John C. Harris, who cast a large shadow across the worlds of agriculture, ranching, horseracing, politics, and philanthropy, has died. He was 81.

His passing sparked a bouquet of tributes Thursday about the deep impact that Mr. Harris had, and not just in the Central Valley where his eponymous Harris Ranch was a favorite stop for many Interstate 5 travelers eager for a meal of the company’s grass-fed beef. Many described him as a visionary whose legacy will be remembered for generations.

Among California horseracing fans, Mr. Harris might have been best known as the owner of the farm that produced California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2014.

His many honors and accolades included the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame, an honorary doctorate awarded by Fresno State in 2019, and the Fresno Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Leon S. Peters Award.

At the time of his death, he was vice chairman of the board of directors of Fresno State’s Maddy Institute, an organization that he had long ties with. The relationship was sparked by his longtime friendship with the late state Sen. Ken Maddy, also a big horse racing fan.

The political connections cultivated by Mr. Harris through the years extended from Fresno to Sacramento and east across the country to the White House and Capitol Hill. He was a longtime financial supporter of political candidates, primarily Republican but also Democrats such as the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, whom he regarded as a rare elected official who truly understood California’s complex water issues.

‘Passionate Advocate’ for the Valley

In a Facebook post Thursday, the Maddy Institute said Mr. Harris was “not only a visionary farmer and businessman, but also a passionate advocate of the San Joaquin Valley in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. … As the head of Harris Farms, John was a driving force behind innovations in food production, livestock, and horse breeding.

“Beyond his business leadership, he was a dedicated voice for the agricultural community, serving on the boards of several organizations including the Pacific Legal Foundation, California Cattlemen’s Association, Western Growers Association, and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. Throughout his life, he remained deeply invested in our region, consistently supporting efforts to strengthen leadership, expand educational opportunities, and advance the future of agriculture across the Valley.”

Longtime Fan of Live Horse Racing

Mr. Harris was born July 14, 1943, and was a lifelong resident of Fresno County who attended local schools before earning his degree from UC Davis. He also was a U.S. Army veteran.

His love of horse racing took hold at an early age. Mr. Harris would ride in the early 1950s with his grandfather, who lived near the Fresno County fairgrounds. When the fair was open, they would head to the grandstand to watch races.

Christina Estrada, CEO of The Big Fresno Fair, said that in recent weeks Mr. Harris continued to be a dedicated advocate for live horse racing at the Fair.

“John Harris was a respected leader in California agriculture and a passionate supporter of The Big Fresno Fair. He believed in the Fair as a place where the community could come together to celebrate our shared agricultural and racing traditions,” she said. “We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support and the legacy he leaves behind — it will always be a part of The Big Fresno Fair.”

Mr. Harris and his father, Jack Harris, decided in 1966 to add a thoroughbred horse operation to their cattle ranching and farming business.

In addition to California Chrome, Harris Farms also produced the stallion that sired Tiznow, the only two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

A Visionary with a Lasting Legacy

Mr. Harris “embodied the spirit and promise of the Valley,” Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said. “His dedication to agriculture, his visionary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to our region’s future have left a profound legacy that will continue to shape generations. At Fresno State, we are deeply grateful for his steadfast support of our students and his belief in the transformative power of education.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer both called Mr. Harris a “pioneer” in the Central Valley.

Mr. Harris was well-known for developing and producing healthy food products that made Harris Ranch one of the nation’s most respected food producers, Costa said in a news release. “I had the good fortune to know John for over 40 years — he was my friend; he will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever.”

“John was a true pioneer in the Central Valley, his vision and leadership helped make Harris Ranch a household name, known far beyond our region,” Dyer said in a Facebook post. “More than that, he was a kind, generous man who cared deeply about his community. … John’s legacy will continue to shape the Valley for generations to come.”

Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes said Mr. Harris was a “larger-than-life icon” in Fresno County’s farming community. Mr. Harris was “one of the most intelligent people I’ve known. I will miss my friend and mentor,” Mendes said.

In recent years, Mr. Harris and Ben Ewell had envisioned developing a master-planned community on the Kings River. Plans called for homes, commercial centers, and a college on 700 acres northwest of Trimmer Springs Road in eastern Fresno County.

Giving Back to the Community

Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, another longtime friend, said he will remember Mr. Harris and his late wife Carole for their philanthropic efforts and generosity.

“They believed in giving back to the community,” Magsig said. “They literally employed, over their lifetime, thousands of people, and just were amazing figures and very generous in everything that they did. So, someone like John and Carole Harris both, but John Harris with his recent passing cannot be replaced in our community. They will always be remembered as individuals that were bright lights, helping others and truly wanted the best for the Central Valley.”

Mr. Harris is survived by his wife, Cookie Harris. The couple married in June.

A private burial ceremony will be held. A public celebration of life is being scheduled and will be announced soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jack A. Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund, continuing Mr. Harris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.