This year’s annual meeting was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at TorNino’s Banquet Hall in Fresno. It was a very special evening in which we celebrated the 56th Annual Dinner Meeting of the Association.
Jeff Yribarren, a member of the Election Certification Committee, gave a report on the results of a recent election for two seats for Directors whose terms were expiring. Seat 6 held by James McFarlane & Seat 7 held by Gary Coleman were both re-elected to their respective seats on the Board for another three-year term.
Chairman James McFarlane gave his report and thanked staff for their efforts over the past year. He also encouraged members to think about ranch stockpiling product with the large crop we anticipate being delivered in the season ahead. President Kelley gave a report on last season shelling activities in which the Association shelled out 105,816,119 lbs. of meat equivalents compared to 120,484,511 lbs. in 2017. President Kelley then reported on the season ahead and stated that the Association has budgeted for a crop size of 132,822,000 lbs. for the upcoming harvest season. He also reported that the recently concluded audit indicates we may pay out a dividend on the sales of the Association’s by-products at a rate of 2.02 cents per meat equivalent pound based on patronage. He went on to report that members who delivered crop in 2014 received a check in repayment of the 2014 Crop Revolving Fund (Capital Fund) at or following the Annual Dinner.
To close out the evening the audience listened to a presentation by Roger Isom, President & CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association. He brought those present up to date on legislative affairs affecting the tree nut industry. He also discussed various farm tractor and diesel pump replacement programs of which growers need to take advantage.