Remembrance: Pam Giacomini

Oct. 21, 1958 —Dec. 29, 2024 

A celebration of life is scheduled on Jan. 18 for Pam Giacomini, a Shasta County rancher and longtime advocate for California agriculture, her local community and environmental stewardship. 

Giacomini of Hat Creek, who died Dec. 29 at 66, was co-owner and operator of a diversified, grass-fed beef and ranching operation with her husband, Henry. For four years, she served as a Shasta County supervisor and dedicated another 13 years in roles with the California Farm Bureau, including as director of natural resources and as a field representative. 

“Pam was a tremendous example to others in all of her work serving her community and California agriculture,” said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass. “She will be greatly missed.”

Giacomini grew up on the family ranch in McArthur, settled by her great-grandparents in 1903. She was active in 4-H and FFA, showed livestock at the Inter-Mountain Fair and won awards at the local, regional and state levels. She met her husband-to-be at a statewide FFA conference, and they were married in 1978. 

After the couple graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1980, they moved to Humboldt County to manage Henry’s family dairy. Eight years later, they relocated to Shasta County, shifting to beef cattle after acquiring Hat Creek Hereford Ranch from Pam’s parents. The couple established HP Livestock, a sustainable grass-fed beef business, eventually reaching 60,000 acres. In 2007, they introduced Hat Creek Grown, which they operated as a direct-to-consumer beef business until 2020.

As advocates for sustainable ranching, the Giacominis adopted practices that prioritize animal welfare, land stewardship and ecological balance. For this work, they were named in 2024 among three finalists for the California Leopold Conservation Award, presented annually to landowners who demonstrate exemplary dedication to land, water and wildlife management on private, working lands. 

Of the nomination, Shasta County Farm Bureau President Robert Wooten said few individuals have developed a direct connection with the land like the Giacominis. “Throughout their development of Hat Creek Grown, they have implemented practices that have improved the integrity, stability and beauty of the lands entrusted to them,” he added.

Giacomini’s interest in agricultural advocacy and politics led her to a career at the California Farm Bureau. In 1992, she was hired as the Northern California region’s first field representative. After nine years in the role, she accepted a position as director of natural resources, focusing on policy issues regarding endangered species, land use, forestry and livestock. Outside of the Farm Bureau, she served as a member of the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. 

Karen Norene Mills, California Farm Bureau vice president of legal advocacy, said she worked with Giacomini on many policy issues during her time at the Farm Bureau. 

“She was attentive to details on those issues and sought out long-lasting solutions,” Mills said. “Importantly, Pam acted as a role model for young women seeking a way to support California agriculture.”

In 2013, Giacomini was elected to represent District 3 on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors and served until 2016. Her work in county government led to changes in senior housing policy and improving the business climate for agriculture. 

Ned Coe, a California Farm Bureau field representative who worked with Giacomini on natural resources and other policy issues, called her “a tireless advocate for agriculture.”

“Pam always was working on agricultural issues—as a local volunteer, an appointee, staff or as an elected,” said Coe, a Modoc County supervisor. “She had an amazing ability to stay grounded but at the same time operate in the big picture.” 

In a statement by Giacomini published in Ag Alert® in 2013, the supervisor said, “Farmers and ranchers are faced with challenges from every direction. It is essential that we be involved in the political process, to ensure that the decisions made at all levels of government take into consideration the impacts on agricultural businesses.” 

Giacomini graduated from the Cali-fornia Agricultural Leadership Class XXI in 1992 and received the Common Threads North Award in 2016. She spent time as an FFA adviser and judging team coach, a high school and college instructor, a professional photographer and as a partner with her sister in a real estate business. 

Giacomini is survived by her husband, their son, Wade, and other relatives. A celebration of life is scheduled for Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at George Ingram Hall, Inter-Mountain Fairgrounds in McArthur in Shasta County. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Giacomini’s name be made to Mayers Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.