Tulare County farmer honored for distinguished service

» December 9, 2008 «

C. Paul Johnson has served Farm Bureau and other farm groups for 60-plus years

Paul Johnson, with his wife Shirley, received the Distinguished Service Award from CFBF President Doug Mosebar. Download JPG (3 MB)

More than 60 years of service to agriculture and his community led to recognition for Tulare County farmer C. Paul Johnson, who received the Distinguished Service Award from the California Farm Bureau Federation last night. The award was presented at the Farm Bureau's 90th Annual Meeting in Burlingame.

Johnson first became active in Farm Bureau as a member of the Young Farmers and Ranchers organization, served as statewide YF&R chair in 1957 and as vice chairman of the American Farm Bureau YF&R committee. He later served as president of the Tulare County Farm Bureau and as a member of the California Farm Bureau board of directors.

In nominating Johnson for the award, current Tulare County Farm Bureau President Edward Needham said, "I can attest to Paul's continued involvement in our local organization. Our county is honored that he is still an active leader."

Johnson, who farmed citrus fruit, walnuts, cotton, beans and olives near Visalia, has also served several commodity groups. He helped to found the California Walnut Commission and chaired its board. He has also served on the Walnut Marketing Board, the Cal Bean & Grain Cooperative board and the Acala Cotton Board.

California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar described Johnson as "a role model for all young people in agriculture: Get involved early and stay involved. Even small things make a difference, so just make sure your voice is heard."

Johnson was one of two longtime Farm Bureau leaders to receive the Distinguished Service Award. The award was also presented to the family of the late Dan Byrne, a cattle rancher, former Modoc County Farm Bureau president and California Farm Bureau director who died in October.

The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the California Farm Bureau and has been given each year since 1953. The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 91,000 members statewide.

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

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.