James R. Maxwell has owned and operated Agriland Farming in the Fresno-area city of Chowchilla, California, since founding this full-service farm management company 30 years ago. In addition to providing agricultural services to other farms throughout the southern and central San Joaquin Valley, Agriland also cares for its own orchards and vineyards. Under James R. Maxwell’s direction, the organization ranks among the top nut growers in the world. His work with Agriland builds upon decades of entrepreneurial experience in the agricultural sector, owning or operating roughly a dozen companies that range from Taylor Creek Farms and Heritage Orchards to the Agri Systems, Inc. and Madera AG Supply.

In an effort to give back to the communities that support him, James Maxwell actively supports a range of municipal and nonprofit organizations including the Madera Unified School District, the Madera Rescue Mission, and California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health. He also led Agriland to being selected as the national recipient of the Migrant and Head Start Association annual award presented to one farmer nationwide.