MEET OUR PEOPLE
Jerry Fry
Mohr-Fry Ranches / President & CEO
WHERE WERE YOU BORN & RAISED?
I was born in Mt. Eden, California. I moved to Lodi in June of 1965.
HOW HAS THE LODI WINE REGION CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
It has changed significantly. We’ve gone from being a market primarily for fresh Tokay grapes and a small amount of varieties for wine, sherry, and brandy like Zinfandel, Carignane, Alicante, Burger, and Palomino, to a market primarily for premium winegrapes. Vineyards are now trellised except for some “Old Vine” vineyards – mostly Zinfandel and Carignane – which are composed of wooden-staked and “head trained” stand-alone vines. As well, we’ve transitioned from hand harvesting to mechanical harvesting in most vineyards.
I FARM BECAUSE…
I love the outdoors and watching crops grow, and I love harvest. I believe farming is a wonderful way to teach your family life’s lessons.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
The Lodi area can grow and produce quality wine from any winegrape variety. The region’s soil, water, and climate are the finest in the world. Also, Lodi is a wonderful community in which to raise a family.
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER? WHY?
My father. We had great communication, and I was never “second-guessed.”
WHAT ITEMS ARE CURRENTLY IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OR GLOVEBOX OF YOUR TRUCK OR CAR?
Flashlight, handheld weather monitor, eyeglass wipes, gum, pens, keys, pickup manual, Micke Grove membership pass, FasTraK sensor, adapter for trailer lights, safety glasses, registration and insurance cards, tape measure, fuses, and – of course – masks.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
We were the first commercial Stevia growers in the U.S.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER OR START OVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
If I couldn’t farm, I would probably be in Meteorology.
