Michael Yang

Field Assistant

UC Cooperative Extension

Fresno County

When Michael Yang was 6, his father was killed fighting alongside Americans in the Vietnam War. The Yang family was one of thousands who were relocated to the United States at the end of the conflict, a population that continues to adjust to life half a world away from their homeland.

Yang, his single mother and three brothers first settled in Rhode Island, but soon joined relatives in the San Joaquin Valley to farm. While helping his mother produce Southeast Asian vegetables, Yang graduated form Tulare Western High School. Fourteen years ago, friends put him in contact with the UC Cooperative Extension small farm advisor for Fresno County, Pedro Ilic, who was searching for a field assistant proficient in Hmong and Laotian. Yang got the job, and stayed on when, a year and a half later, Ilic passed away. Yang continued to serve farmers and became an invaluable resource to Ilic's successor, Richard Molinar, when he was hired 11 years ago.

"There are so many new things Southeast Asian farmers need to know," Yang said. "You don't farm here like in Laos."

Yang has been instrumental in conducting research with Molinar and communicating research findings to a community of farmers with limited English skills. Many Hmong had experience farming, but in California they must deal with agricultural chemicals, regulations, marketing, organic production and many specific problems.

Over the years, Yang has become something of a celebrity in the local Hmong community. He has a loyal following for his agriculturally themed radio program that runs from 9 to 10 p.m. every other Monday on KQEQ 1210AM in Fresno.

"I bring in guests and translate for them. We answer call-in questions," Yang said. "Many of the farmers express relief to have found someone who speaks their language and has the information they need."