In 2005, the Imperial County agriculture community suffered a tremendous loss with the untimely death of local farmer Jim Kuhn.

Jim had a passion for his family, community and farm, a love of the Imperial Valley, zest for life and was always encouraging others.

Imperial County Farm Bureau memorialized Jim with the Jim Kuhn Memorial Farmer of the Year Award to encourage other farmers to follow in Jim's footsteps by being leaders in the agriculture community. The award is presented in October each year at our annual meeting of the members.

The first recipients of the award were Jim and Heidi Kuhn.

Recipients are selected for their contribution to the agriculture industry through innovation, promotion of ag education, involvement in the agriculture community, as well as their overall involvement and contribution to our community as a whole.

Farmers of the Year

2005 - Jim & Heidi Kuhn

2006 - Donald H. Cox

2007 - Jack & Pauline McConnell