4th generation…
James Bailey Hansen and Jess Vaughn Hansen farmed the land their, father, grandfather, and great grandfather farmed.
The most significant growth of the company came during this generation. Under the great leadership Jim and Jess, the ranch doubled in size. They also created many successful partnerships. Jim oversaw the day-to-day business and farming, while Jess oversaw the equipment and irrigation operations.
Jim Hansen served as past president for Corcoran Community Foundation and Tulare Lake Drainage District. He served as a board member of both the Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District and California Cotton Growers and Ginners Association. He is the only person to have served as chairman of the Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated. He was also chairman of the Supima Association, where he is currently the Director Emeritus. Finally, Jim served on the board of the National Cotton Council.
5th generation…
Phillip Hansen, Erik Hansen, Nis Hansen and Mark Hansen (deceased)
Today, Phil oversees day-to-day operations, still working closely with his brother Erik who is the GM of Farming Operations and Water Conservation overseeing the Hansen’s 20,000 acres of farmland, along with their cousin Nis Hansen who oversees the farm’s equipment and water wells. Phil and Erik both serve on numerous boards including: Tulare Lake Water storage district, Supima, Superior Almond Hulling, Horizon Nut and the Corcoran Community Foundation.
Phil serves as chairman of the California Cotton Growers Association. He also serves on the board of directors for multiple associations: Corcoran Community Foundation, Tulare Lake Basin Water Storage District, Cross Creek Gin, and Lakeland Dusters. Finally, Phil served as chairman of the board at Corcoran Family YMCA.
Erik serves as chairman for the California Water Alliance and as director for the Corcoran Journal. He served as board member for the EAT Foundation. He also serves on the board of the Corcoran Irrigation District, Tulare Lake Drainage District, Cross Creek Flood Control District, and Tulare Lake Resource Conservation District.
Sixth Generation
The next generation of Hansens are growing and only time will tell if they will lay roots in the family business.