Ron Mansfield Memorial Scholarship

Ron Mansfield played a vital part in developing El Dorado County's agriculture. He held a position with El Dorado Irrigation District to develop EID’s Irrigation Management System which provided growers data allowing for the judicious irrigation of crops. This efficiency program still runs today and serves as the industry’s gold standard in irrigation conservation.

Ron founded Goldbud Farms with his wife in 1980 with the vision of diversifying El Dorado crops beyond the apples and pears that were widely planted at the time. Soon Ron’s cherries, peaches, nectarines, and plums garnered a sterling reputation. 

Subtly dotted with dozens of Ron’s orchards and vineyards, the El Dorado County landscape will remain touched by Ron’s legacy. He also served on the County Agricultural Commission from 2009 to 2020, deliberating land use policy and crafting ordinances related to farming for many compositions of the Board of Supervisors.

Due of his passion for local agriculture, it was fitting for this scholarship to be named in memoriam of Ron Mansfield. The El Dorado Wine Grape Growers created this scholarship in 2024 to help support local students seeking to further their education in agriculture. 

Ron was also an avid life-long bowler. In 2022, he proudly competed in his 50th consecutive USBC National Open Championship in Las Vegas alongside his bowling partner, John Pocekay.