Lemoore Chamber of Commerce to honor Frank Zonneveld and Fukuda Family at Salute to Agriculture event

The Lemoore Chamber of Commerce will host the event on Friday, September 6, 2019, at the Fialho Family Hangar in Lemoore.

Last year’s Agriculturalist of the Year and Ag Supporter included Pete Hanse and the Kings County Farm Bureau respectively.

Frank Zonneveld will be honored as the 2019 Agriculturalist of the Year. The Ag Supporter of the Year award will be presented to the Fukuda Family.

Zonneveld’s family began farming in 1973 with 20 acres and a little over 200 cows. Eventually, his father passed down the farm to his sons, and they have since grown the farm to include five dairies with approximately 8,500 cows.

In addition to the dairies, they also grow pistachios, almonds, walnuts, tomatoes, cotton, and corn. Zonneveld credits the family’s success to hiring the right people and working with them. Zonneveld currently serves as chairman of the Kings River Watch Association where he feels strongly about representing his fellow farmers who often face serious water concerns.

The Fukuda Family’s roots run deep in Kings County. They believe their passion for the ag industry comes from the love of their community and a strong desire to protect the industry. The family’s love of community has been passed down from Mr. and Mrs. Fukuda who own and operate Oliver Whitakers Co. in Corcoran.

Todd Fukuda is the owner of Weinberger, Fukuda and Associates, an ag consulting firm that provides pest control advisory services to the pistachio industry. Aaron Fukuda is the general manager of Tulare Irrigation District. The family’s combined efforts are dedicated to contributing to the agriculture community by providing pest-free products, delivering water to the crops, maintaining ag vehicles and supporting future generations through education and training.

In addition to honoring this year’s Agriculturalist and Ag Supporter, the evening will include a hosted social, appetizers 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. Tickets are $75/each or a table for 8 for $525. Tickets will not be available at the door.

For more information about the event, please contact Samantha White at 904-440-4148, or via email at samantha@lemoorechamber.org.