Harris was born to a farm family whose operations in California extend back more than a century. He graduated with a degree in agricultural production from the University of California, Davis and then served two years in the U.S. Army. “I was proud to have gone to a good university at Davis and expanded my knowledge there,” Harris said. “And I was in the Army for a couple of years as a commander of a Nike Hercules site and that gave me some leadership experience that was memorable.” During his tenure as CEO and sole shareholder of Harris Farms and his 11 years on the Western Growers Board of Directors, Harris certainly experienced a saga of upheavals and changes in rural life and the agriculture industry. “It’s sort of evolved, this area of farming,” Harris said. “Most people were diversified, to some extent, because they had water wells they needed to keep operating…. well, we can’t do that anymore. Now we’re trying to diversify because you’re trying to hit all the highs and avoid the lows.” But farming and ranching and hospitality aren’t Harris’ only endeavors that have brought him acclaim. In addition, Harris served five terms as president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and in the summer you can find him by the ocean—not as your stereotypical retiree, but watching his prospects at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club just north of San Diego. “I got into it, I guess, because my father was into it,” Harris said. “The whole scene, it kind of grabs you. I like it for the same reason I like farming: I like the people and the variety and the challenge.” The Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division produced California Chrome, the winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. “I’ve been involved with John not only in horses, but in many agricultural enterprises,” said Don Valpredo, President of Donald Valpredo Farming and horse racing legend. “He’s a tireless worker—he uncovers every stone… he’s about as involved and as fair in everything that he does as anyone I’ve ever been involved with.” Valpredo continued: “I read some place the other day about a person who is as successful as Mr. Harris. ‘If you see a turtle sitting on a fence, he didn't get there alone.’ Right? And John has always employed very good people and
partnered with very good people.” It is a point of pride for Harris. “One of the things we do that is kind of unique is that we have a larger year-round workforce because we have a variety of crops,” he said. “I like to use people who have been here a long time because they have a good job and stability, and we like to capitalize on that.” And this innate sense of team building has paid off not only in the success of Harris’ enterprises, but with the regard he is held in by the agricultural community. “I was very flattered to be recognized by my peers,” Harris said of being named the recipient of the Award of Honor for 2022. “I was pleased and proud that they felt like I deserved it.” The Award of Honor will join numerous other significant awards Harris has received; in 1988 he was named Livestock Man of the Year by his peers in the ranching industry, and in 2014 he received the Agriculturalist of the Year award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. He received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the California State University at Fresno in 2019.
Looking back on Harris’ career, it is fitting to return to Steinbeck and “East of Eden”: “But the Hebrew word, the word timshel — ‘Thou mayest’—that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open.” Harris mayest, and he did. Harris’ achievements will be celebrated at the Award of Honor Dinner Gala at the Western Growers 2022 Annual Meeting at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. The 2022 Annual Meeting will be held from Nov. 2-5, 2022. For more information about
registration or to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, please contact Assistant Vice President, Membership Kim Sherman at ksherman@wga.com.
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