C O M M U N I T Y
Continued from page 25
Naturally Nuts, Nestle-Häagen Dazs, Puffed Perfection, Quesadilla Gorilla, Rosa Brothers Milk Company, Rosa’s Italian Restaurant, Sue Sa’s Creative Catering, the Naked Nut, Three Rivers Brewing Co., Tulare Meat Locker & Sausage Co., and the Western BBQ Company. Farm Bureau members were excited to host newcomer Ciao Cow Creamery, serving up pistachio gelato, featuring — you guessed it — California pistachios. Tessa and Stuart Hall, owners of Ciao Cow, include the freshest, Valley-grown ingredients in every recipe. Tessa, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, wanted to commemorate her Italian roots through the family business and industry’s natural treasures. All the recipes are formulated by Tessa from scratch and then made at Curtimade Dairy in its 300-square-foot milk barn. The dream has become a reality for her and Stuart as their locally sourced gelato can be found in local stores, delivered to your home or served at your next event.
52 L I F E S T Y L E | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9
The Best Sweet Treat was awarded to Rosa Brother’s Ice Cream, Valley pioneers of the in-house farm-to-carton concept. The Tulare Meat Locker & Sausage Company defended its title as Most Savory Dish for the fourth consecutive year. Best Fresh Product Award was presented to Naturally Nuts, a Visalia company owned by John and Barbara Oneto, who have been at each Bounty of the County event. Vendors were not the only winners that evening. Lucky raffle ticket holders left with a Benelli Shotgun Super Black Eagle 3 Camo, 12 gauge with a 28-inch barrel, a Kimber 1911 Custom II handgun or a “Pick your caliber” Savage 111 Trophy Hunter XP Rifle with a scope. This year’s gun raffle was sponsored by local partners California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force, Lawrence Tractor Co. and Smokin’ Barrel Firearms. Also recognized at the “FRIENDraiser”
was the newest to the Farm Bureau family, Paula Vinzant, who will serve as the South Valley Caucus’ development director. In her new role, she will focus on increasing membership and event sponsorships for Tulare, Madera, Kings and Fresno counties. “We are lucky to have her,” Russell said. “Tulare County is in the top three producing counties in the state, centered in the top producing area. The six counties that make up our Central Valley produce 60 percent of the agricultural commodities in California, and we need a strong advocate like Paula on our team to promote our message and grow our base.” The Tulare County Farm Bureau represents more than 1,300 family farmers and works to promote and enhance the viability of Tulare County agriculture. Founded in 1917, TCFB now has more than 2,000 members who work closely with commodity associations, along with local and state government to help advocate for industry needs. L