John Harris, one of California agriculture’s most well-known and influential leaders, passed away on July 3. He was 81.
Harris was a farmer, cattle rancher, horse breeder, philanthropist and visionary businessman, according to those who knew and worked with him.
“Like his iconic Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, which stands as an oasis alongside a remote stretch of road, John is a pillar in California agriculture and the broader Western fresh produce industry,” Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia said when presenting Harris with the organization’s Award of Honor, the organization’s highest accolade, in 2022.
“It is safe to say that no one in this industry is more recognized and admired, and not just among his peers but also by community and political leaders throughout California. John’s vision can be seen in all his enterprises, from his ranching and farming businesses to his championship horse racing operations. Beyond his business endeavors, John is a powerful voice for farmers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. and has dedicated his life’s work to the advancement of California agriculture and the rural communities our industry supports.”
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., described Harris as a “respected leader in California and American agriculture.
“John was a pioneer in the development and production of healthy food products that made the Harris Ranch Beef one of the most respected food producers in America. His love of horses and agriculture defined his life. I had the good fortune to know John for over 40 years - he was my friend; he will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever,” Costa said.
Born on July 14, 1943, Harris grew up in on a farm in Fresno County that his parents had started in 1937. He graduated with a degree in agricultural production from the University of California, Davis, and then served two years in the U.S. Army.
He became the sole shareholder and CEO of Harris Farms in 1981 following the death of his father and led the ranch for decades, including Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Ranch Beef Co., Harris Feeding Co., Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh. Over the years, Harris farmed cotton, grain, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, melons, almonds, pistachios, walnuts and wine grapes.
The avid horse breeder and racing enthusiast earned national fame in 2014 when California Chrome became the first California-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby since 1962. Two weeks later, the horse also won the Preakness Stakes.
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While Harris did not own California Chrome, the thoroughbred was born at Harris Farms and lived there until he was two years old.
Harris served five terms as president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and served on the California Horse Racing Board, chairing it in 2004, 2005 and 2009. He also served on the boards of several other organizations, including the Pacific Legal Foundation, the Western Growers Association, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Maddy Institute.
He was the recipient of numerous awards including Livestock Man of the Year in 1988 by his peers in the ranching industry, and in 2014 he received the Agriculturalist of the Year award from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. He received an honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the California State University at Fresno in 2019.
Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie.
A public celebration of life is being scheduled and will be announced in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, continuing Harris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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