RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a 'Profound Legacy'

RIP John Harris: Fresno County Rancher, Racehorse Breeder Was a Visionary Leader Who Leaves a 'Profound Legacy'

John C. Harris, who cast a large shadow across the worlds of agriculture, ranching, horseracing, politics, and philanthropy, has died. He was 81. His passing sparked a bouquet of tributes Thursday about the deep impact that Mr. Harris had, and not just in the Central Valley where his eponymous Harris Ranch was a favorite stop for many Interstate 5 travelers eager for a meal of the company’s grass-fed beef. Many described him as a visionary whose…

Veteran California breeder John C. Harris dies at age 81

Veteran California Thoroughbred breeder John C. Harris, whose farm produced prominent horses such as Hall of Famer Tiznow, died at age 81, his family announced Thursday.As a breeder, Harris Farms produced numerous Eclipse Award winners, California champions and divisional leaders, including Breeders’ Cup winners Tiznow and Thor’s Echo as well as Soviet Problem, who placed by a nose in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Harris held positions with the Cali…

Iconic Breeder John C. Harris Passes Away At 81

John C. Harris, one of California's most respected leaders in agriculture and Thoroughbred breeding, has passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Born July 14, 1943, Harris was a lifelong resident of Fresno County. He attended local elementary and high schools before earning his degree from UC Davis. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Harris was a passionate farmer, rancher, and businessman who dedicated his life to steward…

John Harris, Valley farming titan behind Harris Ranch, dead at 81

Central Valley farmer, noted horse breeder, and philanthropist John Harris passed away on Wednesday.  He was 81 years old and just 12 days shy of his 82nd birthday.  Harris was born on his family’s eponymous farm on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in 1943, the ranch his parents – Jack and Theresa – had founded just five years earlier.  After graduating from UC Davis in 1965 with a degree in agricultural production, Harris served for two …