John Harris, titan of California agriculture, horse racing, dies. ‘Lost a legend’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- John Harris, 81, influential California rancher, died on Wednesday in 2025.
- Harris Ranch, with 100,000 cattle, stood as a symbol of San Joaquin farming.
- Harris supported agriculture through business, military service and donations.
John Harris, a longtime farmer, cattle rancher, and philanthropist, died on Wednesday, leaving behind an indelible mark on San Joaquin Valley agriculture. He was 81.
From his famed Harris Ranch Resort near Interstate 5 to his sprawling 800-acre feed lot with more than 100,000 head of cattle, Harris was one of the original titans of California agriculture.
“We have lost a legend in the agriculture community,” said Ryan Jacobsen, chief executive officer of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.
Born on July 14, 1943, Harris grew up in Fresno County, attended local schools and earned his degree from UC Davis. He also served in the United States Army.
In 1937, his father, Jack Harris, founded what is now known as Harris Ranch on a patch of land on the Valley’s west side. The younger Harris would take the reins of the humble farm and develop it into one of the most successful farming companies in the United States.
Over the years, Harris farmed cotton, grain, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, melons, almonds, pistachios, walnuts and wine grapes.
Fellow westside farmer, Stuart Woolf, of Woolf Farming Company, considered Harris a friend, mentor and business partner.
Harris still had financial interest in the Woolf-owned, Las Gatos Tomato Products and Harris Woolf Almonds, a processing company.
“He was completely dedicated to agriculture and those in it,” said Woolf. “He will be missed.”
Although Harris was a lifelong farmer, he sometimes eschewed looking like one. He liked wearing v-neck sweaters, khaki pants and loafers.
And unlike most farmers, Harris enjoyed dabbling in the world of politics. His resort was often the site of fundraisers for political candidates.
“He always liked a good race, whether it was at the track or at the polling booth,” Woolf said. “He embraced politics. And he was not partisan. He felt that the San Joaquin Valley, because it does not have a large voting base, is sometimes overlooked and he wanted to see the Valley have a stronger voice.”
Along with his passion for growing fruits, vegetables and nuts, Harris developed an expertise at raising cattle and thoroughbreds.
The Harris Ranch Beef Company has developed a reputation nationwide for its high-quality beef products.
In the horse world, Harris has been recognized for breeding many prize-winning horses. He was also heavily involved in the industry. He held positions with the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the California Horse Racing Board, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California.
In 2018, Harris sold the beef operations, including Harris Feeding Company and Harris Ranch Beef Company to the Hanford-based Central Valley Meat Holding Company.
Brian Coelho, president of the Hanford meat company, said he was saddened to hear of Harris’s passing.
“He was a true leader in the California cattle and beef industry. He had a sharp mind and was always thinking of ways to grow, improve and innovate. I admired his passion for agriculture and the strong roots he planted here in the Central Valley,” Coelho said in a statement. “I will miss John’s unexpected emails with his new ideas, industry articles and horse racing news. He will be missed by many.”
Jacobsen, the Fresno County Farm Bureau president, said he enjoyed receiving email’s from Harris, even if they came at odd hours.
“John had his finger on the pulse of a lot of things,” Jacobsen said. “And if it was pertinent to your part of the world, he would make sure you were aware of it and give you his perspective. “
Harris has won numerous awards over the course of his career, including Livestock Man of the Year Award, 1988, UC Davis’ Award of Distinction, 1992, and Fresno Chamber of Commerce Agriculturist of the Year, 2014.
His service with community organizations included Saint Agnes Medical Center, the California Cattlemen’s Association and the Western Growers Association.
Harris was inducted into The Big Fresno Fair Hall of Fame in 2008 and was the recipient of the Leon S. Peters award in 2024.
“John Harris was more than a pioneer in agriculture – he was a steward of the land, a visionary leader, and a mentor to many. His legacy lives on through the sustainable practices he championed and the values he instilled in others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering dedication to community, innovation and California’s agricultural future,” said Gary Chahil, President of The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors.
This story was originally published July 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
