Lemoore Chamber to Celebrate 2025 Agriculturalist and Ag Supporter of the Year

Every year our community comes together to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributors to our agricultural community. This year marks the 29^th Annual Salute to Ag Banquet put on by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce. Each year one Agriculturalist in Kings County and one Ag Supporter is honored after being nominated by members from our community and final selection is made by the Chamber Board.

This year, we recognize our Kings County farmers at Keenan Farms for their community and

Keenan Farms - Our 2025 Agriculturalist of the Year Honoree.

agricultural efforts as the Agriculturalist of the Year honoree. Keenan Farms was established in the lands between Avenal and Kettleman back in 1972, having been around from the birth of the commercial pistachio onset in the valley. Now Bob and Teresa Keenan, as well as their family contribute their overall success in the industry to hard work, dedication, staying up to date with technology and innovative ways to farm, as well as their awesome team of employees.

The Keenans believe that giving back and supporting their community is a top priority for them. Giving to many different philanthropic groups around the Central Valley, as well as sending pistachios overseas to our military, the Keenans are very caring by nature. However, the thing that truly sets them apart is the work they do with a lot of local sports groups, festivals, and other local events, recognizing that giving back to the communities that their employees live in is at the heart their company’s philosophy.

Every year we also recognize an Ag Supporter of the year for their support to our local agriculture community. This year we recognize Joe Neves for this honorable designation.

Joe Neves - Ag Supporter of the Year Honoree

Joe Neves is no stranger to farming, having grown up on the Neves’ family farming operation, which includes diversified farming, beef production, and trucking of agriculture commodities. Joe, who currently serves as a District 1 Kings County Supervisor was elected to the board in 1994. Individual supervisors are elected from specific districts to represent their residents' interests. For residents in unincorporated areas of the county, such as Stratford, which Joe calls home, the board is directly responsible for services like land-use planning, zoning, road maintenance, water allocation, and fire protection.

If you know Joe though, you know it doesn’t stop there. He serves on many more boards and commissions in support of county-wide projects, including being an active member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee. Joe is also well known for showing up to most community events with his lovely wife Kathy, as well as acts as the self-appointed Santa Claus of the county during the holiday season.

This year’s banquet will be held on October 3^rd at Sidewinder Field in Lemoore. Tickets are on sale now until they sell out at $75 per seat or $450 for a table of 8. As part of the banquet to honor these well deserving members of our community, the evening will include a hosted social, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner. Socializing begins at 6:00 p.m., BBQ dinner will be served at 7 p.m., followed by the awards program at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Sponsorship opportunities and reservations to decorate tables are being accepted now. Anyone with questions about the event can contact Brenda at the Chamber of Commerce at brenda@lemoorechamber.org.

The Lemoore Chamber works to promote local business and economic growth by providing networking and marketing opportunities, as well as advocacy for a business-friendly environment with lobbying and community engagement. The Chamber offers members visibility, discounted services, and resources like business directories and marketing outlets to help your business thrive and connect with the community. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Lemoore Chamber member, please contact brenda@lemoorechamber.org.