Jim Kuhn Memorial
Farmer of the Year
In 2005, the Imperial County agriculture community suffered a tremendous loss with the untimely death of local farmer Jim Kuhn. Jim had a passion for his family, community and farm, a love for the Imperial Valley, zest for life, and was always encouraging others.
Imperial County Farm Bureau memorialized Jim with the Jim Kuhn Memorial Farmer of the Year Award to encourage other farmers to follow in Jim's footsteps by being leaders in the agriculture community.
The award is presented in October each year at our annual meeting of the members.
The first recipients of the award were Jim and Heidi Kuhn. Recipients are selected for their contribution to the agriculture industry through innovation, promotion of agricultural education, involvement in the agriculture community, as well as their overall involvement and contribution to our community as a whole.
Betty Young Memorial
Friend of the Farmer
Betty Joan Young moved with her family to Brawley when she was 6 years old. After she and her longtime sweetheart, W.E. Bill Young Jr. married in 1946, they moved to Calipatria and started their farming operation and family. When Bill passed away in 2001, Betty continued their farming operation.
Throughout her life, Betty was involved in numerous local and community philanthropic activities. Locally she helped support Friends of the Library, Calipat Youth Athletics, Calipat 4-H & FFA, Bill E. Young Jr. Middle School, and various High School projects. Betty’s community efforts included volunteer work with the American Red Cross, Las Vecinas in Calexico, Los Ninos in El Centro, Betty Jo McNeece Receiving Home, and Betty Young School.
Betty was also a member of the Farm Bureau and California Women for Agriculture, as well as many other organizations.
We are honored that Betty’s family has allowed us to rename this award in her memory.
