The San Diego County Farm Bureau (Farm Bureau) named third-generation avocado and citrus grower Warren Lyall of Pauma Valley as its 2023 Farmer of the Year. Lyall will be recognized for his achievement at the annual Farmer of the Year awards dinner on October 24.

The Farmer of the Year award is presented to an active or retired farmer who has had a positive impact on the agriculture industry, is active in the community beyond agriculture, and has represented the agricultural industry publicly on behalf of farming interests.

Warren Lyall’s family has been farming in Pauma Valley for three generations. Photo: Andy Lyall

This year’s award recognizes Lyall’s lifelong commitment to farming, leadership in agricultural organizations, and significant contributions to his community.

Lyall’s farming heritage started in 1931 when his grandparents moved to Pauma Valley from Montana, where they were cattle ranchers. He settled the family in Pauma Valley because it reminded him of home, and by 1933, they were living there full-time as citrus growers.

Learn more about the Lyall family in this feature interview.

Lyall was immersed in the world of farming from a young age. He learned about citrus and avocado cultivation alongside his grandfather, Andrew Lyall.

His early experiences gave Lyall a profound appreciation for the dedication required to succeed in agriculture. He also recognized the need to rely on a deep faith to manage the many factors in agriculture that are out of the grower’s control.

Today, Warren Lyall and his two sons, Andy and Tim, operate Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley of San Diego County. The primary crop is oranges, but they have also been growing avocados for the last 18 years.

Sustainably Managing Water and Energy Resources

Managing both water and energy resources is vital to the success of Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Managing water use and tracking soil moisture throughout there is a key to the Lyalls’ success. They recently upgraded their sprinkler systems to maximize uniformity across their orange groves. Four full-time employees monitor water use during the summer irrigation season, checking every aspect of the irrigation systems to prevent and catch leaks. This diligence helped the Lyalls navigate recent drought years.

“There is a lot of art involved in the irrigation of trees. The way they demand water is different. Water for us is a precious resource. We can’t afford to waste it,” said Warren Lyall.

Andy and Warren Lyall operate Rancho Monte Vista along with Andy’s brother, Tim Lyall. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

The Lyalls also find ways to conserve energy use at Rancho Monte Vista. They recently installed a solar power plant on their ranch, providing 80 percent of the power needed for their irrigation pumps. Any excess energy produced is sold to the grid for use by San Diego Gas & Electric, adding to the long-term sustainability of their ranch.

Even in plentiful rain years, the ranch manages its water use. “We are careful to manage our irrigation (and other input resources) every year,” Lyall says. “It is part of our philosophy of stewardship that even if a resource is plentiful, we need to be careful not to waste it. It is all part of farming sustainably and efficiently in order to maximize our success.”

Lyall Represents San Diego County’s Farming Professionals

Warren Lyall is recognized for his leadership and community service. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Lyall’s journey has been marked by exceptional leadership and service. He has made significant contributions as a Director for Villa Park Orchards Association, Sunkist Growers, Inc., and Fruit Growers Supply Company.

Lyall has also been active in community leadership. He has served as President of Pauma Municipal Water District, played a key role in forming the Upper San Luis Rey Groundwater Management Authority, and led the formation of the San Diego County Citrus Pest Control District, where he currently serves as President.

The San Diego County Farm Bureau is a non-profit organization supporting the more than 5,700 farms within the county. The mission of the Farm Bureau is to foster San Diego agriculture through education, public relations, and public policy advocacy in order to promote the economic viability, sustainability, and community building of agriculture. For more information, visit our website www.sdfarmbureau.org