Bill and Lou McCann described on May 15 how their unexpected transition into citrus farming became a meaningful new chapter in their lives, eventually leading them to join Sunkist Growers. The couple, who had no prior experience in agriculture, began researching the industry as a retirement project before committing fully to establishing a citrus grove.
The story highlights how individuals can find purpose and community through new ventures later in life. For the McCanns, moving from the Bay Area to Terra Bella brought a sense of peace and connection to nature that was missing before.
“We were talking about maybe starting an animal shelter,” Lou recalls. “And then Bill comes to me and says he wants to plant citrus trees. I said, ‘What, are you crazy?’” Bill said his inspiration came from memories of working on his uncle’s ranch as a child: “This wasn’t a whim,” he says. “We did a huge amount of research.” Their first visit to their property at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills convinced them it was right for their plans. “It just grabs you,” Bill says. “No traffic, no noise—just nature. Coming from the crowded Bay Area, it felt like breathing again.”
The couple dedicated themselves to learning about varieties, rootstocks, irrigation systems, and market opportunities before planting Barnfield Navel oranges for late-season harvests. Early years required patience and investment: “The first 10 years, it’s all drawdowns,” Bill says. “Our CPA literally asked us if we were nuts.” Their sense of accomplishment grew when they saw their fruit being packed for distribution: “We looked around and realized—every single orange we saw was ours,” Bill says.
Originally considering local sales at farmers markets with an “Easter Orange” concept due to late ripening varieties, they ultimately joined Sunkist after learning it is not a corporation but a farmer-owned cooperative—a decision that eased many logistical challenges for them: “Sunkist solved problems we didn’t even know how to think about,” Bill says.
Sunkist Growers functions as a not-for-profit cooperative owned by growers in California and Arizona; it features contributions from multi-generational family farmers dedicated to citrus production; promotes sustainable farming; maintains facilities including its headquarters in Valencia; has received awards such as Costco’s “Above and Beyond” recognition for global sourcing; and aims both for high-quality products and growth opportunities for its members—all according to the official website.
Looking ahead, the McCanns hope future generations might continue what they started: “We might be first‑generation farmers,” Bill says, “but they could be the second or third.” Reflecting on their experience with Sunkist’s cooperative structure and community events such as meetings or barbecues with other growers—including both fifth-generation families and newcomers—they feel welcomed: “Everyone is so nice,” Lou says. “You feel like you’re part of something.” She adds simply: “It feels like being part of a family.”
