Matthew Thiel – Automation Technician, Lemoore Branch

Matthew grew up in Le Grand, Calif. where he was involved in FFA and agriculture through his family’s ariel application business. He went directly into fire firefighting after high school and later worked full-time with Cal Fire. Following his time as a firefighter, he was introduced to the irrigation business in Madera which led him to a role in automation in our Lemoore branch.

Samuel Gonzalez – Accounting Clerk, Lemoore Branch

A resident of Visalia, Samuel is married with twin daughters. He received a Bachelor’s degree in business from CSU East Bay. In his free time, he enjoys reading, fishing, and creating memories with his family.

Cody Bergen – Automation Systems Administrator

A native of Caruthers, Cody attended Selma High School and graduated from Fresno State in 2017 with a degree in electrical engineering and industrial technology. He also served in the Marines for 10 years before completing his education. He has a wife and five month old baby.  

Octavio Contreras – Wash Rack Operator

Octavio is a long time resident of the Central Valley. Soon he and his family will call Dinuba home.

Michael Whipple – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

Originally from Windsor, CA, Michael attended Arizona State and is now working to earn his PCA license at Reedley College. He lives in Madera.

Stephen Barlow – Trap Checker

Born and raised in Hanford, Stephen currently attends Fresno State majoring in plant science and plans to graduate next spring.

Cody Springer – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

Cody is from Fresno where he also earned his ag business degree in 2018 from Fresno State. He attended local junior colleges to earn credits toward his PCA license and is currently taking the necessary tests to become a PCA. 

Riley Waterman – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

From Wilton, Calif., Riley attended Pleasant Grove High School and Modesto Junior College. He is currently a plant science major at Fresno State and plans to graduate next year.

Hector Luquin – Warehouse

Originally from Los Angeles, Hector lives in Orange Cove where he attended high school. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Orange Cove.

Joshua Bier – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

A Fresno resident, Joshua attends Fresno State where he is earning a BS in plant science with emphasis in crop production. He plans to graduate this fall.

Kameron King – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

Kameron is from Riverdale and attends Reedley JC studying plant science. He plans to later transfer to Fresno State.

Efrain Barrera – Trap Checker, Reedley Branch

Born and raised in Exeter, Efrain attended COS and is currently a student at Fresno State studying plant science and crop production.

Melissa Preheim – Senior Accountant

Melissa is from Reedley and graduated with a BS in Accounting from University of Phoenix. She is married with a stepson.

Rajan Nagra – Trap Checker

Rajan is from Fresno and attends Fresno State where he studies crop science. He plans to earn his PCA license and work in crop protection.

Vicky Hoffman – Food Safety Consultant

Vicky is from Kingsburg and has lived in Dinuba with her husband for the last 10 years. She attended Kingsburg High School, Reedley College then Fresno State majoring in Ag Business. She currently serves as Board President with Reedley College Ag Backers Council and enjoys supporting anything that has to do with ag education.