Western Growers Will Honor John Harris at the 2022 Annual Meeting; Dave Puglia and Don Valpredo Comment
IRVINE, CA - It’s always nice to see a dedicated industry member receive their well-deserved recognition. Doing just that, Western Growers will be honoring John Harris with the 2022 Award of Honor, granting the agricultural maverick with the highest recognition of achievement.
“I was very flattered to be recognized by my peers,” commented Harris on being named the Award of Honor recipient for his extensive contributions to the agricultural community. “I was pleased and proud that they felt like I deserved it.”
Harris has over 50 years of experience in ranching, farming, hospitality, and thoroughbred horse racing. As explained in a press release, the Harris Farms Group includes Harris Fresh and the Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division, in addition to the landmark property known to most Californians on the I-5.
In addition to serving as Chief Executive Officer and sole shareholder of Harris Farms and serving for 11 years on the Western Growers Board of Directors, Harris has also spent five terms as President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
“Like his iconic Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, which stands as an oasis alongside a remote stretch of road, John is a pillar in California agriculture and the broader Western fresh produce industry,” said Western Growers President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Puglia. “It is safe to say that no one in this industry is more recognized and admired, and not just among his peers but also by community and political leaders throughout California. John’s vision can be seen in all his enterprises, from his ranching and farming businesses to his championship horse racing operations. Beyond his business endeavors, John is a powerful voice for farmers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and has dedicated his life’s work to the advancement of California agriculture and the rural communities our industry supports. John is most deserving of the Western Growers Award of Honor, and we are excited to present him with our highest recognition at our Annual Meeting in November.”
The Award of Honor is among numerous other significant awards Harris has received.
In 1988, he was named Livestock Man of the Year, received the Agriculturalist of the Year award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in 2014, and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the California State University at Fresno in 2019.
“I’ve been involved with John not only in horses, but in many agricultural enterprises,” said Don Valpredo, President of Donald Valpredo Farming. “He’s a tireless worker—he uncovers every stone…he’s about as involved and as fair in everything that he does of anyone I’ve ever been involved with.”
Harris’ many achievements in ag will be celebrated at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers 2022 Annual Meeting at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, which takes place on November 2–5, 2022.
