as projects. Some did really well at fairs up and down the state. Each year we add to our flock with babies we’ve bred or have gotten through other means,” Ariaz commented.
Lodi High School
Brent Newport, Lodi High ag instructor said 350 unduplicated students are taught the nuances of agriculture by Alyssa Oberle, Kim Schmierer, himself and Saira Barajas, a newcomer for the upcoming school year.
“We’re working on expanding our livestock facilities on campus,” Newport said, adding that, “We’re very fortunate to have strong administrative, community
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G3 HAS BEEN HAULING
CALIFORNIA’S HARVEST FOR OVER 40 YEARS
The end of the year East Union FFA Awards Ceremony the outgoing and incoming officers. l-r Lyseth Mulgado, Sophia Martin, Kaden Burlingame, Cinnamon Escamilla, Jaqueline Mejia, Belle Beglinger, Ethan Patton, Oaktavio Nunez
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and parent support.”
Helping Lodi High’s cause is the major fundraiser, the Lodi FFA Boosters crab feed, an annual event held the last Saturday in January.
Accomplishments by the ag department’s students was exemplary last year,
according to Newport, with 13 state FFA degrees, three proficiency winners and 29 state convention attendees.
Teams participated in every field day throughout the state including venues at Chico State, Butte College, UC Davis, Modesto JC, Sanger, Gridley and the Merced State Finals. Career Development Events (CDE Teams) in Ag Welding,
Floriculture, Vet Science, Farm Power and Meats Judging. Leadership Development Events (LDE’s) including Job Interview, FFA Creed, Impromptu Speech and 100-plus entries in AgFest representing all species.
“Our course pathways include Ag Mech, Floral and Agriscience,” Newport said.
Lodi High has benefited by CTEIG, Perkins and AIG grants in addition to booster support.
“The Ag Department celebrated its 100th annual awards banquet in May,” Newport said. “It began in 1913 when the first agricultural course was taught,
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Mwembers of the Lodi FFA.
Merrill West's Peyton DeCoite presentation to eighth-graders at North school.
one class, at Lodi Union High School... in 1919 the first trained Ag teacher was hired...in 1928 86 students were enrolled in the Ag Program.”
Manteca High School
The 333 students in Manteca High School’s ag/FFA program are instructed by Amanda Martinez, Heather Nolan, Ryan Coggins and Thomas Wood.
“Our students built a new BBQ for the department in the advanced welding class,” said Amanda Martinez. “It was finished just in time to be used for our spring drive-thru BBQ fundraiser.”
The campus also has a 72- by 30-foot greenhouse and raised flower beds, she explained. “There is a district school farm that we share with the other high schools in the district where students can house their fair projects. This year we have students raising pigs, sheep, goats and meat birds.”
All of this, she said, is supported by the administration and parents, includ-
ing an alumni group, Friends of the Manteca FFA which supports students by providing FFA jackets, scholarships and grants that facilitate students attending conferences and to support Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
CTE and AG incentive grants also played important financial roles.
FFA accomplishments are represented overall by freshman Giselle Patterson who competed in the Creed Speaking contest at the Delta Valley sectional contest and moved on to compete at regionals.
“We had quite a few students earn their Greenhand and chapter degrees in the fall and spring semesters,” Martinez said.
The program’s course pathways include Animal Science, Agricultural Mechanics, Agriscience, Ornamental Horticulture and Floriculture when combined with the other program offerings provides a wellrounded ag-focused education.
Merrill F. West High School
Ag/FFA participation is well beyond mere interest in agriculture as the 732 stu-
dents in the program attest and Marlene Hepner noted her very busy colleagues who educate this crowd in aspects of agriculture: Abigail Ferrell, Audrianna Farmer, Taylor Myers, Kari Magniez and Brenda Petersen.
About the departments’ major projects, Hepner said, “We were blessed with a construction overhaul of our Agriculture
Garden Research and SAE area with new animal enclosures with sun cover, numerous power sources with additional water access, our Agriculture Mechanics’ outdoor shaded concrete workspace with power, and updating of the garden plots.” She said Merrill F. West High School
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Merrill West students visiting the annual college and career fair during National FFA week.
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is “incredibly fortunate to have amazing support for the program at the site and management levels, including from the Facility and CTE Directors. We are excited to have a new principal and an additional agriculture teacher join our ranks.” Due to the administrative support, the department also hosted more of the Delta Valley Sectional events at its site.
Hepner pointed out that all of Merrill West’s courses “meet A-G requirements. Ag Biology, Ag Chemistry and Ag Physics meet all D Lab requirements. Integrated Animal Science, Advanced Animal Science, Ag Mechanics 1, Ag Mechanics 2, Ag Foods 1 and 2 and our new Ag Business classes are all G elective. Floral is a fine art requirement.” A new pathway of Ag Business and Marketing has been added. Course pathways include Agriscience, Animal Science, Ag Mechanics, Floriculture and Food Science.
Merrill West ag students are, she said, continually supported through the use of the greenhouse where many ran trials for
Agriscience projects. “
Fundraisers such as the annual Tri Tip Dinner and the annual See’s Candy sale along with selling Poinsettia and Easter Lily events contribute to the department’s success.
The school farm has benefited from new driveways, poultry barns and new small and large animal enclosures. “We continue to have student projects housed at the farm including AgFest projects, a laying hen project and animal science projects,” noted Hepner.
In assorted competitions the Ag/FFA students fared well. “We have amazing students at West High School, including Peyton DeCoite in multiple competitions and Danny Vargas and Jayden Nunez likewise displaying expertise in various areas," Hepner said.
Regarding facility changes, Hepner said the department is waiting on a new welding shop to be built in the next school year with a new agriculture classroom along with continuing upgrading of other facilities.
Ripon Christian High School
Ripon Christian High School’s 150 students in the ag/FFA program is a solid number but even more impressive is that it comprises 57% of the student body.
Instructing these students are Megan Dyk: Agriscience and Floral, Cherise Duncan: Ag Welding and Woodwork-
ing, Jessica Damante: Agriscience and agribusiness.
New on campus this year, reported Dyk, is a second barn for raising livestock at the Van Till Livestock Facility and, she said, “A greenhouse will be installed this summer for the upcoming school year.”
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Ripon Christian State Champion Floriculture CDE Team: Laci Nydam (alternate), Megan Dyk (coach), Cailyn Mouw, Jeanne Oosterman (4th High Individual), Cora Vander Meulen (1st High Individual), Sydney Vandenberg (9th High Individual). They will represent the state of California in October at the National Finals CDE contest in Indianapolis.
Ripon High School
Also, students will continue to manage the school walnut orchard under the guidance of local farmer Chris Van Groningen.
“Support for our program continues to be strong,” Dyk commented. “We are blessed by an active administration and community.” Contributing to that activity are two auctions per year, organized by the Ripon Christian community where the school is a direct beneficiary of “generous donations and financial support. Guest speakers often come into ag classes to share their experience and knowledge within the local ag industry. Tours of local ag businesses and facilities have been an important part of our program in order to further educate our students on current industry trends and advancements.”
Fundraisers for smaller schools are important and Ripon Christian’s consist of two main fundraisers: the annual Christmas Tree Lot and the Floral Subscriptions.
Regarding the future, Dyk said, “We’re looking forward to the new greenhouse and more expansion of the plant science facilities on campus and as the floral program continues to flourish, a second floral cooler will be moved in this summer.”
In the accomplishments area, Dyk touted eiight students earning State Degrees and and State Champions; Floriculture with Cora Vandermeulen, 1st High Individual; State Champion Horse Team with Allison Copland, 1st High Individual; Farm Power 3rd in State.
Course pathways are Ag Mechanics, Floriculture and Agriscience/Agribusiness.
Ripon High School has 333 students in the ag program with 325 participating in one or more FFA activities at the chapter level and above, said Sherry Johns, CTE Department Head. The instructors include Johns (Ag Mechanics and Power Mechanics), Celeste Morino (Agriscience), Danielle Hyatt (Plant and Soil Science-Food Science emphasis) and Bulmaro Bribiesca (Ag MechanicsFabrication).
“We’ve finished tables for the greenhouse located in the Outdoor Lab Facility,” said Johns. “Construction of a CTE Educational Facility will house the new Agriculture Mechanics Power Shop (Small Engines and Diesel) as well as the Plant and Soil Science-Food Science Pathway to include a commercial kitchen.”
Johns said the program receives from the administration “excellent support as usual helping direct the program and giving valuable input in the development facilitation of programs and what skills are needed to be taught to meet the industry demands for highly trained employees.”
Equipment is always important to a successful ag program and Johns said the school is currently purchasing equipment to “meet industry standards, to teach the Food Science and Farm to Fork curriculum, as well as the equipment to facilitate the additional shop to include parts cleaner, median blaster, student workstations, tools and necessary training boards added because of the additional shop space.”
Grants and fundraisers combine to provide funds for the ag program and the annual Cows, Carbs and Cocktails dinner and fireworks will be sold with the funds offsetting the cost of students participating in sectional, regional, state and national competitions and conventions.
Ripon did well in various events with eight students receiving State FFA Degrees, three earned American Degrees.
The program’s pathways include Agriscience, Ag Mechanics-Fabrication, Ag Mechanics-Power Mechanics, Plant and Soil Science-Food Science, and Ag Business.
Johns said, “We’re hoping to move into our new building by the first of October.” a sign of Ripon’s continuing education evolution.
Tokay High School
With 400 students populating the ag/ FFA program, ag instructors Rebecca Freeman, Chene Mogler, Jessie Chaves and Nolan McKeown are busy teaching and looking forward to the building of a new swine barn expected to be finished in the next school year and thereafter the home for up to 32 pigs.
About the support of the program, Freeman said, “We are very grateful to have a lot of administration and school district support. The district officials frequent our program for tours and representation.”
The primary fundraiser was the Booster Crab Feed which is an annual event.
Lodi’s success in competitions was led by the Grapevine Pruning team State Champions and Adrian Mendoza’s Championship in Spanish Creed Speaker.
“Our course pathways include Agriscience, Horticulture and Ag Mechanics,” said Freeman, adding that the programs benefited from CTEIG and Strong Workforce grants.
Tracy High School
Tracy High’s 525 student population of the ag/FFA program has five instructors; Pat Rooney (department chair), Yesenia Huerta (FFA Advisor), Jason Gentry, Francesca Carrillo and Paige Henry.
Rooney said, “We have a total of seven students utilizing our school farm to raise their sheep and goat projects for AgFest. This year we were able to offer the Meat Processing class again after a four-year absence from our program. This year we were able to have enough students sign up for the class and reopen our Meat Lab.”
As is the case with every school in the county surveyed by the Farm Bureau News, Rooney made it clear that “We continue to have excellent support from our community, parents, administrators and advisory board.”
The past school year saw new equipment additions including implements for the school’s new tractor along with a ripper and a brush mower. Rooney said, “The woodshop added a new commercial planer and drill press; the Meats class purchased a new grinder and vacuum sealer.” Two large floral coolers are also on the acquire list and he hopes to add some storage containers to the facility.
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Tokay FFA at State Convention.
Award winners from Tracy FFA.
The fundraising aspect of the school year was successful via two large events which triggered the most money ever raised with all students participating in the Vertical Raise event and similar success with the annual Crab Feed in early February.
Rooney noted the achievements of “students competing in both Leadership Development Events (LDE) and Career Development Events (CDE). For LDE’s
we had competitors in FFA Creed, ElCredo de FFA, Impromptu Speaking and Job Interview.”
Tracy High students placed 1st in Impromptu Speaking and 1st in Job Interview, qualifying them to compete at the regional level.
Tracy’s course pathways are Agricultural Mechanics, Agriscience, Animal Science and Ornamental Horticulture.
“Our district was awarded with the CTEIG this year,” explained Rooney.
SJFB, YF&R support area youth at AgFest Junior Livestock Auction
By Jessica Coit
Spotlight on SJFB Annual Meeting and YF&R Fundraiser
FOR THOSE OF YOU who could not make the 110th Annual Meeting, man you missed out! It was an amazing night spent at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, where our members had private access to the Cortopassi and the exhibition and historic buildings during our cocktail hour. For the first time in a long time, our SJFB Board of Directors prepared the dinner for the evening which was DELICIOUS! Thank you to all the board members on the Annual Meeting Committee who came together and made this event possible, I truly appreciate all your help. It was wonderful to be able to see familiar faces and I was happy to meet with some new members who I had not had the pleasure of meeting.
Typically, we have two-year terms for our SJFB officers, and with it being an even year, we conducted the elections for the 2024-2025 officer team and board of directors. I look forward to working with the incoming officer team, President Les Strojan, First Vice President James Chinchiolo and Second Vice President Herman Doornenbal Jr., and I am excited to see what the future has in store for SJFB.
As always, the 2024 scholarship recipients were also honored at the Annual Meeting for all their hard work and dedication to their education and the agricultural industry. We had an opportunity to hear from a past scholarship recipient, and now SJFB board member, Kent Norman about his educational career and the path that he took to get to where he is now. Kent started off as a scholarship recipient, graduated Cal Poly and joined the YF&R Committee, and now he is an active member on the SJFB board and the Land Use Committee chairman. It is wonderful to be able to see it come full
circle with Kent, and I am excited to see what other great leaders come from our scholarship program.
To our recipients: it is an honor to help each and every one of you in a small way; you truly are our future leaders, and we are excited to see where your careers take you. I would also like to thank all of the elected officials and their staff that took time out of their busy schedule to come out and recognize our recipients for all of their hard work and academic excellence. The 2024 scholarship recipients will be highlighted in the August edition of the SJFB News.
More exciting news!! The Young Farmers & Ranchers Annual Summer’s Bounty Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3 at Bare Ranch, by Michael-David Winery! The tickets are $60 per person, or you can reserve a table of 8 for $500. New this year, wine and beer is included with the purchase of your ticket. As always, you can also expect live music, wonderful wine, a silent auction and a live dessert auction, and dinner prepared by the YF&R Committee! Be sure to be on the lookout for more information!
It is also that time of the year that we are working on our 2025 Gun Raffle Calendars and we are looking to fill the sponsorship ads at the top of the calendar. As always, it is $450 to get a 3” x 2” colored space at the top of the calendar. We print a total of 520 calendars, and promotional posters are hung up throughout the county. These ad spaces sell out FAST, so be sure to call the office to secure yours today! Please call the SJFB office for more information about the ads.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to the SJFB office if you need anything. We are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and can be reached at (209) 931-4931.
Photos by Kevin Swartzendruber
Neil Norman purchased a market lamb on behalf of YF&R from Cole Ratkiewicz from Escalon FFA.
YF&R, SJFB and the SJFB Foundation supports the AgFest Junior Livestock Auction again this year with the purchase of several animals. Pictured are Neil Norman and Jake Samuel bidding for YF&R.
SJFB staff and volunteers support AgFest by serving hundreds of lunches to buyer's during the livestock auction.
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Charlotte Mitchell (916) 544-2712
Lodi District Grape Growers Association
Amy Blagg (209) 339-8246
Lodi Woodbridge Winegrape Commission
Stuart Spencer (209) 367-4727
San Joaquin County Historical Society
Phillip Merlo (209) 331-2055
San Joaquin Valley Hay Growers
Rick Staas (209) 835-1662
ATTORNEYS
Herum, Crabtree, Suntag
Steve Herum (209) 472-7700
John Herrick Attorney at Law
John H. Herrick (209) 956-0150
Nomellini, Grilli & Mcdaniel Professional Law Corp.
Dante John Nomellini (209) 465-5883
AUCTIONS
Mulrooney Auctions Co.
James P. Mulrooney (209) 366-0600
AUTO PARTS/SERVICE
Clutch & Brake Xchange
James Hitchock (209) 466-9049
$1,500 SUPPORT LEVEL
Delicato Vineyards
Marie Mathews 12001 S Highway 99, Manteca, CA 95336-8499 www.delicato.com (209) 824-3600
Pacific Gas & Electric
Dylan George 4040 N W Lane, Stockton, CA 95204 www.pge.com (209) 932-6515
Ralph Hayes & Son Inc.
Eric Hayes 20177 S. MacArthus Dr., Tracy, CA 95304 www.hayesandson.com (209) 835-4914
CHEMICALS
Mid Valley Agricultural Services Inc. (209) 851-3200
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck
Christopher H. Neudeck (209) 946-0268 Offfice (209) 481-0316 Mobile
COMMODITY PACKING/ MKTG
A Sambado & Sons Inc.
Lawrence Sambado (209) 931-2568
Delta Packing Co of Lodi Inc.
Annamarie Costamagna (209) 334-1023
M&R Co Reynolds Packing Co.
Jeremy Hjelmstad (209) 369-2725
Travaille And Phippen
Dave Phippen (209) 599-6111
COMMUNICATIONS
unWired Broadband
Mark Peterson (559) 753-0386
CONTRACTORS/CONSTRUCTION
Delo Electric
Steve Delatorre (209) 368-1117
Ford Construction Co. (209) 333-1116
Tom Mayo Construction
Tom D. Mayo (209) 943-6248
CONSULTING
Cal Ag Safety
Ann Curtoni Lial (209) 351-0321
Precessi Ag Services Inc.
Paul Precessi (209) 670-9072
$1,500 SUPPORT LEVEL CONT.
Travaille & Phippen
Dave Phippen 12700 E Graves Rd., Manteca, CA 95336 www.tapalmonds.com (209) 599-6111
$750 SUPPORT LEVEL A Sambado & Sons, Inc. (209) 931-2568
Anteris Agronomics LLC (209) 900-3270
Big Valley Tractor & Bobcat Central, Inc. (209) 762-6413
GAR Bennett LLC (559) 480-3029
CUSTOM HARVESTING
M2 Farming
Nick Mussi (209) 969-3333
EDUCATION
San Joaquin Delta Community College (209) 954-5151
FARMS
A&B Koster
William M. Koster (209) 836-4690
Ag West Inc
Mike Berg (209) 888-5455
AM Farms
Paul Marchini (209) 462-1185
Bert Bacchetti Farms Inc.
Mark Bacchetti (209) 835-2224
HRM Farms Inc.
Glenn Burgin (209) 465-8413
IDC Farms Inc.
Mike Conrad (209) 894-6408
Lavagnino Orchards
Ruani Lavagnino (209) 931-6728
Lucadeira Farms
Richard Marcucci (209) 481-3641
Peterson Family Vineyards
James Peterson (209) 368-8102
Vaccarezza Bros (209) 887-3163
Van Groningen & Sons Inc
Dan Van Groningen (209) 982-5248
Kludt Oil & Propane (209) 368-0634 • (209) 466-8969
Mid Valley Agricultural Services Inc. (209) 851-3200
Morrill Industries (209) 838-2550
Outdoor Sportsman Inc (209) 957-4867
Van De Pol Enterprises (209) 944-9115
Van Groningen & Sons Inc. (209) 982-5248
V V Enterprises (209) 599-7776
FARMS CONT.
Van Groningen Orchards
Mark Van Groningen (209) 599-4944
Van Laar Farms
James Van Laar (209) 599-3613
FARM HARDWARE & SUPPLY
BG Agri Sales & Service
Anthony Da Valle (209) 931-7650
Discount Ag Parts
Jim Allen (209) 239-5802
J. Milano Company
Gary Milano (209) 944-0902
PBM Supply & Manufacturing
Barry Jones (530) 345-1334
Stanislaus Farm Supply
Joey Gonsalves (209) 538-7070
Zylstra Auto & Hardware
Tim A. Zylstra (209) 887-3626
FERTILIZERS & SOIL AMENDMENTS
Brown Sand, Inc.
Robert Brown (209) 234-1500
Ralph Hayes & Son Inc.
Eric Hayes (209) 835-4914 F
San Joaquin Sulphur Company
Janet Chandler (209) 368-6676
FINANCIAL
American AgCredit
Marc Busalacchi (800) 659-FARM
FINANCIAL CONT.
Bank of Stockton
Jim Nemmers (209) 249-2201
Central Valley Community Bank
Rick Shaeffer (559) 323-3493
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Daniel Meza (209) 367-2349 FUEL DISTRIBUTORS
Campora Propane Services
Todd Spicer (209) 466-8611
George W Lowry Inc.
Richard A. Lowry (209) 545-0791
Kludt Oil & Propane
Aron Kludt (209) 368-0634, (209) 466-8969
Valley Pacific Petroleum Service, Inc.
Rob Goodman (209) 948-9412
Van De Pol Enterprises
Tom Van De Pol (209) 944-9115
Van Unen Miersma Propane Inc
Jerry Behlen (209) 823-1315
GRAIN/FEED/SEED
AL Gilbert Company
Jay Gilbert (209) 847-1721
Baglietto Seeds (209) 466-0433
Escalon Feed & Supply Ken Van Gorkum (209) 838-3326
M & M Feed Service Terry Mulder (209) 531-3353