The Companies of Harris Farms

The Harris Farms agribusiness operations have a rich history in the state of California. They are a leading agribusiness in the state and have been featured in many publications. We are taking the opportunity to share some of our history and business operations with you on the net.

The Harris Farms name is synonymous with excellence, be it a great meal, a healthy serving of beef, a clean hotel room, or a flavorful fruit or vegetable.

The following collage represents the various companies of Harris Farms. Click on an image, or the links below the images for a summary or a website visit of the specific operation.

On your next trip through California, stop by and visit, if you have any questions please send them directly the Chairman of the Board John C. Harris.

Harris Farms (EST 1937)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Harris Feeding Company

Harris Fresh

Harris Ranch Restaurant

Harris Farms - Thoroughbred

Harris Ranch Inn

Harris Ranch Online Country Store

Although the Harris Farms Coalinga operation began in 1937, the families California farming history dates back to 1916 when J.A. Harris and his wife, Kate, arrived in the Imperial Valley to establish one of California’s first cotton gins as well as other cotton related businesses. They later farmed in the San Joaquin Valley where their only son, Jack Harris, graduated from Chico High School in 1932, prior to attending Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

In 1937, Jack and his wife Teresa, founded their own ranch in the San Joaquin Valley, starting out on a previously, unfarmed half-section of land and expanding over the years to several thousand acres of prime farm land. Originally growing primarily cotton and grain, Harris Ranch now also produces a wide variety of vegetables, fruit and nut crops - about thirty-three in all. These include everything from carrots, lettuce, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and melons to oranges, lemons, walnuts, almonds, and wine grapes.

Today Harris Farms is one of the largest integrated farming operations in the Central San Joaquin Valley which is one of the largest and most productive farming regions in the world.

The Harris Family has always taken great pride in their crops and their beef, and raised both to be as pure and great tasting as nature intended.

The Harris Farms Horse Division was established in 1966 by John Harris and his father, Jack, both cattle ranchers, farmers and horsemen who decided to devote a substantial part of the Harris Ranch farming and cattle operation to the raising and training of Thoroughbred racehorses.

The day-to-day operation of Harris Farms combines high technology with old fashioned horsemanship dedicated to the development of productive racehorses. From foaling time to the day the horse leaves for the racetrack, each horse is cared for by a professional horseman every day of its life. A natural healthy environment for young horses is provided by more than 600 acres of gently rolling pastures.

In this day of cloning we have all become sensitized to the importance that the environment has in the development of a living organism. Harris Ranch has a proven track record in producing winning thoroughbreds and every horse owner wants to not only bred to the best that budget will allow but must give as much consideration to the environment in which the thoroughbred will be foaled, raised, broken and trained. Harris Farms is here for you and your thoroughbred.

Harris Fresh
Harris Fresh was created to have better quality control due to the association with the Harris family of companies and the company’s branded products, according to Harris Fresh General Manager Douglas Stanley. Harris Fresh brands include “Farm Gate” and “Harris Ranch.” contact the Harris Fresh offices at Ph.559-884-1000 Fax 559-884-2100 or email here

During the past decades, the Harris name has become known world-wide for producing the finest beef and selling it under the Harris Ranch label. Consumers in Alaska, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington -- as well as the Pacific Rim -- know the name Harris Ranch stands for superior quality beef.

At Harris Ranch Beef Company, we're known far and wide for giving folks one simple thing - beef. Beef with all the quality and freshness we can muster. Beef that's tender, delicious and wholesome. Harris Ranch beef truly is "Beef at its Best." More than merely a slogan, it's the guiding principle behind everything we produce. It's part of what sets Harris Ranch apart from all the rest.

When consumers told us they were concerned about the foods they bought, we listened. More importantly, we did something about it. We introduced the Harris Ranch Natural Beef Residue Control Program. This unique program ensures that our beef does not contain unwanted levels of drugs or pesticide residues.

Harris Ranch is proud to offer our Residue Control Program that goes far beyond other natural beef programs. According to the USDA, any fresh beef that has been only minimally processed and which contains no preservatives can be termed natural. The Harris Ranch program surpasses those guidelines. Under our program, cattle in our feedlot and also at processing are routinely tested for antibiotic residues. As well, all feed is tested for pesticide residues.

This program is possible because we monitor every step of the production process starting at Harris Feeding Company and continuing through processing at Harris Ranch Beef Company. Our careful attention to detail allows us to meet the government's exacting standards for quality and wholesomeness.

Today, Harris Ranch Beef Company is California's largest fed cattle processor producing nearly 200 million pounds of beef a year.

More recently, in keeping with the changing demands of consumers, we have developed fully-cooked beef products including Harris Ranch Fully-Cooked beef Tri Tip (portion of the bottom sirloin) and our Harris Ranch Fully-Cooked Beef Pot Roast & Gravy. These delicious products are designed to be re-heated in a microwave in under ten minutes. They consistently please consumers time after time and continue the Harris Ranch reputation for quality and value. Future plans call for the introduction of additional fully-cooked beef entrees to meet the needs of an ever-changing marketplace.

Look for the Harris Ranch label in the meat case of the West's best markets.

Harris Feeding Company -- the largest cattle feeder on the West Coast and 14th largest nationally encompasses a 100,000-head feed lot. At any given time there will normally be between 70-100,000 head of cattle on feed. Harris Feeding Company feeds about 1/3 of all the cattle finished in California.

Harris Feeding Company provides all of the beef for Harris Ranch Beef Company. The annual tonnage produced at our Selma plant is nearly 200 million pounds.

Today, Harris Ranch Beef Company constitutes about 85% of the market for the beef finished by Harris Feeding Company.

Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant is located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on Interstate 5 at State Highway 198, near Coalinga, California.

The Inn & Restaurant features a 123-room inn, three restaurants, a bar, Country Store, service stations, and a private landing strip.

Because of our family’s philosophy of providing only the best of products, care and service to customers in every part of our company, it is with great pride that our restaurant serves only Harris Ranch U.S.D.A. Choice beef and many of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables that we grow on our farms. In addition, we also bake all of our own bread, pies and other pastries each day from the finest fresh ingredients. Most of these items are available in our Country Store.

Each of the 123-rooms and suites are tastefully designed in an inviting country garden theme. Many of the rooms have patios or balconies which overlook the 25-meter Olympic size pool. There are also two outdoor spas.

Harris Ranch has over 7500 square feet of fully-equipped event/conference space. It can accommodate groups from 10 to 200 guests. The Ranch offers the "Garden Ballroom", three conference rooms and a beautiful courtyard.

The Country Store also offers a wide selection of gourmet foods, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, collectibles, and travel toys and games for car-weary children of all ages.

Many of our visitors to the restaurant asked that we make our beef and produce available for them to take home. We listened, The Country Store offers Harris Ranch Beef (steak, tri-tip roasts, ground beef, etc.) and also market a line of high quality spices along with our Harris Ranch Horseradish and fresh fruits and vegetables. Our iced travel packs are a thoughtful and welcomed gift.

For our aviation friends, the Airport is conveniently located on south side of restaurant. More and more aviators are enjoying the flight and meal after a fly-in to Harris Ranch. A 2,800’, paved and lighted; landing strip includes ample parking with tie downs; and no bothersome fees. Texaco 100 LL Aviation fuel is available daily from dawn till dusk.

Click here for more information: harrisranch.com
Contact Harris Ranch Inn and Restaurant: 800.942.2333
E-mail here