This weekend, I found myself looking at a realtor listing for what was once my family’s ranch.

In many ways, I always knew this day would come. The ranch hasn’t produced a profit in years. Over time, pieces of it were sold to keep the rest going. Add in the realities of family succession—something so many agricultural families know all too well—and eventually this became the next chapter in our family’s story.

Even so, seeing it listed for sale was emotional.

As I reflected on what that ranch meant to me, I couldn’t help but notice the timing.

Just four weeks ago, I stepped into my new role as General Manager of FELS. In that short time, I’ve already watched our team help members navigate employee terminations, ICE activity, OSHA inspections, compliance questions, training needs, and the countless challenges that come with operating a business in California agriculture.

It struck me that while one chapter of my family’s agricultural story is ending, another has just begun.

Growing up, my dream wasn’t to simply work around agriculture—it was to work in production agriculture. The ranch shaped my interest and passion. It taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, resilience, and the pride that comes from producing something that matters.

When I was 19 years old, I told my parents I didn’t want to become an elementary school teacher. I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. I still remember them asking me a question that every parent wants to know:

“Are you going to be able to make a living doing this Anna?”

Looking back, that question makes me smile.

Not only have I been able to make a living—I have built a life that I am incredibly grateful for.

For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving an industry that I never truly had the opportunity to work in as a producer. By the time I met my husband, his chapter in the dairy business was already behind him. Like me, he found another way to serve agriculture. Today, both of us dedicate our careers to supporting the people who continue to farm and ranch in California.

That perspective has given me an even greater appreciation for the work being done at FELS.

If you’ve interacted with our team, you already know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, let me introduce you.

Martha has been the heart of FELS for nearly 41 years. She began her career in the field before joining the organization, and her dedication to serving our members is remarkable. Her knowledge, experience, and commitment to customer service has helped generations of agricultural employers.

Gabriel serves our members throughout Southern California with professionalism, partnership, and decades of experience. He understands that every operation is unique and works alongside employers to find practical solutions.

Gilbert brings valuable experience from both human resources and agricultural packing. His real-world understanding of agricultural operations allows him to connect compliance requirements with the day-to-day realities growers face.

And then there’s Sergio. Before joining FELS, Sergio was a farm labor contractor himself. He understands harvest, workforce management, liability, training, and the daily challenges of operating an agricultural business because he’s lived them. That first-hand experience allows him to meet members where they are and provide practical, meaningful guidance.

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege of watching this team do what they do best: serve California agriculture.

I’ve worked with a lot of talented people throughout my career, but I can honestly say I have never worked for an organization that is more committed to supporting growers than the California Farm Bureau and FELS. Every phone call answered, every handbook updated, every training delivered, and every difficult situation navigated reflects a genuine commitment to helping agricultural employers succeed.

As I looked at the listing for my family’s ranch, I realized something important.

Our family’s legacy was never just the land.

It was the work ethic my parents demonstrated. It was the values they instilled. It was the appreciation they gave me for the people who dedicate their lives to feeding and clothing the world.

Those things can’t be sold.

Now I have the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of that legacy by serving the very industry that shaped me.

My hope is that my children will see the same thing in my husband and me. While we may not make our living in production agriculture, I hope they see two parents who chose lives of service—people who are committed to supporting an industry that has given so much to our family.

California agriculture faces no shortage of challenges. But it is also filled with resilient people who continue to adapt, persevere, and move forward.

I’m honored that my family’s story has led me here, and I’m even more honored to serve yours.

Thank you for welcoming me into the FELS family. I look forward to serving you for many years to come.