KELSEYVILLE >> The Lake County Farm Bureau (LCFB) held its 91st annual meeting and dinner combined with the “Love of the Land” fundraiser on July 17 at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville.
The event brought together more than 200 members of the Lake County agricultural community, according to Allison Tucker of LCFB. Attendees included farmers and ranchers, county leaders, members of the Mendocino Farm Bureau and representation from the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF) and friends, family and children of LCFB staff.
The evening”s festivities kicked off with a wine mixer hosted by the Lake County Winery Association. A flag ceremony led by the Kelseyville Boy Scout Troop and invocation by Gary Sack, CFBF field director, preceded a tri-tip and chicken dinner prepared by the Kelseyville Future Farmers of America. The LCFB membership meeting and the third annual dessert auction followed the dinner.
David Rosenthal, LCFB president, introduced the new slate of directors. In addition to Rosenthal, the 17 member board includes: Glenn Benjamin, Keith Brandt, Terry Dereniuk, Robert Gayaldo, Diane Henderson, Paul Lauenroth, Jeff Lyon, Beau Moore, Dave Mostin, Greg Panella, Monica Rosenthal, Pat Scully, Craig Shannon, Daniel Suenram, Rob Suenram and Gary Wielen. The board of directors represent all districts in Lake County and the agricultural interests of the region.
“While I look forward to this event every year, the 91st annual LCFB meeting and dinner was especially fun,” Rosenthal said. “There was increase in the presence of youth, which brought renewed energy to this annual farming event and a healthy vision of the future of Lake County agriculture.”
This year”s LCFB Agriculture Appreciation Award went to Annette Hopkins for her role in founding and developing the Lake County AgVenture program. Now in its fourth year, AgVenture is a concept designed to build a bridge of understanding between those in agriculture and leaders in the community who influence the public opinion and policies, which directly affect Lake County farmers” ability to farm.
Others honored for their commitment to LCFB include: Marc Hooper for his service as LCFB president from 2012 to 2014; Claudia Street for her service as executive director from 2012 to 2014 and Shirley Campbell, acknowledged for being the newest member of the LCFB Presidents Club.
Chacewater winemaker Mark Burch served as the auctioneer for the event. A selection of farm-themed baked goods raised more than $3,000 for the LCFB scholarship fund for youth pursuing careers in agriculture.
Scholarship recipients Lindee Jones, Ian Seevers and Rebecca Pachie were also acknowledged for their academic performance and Blair Brookes, LCFB summer intern, was introduced during the event program.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the new LCFB executive director, Allison Tucker.
The LCFB is a nonprofit organization with a volunteer board whose purpose is to protect and promote the agricultural interests and economy in Lake County and to find solutions for the challenges facing farmers and the agriculture industry.
For information about the LCFB or to find out how to join it, contact Tucker at 263-0911 or email lcfarmbureau@sbcglobal.net.
