Kings County's agricultural industry and Lemoore Chamber sponsor annual salute to county's number one business

The 2018 Agriculturist of the Year, Pete Hanse, watches a video at the annual Kings County Salute to Agriculture Friday night in Lemoore.

Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

The annual salute to Kings County’s major industry was held Friday night, Sept. 7 at the Fialho family airplane hanger as local officials and the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, the annual sponsor of the event, honored longtime ag supporter Pete Hanse and the Kings County Farm Bureau.

Hanse, a well-known Kings County ag supporter, has dedicated his entire life 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. His supporters argue that they do not know anyone who has dedicated more time and effort to agriculture than 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.

Accepting the award for Ag Supporter of the Year were Kings County Farm Bureau President Monty Hoggard and Executive Director Dusty Ference.

Lemoore Chamber Executive Director Amy Ward with Kings County Farm Bureau's Monty Hoggard (president) and Executive Director Dusty Ference.

Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

Hanse has served 44 consecutive years on the Farm Bureau board, an accomplishment unto itself. He has held every position on the board and served as president from 1986 to 1988.

Supporters say that 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 plan, 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.