Wayne Shingai comes from a farming background.  His farm has been in the family many years and Wayne grew up where he now farms.  He says that farming is in his blood.  Wayne went to school at Fresno State and received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business.  After he graduated, he returned home to work on the family farm in San Juan Bautista. 

In 1986, Wayne took over the family farming business, though his dad still helps out when it’s needed.  The family owns about 100 acres and lease two more parcels in Hollister.  They farm organically and grow a variety of row crops.  The exact crops change with the seasons and the needs and wants of the consumer. 

Wayne first heard about the Water Quality Short Course from the local Farm Bureau.  He says that he learned a great deal in the class. 

Furrows with grassed ends

As he completed his Farm Plan, Wayne has changed some of the practices that they had in place on the farm.  First he redirected the water from one spot to another so that it no longer flowed toward the creek.  He accomplished this by changing the row arrangement. 

They try to keep and use all of the water on the land, no waste.  Wayne also switched from sprinklers to drip for a more accurate watering, and as another way to ensure that no water leaves the property.

Wayne’s love of the land shows in his careful stewardship of the land and the water.  His work protects the creek, the soil and the water so that his farm will be sustainable for the next generation and generations to come.