John Harris, Valley farming titan behind Harris Ranch, passes at 81

Central Valley farmer, noted horse breeder, and philanthropist John Harris passed away on Wednesday. 

Central Valley farmer, noted horse breeder, and philanthropist John Harris passed away on Wednesday. 

He was 81 years old and just 12 days shy of his 82nd birthday. 

Harris was born on his family’s eponymous farm on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in 1943, the ranch his parents – Jack and Theresa – had founded just five years earlier. 

After graduating from UC Davis in 1965 with a degree in agricultural production, Harris served for two years in the U.S. Army as an officer through the ROTC at the university. 

He became the sole shareholder and CEO of Harris Farms in 1981 following the death of his father and led the ranch for decades, including Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Harris Ranch Beef Company, Harris Feeding Company, Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division and Harris Fresh. 

Along with his work in agriculture, horse breeding and racing was a favorite pastime for Harris for over 50 years. 

He earned national fame in 2014 when California Chrome became the first California-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby since 1962. 

California Chrome would go on to win the Preakness Stakes two weeks later. 

While Harris did not own California Chrome, the thoroughbred was born at Harris Farms and lived there until he was two years old. 

Harris also had his hand in two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow, who was raised on the farm. 

He served on the California Horse Racing Board, chairing it in 2004, 2005 and 2009. 

Harris was also on the boards of several other organizations, including the Pacific Legal Foundation, the Western Growers Association, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and the Maddy Institute. 

Harris was also known for his philanthropic efforts, often supporting his alma mater UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fresno State. 

At Fresno State, his philanthropy personally benefited Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the Craig School of Business, the Bulldog Foundation, the Fresno State Library and the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. He also was part of the President’s Circle of Excellence. 

For his philanthropy and efforts in the community, Fresno State awarded Harris with an honorary degree of Doctor of Science. 

Last year the Fresno Chamber of Commerce named Harris the 2024 Leon S. Peters award recipient. 

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