Sandy Ballou

Sandy's life has been shaped by his deep connection to agriculture and outdoor living. Growing up on horseback, he pursued this passion through college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, spending summers working at Wyoming's R Lazy S Ranch. After college and teaching horsemanship at The Thacher School, he worked eight years in Oregon's fresh produce industry before returning to Grass Valley, California, in 1997 to buy part of his grandfather's ranch.

With his wife Sarah, Sandy established a boarding and training facility and later purchased Sierra Saddlery and Farrier Supply. He served 13 years on the 17th District Agricultural Association fair board through gubernatorial appointments, and nine years on the Nevada County Farm Bureau board, including two as president.

Sandy continues training horses, running cattle, and enjoying hunting and fishing. He firmly believes that animals, dirt, and nature provide life's most valuable lessons.