Director Spotlight: Jenny Holtermann

We are proud to highlight the dedicated, hardworking individuals who help guide and support the Kern County Farm Bureau. This month, we’re highlighting Director Jenny Holtermann and the leadership, advocacy, and passion for agriculture that have defined her career and service to the industry.

A fourth-generation California farmer originally from Chico, Jenny has deep roots in agriculture and a lifelong appreciation for the people and communities it supports. Today, she and her husband, Tim, are both fourth-generation California farmers raising their two children on their family almond farm in the Wasco-Shafter area.

“I take pride in raising the fifth generation on our family almond farm and living on the homestead, where we grow as much of our own fruit as we can,” Jenny shared.

Jenny is the creator of Almond Girl Jenny, where she markets her own almonds while sharing life on the farm and using social media to advocate for agriculture and the families who make it possible. Through her writing and storytelling, she helps connect consumers with modern farming and the importance of keeping family agriculture sustainable for future generations.

Professionally, Jenny serves as Executive Director of the Water Association of Kern County (WAKC) and the Kern Non-Districted Lands Authority (KNDLA), where she provides water outreach and education to Kern County water users and assists with Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance efforts.

Throughout her career, Jenny has become a well-known voice for agriculture and one of the industry’s most passionate advocates. A self-described agvocate, she is committed to ensuring family farmers’ voices are heard and helping others better understand the issues impacting agriculture. She is a former President of Kern County Farm Bureau and one of only two women to ever serve in the organization’s top leadership role. She is also widely recognized for her work educating others on important agricultural issues, particularly water policy and sustainability.

Whether speaking to community groups, participating in leadership programs, or meeting with policymakers, Jenny believes in the importance of telling agriculture’s story. Her advocacy efforts frequently take her to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where she meets directly with legislators and decision-makers to ensure the voices of family farmers are represented in the policies that shape the future of agriculture. She also regularly participates in professional development and leadership opportunities, including international learning experiences, continually seeking new ideas and perspectives to better serve her community and industry.

When asked what advice she would give someone interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, Jenny emphasized the importance of relationships and learning from others.

“Take the leap and find a good mentor to follow,” she said. “Mentors are key to growing, building a network, and seeking advice.”

Jenny’s decision to become involved with Kern County Farm Bureau was inspired by the organization’s grassroots approach and ability to unite farmers around issues that matter most.

“Farm Bureau’s grassroots organization is a place where growers, small and large, have a unified voice,” Jenny said. “We can come together and make our voices stronger in the matters that impact us the most. Farm Bureau provides opportunities to make a difference at the local, state, and national levels.”

We are grateful for Jenny’s continued service on the Kern County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and for her unwavering commitment to advocating for agriculture, empowering future leaders, and helping ensure a strong future for family farming.