WCN April 2020 Draft E

Agriculture runs deep in
the Heinrich family. You
could even say it is in their
blood. Gordon Heinrich, the
patriarch, is a fifth-generation
farmer and farming with three
of his sons, Eric, Phil and Jerad.
All nine of the Heinrich offspring
have ties back to agriculture,
whether it be an equipment engineer,
irrigation specialist, pest
control advisor, or nutritionist.
Farming is the family tradition.
In the mid-60s, Gordon’s
father started farming almonds
after selling his dairy. He grew
up understanding hard work
and had a desire to build his
own farming legacy. Gordon is
grateful for the opportunities
that presented themselves over
the years.
“Farming is a tough thing to
get into, and I was blessed my father
helped me get started. With
some hard work, things started
to fall into place. The good Lord
blessed us. I always wanted to farm,
and I enjoyed working alongside my
dad when I was young,” Gordon said.
He knew he wanted to provide the
same for his children. Over the years,
Gordon was able to establish his own
farm and build the foundation the
family knows today. He eventually
grew his farm to now specializing in almond
and walnut farming, commercial
spraying, management, and harvesting,
as well as operating a walnut huller and
dryer based in Modesto, Calif.
The three sons had a desire to farm
as well but worked elsewhere before
returning to the family farm. Eric, the
oldest son, had opportunities to start
his own custom farming business.
Once Heinrich Farms grew larger, he
was able to incorporate his spraying
business into the family farm. With the
onset of increasing regulations, Eric
was able to provide benefit by tackling
the regulatory aspect of the family farm
and provide his expertise.
Jerad claims he never left, but he admits
he briefly worked for a bus company
and is still a full-time firefighter for
Modesto Fire Department. He always
Continued on Page 46
Heinrich Farms is a fifth-generation farming operation run by the Heinrich family, from left, Phil, Jerad,
Eric and father Gordon.
* Cover Crops
* Tree Rope
Equipment
As a farmer-
Farm Supply has always known your
importance. Since 1949 we have been
providing the Products, Services, and
our growers; for a variety of crops
including Almonds, Pistachios, and
Walnuts.
Give us a call and see the difference we
can make in your orchard!
www.FarmSupply.com
April 2020 www.wcngg.com 45