Agriculture Today - November 2009
FCFB leaders to be recognized in Annual Ag Awards Program
Two Fresno County Farm Bureau leaders are being recognized for their contributions to agriculture at the Annual Agricultural Awards on Nov. 18 in downtown Fresno.
FCFB Past President, Easton area farmer and former dairyman Fred Machado was selected as the 2009 Agriculturist of the Year by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Likewise, the 2009 Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business Award will be presented to the Riverdale-based Errotabere Ranches. Current FCFB President Dan Errotabere is one of the principals in the business.
Since emigrating with his family from the Azores (Portugal) in 1932, Machado has been involved with farming and dairy production. He started his farm on just 20 acres after leaving the Navy in 1955. Today the family farms about 800 acres of almonds, grapes, orchards and feed crops. Until this year, Machado also was a dairy producer.
Machado has been an active member of FCFB for more than 50 years, serving in several leadership positions, including president. He also has served on the boards of directors of the National Milk Producers Federation, Challenge Dairy and Danish Creamery, and numerous community organizations.
Recognized for its leadership and entrepreneurship, Errotabere Ranches was selected for the achievements of its management team and contributions to the agricultural industry. The diversified family farm dates back to 1920s in the Riverdale area. Upon their father Jean’s death, brothers Dan, Jean Jr. and Remi took over the then-800-acre cotton farming operation in 1979. Today, the brother team runs a 6,000-acre diversified farming operation which includes pima cotton, almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, garlic, onions, alfalfa seed, wheat, lettuce and cantaloupes in the Riverdale and Five Points areas. They have progressively applied water efficiencies and technology to better utilize the scarce resource of water. The brothers are each responsible for a specific facet of the business – finances, crop production and farm equipment.
The Errotaberes have held leadership roles in the agricultural industry and in community organizations. Dan has been an advocate for agricultural water issues and has served on several water-related boards. The three brothers are actively involved in Riverdale schools and Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. They support Community Medical Centers, Children’s Hospital of Central California, and have been active in the local United Cerebral Palsy Association.
Machado and Errotabere Ranches will be honored at the Ag Awards Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Fresno. Tickets are $40 and tables of eight are $320. For tickets contact the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce at (559) 495-4800.