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It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of running a business and overlook the importance of networking. Successful producer and AgWest customer, Kent Stenderup, says his participation in various industry and commodity groups has positively influenced the growth and continued success of his business.

Kent runs a third-generation farm near Arvin, California, on the southeast side of the San Joaquin Valley. The operation is diversified, including trees, vines and row crops, and was started by Kent’s grandparents who immigrated from Denmark in 1926. Given how many different commodities they grow, the Stenderup family has always chosen to participate in various agricultural commodity and industry groups.

“These boards allow you to have a better industry perspective and direction, whether it is supply or pricing,” says Kent. “There are a lot of parallels between various industries even though they’re different commodities. You can learn from each person you meet, and it may positively influence decisions when it comes to planning for next year or which crops I should plant next.”

Currently, Kent serves on the Board of Directors of Blue Diamond Growers, is past chairman of the Almond Board of California, serves on the Board of Delano Growers Grape Products and has participated for several years on the Local Advisory Committee at AgWest. He is also incredibly proud of his membership in the Arvin Lion’s Club and the community service work they provide.

Blooming almond orchard near Arvin, CA

Over the years, Kent has utilized experience from one organization to benefit another. “Recently, as part of the Delano Growers Grape Products, we filed an anti-dumping countervailing tariffs claim to protect the grape juice industry. Our ability to react to that challenge, came – in part – from my experiences in the almond world.”

“We are all in this together. We may be a mixed bag of commodities, but in the end, we are all facing challenges like excess supply or low demand. Involvement in industry groups – and coming together - allows us to achieve our end goal of feeding the world.”

Through building relationships with people across various organizations, Kent has been surprised to learn how each separate industry is often faced with similar constraints. Whether it is labor, overtime and wage regulations, water, crop protection, or materials, business owners are often battling similar challenges.

To those who may be hesitant to get involved, Kent reflects on this age-old adage: “If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” Raising your hand to get involved will ensure your perspective is heard and enable you to be part of important industry decisions that may affect your operation.

However, Kent also acknowledges that business owners must prioritize what is most important – the operation. He advises to first evaluate what must be done, then consider what you’d like to learn.

“It's easy to say yes to everything. You must identify the important responsibilities and avoid neglect of your core obligations. You must prioritize the family first, then the farm. Then comes participation in these different structures and entities.” Finding creative ways to get involved within your time constraints will lead to the most success.

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