Rohnert Park Resident Named Outstanding North Bay Rancher

The Sonoma County Fair announced this week that this year's "Outstanding North Bay Rancher" award goes to Rohnert Park Resident Barbara Hall, otherwise known as Bobbie.

According to officials, the "award is given to individuals whose contribution has enhanced Sonoma County agriculture while having brought prestige and recognition to the industry."

Hall, who is the daughter of the late cattle rancher and brand inspector Louis Bloom, runs more than 200 head of beef cows on leased ranches spanning over 3,000 acres in Marin County, according to a media release.

She got her start four decades ago, following in her father's footsteps.

"The two were partners in the cattle until Bloom’s death 20 years ago, at which time Hall took over the cattle operation on her own," officials said. "Like her father, she has also worked as a regional brand inspector."

Officials with the Sonoma County Fair issued a statement on Bobbie recently. It detailed a woman dedicated to the industry.

Hall is a born rancher who says she can’t imagine her life without the daily routine of overseeing her 220 head of Angus mother cows. She also raises and sells about 30 breeding bulls each year.

Hall’s husband, Tom and her son, Jimmy, now 33, provide weekend help with the diverse ranching chores. Jimmy was an active member of both 4-H and FFA, showing cattle as a youth, so the whole family has spent many summers in the Fair’s barns and show rings.

As a respected industry leader and producer, Hall is a past Sonoma-Marin Cattleman of the Year. She is also member of the Sonoma-Marin Cattlemen’s Association and formerly served as a director of the Marin County Farm Bureau.

Fair officials said they were "honored to recognize Bobbie Hall’s dedication and hard work by naming her the 2012 Outstanding North Bay Rancher."

She'll get her award on on Farmer’s Day at the Fair, Sunday, August 5.

About the Sonoma County Fair: Held every summer, the fair is open from July 25 – August 12, 2012. The theme this year is “Cruise On In”, and will offer 17 days of fun, including live horse racing, a huge carnival, the spectacular Hall of Flowers, tons of free entertainment and much, much more. For details, go to www.sonomacountyfair.com or call 707-545-4200. You can also find “Sonoma County Fairgrounds” on Facebook.