by Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau
Silvia Prevedelli has been selected by the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau as the 2016 “Farmer of the Year”. This award is presented annually to the farmer(s) who have contributed beyond their normal farming duties to help the community.
The presentation was made during the Farm Bureau’s 99th Annual Meeting held Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Live Earth Farm in Watsonville.
The board of directors felt it was appropriate to honor Silvia because of her dedication to the community and their significant contributions within Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.
Featured speaker for the evening was Tom Am Rhein, 2004 Farmer of the Year, who spoke on the topic “History of the Local Hops Industry.” Master of Ceremonies was David Van Lennep, President, Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau.
Other activities of the Annual Meeting included the election of:
Directors:
1st term, three-year director, Gordon Claassen – Cattle • Cynthia Mathiesen – Berries • Dennis Webb – Timber- 1st term, one-year director, John Pisturino – Cattle & Timber
- 2nd term, three-year director, Wendy O’Donovan – Berries
- 2nd term, one-year director, Frank Estrada – Cattle & Timber
- 3rd term, three-year director, Dick Peixoto – Organic Vegetables
There are 19 directors on the board and all terms commence on November 1, 2016
Officers:
- President and State Delegate, two-year position, Thomas Broz – Organic Vegetables
- 1st Vice President and State Delegate, two-year position, Brendan Miele – Herbs & Vegetables
- 2nd Vice President and State Delegate, two-year position, Arnett Young – Vegetables
- Past-President and Alternate State Delegate, two-year position, David Van Lennep – Timber