From left, John Harris and James Beecher. Photo via Harris Farms

Harris Farms, Inc. announced Friday the appointment of James Beecher as its new president and CEO.

Beecher will oversee all of Harris’ operations, including the farming, hospitality and thoroughbred horse divisions, and will be reporting directly to John C. Harris, chairman of Harris Farms, Inc.

“We are thrilled to have Jim Beecher join Harris Farms,” Harris said. “I have known Jim for decades and have tremendous respect for his farming expertise and business acumen, and he has served Harris Farms with distinction as a member of our Board of Directors for the past four years. Jim’s appointment to this critical role heralds the start of a new chapter in our company’s history. Jim is the right person at the right time to lead us for many years to come and I look forward to exciting times ahead.

“As Chairman, I’ll be focused on oversight and strategic planning, but I am handing the reins over to Jim. Jim is well respected by his peers and he brings an educated mind and practical experience garnered from his long tenure at Farming D, an iconic farm just down the road from ours,” Harris continued.

Beecher will leave his post as president of Farming D Logistical Support in Five Points, and his position as president of Beecher/Ryan Harvesting, also in Five Points, and is expected to begin working at Harris Farms later in the summer.

“It really is an honor to take on this role at Harris Farms. I’ve known John Harris for as long as I can remember and I have great respect for him and his outstanding team. I look forward to contributing to Harris Farms’ legacy and business expansion,” Beecher said.

Harris Farms, Inc. was founded in 1937 and expanded its farming operations over the decades. In April, Harris Farms, Inc. sold its beef division, Harris Ranch Beef Co., to Central Valley Meat Company, Inc.

Today the company includes Harris Ranch Restaurant, fueling stations, a Fast Track convenience store and Harris Ranch Express BBQ.

Dave Wood, former chairman of Harris Ranch Beef and former president of Harris Farms, Inc., will remain on the company’s board of directors, serving as its vice chairman.

“I cannot overstate Dave’s contribution to our company”, Harris said. “Dave has been by my side for more than fifty years at Harris Farms and I’m pleased and grateful that he will continue to serve on our Board. Our beef operations’ success was very dependent on Dave’s superior efforts over many years.”