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2008 AG BUSINESS AWARD – HARRIS FARMS, INC.
Baker, Peterson & Franklin, Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2008 Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award is Harris Farms, Inc. of Coalinga. Harris Farms exemplifies a leading for-profit ag organization whose achievements and impact have significantly contributed to the ag industry and the Central Valley. The Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award honors a for-profit service or product-related agribusiness or farming entity headquartered in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The award recipient is selected by a committee representing the local agribusiness industry and the BP&F Ag Department. The past 12 recipients are: Borba Farms of Riverdale, National Raisin Co. of Fowler, Ballantine Produce Co. of Sanger, Woolf Enterprises of Fresno, Producers Dairy Foods of Fresno, P-R Farms of Clovis, J&L Vineyards of Fresno, Fowler Packing Company, Joseph Gallo Farms of Atwater, Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis, Wilbur-Ellis Western Division, and Zacky Farms of Fresno. Founded in 1937 by Jack and Teresa Harris on 320 acres of Fresno County westside desert, Harris Farms has grown into one of the most vertically integrated, diversified, and largest agribusinesses in the U.S. Today under John and Carole Harris, the ranch operation produces 33 crops including lettuce, tomatoes, garlic, onions, citrus, nuts, and grapes. Harris Ranch Beef and Harris Feeding companies have earned a reputation as two of the largest and most innovative firms in the industry, pioneering the development of branded beef and value-added beef products. Their horse division breeds, trains and races thoroughbred horses at tracks across the country. The Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant serves 2,000 guests a day, and showcases their beef products and produce. Harris Farms is one of the largest employers in the Coalinga area with 1,500 employees. Harris Farms received the 2002 Fresno Bee Excellence in Business Award. John Harris has been recognized by his peers with State Fair Agriculturist of the Year, Livestock Man of the Year, and Cattle Businessman of the Year. He serves on the California Horseracing Board, Western Growers Board, and was President of the American Cattleman Association and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He is past chair of the St. Agnes Hospital Foundation Board and a past member of the UC Davis Foundation, UCD Alumni Boards, and the UC President’s Agriculture Advisory Board. Carole is a member of La Feliz Hospital Guild and a past member of the Fresno County Historical Society Board. John and Carole donate generously to countless charitable organizations, and annually award scholarships to children of employees. Harris Farms has a long and distinguished record of positive leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to the agriculture industry and our community making them the 2008 Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award recipient. Harris Farms will be honored at the Ag Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, November 5 at the Radisson Conference Center in Fresno. The Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award and the Fresno Chamber Agriculturists of the Year, Jerry Prieto, will both be presented. Luncheon tickets are available through the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce, (559) 495-4800.
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