Throughout his life, the late farmer Ed McGrew devoted himself to advocating for Imperial Valley agriculture and the overall economic vitality of the Valley, all with the support of his wife, Patty McGrew, who not only worked alongside her husband in such advocacy, but has been a leader in her own right.
When it comes to leaders whose efforts have supported agriculture, Tina Shields and Mike Pacheco, co-water managers for the Imperial Irrigation District, have devoted their work to protecting the Valley’s water and ensuring all local water needs are met.
For their efforts, the Imperial County Farm Bureau, during its annual meeting in October, presented the McGrews with the Jim Kuhn Memorial Farmer of the Year Award, and Shields and Pacheco with the Betty Young Memorial Friend of the Farmer Award.
These awards, according to the Farm Bureau, recognize outstanding individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the region’s agricultural landscape.
“Ed and Patty McGrew’s story is one of hard work, innovation, and heart,” said Farm Bureau Executive Director Rachel Magos. “Their leadership in agriculture and their decades of community service have helped shape the Imperial Valley into what it is today.”
She continued, “Tina Shields and Mike Pacheco have dedicated their careers to protecting the lifeblood of Imperial Valley agriculture, our water. Their leadership at the Imperial Irrigation District has ensured that our farms continue to thrive, even through some of the most challenging times.”
Farmer of the Year Award
Ed and Patty McGrew were named the recipients of the 20th annual Farmer of the Year Award for their lifelong dedication to agriculture, innovation, and community service in the Valley.
Ed, who passed away in April at the age of 87, was born and raised in the Valley. He attended Meloland School, Acacia School and went on to attend Central Union High School in El Centro. He continued his education at Imperial Valley College, before transferring to California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.
It was there that he met the woman who would be his wife for 65 years, Patricia Soule, or as she is known today, Patty McGrew.
After graduating with a degree in farm management, McGrew’s career began with Culver Farms before he founded MAGCO, farming across both the Imperial Valley and Yuma, Arizona. His focus on innovation led to the creation of C-Taps, an irrigation tool still used today, and to partnerships that advanced the region’s agricultural development.
The Farm Bureau writes of McGrew in a press release that his “influence reached deep into agricultural advocacy and education.”
He was a founding member of the Imperial Valley Vegetable Growers Association, an advisor to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and a steadfast supporter of 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and youth agricultural programs.
“His efforts not only strengthened local farming but also inspired generations of young agricultural leaders,” the Farm Bureau states in its release.
The Farm Bureau also noted Patty McGrew’s leadership in education and civic life. A former home economics teacher, she served for decades as a 4-H and foods and nutrition leader, helped revitalize the Imperial Valley Community Foundation as a board member and vice chair, and served 18 years on the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta Board.
“Her volunteerism and mentorship have impacted countless youth and families across the Valley,” the Farm Bureau states.
“Ed and Patty McGrew represent the core of our agricultural community,” the Farm Bureau further states. “Their work has shaped not only the fields of the Imperial Valley but also the future of the people who live and work here. Their legacy of leadership, family, and community service will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Friends of the Farmer Award
The Friend of the Farmers Award recognizes individuals who, though not farmers themselves, have made significant and lasting contributions to our local agriculture and have made a meaningful impact on the agricultural community.
This year, in honoring Shields and Pacheco, the Farm Bureau states, “Together, Tina and Mike have devoted a combined 78 years of service to IID and to the farmers of Imperial Valley. Their leadership, wisdom, and stewardship make them true guardians of our water, our agriculture, and our community’s future.”
Shields oversees Colorado River resources, water planning, conservation, and management. She represents Imperial Valley’s water interests at the local, state, and federal levels and has played a vital role in protecting the region’s water entitlement.
Pacheco leads the operational side of IID’s water delivery system. He oversees the engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of more than 3,000 miles of irrigation and drainage canals, as well as the Imperial Dam and All-American Canal.
Both Shields and Pacheco voiced how honored they feel to have received the Friends of the Farmer Award.
“Personally, it is heartwarming to know the farming community appreciates our efforts – and it was a nice moment to recognize how far we have come as well in our conservation efforts and the programs IID has developed hand-in-hand with our ag water users,” said Shields who has worked for IID for 34 years.
“I am extremely grateful for the trust the growers have put in us, and their willingness to share their perspectives and keep us on our toes to help us continually improve at what we do,” she said.
Said Pacheco, who has worked for IID for 45 years, “To be named a Friend of the Farmer means a great deal to me. It’s a reminder of the deep respect I have for the people who work tirelessly to provide food, preserve our land, and strengthen rural communities. This honor motivates me to continue learning from farmers and doing my part to support a more sustainable and thriving agricultural future.”
Pacheco added, “Ensuring farmers have access to the water they need is absolutely essential to the stability of our food system. Water is the foundation of agriculture; without it, crops fail, livelihoods are threatened, and food security is at risk.”
Part of protecting the Valley’s water involves planning for a future with a river facing the uncertainty caused by drought and climate change.
“On top of the physical delivery of the water, IID has to work on a much broader level to ensure the Colorado River remains healthy and resilient for many years to come, particularly given the current reservoir elevations at Lakes Mead and Powell and amidst ongoing drought conditions,” Shields said.
“IID’s goal is to make sure our agricultural producers can continue to grow crops through efficient water use practices that support our community’s economy and feed the nation; we don’t want a water shortage to devolve into a food shortage.”
Shields spoke of her partnership with Pacheco as co-managers as key to serving the Valley.
“We have a real management partnership and always have each other’s backs, not to mention we both tend to live and breathe our jobs 24/7. The Water Department is a second family to both of us after all of these years – and we have an entire team that pulls together every day to make the Water Department shine.”