1996

The School of Agriculture and California State University, Chico were pleased to recognize Wendell Lundberg (’54), Partner and Vice President of WEHAH Lundberg Family Farms, Richvale, CA, with the Distinguished Alumni Award in April.

After graduation, Wendell became involved in the family rice farm in the Richvale area.  During this time he also worked as a Seasonal Ranger for the Department of Interior at Crater Lake, and managed and supervised a rice experiment in Northern Australia.  In the mid 1960s, he established a warm water fishery.  In 1968, Wendell started rice milling and sales, and in 1980 began the rice cake division of Lundberg Family Farms.  The new products and processing department developed in 1985. 

Lundberg has been active in the rice industry, as well as in his community and church.  He is the past director of Butte County Rice Growers Association, past member of California Rice Industry Committee, past Elder of Chico Evangelical Free Church, Director and Past Chairman of the Board for Tri Counties Bank, Director of North State Crime Stoppers, and President of the Chico Chapter Experimental Aircraft Association.  He is also a member of the School of Agriculture’s Advisory Board.  Wendell and his wife, Carolyn, have three children, Joseph, Jessica, and Alysicia.