Agriland celebrates harvest completion

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune

College Bound Scholars, from left, Stephanie Hernandez-Santos, Nadia Hernandez, Edwin Pacheco, Ari Anna Diaz, Michael erez Olivos, Kateryn Perez Olivos, Alexandra Estrada-Benitez, Paola Chavez, Elvia Cruz Lopez, Jizelle Garcia, Marcos Guerrero, Jasmin Chavez, David Chavez and Marcos Chavez gather on stage after being honored by Agriland on Wednesday.

Agriland Farming Company, Inc. and its affiliates, which are headquartered in Madera County, gathered at the Madera Fairgrounds last week to celebrate completion of the harvest of 38.000 acres of permanent crops in the eight county area of Central and Southern San Joaquin Valley.

In addition, Agriland continues its scholarship program for children of its employees. Twenty-three students received awards for academic excellence in high school studies as they prepare themselves to qualify for college scholarships in the future. Ten students are currently attending colleges and universities throughout California with the support of scholarships they’ve received from Agriland.

it’s very gratifying to see so many of our young people excelling in academics,” Agriland CEO Jim Maxwell said. “Most of those entering college under our scholarship program are the first in their families to attend college. I believe that they are setting a new course for the future and that their children will follow their good example.”

Agriland Director of Accounting, Chris Rodriquez, mentioned as he announced the academic award winners that “The mission of the Agriland Farming College Bound and Scholarship Program is not only increase the number of our employee’s children becoming college graduates, but to empower their lives through improved career opportunities.”

“We were so excited to finally get everyone back together to celebrate and reflect on the accomplishments of our employees,” said Agriland administrator Jeannie Sandlin. “Without their dedication and diligence, we would not be able to continue to grow and flourish in today’s tough farming conditions. It takes great employees to make a great company and we think we have the best.”

Agriland Director of Accounting, Michelle Cucchiara, remarked that there is a strong “family feel” as we gather together as we all know that those who work together are ready to do whatever is needed to support each other.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring all of the Agriland employees together from across the Central Valley to thank them for their hard work and dedication,” said Blake Davis, Agriland COO. “Our employees are like our family members. It is easy to give back to them and the communities in which we all live.”