In the News

Ag Heritage Day

It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our Centennial and showcase UCCE’s Agriculture, Master Gardener, 4-H, and Nutrition programs. Our display celebrated the signing of the Smith-Lever Act in 1914 that established a federal, state, and county funding partnership giving rise to the Cooperative Extension Service. Visitors to the UCCE booth were invited to sign our birthday card and learn about our various programs – past and present. One of the visitors was Theodore Kearney himself (portrayed by actor Tom Lang)! It was truly fitting that he stopped in to greet us since Martin Theodore Kearney was a pioneer land developer who became one of the most powerful and prosperous agricultural leaders in California.

He arrived in Fresno in 1869 and succeeded in attracting investors for the creation of a colony farm system of vineyards and orchards in Fresno County. Subsequently, he developed his 5400-acre Fruit Vale Estate exclusively for raisin production, earning him the title, "Raisin King of California".

Out of gratitude to the University of California and a desire to leave an enduring legacy to California agriculture, Kearney bequeathed the entire estate to the University of California. Following the sale of the original property, a horticultural field station was established and is known today as the Kearney Agricultural Center. This 333-acre site near Parlier is located in the vicinity of original Fruit Vale Estate land and serves as a vital resource for ag research and education.

When the University shut down the ranch operations in 1949, the County of Fresno administered the historic estate grounds as a public park under a lease agreement with the University. Kearney Park was a fitting location for Ag Heritage Day in honor of M. Theo Kearney who had ensured the preservation of his private estate grounds for public use.

Please click here for more information about Ag Heritage Day.