Riverside County farmer wins Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award

» November 29, 2011 «

In recognition of more than 50 years of service to the agricultural community, Riverside County farmer Dan Hollingsworth has earned the highest award bestowed by the California Farm Bureau Federation. Hollingsworth will receive the CFBF Distinguished Service Award during the organization's Annual Meeting next week in Sparks, Nev.

A nursery owner and former dairy farmer, Hollingsworth has held numerous leadership positions within Farm Bureau, including president of the Riverside County Farm Bureau and as a member of the CFBF Board of Directors. He continues to serve on the Riverside County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and chairs its Legislative Committee.

"What makes Dan so special is his commitment to farming and ranching here in California, plus his dedication to improving food supplies internationally," California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. "Dan has helped pave the way for U.S. agricultural leaders to visit and learn from farmers in places as diverse as China and Russia."

Hollingsworth and other members of California Agricultural Leadership Program Class III were instrumental to securing the first "people to people" visit to China. In 1993, Hollingsworth traveled to Russia to work with the Russian Ministry of Agriculture to help develop ways to allow for private ownership by individual farmers.

Hollingsworth earned a dairy science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has been recognized by the California Holstein Association and the University of California, Riverside, Agricultural Advisory Council for outstanding service. He is a founding member and a current director on the Upper Santa Margarita Irrigated Lands Group, which provides information and workshops for agricultural landowners about best management practices for water quality.  He and his wife Joan live in Murrieta.

"The Distinguished Service Award could not go to a more deserving individual," said Grant Chaffin, president of the Riverside County Farm Bureau. "Dan has proven his leadership skills and his ability to get the job done, no matter what difficult circumstances are put in his path. I want to thank Dan for his outstanding service and contributions to the farming community and look forward to working with him in the future."

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 74,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 6.3 million Farm Bureau members.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

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