Leadership Farm Bureau
Class of 2024
Ben Abatti III – Imperial County
Ben Abatti III is a third-generation farmer from Holtville, CA. He received his bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in BioResource & Agricultural Engineering with a minor in Ag Business. After college, he worked for the J.G. Boswell Company in farming operations as the Shop Engineering Manager. He returned to the Imperial Valley to work on his family's farm where they grow alfalfa, sugar beets, wheat, produce, and other forage crops.
Alex Arroyo – Monterey County
Alex Arroyo is the General Manager of King City Transplanting in the Salinas Valley. He has moved up the ranks at King City Transplanting, and he is responsible for all aspects of the operation. Alex studied business administration at Hartnell College and has a diverse background that encompasses many experiences across retail, automotive, and agriculture industries.
Tanya Brouse – Butte County
Tanya Brouse works as a Program Coordinator for the Butte County Farm Bureau. She also works with the Butte Agriculture Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) that benefits agriculture groups in the surrounding counties. She is the current chair for Butte County Young Farmers & Ranchers. Tanya earned a degree from California State University, Chico in Animal Science and with minors in Agriculture Business and Food Studies.
Sy Honig – Yuba-Sutter
Sy Honig is the owner of Honig Farms, LLC with more than eight years of experience in the farming industry. He graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in crop science. Following graduation he worked as an independent crop advisor, where he oversaw a variety of crops including walnuts, kiwis, almonds, and many varieties of boutique seed crops. In 2019, Sy had the opportunity to manage Honig Farms full-time and has now transitioned to partner. Sy’s formal education and professional experience has created a strong foundation for leadership within the industry and Farm Bureau.
Jackie Kennedy – Glenn County
Jackie Kennedy operates a multi-generation family farm in Glenn County alongside her husband Adam and their four young kids. She is the office manager of their farming operations consisting of rice, olives for olive oil, and walnuts, as well as the founder of Knaughty Farms Olive Oil. She has a passion for agriculture, serving as a Glenn County Farm Bureau Director as well as a District Grower Representative on the Olive Oil Commission of California.
James Moller – Shasta County
James Moller is a seventh generation California cattle rancher where his family has been continuously ranching cattle since the Spanish first came to California. After high school James attended Shasta College where he received a degree in Ag Production and then transferred to CSU, Chico where he studied Agriculture Business. After college he worked for UC Davis for ten years running their beef program and feedlot. Today, he operates his family’s ranch with his wife, Star, and sons, Colten and Wyatt raising angus cattle. James is also a manager for Driscoll’s Inc. focusing on strawberry nursery production where he is helping make some of the best strawberries in the world.
Rachel Nettleton – Kern County
As an accomplished professional with a diverse background spanning sports, health, and agriculture, Rachel Nettleton has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a meaningful impact. With a proven track record in creating cherished moments for families in the sports industry and contributing significantly to saving lives through blood donations, Rachel has established herself as a versatile and purpose-driven leader. Currently immersed in the field of agriculture, Rachel’s focus is on raising awareness about the importance of this industry. Her dedication extends to bridging the gap between the agricultural community and the public through educational outreach and community engagement.
Harsimerdip (Harry) Sidhu – Yuba-Sutter
Harry Sidhu grew up in Live Oak, CA and attended Live Oak High School. He attended Butte College and later University of Phoenix where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business marketing. He grew up farming with his father growing kiwi’s and walnuts, and now farming peaches. He has a career in agricultural lending in Northern California and currently works for First Northern Bank.
Danielle Vietti – Tulare County
Danielle Vietti was born and raised in Santa Cruz and relocated to Visalia prior to college. She attended Fresno Pacific University majoring in Business Management. She fell into banking by happenstance in college and found a passion for finance, particularly agriculture finance. Danielle has worked at AgWest Farm Credit (formerly Farm Credit West) for 13 years, initially as a Credit Analyst and most recently in the Tulare office as a Vice President specializing in dairy financing. Danielle’s husband, Ian, is an LFB alumnus and heavily involved in Tulare County Farm Bureau, currently serving as Treasurer and a State Delegate. They have two incredible children: Abigail and Adam. Outside of work and Farm Bureau, they enjoy traveling together as a family, playing with their dog Buddy, golfing, and participating in church activities.
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