Spotlight on Leadership in Agriculture Honorees, the Crane Family

The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber is pleased to announce that the Crane family will receive the Leadership in Agriculture award at this year's Agri-Business Barbecue on August 30th.

Rick, Cindy and Jennifer Crane are the owners of Crane Canyon Ranch, The Crane Melon Barn and Crane Vineyards. Rick and Jennifer are fifth and sixth generation Sonoma County Farmers.

In 1852, Richard Hope Crane arrived in Sonoma County. A '49er fresh from the gold fields, he settled on a land grant and started farming. In the early 1900s his son, Oliver Crane, developed on the ranch what came to be known as the Crane Melon. Rick is the fourth generation to grow the delicious melons on the property.

During September and October, Crane melons are sold at the historic Petaluma Hill Road Crane Melon Barn, built in 1868. In addition to selling melons, the barn also serves as a venue for special events, agricultural fundraisers, the famed Crane Christmas Boutique and agricultural education for local schools.

Rick, Cindy and Jennifer have spent their lives contributing to the agricultural community of Sonoma County. Between them they have served or are currently serving as directors on a variety of local boards. These include Sonoma County's Fair Board, Farm Bureau and The 4-H Foundation Board, as well as Farm Trails, USDA, Harvest Fair Board and American AgCredit.

Jennifer, who has a degree in viticulture, planted her first block of pinot noir grapes in 2002. The Crane Vineyard fruit is purchased by some of Sonoma County's top boutique wineries and made into award winning wine. Jennifer is married to Lucas Jones, a business and creative writer.

Get your tickets for the 2017 Agri-Business Barbecue.