Jerald “Jerry” Rebensdorf
Jerald “Jerry” Rebensdorf is a FCFB Director At-Large
Jerry Rebensdorf is a third generation farmer in the Fresno area. His family originally came as Germans from Russia to first settle in North Dakota, and eventually moved to the Fresno area in the 1920s to farm.
In 1948, Rebensdorf’s uncle sold property, where they built a cooperative raisin processor, now known as Fresno Cooperative Raisin Growers, Inc. Today, Rebensdorf is still heavily involved with the raisin processor serving as president.
Rebensdorf oversees the day-to-day operations, including any changes in raisin packaging and determining packing orders. “Probably the biggest challenges we face year-to-year are the ups and downs of the market price and the overproduction that leads to a low market price,” he said.
From the 380 acres processed by the cooperative, almost 30 percent of the raisins are produced organically. Rebensdorf said by 2009, all of the acreage will be in organic production. “The organic market is a growing market. I believe 30 percent of the overall market will be organic by 2009.”
This recent trend is an example of why Rebensdorf enjoys farming. “It’s different every day and no year is the same,” he said. “And, it’s challenging, which makes this business very interesting to me.”
The cooperative has been an important part of Rebensdorf’s life. He was five years old when the cooperative was built, but he spent some time away from the business shortly after high school.
After Rebensdorf graduated from Central High School, he attended Fresno City College for one year, and then joined the Army. He served three years from 1962 to 1965, including two years in South Korea, just 10 years after the Korean War. “I learned that I didn’t want to stay in the Army; I wanted to run my own business,” he said. Shortly after serving in the Army, Rebensdorf began farming on his own when he rented 20 acres of Thompson seedless grapes in 1968, while still fulfilling other daily needs of the overall family operation.
In 1970, when Rebensdorf’s uncle passed away, he took over 80 acres of Thompson seedless grapes, and another 100 acres that his uncle was custom farming. Today, Jerry now farms 180 acres of his own grapes, and custom farms an additional 100 acres.
Agriculture has provided a way of life for both Rebensdorf and his family. He has been married to Cheryl for 39 years. Cheryl, originally from Templeton, was working for the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board at the time they met at a local dance in Fresno. Today, she works for Premiere Jewelry, conducting home shows and working directly with their corporation.
The Rebensdorfs have three grown children: Michael, Randy and Stefani. Michael is married to Dani and they live in Fair Oaks, where they raise their three-year-old daughter, Mia. Randy, who works for Rebensdorf Vineyard, is married to Kisha and has two sons: Huntley, 5, and Dexter, 3. Stefani lives on one of the ranches with her husband, Justin Galan.
As Rebensdorf’s family continues to grow, he has acquired a new hobby: “I love playing with my three grandchildren. It’s been fun.”
Farm Bureau Involvement
Rebensdorf has been on the FCFB Board for over 30 years. He is probably best known for his involvement heading up the volunteer bartending crew at FCFB’s Media Appreciation Night. He has been the bartender for the event since it originated in 1976. “This is probably my favorite event of the entire year,” he said.
Rebensdorf has served in multiple positions with FCFB, including six years as the Raisin Commodity Chairman, and the last few years as a Director At-Large.
Rebensdorf feels that people outside of Farm Bureau may not realize how much time is committed by Farm Bureau to the industry. “I am impressed by the dedication from growers, members and its employees to Farm Bureau and the farming community; I appreciate the time they put in,” he said.
In addition to Farm Bureau, Rebensdorf is heavily involved with the local community. He currently is serving his fourth term as president for the Central Lions Club and is active in the Edison Social Club. He also has served more than 15 years on the Raisin Administrative Committee and spent six years on the Central School Board before it became unified.
Fishing, fishing and more fishing
Between work, family and community service, Rebensdorf doesn’t have time to engage in many extra-curricular activities—except one hobby.
“I love to fish,” Rebensdorf said. For him, it’s a great way to relax, travel and engage in recreation.
Rebensdorf has fished in the upper Sierra Nevadas; western Ontario, Canada; off the coast of Mexico (Cabo San Lucas); Alaska; Oregon; local rivers and waterways, and more. He fishes for a variety of different species, including walleye (bass), trout, marlin, tuna, salmon and dorado.
When Rebensdorf isn’t casting his fishing line, you can always count on him to be a good spokesperson for the community and for agriculture.
Meet Your Board Member Profile: Ag Today, Feb 08
By: John Migliazzo