Walter Hardesty, a cattle rancher from Elk Grove, has received the California Farm Bureau’s Hometown Hero Award in recognition of his support of the Young Farmers & Ranchers program in Sacramento County.

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The Sacramento County YF&R Committee nominated Hardesty for the award, which was presented Saturday at the 106th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Monterey.

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“Walter plays a significant role in the success of our Sacramento County YF&R program,” Adriana Toste of the Sacramento County YF&R Committee wrote in nominating Hardesty for the award. “He greatly enjoys socializing with our committee and mentoring our young, developing Farm Bureau leaders.”

 

Hardesty, a Sacramento County Farm Bureau member since 1986 and a 21-year board member and multiple-time officer, donates his family’s property each year for the YF&R committee’s annual YF&R BBQ, its main fundraiser for leadership development.

 

“The reason we have been so successful and profitable with our YF&R BBQ is truly because the Hardesty family generously provides their venue free of charge,” Toste said, adding that Hardesty also donates items for the raffle and dessert auction and invites friends, family and community members to the event.

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“Their hospitality is second to none and stands as a testament to Walter’s belief in the value of the YF&R program and the Farm Bureau organization,” Toste said.
 

Hardesty also donates to the YF&R’s Christmas toy drive and other activities.
 

“He is always willing to step up to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers and provide our members with the tools we need to be successful in our community,” Toste said. “The Sacramento County YF&R committee is thankful to have Walter Hardesty in our corner, and we are privileged to nominate such a deserving individual for this award.”

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The California YF&R State Committee established the Hometown Hero Award in 2022 in memory of Randy Rocca, a Fresno County farmer who was a state YF&R Discussion Meet champion and longtime YF&R supporter. The award recognizes county Farm Bureau members who have rendered outstanding service to the Young Farmers & Ranchers program and young Farm Bureau members.
 

The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 26,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.8 million Farm Bureau members.