Jim Thoming is a fourth-generation farmer in the Vernalis area and currently serves as a Director for the Resource Conservation District of San Joaquin County. He is the Chief Financial Officer of Five Crowns Marketing, a vertically integrated agricultural enterprise specializing in sweet corn, melons, asparagus, and other fresh produce. Jim brings a strong background in public service, having served for 10 years as a director of the Tracy Rural County Fire Protection District and as president of the South County Fire Authority for many of those years. He currently serves as president of the Banta-Carbona Irrigation District, where he advocates for policies that support agricultural productivity, water reliability, and long-term land stewardship. Jim’s deep roots in farming and commitment to the agricultural community make him a valuable asset to the RCD board.

Jack Hamm owns and operates a dairy farm in Lodi, California alongside his wife Pati. They are the fourth Generation at their dairy site. Jack graduated from Cal Poly in 1977. He has been active in the dairy industry as a long-time member and Director of Western United Dairymen. He is a member and Past President of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau. And has been on the board of the San Joaquin RCD for over 20 years.

Co-Owner Olagaray Brothers & Twin Vines, LLC Bachelor of Science Degree, Agricultural Business-Cal Poly San Luis Obispo SJ Farm Bureau-Past Director California Association of Winegrape Gowers-Past Director Lodi District Grape Growers Association-Past Chair Lodi Winegrape Commission-Past Chair and Current Commisioner

Richard Rodriguez is a first-generation farmer and businessman who has served on the SJCRCD Board of Directors for more than 40 years. A true trailblazer, Richard was among the first in San Joaquin County to champion conservation tillage and minimum-tillage practices, promoting these methods to growers more than 25 years ago. He actively demonstrated these innovative techniques across the region, helping local farmers improve soil health and sustainability. Row crops and orchards have long been the foundation of his farming operations. Richard’s commitment to strengthening agricultural awareness and stewardship extends well beyond his own fields. He has served on multiple boards, including the San Joaquin Foundation for Agricultural Education, the Farm Service Agency County Committee, and Spray Safe. Through these leadership roles, he continues to advocate for responsible farming practices and support the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Born and raised in the Lodi area in a farming family. Graduated from Cal Poly SLO. Served in the US Navy. Graduated from McGeorge School of Law. Practicing water law for 35 years. Represented South Delta Water Agency as counsel and manager for 30+ years dealing with all aspects of water use, rights and quality in the Delta. Her serves on various boards dealing with water and agricultural issues.

Phil Balmat has been a resident of San Joaquin County since 1972, a landowner and resident of the San Joaquin delta since 1995. He has been a member of the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation for more than 15 years. He is fourth generation farmer, retired, agricultural real estate broker and accredited rural appraisal ASFMRA. He served 17 years as a director of the San Joaquin bureau and 28 years as a director of the Roberts Union Farm Center.

Ryan Hansen is a fourth-generation Linden farmer whose family has farmed the same land since 1904. He grows wine grapes, dry beans, wheat, alfalfa hay, and walnuts, and is the co-owner of G & R Hansen Farms, Inc., which he operates alongside his brother. Family is at the heart of Ryan’s life and farming operation. Together with his wife and children, he owns and manages a beef cow herd. Ryan’s life’s work is passing on the values, skills, and responsibility of agriculture to the next generation of Hansens, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability. Ryan believes that for agriculture to be truly sustainable, it must also be profitable. He is committed to stewarding the land to ensure farming remains viable in California for generations to come. He strongly supports the mission of the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District to preserve water, soil, and air quality throughout the county. Dedicated to community service, Ryan serves on the boards of the Linden Peters Fire District and the Stockton East Water District, and volunteers alongside his family with the Lockeford Grange. He is passionate about working with youth and giving back to the community that supports local agriculture.

Molly Watkins is an accomplished event coordinator and communications professional with extensive expertise in media and public relations. For more than two decades, she has been a committed leader in California’s agricultural and natural resource sectors. Appointed to the San Joaquin Resource Conservation District twenty-three years ago, Molly has served in numerous leadership capacities, including president and chair of several key committees. She is the Bay Delta Regional Chairman and has served on the CARCD board under four different presidents, demonstrating her long-standing dedication to regional resource stewardship. Beyond her conservation work, Molly is deeply engaged in agricultural advocacy. She contributes to various committees within Farm Bureau, California Women for Agriculture, and the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s office. Molly is also an active member of the San Joaquin–Stanislaus CattleWomen, where she has twice served as Unit President and now holds the role of Vice President of Media for the California CattleWomen. Rooted in the agricultural community she serves, Molly lives on her family ranch in Linden, where she and her husband, Kenny, raise beef cattle and maintain cherry, peach, almond, and walnut orchards. They are proud parents of two adult children.

Farms almonds, walnuts, apricots, and dry beans in the Vernalis area. Currently serves as President of the Del Puerto Water District, is a New Jerusalem School Board member, and a San Joaquin RCD Board member. Past roles include President of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau and 4-H community and sheep leader.