Harris Farms president honored at Ag One Community Salute

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(March 1, 2022) - Central Valley and Fresno State agricultural supporters honored leading agriculturist Dr. John C. Harris at the Ag One Community Salute on Friday, Feb. 25 at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

Proceeds from the event will help support deserving students and programs in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

Speakers that shared their personal connection to Harris and his wide span of agricultural, industry and philanthropical contributions included:

• Jim Razor, Ag One President
• Dr. Frank Gornick, Chancellor Emeritus, West Hills Community College District
• Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Fresno State President
• Katie Zenovich, Senior Vice President for Development and External Affairs and Chief Fund Development Officer, Community Health System
• Richard Spencer
• Tony Campos, Campos Brothers Farms and 2015 Ag One Community Salute Honoree
• Dr. Victor Davis Hanson, Senior Fellow in classics and military history at Stanford University’s Hoover Institute
• Doug Burge, President, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association

Harris was also presented with a special award crafted by the campus mechanized agriculture lab by students Jasmine Flores and Grace Miller.

Made of hardwood, each letter was uniquely inscribed to symbolize Dr. Harris’ agricultural legacy. The H was represented by horseshoes, the A an almond, the first R a citrus fruit, the second R a rib eye steak, the I an onion, and lastly, the S as represented by grapes. The letters sat on a solid foundation of Valley roots and were encapsulated in a diamond shape representing Dr. Harris’ green and white jockey silks.  The bottom of the award read: “In honor of Dr. John C. Harris – devoted to California Agriculture.”

Harris and his family are longtime leaders in California agriculture. Their well-known Harris Ranch began on 320 acres of desert land on the western edge of the Central Valley in 1937. 

Harris’ vision and determination have grown the operation into one of the largest and most diversified and integrated agribusinesses in the Western United States. Those efforts were also recognized on campus in 2019 when he received an honorary doctorate at the University’s commencement.

“Our University is truly honored to recognize Mr. Harris, and the Harris name is synonymous with the first-rate vision, innovation and excellence that distinguishes Central Valley agriculture,” said Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “Our community supporters join us in thanking him for his tireless dedication to our region.”

The Harris Ranch beef program was one of the first branded products in the industry, and has helped make the Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant one of the most successful independent dining establishments in the state.

Harris Farms produces over 33 crops on thousands of acres, including almonds, garlic, lettuce, melons, onions, oranges, pistachios, tomatoes, walnuts and wine grapes. 

Harris has been an equally influential member in the horse racing, breeding and foaling industry through the success of the Harris Farms Horse Division and several California-bred champions. Some of the names connected to the operation include California Chrome, winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and Tiznow, the only two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Harris started developing his horseman skills at age 7 when he learned to ride with his paternal grandfather who lived next to the Fresno Fairgrounds. The two would sit in the grandstands and watch the horses on the racetrack, and a passion was ignited.

Harris now supports the fairgrounds and its museum philanthropically, as well as a host of other Central Valley organizations that include the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Boy Scouts of America, Community Medical Centers, Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Pacific Legal Foundation, UC Davis, an animal shelter being built in Huron, and additional efforts tied to community water supply reliability. 

Beginning in 1987, Ag One created its Community Salute to honor individuals and their families for their devoted service to California agriculture, food industries and community.

Past honorees include the Parnagian Family (2020), Borba Family (2017), Phil Larson (2014), Stewart Resnick (2012), Ed Baloian (2010), Fred R. Ruiz (2007), Jack Woolf (2006), Virgil E. Rasmussen (2005), Fred Machado (2003), Bill Jones (2003), Sid Cox (2001), Rodger B. Jensen (1999), Vernon Conrad (1996), Vince Petrucci (1994), Harry Kubo (1991), Dick Markarian (1990), Joe Souza (1988) and Fred Rau (1987).

This year’s 19th edition was sponsored by the Richard Spencer Family and Campos Brothers Farms. Community Health Systems served as the event social sponsor. 

“John has a vision to support the many good things in the Valley and beyond, oftentimes doing it quietly,” said Richard Spencer. “He leads by example and encourages all of us to pay attention to our communities. I’m pleased to be able to help Ag One recognize him.”

The Ag One Foundation, which started in 1979, encompasses over 140 named funds, and has awarded over $7.6 million in scholarships and program support to about 4,800 students.

For more information about the event, contact 559.278.4266 or email agone@csufresno.edu.