Feature | California Bountiful
And the runners-up are…
First runner-up Jim, border collie Photo by Kelsey Nichols
Second runner-up Corduroy, labradoodle Photo by Sam Terpstra
Third runner-up Sheila, Australian cattle dog Photo by August D’Amato
Sam Terpstra, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Life on the Terpstra family’s Wood Colony Farm Stand in Modesto wouldn’t be the same without Corduroy. The 11-year-old labradoodle is always by their side, helping them with tasks on the farm, where they grow 1/4 acre of flowers, 1/2 acre of pumpkins and 1 acre of fruit trees. “He is always excited to head outside and start the day,” Sam Terpstra said. Corduroy’s favorite job is hunting for gophers. “He has a good nose and usually alerts us to a pest before we see any damage in our gardens,” Terpstra said. When he’s not on patrol, you might find him sampling fruit in the orchard or happily tagging along on flower and fruit deliveries. While Corduroy is not a typical “working dog,” he “earns his keep every day, patrolling for gophers and joining in on daily tasks,” Terpstra said. “He is a loyal companion who enriches our lives in countless meaningful ways.”
August D’Amato, Napa County Farm Bureau August D’Amato and her husband, Ben Forgeron, both work as vineyard managers in the Napa area and have “long, inconsistent hours and a lot of after-work commitments,” D’Amato said. They need a dog that can match their pace and contribute to the work. “Sheila is the most excited in our family to go to work every day,” D’Amato said. Her primary role is pest control. She catches gophers, helps trappers by digging mounds and chases deer off the property. During planting season, she digs holes for new vines and soil samples and helps spread hay for erosion control. She also works alongside the vineyard crews and “always brings a welcome smile or laugh to a difficult job,” D’Amato said. No matter who she’s with, she’s a source of joy, she added. “She is able to sense stress and sadness and will come to comfort you in a time of need,” D’Amato said.
Kelsey Nichols, Solano County Farm Bureau Jim is a loyal, hardworking herding dog and constant companion to his owner, Kelsey Nichols, on her 3,000-acre Rio Vista ranch, where she raises sheep and grain. Just a month after losing a hind leg to infection, Jim was already back to limited herding and is now back to normal work, but in shorter spurts. As Nichols’ main working dog, the 5-year- old border collie moves sheep between pastures and catches individuals needing care. “He will gather sheep from up to a half a mile away and take commands at that distance,” Nichols said. “He is a courageously hard worker and never gives up even on the most challenging sheep.” Beyond his skills, Jim is by Nichols’ side day and night—riding in the pickup or four- wheeler, sleeping by her bed and offering steady support. “There are many great farm dogs, but Jim has shown so much resilience and determination this year during his illness and amputation. He has gone above and beyond,” Nichols said.
Winter 2026 California Bountiful 3
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