Brian Antle, vice president of harvest for Tanimura & Antle, has been honored in the Produce Business Class of 2016 “40-Under-Forty.” Tanimura & Antle’s recent news release announced his award stating, “The annual class is among the most renowned honors in the produce industry and recognizes 40 young leaders of the produce industry under the age of 40.” The award category is selected based on professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership, and industry/community contributions after being nominated by peers.
Tanimura & Antle, formed in 1982, is one of the largest independent lettuce growers in the United States. It farms more than 30,000 acres of land, some of which is in San Benito County. The company ships fresh produce products throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Antle is a fifth-generation member in Tanimura & Antle’s family-owned produce business, based in Salinas. Their news release explained that Antle began his career at 14, riding his bike to work each morning as a young teenager to move irrigation pipe for the Tanimura brothers. “Today he oversees the harvest for 35,000 acres of 24 fresh produce items; totaling up to 37 million cartons annually,” it stated.
Antle is a Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo graduate who has managed various commodity programs, including the company’s largest crop, iceberg lettuce.
According Tanimura and Antle, Brian Antle credits much of his success to having worked all manner of jobs in the company. “I thank my family for making me start on the ranch and work my way to my current position since it’s much easier to manage at a higher level knowing what should be going on at each level,” he was quoted as saying.
The company recognized Antle for being forward-looking and willing to try new ideas. “Following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, Antle’s commitment to continual innovation has ultimately resulted in the company’s new employee housing (Spreckels Crossing), an advanced forecasting system and various new harvest and farm technology. In 2015, he received the Forbe’s “Impact Award in Innovation” for the company’s Plant Tape automated transplanting system,” the article stated.
Antle credited his father and grandfather for sharing their knowledge and farming experience.