Mark Sorensen

Mark Sorensen has always held the Fresno County Farm Bureau in high regards. When Sorensen was asked join the board as a Director At Large, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. He brings years of experience from other boards, and has been a part of the farming community his entire life. His hands-on farming experience has taught him what it takes to keep the family farm going.

Sorensen’s great-great grandfather settled in the Selma area in the early 1900s. Sorensen is a fifth generation farmer in the Caruthers area where he farms 365 acres of raisins and blueberries. He also operates his own raisin harvesting business.

I have a lot of respect for what those ahead of me have done,” Sorensen said. “I still farm the same vineyard my great-grandfather planted 90 years ago.”

Sorensen believes that farming has provided him with a great lifestyle and the flexibility to be with the people he loves. “Farming allows me to be involved with the kids’ activities. Even though things have to be done in a timely matter, it still allows time for me to be with family. It’s worth the hassle.”

Sorensen has been married to Kim for 22 years, and has three daughters: Johannah, 16; Elizabeth, 14; and Olivia, 11. “Our life is centered around our kids,” Sorensen said.

When the Sorensen’s are not watching their kids play sports or sing in the choir, they camp on the coast and Shaver Lake during the spring and summer months. They also enjoy water skiing at Pine Flat and Redinger lakes.

Sorensen has served on a number of boards, including the Sun-Maid Raisin Board; San Joaquin Political Academy Board; Caruthers Fair Board, where he has served the last 21 years; and the Alvina Elementary Charter School Board. He recently learned that his great grandfather also served as a member of the Alvina School Board. In addition to his involvement with the FCFB Board of Directors, he is also serving on the FCFB Banquet Committee.

My hobby is my committee work,” Sorensen said. “If it isn’t something I enjoy, I won’t do it. I am always trying to learn as much as I can while I serve on these boards.”

Sorensen also is a graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program, Class XXIII. “I received great education through the Ag Leadership Program,” he said. He still keeps in touch with industry members that graduated with him more than 10 years ago.

Perhaps one of Sorensen’s most rewarding experiences, though, was his involvement in putting together the Veteran’s Memorial in Caruthers. He had the opportunity to chair the committee that built the memorial, which contains the names of over 1,000 local veterans. He worked with community members, local officials and local businesses to fundraise and build the memorial.

It’s important that we recognize the sacrifice that our prior generations have made so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today,” Sorensen said.

Sorensen is fascinated with World War II history. As time goes by, he becomes more and more passionate about the subject. One of his most memorable experiences was a trip to France to visit Omaha Beach, one of the prime landing spots for allied troops during the Normandy Invasion of 1944.

I want to teach our children this history,” Sorensen said. “I want to take them some day to see the Omaha Beach cemetery.”

Sorensen looks forward to participating and serving on the board for FCFB.

Meet Your Board Member Profile: Ag Today, Apr 07

By: John Migliazzo