Annual Salute to Ag Banquet honors Pete Hanse and Kings Farm Bureau Sept. 7

The Lemoore Chamber will host the event on Friday, September 7, 2018, at the Fialho Family Hangar in Lemoore. Hanse will be honored as the 2018 Agriculturalist of the Year while the Kings County Farm Bureau is the Ag Supporter of the Year.

Hanse is well-known throughout the community. According to the Chamber, his entire life has been dedicated to protecting, preserving and enhancing the agriculture industry, all while ensuring that every farmer has the right to farm and defend his or her heritage. Many would say that they do not know anyone who has dedicated more time and effort to agriculture than Mr. Hanse. Not only has he established a successful family business, Hanse Farms Inc., but he has chosen to maintain an active role in the agriculture community.

His community service has spanned many years as a volunteer and a director with the Kings County Farm Bureau. It is his 44th consecutive year on the board, which is an accomplishment in and of itself. He has held every position on the board and served as president of the board from 1986 to 1988.

He has participated in numerous California Farm Bureau state conventions, where he has taken advantage of the opportunity to meet people and get to know what is going on in the industry outside of Kings County. He is a reliable and hardworking member who attends all the events, comes to every board meeting and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Hanse is a voice of reason for this industry, relying on his years of experience and knowledge. Revered for his wisdom, Mr. Hanse's peers look to him for input on many topics the industry is facing today.

Kings County Farm Bureau (KCFB), the only agriculture advocacy organization in the county, is celebrating 100 years of community service in 2018. Its commitment to protecting, preserving, and enhancing agriculture in Kings County drives our community service activities year after year.

Each year, KCFB co-hosts Farm Day, an interactive agriculture field trip for every third-grade student in the county. Once at the fair, students interact with industry professionals and learn about agriculture equipment, 4-H and FFA showmanship projects, and production ag. For many of the schools, this is the only field trip they can take each year, and they do so at no cost.

Continuing its commitment to agriculture education, KCFB gives an average of 10 $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors in the county. Eligible students must graduate from a high school in Kings County, have been accepted to an accredited 2- or 4-year college, and be pursuing a career in agriculture. To date, KCFB has awarded nearly 100 scholarships.

The bureau’s newest project, KCFB Cultivators, is centered around a map of farm stands throughout the county to keep regular business hours and provide fresh local produce. More than a simple map, this program is designed to connect local consumers to local farmers, providing a platform for growers and purchasers to communicate and learn from each other. Cultivators will have the privilege of attending an annual farm tour for a hands-on learning experience in addition to a private Facebook group and e-newsletter subscription.

In addition to honoring this year’s Agriculturalist an Ag Supporter, the evening will include a hosted social, hors-d'oeuvres and dinner. Socializing begins at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by the awards program at 8 p.m. 

Sponsorship opportunities and reservations to decorate tables are being accepted.  Inquiries and reservations for the event may be made by calling the Lemoore Chamber at 559-924-6401. Paid reservations received by August 25 are $75/each or a table for 8 for $500. Reservations made after August 25 will be $85 per person. Tickets will not be available at the door. 

For more information about the event, please contact Amy Ward at 559-924-6401, or via email at amy@lemoorechamber.org