the Sacramento River, has been an idea l spot to cultivate the youthful business. Situated about halfway between Sacramento and the Oregon border, Tehama County is known as the gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park and for its strong agricultural tradition. Walnuts, almonds, olives, prunes and cattle typically top its list of crops. The kernel of a business The origin story of the College Fund Nut Co. has almost escaped family memory, but it was Tyler who remembered 2012 and how walnuts continued to rain onto the ground long after the harvest ended. He suggested Hank and Haley pick up the nuts and sell them. The kernel of a business formed during a family discussion on the sofa. For their first farmers market, Hank and Haley handmade a company sign with college f lags and cardstock shapes and letters. In pint- sized aprons, they staffed a foldout table/booth with a
Balancingwork and fun One company goal is raising money for higher educat ion—something c leverly spel led out on packaging that reads: “We’re NUTS (or PLUMNUTS) for school.” But just as important is the ambition to cultivate and support a strong work ethic. “They have done ama z ing,” sa id mom Ma r y Christensen. “They really have a good sense for what it takes to ba lance your work, your play and your homework and whatever classes they are taking.” “I’m proud of their dedication, commitment and the hard work they’ve put in,” added dad Tyler Christensen, immediate past president of the Tehama County Farm Bureau. “More than anything, though, I’m proudest of the educational experience that they’ve gotten.” That education comes courtesy of the ranch and it s hundreds of acres of wa lnut s , a lmonds and prune-plums , a long with a prune dehydrat ion facility. This lightly populated county, known for natural beauty ranging from the Sierra Nevada to
The siblings sell crops grown on the family farm, including plums, being harvested at right and dried below right. Below, Mary Christensen
helps daughter Haley with the bookkeeping.
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