Biographies
Respect for individuals was built into the DNA of Talley Farms from the very beginning. Oliver Talley advocated for “treating people the right way.” That has translated into a loyal workforce. Several plaques and pictures in our lobby recognize employees with 20, 30 and 40 years of service.
Ryan Talley
What I do at Talley Farms? Farm Manager; Co-Owner
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1985 (since I started picking beans at the age of 12)
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – working on the central coast in the best climate along with the best people.
The best thing we grow is – avocados, who doesn’t like guacamole?
Education – BS in Finance, Purdue
Family – Wife, Christina, and five children: Byron, Grant, Elliot, Catherine and Caroline.
In My Spare Time – With five children I do not have a lot of spare time, but I do enjoy coaching, outdoor activities, and fly fishing.
Brian Talley
What I do at Talley Farms? President of Talley Farms and Talley Vineyards; Co-Owner
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1978
The best thing we grow is – Talley Vineyards has come to be recognized as one of California’s finest producers of estate bottled chardonnay and pinot noir.
Education – BA History, BS Natural Resource Economics, UC Berkeley
Family – Wife, Johnine and daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia
In My Spare Time – I enjoy cooking, fitness, and travel.
Rosemary Talley
What I do at Talley Farms? Everything nobody else wants to do or has time to do; Co-Owner
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1977
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – the team spirit, and the “can do” atmosphere.
The best thing we grow is – both the bell peppers and heirloom tomatoes.
Education – MS Applied Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Family – Son Brian, Daughter-in-law Johnine, Granddaughters Elizabeth and Olivia. Ryan and Todd are Nephews
In My Spare Time – I enjoy traveling, gardening, and reading.
Todd Talley
What I do at Talley Farms? CFO; Co-Owner
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1983 (since I started picking beans at the age of 12)
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – getting to work with our terrific team of employees.
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers – I have yet to see a darker green, thicker walled bell pepper than the ones we grow.
Education – BA Political Economy, UC Berkeley
Family – Wife, Jill, and three kids: Karena, Violet and Daniel
In My Spare Time – I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering at our church and our kids’ school, hiking San Luis Mtn, reading.
Derek Sass
What I do at Talley Farms? Sales Manager
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2018
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – Working in a culture with so much ambition and humility at the same time.
The best thing we grow is – Cilantro. “I love the smell of Cilantro in the morning!”
Education – BS in Ag Business, Minor in Computer Science, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Wife, Michelle, and twins: Austin and Carly
In My Spare Time – Spending time with my family, working out, participating in local runs and surfing.
Robert Meyer
What I do at Talley Farms? Crop Production Manager
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2010
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – the family vibe.
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers.
Education – BS Agricultural Business, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Wife, Whitney, and son, Leo
In My Spare Time – I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog Dexter, working out, hiking, attending sports events, eating, and of course the occasional video game.
Andrea Shapiro Chavez
What I do at Talley Farms? Manager, Fresh Harvest CSA program
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2012
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – the people! And the beauty of the AG Valley.
The best thing we grow is – our sweet bi color, non GMO Corn.
Education – BS in Economics, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Husband, Randy, and two adult sons, Spencer and Carter
In My Spare Time – I like to exercise, drink wine and listen to live music, and participate in charity, California Women 4 Ag.
Clint Loomis
What I do at Talley Farms? Sales
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2015
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – Working along side owners and co-workers who have a passion, drive and love for what they do.
The best thing we grow is – brussels sprouts. There is no comparison to the number of dishes that can be made from the beautifully shaped, dense heads that are grown by a team that puts quality above all else.
Education – BS Agricultural Business, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Wife, Kayla
In My Spare Time – You can find me with family/ friends, at the gym, or on any sort of outdoor expedition.
Leah Cochrane
What I do at Talley Farms? System Operator; Bookkeeping
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1990
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – Our Team Spirit!
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers.
Education – BS, AG Management-Business, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Husband Clint, and daughter, Tyree
In My Spare Time – I enjoy taking care of our place, our animals, and supporting our daughter in her rodeo endeavors.
Anibal Escobar
What I do at Talley Farms? Safety Director
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2011
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – It feels like a family.
The best thing we grow is – everything!
Education – BS in Criminal Justice, Long Beach State
Family – Wife, Elise and son, Maddox
In My Spare Time – Spend time with family and friends, watch sports and work out.
Arturo Ibarra
What I do at Talley Farms? Loading Dock and Packing Shed Manager
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1987
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – it is like coming home.
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers.
Family – Wife, Juana, and four children: Juanita, Guillermina, Alejandra and Arturo; and one granddaughter, Elana.
In My Spare Time – I like hunting, fishing and backpacking.
Beatriz Ramirez
What I do at Talley Farms? Payroll Manager and Employee Relations
How long at Talley Farms? Since 1975
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – working with people and knowing their personalities. There are a lot of great people including the owners whom I highly respect.
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers and cilantro
Family – My four children: Hector, Julia, Mirella, and Marbella, plus my grandchildren.
In My Spare Time – I like to read and have my family over for family night or weekend breakfast.
Ben Taylor
What I do at Talley Farms? Orchard Manager/Viticulturalist
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2013
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – The diversity of crops and people make every day interesting.
The best thing we grow is – everything! Everything is grown to the highest of standards. My wife tells me that our avocados are way creamier than all others.
Education – BA FAS, UC Davis
Family – Wife, Courtney, and two kids: Elliot and Rory
In My Spare Time – I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, tending to my small apple orchard and vineyard, and riding mountain bike trails in SLO county.
Lisa Loogman
What I do at Talley Farms? Assist Andrea in running the Fresh Harvest program and work on projects for Talley Farms.
How long at Talley Farms? Since 2013
The best thing about working at Talley Farms is – the family atmosphere.
The best thing we grow is – bell peppers!
Education – BS in Agricultural Business, Cal Poly, SLO
Family – Just me and my dog Josie
In My Spare Time – I run, hike, ride horses, travel and do anything outside.