By Christine Johnson, Chair, Young Farmers and Ranchers
In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to live overseas. These experiences impacted me in a way I could never have anticipated. One place that became home in 2011 was the English countryside, in the Lakeside District. My residence for seven months was an old manor house built in the 1800s, along with 90 other students at a Christian study abroad program. The surrounding hillsides were filled with grazing sheep, and like clockwork, rain drizzled every afternoon. The school included a farm, and in the spring, I visited the barn to ooh and aww over newborn lambs. I spent every free moment outdoors exploring the beauty of the landscape. My fascination of God’s creation was profoundly expanded by this experience. I could never have imagined that years later, I would be working in the field of agriculture and serve as Chair of Kern County’s young professional agriculture group.
This past year, I have enjoyed updating readers on the activities of the Kern Young Farmers and Ranchers. I thought it would be appropriate to end my term on a more personal note, as I am a more recent member of the Farm Bureau world.
I was raised in Bakersfield, and while there was no direct connection to agriculture, many of my childhood experiences provided exposure to such an important part of this community. I recall countless fond memories such as picking apples in Tehachapi during autumn, visiting the animal exhibits at the Kern County Fair, or riding a horse for the first time at a friend’s ranch in Glenville. My education alternated between independent study/homeschooling and a few years at Stockdale Christian School. I attended Bakersfield College and later transferred to Masters University in Southern California to obtain a bachelor’s in business administration. Several summers and a gap year were spent overseas for extended volunteer work and a study abroad program, in England, Austria, Germany, and Albania. While I intended to find a job after college outside Bakersfield, I inevitably ended up back in my hometown. Providence played a hand, and in 2017 I married my brother’s best friend, who had become the love of my life.
I work as a real estate appraiser, with a focus on agriculture properties and eminent domain projects around Kern County. About nine years ago I started as an administrative assistant at the company Merriman Hurst & Associates. In 2019, I became a trainee appraiser and in 2022, I passed the state exam to become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. My career thus far has been fulfilling to say the least, with every new assignment presenting an exciting challenge.
Thank you for supporting the Young Farmers and Ranchers and providing leadership opportunities for young professionals such as myself. It has been a pleasure to represent Kern YF&R for 2024. Stay tuned for new and exciting things in 2025. On a final note, I would like to introduce the newest, youngest member of the club. Late October, I gave birth to my son, Henry! Of everything I’ve accomplished, he is what I’m most proud of.
Email: KernYFR@KernCFB.com
Instagram: @Kern_YFR
Facebook: KernCountyYoungFarmersAndRanchers
