Shannon Douglass

Shannon Douglass, the new president of the California Farm Bureau and the first woman to lead the organization, said her family is her motivation as she advocates for agriculture.

“It’s really about the next generation and making sure our son has the same opportunities that we have,” she said.

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Her pre-teen son loves farming and, one day, wants to take over Douglass Ranch in Orland, Calif., she said.

“I think he’s going to be someone who’s going to continue to look for new opportunities. That’s something you have to do in California,” Douglass said.

Farms are facing tremendous pressure, and value-added products and diversification have become necessary for many families.

Douglass Ranch raises cattle and grows walnuts, corn, sunflowers and forage crops.

Douglass also co-founded CalAgJobs, an online listing of farm and ranch employment opportunities.

“We saw that opportunity over a decade ago. Our ag friends needed some additional help with job placements,” she said.

Off-farm income from CalAgJobs provides extra stability, and the work is flexible so Douglass can help operate the ranch.

Farmer by choice

Douglass became a farmer by choice. She grew up in the Sacramento area and her parents had a few acres. She flourished in 4-H and FFA.

She knew agriculture would be her career before starting college. At Cal State-Chico she met her future husband, Kelly Douglass, who was also studying agriculture.

Together, they established Douglass Ranch near his hometown.

Over the years, Douglass has seen farmers’ resiliency, ability to adapt, and the power of cooperation.

“We’re so much stronger when we work together, and Farm Bureau is the way to do this,” Douglass said.

A first

Douglass, who served three terms as first vice president of the California Farm Bureau, was elected to a two-year term as president in December.

She joins Oregon’s Angela Bailey and Washington’s Rosella Mosby as female state Farm Bureau presidents.

Douglass said her election wasn’t surprising, since 37% of the state’s farms are owned by women.

“I hope it does demonstrate to others out there that Farm Bureau has a place for you. We welcome people into our fold. People who care about agriculture are our kind of people,” Douglass said.

She added that many women from previous generations faced challenges and roadblocks she’ll never experience.

“We’re at a good point today and I’m happy for that,” Douglass said.

Douglass succeeded Jamie Johansson, who served three terms as president.

A full-time job

Being president is a full-time paid position, and those elected can serve up to four consecutive terms.

Douglass represents nearly 29,000 members statewide, working to support county Farm Bureaus.

She also spends much of her time talking with elected officials about topics of concern.

“A critical area is the regulatory burden that California farmers face,” she said.

The Farm Bureau will also continue to defend against efforts to restrict water rights, she said.

Douglass is hopeful about a Farm Bureau-sponsored bill requiring research about the health impacts of wildfires, including missed work and school and emergency room visits in rural communities.

She believes the data will further encourage the government to manage forests for wildfire prevention.