Rickert Installed as ASFMRA President

DENVER - Nov. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Jim is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and provides farm and ranch management services on over 50,000 acres in five counties in Northern California. Western Agricultural Services also offers appraisal and real estate brokerage services. Jim received his ARA designation in 1975 and his AFM designation in 1979.

Jim served as President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers in 1987 and as District VII Vice President for the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

In 2002, the Rickerts were recognized as the Farm Manager of Year by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, Syngenta and Crop Decisions Magazine. The Prather Ranch, managed and co-owned by the Rickerts, was awarded the Commercial Producer of the Year Award in 2005 by the Beef Improvement Federation. The ranch was also recognized by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association with the Environmental Stewardship Award/Region VI and the State of California’s Governor’s Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership. Jim, Mary and James Rickert were selected as winners of the Livestock Category for the Leopold Conservation Award in 2006 and 2007 by Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau.

S. James Rickert, AFM, ARA graduated Phi Kappa Phi from California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Agricultural Business and received a Masters Degree from Purdue University in Agricultural Economics. He was a fellow of Class 16 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Jim has served on many state and local boards such as the Shasta County Consolidated Farm Service Agency, Fall River Resource Conservation District and the California Polytechnic State University Agricultural Business Department Advisory Council.

Jim and his family specialize in organic beef production by marketing a branded beef product and supply bovine raw materials for bio-medical device companies. The Rickerts raise approximately 20,000 tons of alfalfa, timothy and grass hay and produce specialty crops such as wild rice and peppermint. Many of the properties they manage provide recreational opportunities for hunting and fishing.

Serving as President-Elect is Fred L. Hepler, AFM, AAC of Cottonwood Management in Edmond, Oklahoma.  Merrill W. Swanson, ARA of Dugger, Canaday, Grafe, Inc, in San Antonio, TX is has moved into the role of First Vice President of ASFMRA. Paul J. Joerger, AFM of Agriland in Collierville, TN will serve as the Immediate Past President.

ASFMRA District Vice Presidents for 2013-2014 include Timothy L. Harpster, ARA; Paul E. Moore, ARA;Jerry R. Hicks, AFM; Terry L. Longtin, AFM;  Edward E. Lumpee, ARA; James R. Dunlap, ARA; and Thomas G. Schorr, ARA.  LeeAnn E. Moss, Ph.D., ARA serves as Academic Vice President.

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The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) is recognized as the premier organization for rural property professionals, providing excellent education, networking opportunities, and legislative representation for its members. The American Society was founded in 1929 and has 35 local chapters within seven regional districts throughout the U.S.