Featured Grower
Don Klassen
Don’s family came to the United States from the Ukraine. He has now extended his family farming heritage into the third generation. Don’s grandfather Eldo purchased approximately 20 acres in Reedley, CA, which was primarily raisin grapes. Don’s father gradually transitioned the family farm into tree fruit. Growing up in a farming family Don started working at a very young age. He can remember stapling boxes and watching his dad work and manage all aspects of the farming operation. One of Don’s favorite memories was riding with his dad with a load of fruit to the cold storage, and simply spending time with, and learning from his dad. After high school, Don extended his education at the University of Cal Poly, where he studied Soil Science. Don is married, and has three children. He appreciates the fact that farming allows him to be an active parent, and he knows the importance of a dad being present – he said, he never takes for granted, the time he has gotten to spend with his kids. Today Don farms over 400 acres of Summeripe and Summertime peaches, plums, nectarines and plumcots. Don’s favorite fruits would be the plumcot and white nectarine. Don loves what he does, and hopes that his fruit can be enjoyed for years to come.
