Shanley Farms
In 1998, Jim Shanley retired from a successful career in commodities trading to start a new chapter in farming, aiming to build a family legacy tied to the land. This legacy continues today, carried forward by his daughter, Megan, and her three sons—James, Jack, and Sterling. The journey began at Morro Canyon Ranch in Morro Bay, California, where Jim planted avocados, including the now-famous ‘Gator Eggs,’ known for their convenient, single-serving size and unique flavor.
Jim's vision and passion for farming were guided by his belief that there is always something new to discover. As he famously said, “People say there is nothing new under the sun. Follow me. You’ll find something.” This pioneering spirit has defined the growth of Shanley Farms ever since.
In 2011, Jim and Megan expanded operations by acquiring the 62-acre Venice Hill Ranch in Visalia, California. This property allowed them to grow a variety of crops, including avocados, oranges, lemons, and kiwis. During this expansion, Jim attended a Citrus Exhibition hosted by UC Riverside, where he discovered Australia’s native finger lime. Envisioning its potential, Jim introduced this exotic microcitrus to the American market under the name Citriburst, offering unique and high-quality produce to retailers, restaurants, and culinary enthusiasts.
Today, Megan, now CEO of Shanley Farms, alongside her husband Justin, who serves as the Director of Sales and Marketing, leads the company with a commitment to Jim's legacy of innovation and family values. Their farming operations embrace Layered Agriculture, a sustainable practice that maximizes land use by pairing complementary crops. Shanley Farms produces Citriburst Finger Limes, Morro Bay Avocados, Gator Eggs Avocados, Passion Fruit, Dragon Fruit, and specialty coffee varieties.
Core Values
At Shanley Farms, tradition and sustainability are central to everything. The family honors Jim Shanley’s innovative spirit and dedication to the land while embracing modern farming practices that ensure a future for the next generation. Hard work and resilience have shaped the farm’s success, as the family continues to invest their efforts into growing a business that their sons can one day inherit.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Shanley Farms strives to build strong partnerships with customers who value premium, high-quality produce. The farm also has a passion for community outreach, particularly in education. Inspired by their children’s experience in the K-12 school system, Megan and her family are working to establish an educational center at the farm, where students can experience immersive learning in agriculture. This exciting initiative is expected to launch in Fall 2025, creating opportunities for young learners to connect with the farming world.
A Message to Our Customers
At Shanley Farms, the goal has always been to bring exceptional, farm-fresh produce into the homes of food lovers across the country. Each day, the team works to uphold the values of quality, sustainability, and family, ensuring that the farm's legacy continues for future generations. Megan and her family invite customers to join them on this journey, supporting a business that provides both innovative products and a beautiful environment for raising the next generation of passionate farmers.
Where you can find Shanley Farms
