Farm Bureau honors San Bernardino County farmer for distinguished service

» December 8, 2009 «

Described as a "priceless volunteer" who has dedicated more than 30 years of service to agriculture in San Bernardino County and statewide, Ralph teVelde of Ontario was recognized with the California Farm Bureau Federation Distinguished Service Award last night, during the Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

TeVelde, a two-time president of the San Bernardino County Farm Bureau and former member of the California Farm Bureau Board of Directors, opened teVe Dairy in Ontario in 1969. In nominating him for the Distinguished Service Award, current county Farm Bureau President Kathye Rietkerk described teVelde as an active member of the organization's board, who made involvement in vital agricultural issues "a top priority."

"With Ralph, you can always count on his immense dedication and active participation in any role he serves," Rietkerk wrote in her nomination letter.

TeVelde continues to serve as secretary/treasurer of the county Farm Bureau. At the state level, he has had a role in determining Farm Bureau policy through his involvement in commodity advisory committees, including current service on the Rural Health and Safety Committee. During the 1990s, teVelde was elected as a director on the California Farm Bureau Federation board, representing Riverside, San Bernardino and Inyo-Mono counties.

"As someone who's the first to volunteer, Ralph demonstrates both character and high ethical values, while dealing with challenges through optimism," California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said in presenting the award to teVelde. Mosebar said teVelde "serves as an inspiration to all of us."

Before entering the dairy business, teVelde served in the Navy from 1951 to 1955 and worked with North American Aviation for 12 years. He remains active in the dairy business as a partner with his son Ken in the dairy, which has relocated to Hobbs, N.M.

The Distinguished Service Award—the highest honor bestowed by the California Farm Bureau—has been presented annually since 1953.

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 81,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5 million Farm Bureau members.

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

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