More than 60 years later, Gless Ranch farms nearly 10,000 acres across multiple regions in California, including Riverside, Coachella Valley and Kern County. Gless also farms the California Citrus State Historic Park and the orange trees lining scenic Victoria Avenue in Riverside. “We grow oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, limes and avocados in Riverside, and oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines in Kern County. In the Coachella Valley, in addition to citrus, we farm dates and raise citrus and avocado trees in a state- of-the-art nursery,” Gless said. And then there’s the Gless Ranch Farmer’s Market in Riverside, which offers customers a diverse selection of fresh citrus, locally grown fruits and vegetables, local artisan foods and gifts, craft beer, wine and specialty items. Gless credits his work ethic to his father and his success to his hard work and his dedicated family. His wife, all four children, and several grandchildren, have either contributed or are actively contributing to the farming and overall operation of Gless Ranch. Like many farms in California, one of Gless Ranch’s biggest challenges has been water. Fortunately, his luck didn’t run dry last year. “Last year’s rain saved much of California’s farming as many were letting groves die because of the severe water shortage,” he said. Despite the obstacles, Gless emphasized his profound appreciation for the joy and rewards of farming. “People ask me why I haven’t retired. I’m still at it because I enjoy it, and I love the challenge.”
Top: John Gless, 1980 Bottom: Planting of the California Citrus State Historic Park circa 1992
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