In February, Wisconsin Farm Bureau members traveled to attend the 2024 World Ag Expo in California. The trip provided the opportunity to meet local farmers, tour processors and sightsee in the Golden State of California. Members spent two nights in San Francisco, three nights in Lenmoore and two nights in Los Angeles. Read on for a recap and photos of WFBF member travels!
“The Wisconsin Farm Bureau member trip to California was a great continuation of the legacy of sharing and celebrating farm diversity that Farm Bureau is known for. It was an experience that gave an in-depth, extremely enjoyable view of some of the best parts of the Golden State. It covered many items on my bucket list including experiencing the Pacific Ocean along with eating an orange fresh off a tree that I had just hand-picked. California’s farmers and residents did an outstanding job of welcoming us and supplying all our needs for a truly fulfilling vacation. The accommodations were top-notch with event-filled days and excellent meals ranging from exquisite to fast and affordable. The almond industry, winery and dairy tours were enlightening along with informative about the challenges faced by each. The highlight was touring the World’s largest Agricultural Exposition with friends from Wisconsin!”
– Kevin Whalen, District 4 Coordinator and Trempealeau County Farm Bureau Member
Hello From California!
Members participating in WFBF’s trip to World Ag Expo made it to San Francisco over the weekend to begin their week of travel, tours and, of course, agriculture!
California Farm Tours
Farm Bureau members visiting California had the opportunity to visit Bear Creek Winery in Lodi and Travalle and Phippen Almond Processing in Manteca yesterday.
Bear Creek Winery was founded in 1934 as a grower cooperative and later acquired by the Kautz family in 1997. The winery has grown to become the 6th largest family-owned U.S. grape grower and winery operation. From grape supply to wine processing services, Bear Creek Winery is recognized as the preferred outsourcing partner for many of the world’s leading beverage alcohol companies and brand owners and has earned a reputation as one of the premier custom wine producers in California.
Travaille and Phippen, Inc. began as a small family farm operation in Ripon, California growing both almonds and wine grapes. By the 90s they were booming and had transitioned their focus to almonds only. Today, Travaille & Phippen have around 60 full-time employees during the regular season and 75 employees during harvest to help support their dream. From growing, they really do it all when it comes to almonds.
Exploring World Ag Expo
WFBF members made it to Tulare, California for the World Ag Expo! During the first day at the Expo, members had the opportunity to meet with California Farm Bureau Federation President Shannon Douglass to learn more about California agriculture. Members returned to the Expo to check out exhibits and take in more of the show.
Fun in the California Sun
During the last leg of their journey in California, WFBF members had the chance to explore two farms, including Hilarides Dairy, a 10,000-cow Jersey farm that condenses their milk, as well as TreeSource Citrus Nursery. To cap off their adventure, they even went to Paramount Studios in Hollywood and Beverly Hills!
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