Heritage Continued from Page 3
system,” Culbertson said. In addition to the two first-time induct- ees and the six club members recognized for reaching new milestones, two induct- ees from 2022 who were unable to receive their awards last year were recognized. Meissonier Ranch in Merced County, es- tablished in 1899, was founded by French immigrants who came to America in 1893. It is run by the family’s third generation. Steamboat Acres in Sacramento County, established in 1848, was one of the first farms in the delta. (See related story on Page 7.) It is run by the fifth and sixth generations. The farm grows three varieties of pears as well as cherries, winegrapes and alfalfa. In saluting the honorees, Birdsong emphasized the role the businesses have played in elevating California agriculture to a $50 billion industry with almost all of the country’s top-producing counties. “We would not be here today but for our farm families and the traditions that you all started many generations ago, and those traditions that you hold dear, and those traditions that you continue to innovate on, so that we can continue to be that No. 1 ag-producing state,” she said. “On behalf of a grateful state and a very proud industry, I want to thank you all and congratulate you on no small milestone.” (Caleb Hampton is an assistant editor of Ag Alert. He may be contacted at champton@cfbf.com.)
established in 1922, is in its sixth genera- tion of ownership and continues to raise cattle using traditional ranching methods. The ranch also produces whole processed chickens, Thanksgiving turkeys and vari- ous direct-to-consumer meats. “Today, the ranch is still just as busy as it was in previous generations and continues to evolve as time goes on,” Culbertson said. Mape’s Ranch in Stanislaus County, established in 1923, has expanded over the past century into a 10,000-acre farm- ing and ranching operation that includes farmland, orchards, grazing land, cattle and wildlife habitat. The ranch grows a mix of almonds, tomatoes, alfalfa, corn, grapes, oats, barley, forage crops and melons. Cabezut Cattle Co., established in 1889, was founded in Mariposa County and expanded over the years into Merced County. “Current owner and proprietor Delores Cabezut-Ortiz has continued the family tradition of providing the finest cattle to Mariposa and beyond,” Culbertson said. Rancho Mission Viejo in Orange County, established in 1882, was founded by Irish immigrants and has remained “an authen- tic ranch with pastures, cattle and cowboys riding the range while maintaining its rich history,” Culbertson said. R. Emigh Livestock in Solano County, established in 1877, raised sheep for more
Lassen County cattle rancher Hannah Tangeman received a plaque on behalf of Hulsman Ranch, which was honored by the California Agricultural Heritage Club for 150 years or more of continuous operation. The ranch, which has been run by women since 1914, was established in 1862.
into Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. California State Grange in Sacramento County, established in 1873, “maintains a commitment to grassroots advocacy, supporting farmland preservation, farm development, community service, sustain- able and regenerative agriculture, and the consumer’s role in the food production
than a century before expanding to include irrigated pasture, a commercial feedlot and a cow-calf herd. The business employs more than 20 people. Moran Ranch, established in 1870, was founded by three brothers who came to California during the Gold Rush. The ranch started in Stanislaus County and expanded
August 2, 2023 Ag Alert 9
Powered by FlippingBook