Allan Dodge
Allan started farming long before he had the opportunity to purchase his own ranch. Growing up, he worked in the orchards of his grandfather’s farm, and learned the value of hard work. He now grows navels, cara cara oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruit, avocados, olives, and pomegranates. The location of his ranch sits on a southern slope hillside which is a prime location for maximum sunshine to produce the sweetest citrus available. He strives to be and do his very best on the farm. Because of that, a lot of TLC goes into his farming.
Dave Roberts
David began farming in 1980 when he joined the family business made up of 4 generations. The family farms from Southern Fresno County to Southern Tulare County mostly because Percy, David’s father, saved small amounts of money and encouraged his kids to invest in land. With hard work, big dreams, and faith in God, this family has farmed for over 30 years. With God’s grace, they’d love to pass down the heritage for generations to come.
On their ranch, they grow pistachios, avocados, and a wide range of citrus: Navels, Valencia oranges, Cara Cara oranges, Blood oranges, Buddha hands, Meyer lemons, seedless, and regular lemons, Ertrog lemons, and Grapefruit. David feels that every farming day has God’s blessing: a reward of working with talented people to overcome challenges, and enjoying blessings from Mother Nature. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of his father. His passion for farming is working to fulfill his father’s dream which has become his own.
Teresa Dir
David and Teresa Dir, along with their 2 young daughters, began farming their 250+ acre ranch of citrus and olives in Elderwood, California in 1997. After David’s untimely passing, Teresa became a single mother. Thanks to the help of family and friends in the industry, she was able to continue farming. The girls, one now a mother herself, will one day continue the heritage.
Jorge & Julia Inestroza
The Richardson Ranch, established in 1917, is operated by Julia and Jorge Inestroza who hope to one day turn it over to their daughter Laura, as the 5th generation. They farm this ranch sustainably, using responsible farming techniques and establishing new varieties of citrus and avocados. They take pride in every piece of fruit they grow. Their newest project involved transitioning 100 acres of navels to organic, which took three years to complete. www.tenalu.com
