Brent Barton, Barton Ranch, Inc. Escalon, CA
Multi-generational California walnut grower Brent Barton shares his thoughts on why he serves on the California Walnut Board, industry accomplishments and challenges, and his average walnut consumption per year, which may surprise you.
Mr. Barton has been a member of the California Walnut Board since September 1, 2021, and works together with staff to implement activities that support the industry.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a California Walnut Board member?
A: It’s an opportunity to serve those who pay for the Board’s activities: my fellow growers. There is a lot of potential to continue to improve the industry, and I’m certain we’re going to get there. My colleagues on the Board and our staff are wholly committed to solving the challenges our industry faces and delivering grower prosperity.
Q: What are some of the biggest benefits to the industry the Board and Commission provide?
A: The Board and Commission are a powerful tool for us as an industry. The Board’s roots go back to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act passed by Congress in 1937. The Act, and therefore the California Walnut Board, along with the Commission, are intended to allow growers and handlers to cooperate in effectively marketing their crops and making sure minimum quality standards are adhered to. It’s our job – the growers and handlers who sit on those boards – to make certain they are functioning to their maximum potential and achieving their foundational goal.
Q: Tell us about your family history in the California walnut industry.
A: My family has been farming walnuts for over 110 years. My great-grandfather and grandfather came out West during the early part of the last century and settled in the Stanislaus and San Joaquin County area. Prunes, walnuts, field crops and a dairy constituted our original farming efforts. My dad took over in the late 1950s, improved and grew the business substantially, and then turned it over to me, fresh out of Cal Poly, in the mid-’80s, when he went to work for Diamond Walnut Growers. What an opportunity! Today I have the privilege of working alongside my two older brothers, my nephew (our current farm manager), my son-in-law, Dad and Mom, along with a group of amazing and dedicated employees. Our principal crop is walnuts.
Q: What do you want consumers to know about the walnut industry?
A: California walnuts are produced by some of the most innovative and hardworking growers on the planet. They are processed and packed by the best packers anywhere, and the resulting product is unmatched in its flavor, food safety, numerous and potent health attributes, and utility.
Q: How has being a grower changed over the years?
A: Despite regulatory challenges, California’s production per acre is up over 70% since I got out of school, and we are producing fourfold more walnuts today, and of superior quality, than at that time. I’m tipping my hat to California walnut growers for those accomplishments.
Q: What is your favorite way to use walnuts?
A: I like using walnuts in many ways and in just about any application. Average U.S. per capita consumption is about four-tenths of a pound per person per year. I do 30 pounds (my beautiful wife thought it was a little out of hand, so she measured it).
