From a State Fair News Release

The California State Fair proudly recognizes the legacy, resilience, and contributions of multi-generational farming and ranching families as part of the 2025 Agricultural Heritage Awards. This year’s honorees include families whose operations span over a century of dedication to California’s rich agricultural landscape, with two families celebrating an extraordinary 175 years of continuous farming.

The honorees will be celebrated for their remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to California agriculture at the Ag Heritage Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the 1 p.m. at the Clubhouse at the Michelob Ultra Racetrack Grandstand. The Friends of the State Fair will also acknowledge their scholarship recipients. 

“These families represent the spirit and perseverance of California agriculture,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “They’ve remained committed to working the land and feeding their communities and the world.”

175-Year Honorees

Locke Ranch Inc. – Lockeford, CA
Founded in 1850 by Dr. Dean Jewett Locke, Locke Ranch is a testament to six generations of agricultural innovation and perseverance. From cattle and dairy to wine grapes and walnuts, the Locke family has continuously adapted to the times, overcoming floods, failed crops, and economic shifts. Today, the ranch spans 600 acres and remains under the stewardship of Chris and Elliot Locke, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.

Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch – Pleasants Valley, CA
Settled in 1850, the Hoskins/Pleasants Ranch helped give Pleasants Valley its name. Through generations, the family raised livestock, grew orchards, and now focuses on queen bee production and regenerative agriculture. Despite the destruction of historic buildings during the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex Fire, including an original 1880 barn, the ranch was rebuilt. Under the care of Ethel Hoskins and the Joyful Ranch Foundation, this historic homestead is preserved for future generations and recognized on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

125-Year Honorees

Gowan’s Family Orchard – Philo, CA
Established in 1876, Gowan family orchards are located in Philo, California, near the Mendocino coast, in the heart of Anderson Valley. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is California’s pre-eminent premium cider, estate grown, produced, and bottled. Gowan’s Heirloom Cider is self-distributed in California, and available online throughout most of the US.

Tyron Ranches – Del Norte County
The Tryon family first settled in Del Norte County in the early 1800s. In November 1883, George Tryon purchased the original ranch property, laying the foundation for a multi-generational legacy in agriculture. Today, the ranch is proudly owned and operated by his great-niece, Rose Tryon. Rose acquired the ranch from her father, Presley Scott Tryon. Rose attributes her deepest inspiration to her grandmother, Celia W. Tryon, the matriarch of the ranch who passed on a profound respect for the land and her family’s heritage. Rose is honored to farm the same fields today where she once fed hay alongside her grandmother as a child. A lifelong advocate of agriculture, Rose Tryon has dedicated herself to advocacy and leadership. She is a former State President of California Women for Agriculture and currently serves as the National President of American Agri-Women.

100-Year Honorees

Heinke’s Family Farm – Paradise, CA
Founded in 1925, Heinke’s Family Farm has evolved from fruit preserves to organic juice and specialty crops. Known for launching the U.S. kiwi industry, the farm faced devastating loss during the 2018 Camp Fire—but the orchard and vineyard survived. Today, Heinke’s stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, continuing to grow and distribute organic produce nationwide.

San Gabriel Nursery & Florist – San Gabriel, CA
Established in 1923 by Japanese immigrants Fred and Mitoko Yoshimura, this beloved nursery overcame immense adversity. In 1942, the Yoshimura family—American citizens—were forcibly relocated to an internment camp during World War II. After the war, they returned and rebuilt across the street, growing the nursery into a flourishing business and cultural landmark. Fred was a pioneer of the California Bonsai Society, and the family introduced unique plant varieties like the “Mission Bell” azalea.

About the California State Fair Ag Heritage Program:
The Agricultural Heritage Club was established in 1948 to honor California farm families who have maintained continuous family ownership and operation of their land for 100 years or more. The awards are a cherished State Fair tradition celebrating the vital role agriculture plays in California’s identity and economy. 

The State Fair runs through July 27 at Cal Expo.

CDFA teamed up with the San Bernardino County Fire Department over a series of weekends leading up to July 4th to intercept illegal fireworks at the Mountain Pass Border Station (I-15).

The effort resulted in approximately 13 tons (26,000 lbs) being confiscated, with 105 citations issued by firefighters.

The team was on the lookout for items not classified as “safe and sane” by the California State Fire Marshal, and confiscated items were handed over to the Fire Marshal for disposal.

California’s Border Protection Stations (BPS) are the first line of defense in California’s pest exclusion efforts, and stations occasionally partner with other government agencies to focus on types of contraband outside of agriculture, like illegal fireworks.

The state budget signed by Governor Newsom for 2025-2026 includes $600 million for CDFA programs, between baseline funding for core programs and new funding for the following projects:

Animal and Human Health Emergency Infrastructure: The budget includes $6.1 million and 29 positions to allow CDFA to effectively respond to the current and continued threats to animal and human health due to outbreaks of various animal health diseases, including strains of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in California.

Advancing Farm to School: The Budget includes $24.9 million to advance the California Farm to School Network and California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program; and to further the recommendations of the Farm to School Roadmap for Success. The CDFA Farm to School Program will create equitable access to locally grown, climate-smart foods and hands-on educational opportunities through the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, Farm to School Network regional events, conferences, and training opportunities; and through climate smart technical assistance for producers within the network.

Security and Infrastructure Remediation: The budget includes $2.5 million and 5 positions to manage, implement, and maintain remediation efforts to address real-time and critical information technology security vulnerabilities, and to provide urgent and ongoing management and monitoring of new critical security services.  This is in response to a cybersecurity incident and privacy data breach that the department experienced.  These resources will enhance CDFA’s information technology security framework to safeguard CDFA’s critical assets and sensitive data.

Turlock North Valley Animal Health Laboratory Operational Support: The budget includes $1.6 million to fund the increased costs associated with the new Turlock laboratory, which is scheduled to be competed in December 2025.  This new laboratory will enhance CDFA’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to animal health disease outbreaks, enhance food safety, and protect public health.

Meadowview Biological Control Office Repairs and Laboratory Replacement: The budget includes $353,000 for the preliminary plans phase for the repair and replacement of the Meadowview Biological Control Program office and laboratory facilities. The Biological Control Program’s mission is to minimize the economic and environmental impact of noxious invasive weeds and exotic insect pests by facilitating the importation and establishment of their co-evolved natural enemies.  The current facilities are in a state of disrepair and lack the capacity to meet the Program’s operational needs.  The anticipated completion date of this project is October 2028.

Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis – Consultative Workload and Grants:  The Budget includes $1.5 million to address increased research costs to implement activities identified in the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap, and to provide increased consultative support to the Department of Pesticide Regulation on pesticide review.  These resources will allow CDFA to fund additional research grants to develop pesticide alternatives to mitigate delisting and new restrictions on existing pesticides.

From a California Grown News Release

CA GROWN has unveiled a new digital destination—Experience California Agriculture—to spotlight the state’s diverse and dynamic agritourism offerings. From u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to farm stays and farm-to-table restaurants, the website serves as a gateway to authentic California farm-fresh food and farm experiences.

The newly launched platform offers interactive maps, regional guides, and curated directories for farm stands, farm stores, u-pick farms, family-friendly destinations, educational programs, and more. Designed for travelers, educators, and food lovers alike, the site emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, and the deep connection between California’s agricultural communities and those who want to experience them firsthand.

“California is more than the country’s leading agricultural state—it’s a living classroom and a place where food, family, and farming intersect in powerful ways,” said California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross. “This new website makes it easier than ever for people to connect with the people and places who grow our food and steward our land.”

Visitors can browse by region or category, explore detailed listings with real-time updates for everything from coastal farm tours to inland olive oil tastings. The site also features seasonal content, trip ideas, and tips for responsibly enjoying California’s working landscapes. CA GROWN partnered with MJR Creative Group of Fresno, CA to develop the site.

“Agritourism is how we bring the story of CA GROWN to life,” said Cherie Watte, Executive Director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement/CA GROWN. “This site is not just a tool for travel—it’s a way to build understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of crops, communities, and experiences found across the Golden State.”

The launch of Experience California Agriculture comes at a time when interest in local food, outdoor travel, and hands-on learning continues to grow. By bridging the gap between consumers and producers, the site helps ensure that the benefits of agritourism flow directly to California’s family farms and rural economies.

CA GROWN is an initiative of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, promoting the people and products behind California’s diverse agricultural bounty. Learn more at californiagrown.org.

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, CDFA employees proudly participated in the annual Sacramento Pride March. The event, which brought together thousands of participants and supporters, celebrated LGBTQ+ pride, resilience, and community. CDFA was honored to walk in solidarity, showing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month — a time to celebrate progress, honor history, and reaffirm the agency’s support for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month traces its roots to the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn stood up to police during a raid. That resistance sparked the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. The first Pride march took place one year later and has grown into a nationwide celebration.

Thank you to everyone who joined CDFA in the march. A special thank you to Secretary Ross for sponsoring the participation and to Carl Baum for providing Pride T-shirts for CDFA marchers.

Pride Month Events
The CDFA DEI Committee invites all staff to continue celebrating Pride Month by attending upcoming events:

Pride Panel Discussion Moderated by Undersecretary Christine Birdsong
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 am
Zoom Registration Link: Register Here

Virtual Lunch & Learn: Cody Nicholson Stratton from Foggy Bottom Boys Farm
Foggy Bottom Farm is a 6^th generation organic dairy farm operating since the 1860’s in the foggy bottoms of the Eel River Valley on the North Coast of California.

Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration:  Zoom Link

CDFA’s report “Progress for California” highlights a variety of ways that agency programs benefit the state. A prime example is our work to prevent invasive fruit flies from becoming established and threatening our food supply.

Each year brings new infestations to the state, and each year CDFA successfully eradicates those infestations. An especially challenging year was a period spanning parts of 2023 and 2024, when there were record numbers of infestations and 17 different quarantines around the state.

Working with partners at agricultural commissioners’ offices, the USDA, and within the grower community, CDFA achieved 100 percent eradication, adding to its stellar record over the last five decades.

Learn more about invasive fruit fly prevention and eradication

Today, May 29, is National Learn About Composting Day! Ever wonder what happens to the banana peels and yard clippings you toss in the green bin?

In this video, Dana Yount, an environmental scientist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, along with Henry Lou of Northern Recycling, and Kristen Pidcock, senior environmental scientist for CalRecycle, take us behind the scenes at one of the state’s largest composting facilities. From green bin to garden-ready compost, discover how your food scraps and yard clippings are transformed into nutrient-rich compost that supports local farms, gardens, and the environment.

Learn about the step-by-step process—from sorting and grinding to curing—and the surprising benefits compost offers, from improving soil health to boosting water retention and even helping fight erosion.

Discover how composting can enrich your soil and boost your farm’s sustainability. CDFA offers comprehensive resources, from technical assistance to incentive programs such as the Healthy Soils Program, to support your composting journey. Learn more at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/healthysoils/ofcwg.html

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Secretary Karen Ross shares an important reminder about the emotional well-being of our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers — especially in immigrant and rural communities.

CDFA is partnering with trusted organizations to launch the Farmer and Farmworker Mental Health Resources hub, available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Featured in the video are vital services, all free, confidential, and available 24/7 to support individuals and families in agriculture.

Join us in spreading awareness and connecting our agricultural communities with the support they deserve. Explore resources at www.cdfa.ca.gov