By Valley Ag Voice Staff
In Kern County, where agriculture is not just an industry but a way of life, few names carried as much weight as Robert William “Bill” Tracy. As a fourth-generation farmer from Buttonwillow, Tracy was a steadfast advocate for the land and the people who worked it. On Nov. 7, the Central Valley lost a giant whose impact will be felt for generations.
The Tracy family has been an integral facet of California agriculture since 1862 with roots in the cattle industry as well as operations consisting of growing cotton, wheat, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, almonds, and pistachios, according to the ranch’s website. The Buttonwillow Land & Cattle Company — a partnership of the Frey, Selvidge, and Tracy families — centers on beef-raising.
Bill Tracy carried the legacy of his name with pride and his loyalty rested with the family ranch. After attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and serving in the United States Army Reserve, Tracy returned to the ranch in 1968.
Along with his work on the ranch, Tracy participated in class 11 of the California Agricultural Leadership and the National Cotton Council “Cotton Leadership Program,” deepening his understanding of agricultural policies and practices. In 1987, Governor George Deukmejian appointed Tracy as the Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture where he continued his work as an advocate for the farming community.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10:30 am at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bakersfield. Contributions in memory of Bill can be made to the Buttonwillow Lions Club Foundation, P.O. Box 121, Buttonwillow, CA 93206.
