MEET OUR PEOPLE
Brandon Sywassink
Manna Ranch Inc. / General Manager
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN FARMING?
I have been farming since 2005; I’m a first-generation winegrower.
HOW DID YOU GET IN TO FARMING?
While attending Delta College, I was asked by a friend if I could help him move some tractors one September afternoon. Although I had no idea what I was doing, I climbed up on that little John Deere as he directed “follow us!” Before I knew it, I was cruising 10 mph down Lower Sacramento Road without a care in the world. As I reached a stop light, I looked over and saw my dad driving home; I waved to him like a kid on Christmas morning. A few more trips out to the vineyards and a couple of AG classes in later in college, and here I am. I wouldn’t change anything about it.
FARMING IN LODI IS…
Life.
WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTOR IN YOUR CAREER? WHY?
The Manna Family got me into this crazy world of farming, and I cannot thank them enough. From them, I have learned how hard work pays off. They have also taught me the joy of seeing your hard work lead to something spectacular (like wine). Mike and Matt Manna made it possible for me to become a first-generation farmer and I can only hope to pass this life on to someone else one day.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT LODI?
Lodi is more than just winegrapes and wine. The community is strong and supportive of all walks of business.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ANOTHER CAREER OR START OVER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I would consider teaching kids about farming. I’d like to work with kids outside of FFA or 4H to help them understand that farms supply the food they eat and the clothes they wear. I’d love to teach the general public about sustainability and how they can make a difference.
WHAT CHORE DO YOU ABSOLUTELY HATE DOING?
Laundry – it never ends!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT OR SPOTS IN LODI?
I’m partial to Ollies – the downtown Irish pub. They get people from all walks of life – farmers, bankers, nail pounders… even winemakers.
CURRENTLY, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK?
Michael David Winery’s single-serving cans of wine; they really hit the spot – especially when you don’t want to open a bottle!
