From 1917 to 1919, rice farming in Northern California experienced a boom, allowing Korean American farmers to earn substantial incomes. Agriculture in this region served as the foundation of their livelihoods and a source of funds for Korea’s independence movement. Working over ten hours daily under the scorching sun, the hard work of Korean Americans paid off, and farming became the basis for the gradual settlement of Korean immigrants in Northern California. Known for their diligence and good character, Korean Americans gained the trust of white landowners, who began entrusting them with work previously given to Japanese workers.
By 1920, Korean Americans established three farms, investing all their capital into agriculture with hopes of striking it rich. However, a devastating flood that year inflicted severe damage on rice farms throughout Northern California, leaving farmers with no harvest. The losses from their labor—over ten hours a day—amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The downturn was exacerbated by plummeting rice prices following World War I, bringing an end to the golden age of Korean American agriculture.
Articles Related to Korean American Farming in Northern California Published in Shinhan Minbo
◈ 1912. 3 (Published in Daedo): Stockton’s “Heo-Lee Store” recently acquired an additional 500 acres of farmland to begin farming. It is immensely hopeful to see such expansion in our compatriots’ businesses this year.
◈ 1913. 6. 23: In Stockton, Kim Rin-soo, Park Ka-hyun, Kim Ki-man, and Lee Seok-won farmed 200 acres of potatoes. The potatoes yielded well, and the market price was favorable, selling for 1 won per box, which is delightful news.
◈ 1913. 7. 22: Yang Kwon’s hops farm – Around 50 compatriots gathered at the hops farm run by Kwon Sa-seon and Kwon Young-tae near Sacramento.
According to Park Seung-chul from Soltanata, his melon farming this year has ended, with a net profit of around 1,400 won.
◈ 1913. 8. 1: In Sacramento and nearby areas, arrangements have been made to manage hops fields with about 50 compatriots. Please come by August 7. Hop coordinator: Kim Yoon-taek, address: 1511 4th St., Sacramento.
◈ 1913. 8: S.O. Kim and K.S. Lee borrowed $1,000 at 7% interest to cultivate 70 acres in Colusa County. This marks the first recorded agreement between a Korean and a white farm owner.
◈ 1913. 9. 26: Lee Du-hyung, who grows rice near Colusa, showed some rice stalks at the San Francisco church. They were as good as the best rice grown outside Korea, raising hopes for the success of farming.
◈ 1913. 10. 13: Sunnyvale’s tomato farming – Tomatoes spread endlessly across the plains of Sunnyvale boasted of a bountiful harvest this year but were withered by extreme heat. However, Korean farms reportedly suffered little loss. Sunnyvale is a hub for agriculture and hosts many students.
◈ 1914. 4. 9: Jang Yi-yang cultivated 20 acres of melons.
◈ 1914. 7. 23: I have been assigned to oversee hops harvesting in Cosumnes this year. Please be informed, and those interested should come by August 10. Hop coordinator: Kim Joon-hwa, address: 1327 4th St., Sacramento.
◈ 1914. 8. 6: Advertisement for field workers in Cosumnes – Park Myung-oh and Lim Chi-ho.
Korean agriculture – This year’s rice farming was successful. Kim Jong-rim and Ma Chun-bong cultivated 700 acres.
◈ 1914. 8. 27: A major movement by farmers – Representatives of farmers from various regions near Sacramento are organizing to oppose legislation limiting work hours to 8 per day. A large demonstration will be held, marching through the main streets of the area.
◈ 1914. 11. 12: Lee Joon-gi, a rice farmer in Marysville, lost his home and property to a fire.
◈ 1915. 4. 8: According to Northern California Walnut Grove communications, about 30 compatriots are working on tying asparagus, earning between 1 won 30 jeon and 3 won per day.
In Mountain View, Lee Byung-ho planted 20 acres of tomatoes with Kim Sung-jeon. Along with Kim Won-taek and Kim Chae-hwan, they planted 250 acres of hay and 50 acres of sugar beets.
◈ 1915. 5. 13: Rice farming in Biggs – Park Ryang-rae and Choi Bong-sul cultivated 160 acres. Lee Jin-seop, Kang Guk-bo, and Lim Ji-seong farmed 90 acres. Kim Jang-yeon cultivated 320 acres.
◈ 1915. 8. 17: Manteca began harvesting radishes on the 13th. Skilled workers can earn more than 5 won per day, but there is a severe labor shortage.
◈ 1916. 2. 22: In Manteca, California, 60 Koreans pooled resources worth over 10,000 won to lease 1,300 acres and began sugar beet farming.
◈ 1916. 6. 23: Willows, Taylorsville, and Woodland have newly cultivated land with fertile soil.
◈ 1916. 8. 10: This year’s California rice harvest amounted to 840,000 sacks, which, in American units, equals 4.18 million bushels. One bushel is about two mal (traditional Korean measure) and one hop.
◈ 1916. 8. 17: Manteca began harvesting radishes, and skilled workers can earn up to 5 won per day.
◈ 1916. 9. 21: The potato and onion crops in Stockton were successful. Farmers who failed in last year’s potato farming could have capitalized on this opportunity if they had continued. Potatoes sold for 1 won 75 jeon per sack, and onions sold for 1 won 50 jeon per sack.
◈ 1916. 9. 28: Koreans in Stockton moved from investing in potatoes and tomatoes to farming rice, radishes, sugar beets, and beans, cultivating 230 acres. In Willows, Kim Jong-rim cultivated 280 acres of rice. Maeng Jeong-hee’s joint farm cultivated 140 acres. Lim Ji-seong’s joint farm cultivated 80 acres. Um Dae-young and Lim Seon-bong farmed 110 acres in Colusa. Lee Soon-gi and two white partners cultivated 640 acres in Woodland.
◈ 1916. 9. 28: Koreans leased a total of 1,400 acres in Woodland, Colusa, and Live Oak for rice farming.
◈ 1916. 10. 26: According to California rice farming results, Koreans achieved significant success. Rice farming covered 63,000 acres in the Sacramento Valley and 3,500 acres in the San Joaquin Valley.
◈ 1916. 11. 1: “Since Japanese people are farming a large portion of the rice fields, the association has decided to prohibit Asian rice farming. It is unfair to treat Koreans the same as Japanese. If this proposal passes, we should present our opinions to the association.”
◈ 1916. 11. 16: Due to a labor shortage at various farms, the Pacific Rice Farming Association temporarily stopped discriminating against Asians in hiring.
◈ 1916. 11. 23: Rice harvest in Willows – The joint farm of Maeng Jeong-hee, Shin Gwang-hee, Ma Chun-bong, and Kim Soon-hak cultivated 130 acres and earned a profit of around 1,000 won. Lim Ji-seong and Lee Jin-seop cultivated 80 acres and made a net profit of around 400 won. However, Um Dae-young in Marysville suffered a 560-won loss in rice farming.
◈ 1916. 12. 7: Manteca sugar beet harvest report – According to a report from local industrial committee member Yeom Man-seok, profits from 300 acres cultivated by Shin Kyung-hwang and others were 200 won. Moon Yang-mok and others earned 150 won from 300 acres, and Yeom Man-seok and two others earned 200 won from 130 acres. Despite sugar prices rising due to the war (from 5 won 40 jeon per ton in 1913–1914 to 8 won 25 jeon–10 won), larger profits require continued efforts over the years.
◈ March 1, 1917: “First Sound of the New Year” – The Outlook on Life for Our Fellow Koreans
Korean immigrants in America have two main paths for their livelihoods: labor and agriculture. Of these, agriculture has proven the most profitable. Last year, Korean immigrants cultivated nearly 2,000 acres of sugar beets in Manteca and Stockton, 600 acres in Taylorsville, and additional lands in Biggs and Willows, totaling about 2,000 acres. Furthermore, Sacramento’s bean farming, Lodi’s melon farming, Oregon’s vegetable farming, and Utah and Idaho’s radish and sugar beet farming have all flourished. Combined, these farming ventures generated revenue exceeding $100,000, while operating costs reached several hundred thousand dollars. Considering that ten years ago, Korean immigrants had no capital for such ventures, the establishment of $300,000 in agricultural infrastructure is truly remarkable.
Daily wages for labor in Southern and Northern California agricultural fields are about $2.50 for nine hours of work. Therefore, our fellow Koreans can look forward to a prosperous year ahead, and it is unlikely that the lives of Korean immigrants in America will continue to remain as challenging as they once were.
◈ March 8, 1917: Koreans in Stockton and Manteca Begin Large-Scale Sugar Beet Cultivation Across 3,920 Acres
◈ April 19, 1917: Sacramento Farmers Join Forces to Cultivate 265 Acres of Hops
◈ April 26, 1917: Korean Rice Farming in California Expands Gradually
Mr. Kim Jong-lim, who profited significantly last year, has cultivated 2,085 acres this year in both Taylorsville and Willows, earning him the title “Rice King.”
Taylorsville:
- Kim Jong-lim: 1,030 acres
- Park Young-soon: 240 acres
- Lee Jin-seop: 150 acres
- Hwang Myung-seon: 80 acres
- Lim Ji-sung: 80 acres
- Baek Shin-gu: 65 acres
Willows:
- Maeng Jeong-hee: 250 acres
- Shin Gwang-hee: 100 acres
- Kim Doo-ho: 80 acres
◈ September 13, 1917: An Article Advising Against Conflicts Among Koreans on Farms
◈ October 24, 1917: Sacramento Farmer Kim Hong-kyun Expects Bean Harvest Revenues to Exceed $25,000
◈ November 8, 1917:
- Taylorsville’s Kim Jong-lim anticipates net profits of $30,000 to $40,000.
- Willows’ Maeng Jeong-hee expects $10,000.
- Shin Gwang-hee projects $5,000 to $6,000.
◈ December 6, 1917: Sacramento Farmer Kim Hong-kyun Reports That California’s 1918 Rice Crop is Expected to Be Abundant
◈ December 27, 1917: On Agriculture – Is Now the Time?
Farmers should:
- Carefully monitor global market trends.
- Pay their taxes.
- Understand the value of their crops as food products.
◈ January 10, 1918: Agricultural Report
Kim Jong-lim led the largest farming operation, cultivating 1,030 acres with a partner and harvesting 41,200 bushels of rice.
◈ February 21, 1918: Bright Prospects for Rice Farmers
The standard price for rice this year is 4 jeon per geun (Korean weight unit). With an average yield of 40 bushels per acre, revenue per acre amounts to 160 won. After deducting the farming cost of 80 won, net profit per acre is 80 won. Rice farming has become so lucrative that land taxes, which were only 5 won a few years ago, have now risen to 20 to 25 won. Since acquiring land is increasingly difficult, collective capital investment is necessary.
◈ April 11, 1918: Japanese Farmers Cultivate 18,000 Acres of Rice This Year
◈ April 11, 1918: Hiring for Cantaloupe Harvesting – 30 Workers Needed
Workers will also receive transportation of their melons and earn 17 jeon per box.
◈ May 2, 1918: California’s Wartime Booming Industries
- Rice Farming
- Sorghum Farming
- Shipbuilding
- Oilseed Crops
- General Mining
◈ June 20, 1918: Notice from Stockton Farmer Kim Sung-dae
“Do not come to weed the soybean fields. Although wages were advertised at 40 jeon per hour, Filipino workers agreed to work for 35 jeon per hour. Please note this and refrain from coming.”
◈ June 20, 1918: Agricultural Expansion in California
The success of last year’s farming was due to increased wartime demand and poor harvests in other southern states. This year, California’s agricultural operations have doubled in scale. Despite limited capital, Korean farmers have borrowed heavily to cultivate rice, soybeans, sugar beets, and persimmons. As a result, their funds are now tied up in farming operations.
California faces a severe labor shortage, leading to delayed school openings and plans to import 12,000 Mexican workers. Wages are expected to rise to $3.50–$4.25, possibly reaching $5 during harvest season, but finding workers will remain challenging.
Farming during wartime is speculative, requiring significant capital investment and risk-taking. Success can yield massive profits, but failure can result in financial ruin. However, due to their recent experience and last year’s success, Korean farmers have sufficient capital and advanced equipment. Unless there are dramatic climate changes, even the end of the war is unlikely to significantly affect their prospects.
Korean Farmers in Sunnyvale, Northern California, Circa 1912
◈ 1918. 7. 4: Starting from the 28th, come to weed the bean fields. Ten hours of work pays $3.75. – Stockton, Kim Kyung-bo
◈ 1918. 7. 11: This year’s grape (raisin) harvest is estimated to reach approximately 800,000 tons, an increase of about 10,000 tons compared to last year.
◈ 1918. 8. 1: Status of rice farming in Colusa – Out of 10,000 acres owned by Americans, one-third will fail due to a lack of water. However, the lands abandoned by Asian farmers in Willows and Taylorsville were tripled in scale and are thriving, with an expected yield of 50 sacks per acre.
◈ 1918. 8. 22: Rice farming forecast for California – Estimated value: $13 million. According to a survey by the Western Rice Farming Union of California, the rice harvest in the state this year is expected to produce approximately 3 million sacks. Even at the government’s fair pricing, this would total $13 million.
The total area of rice farming managed by Korean immigrants amounts to 40 million pyeong (approximately 13,223 acres), with net profits alone reaching $700,000–$800,000. The amendment to California’s Land Law of 1913 is expected to be submitted to the state legislature this spring. Japanese farmers are lobbying to extend the three-year lease term to ten years.
◈ 1918. 10. 10: Grape farmers in the Florin region suffered devastating losses from recent rains. Professors from the agricultural department of the University of California and the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce developed methods to produce syrup and sugar to help mitigate the damage.
◈ 1919. 1. 17: The cost of water for rice farming rose significantly, increasing to $7–$8 per acre.
◈ 1919. 2: A canal system (for irrigation) costing $18 per acre was completed. “The King of Rice,” Cross, irrigated 22,000 acres (construction began on November 5, 1917).
◈ 1919. 3. 22: 45 Koreans in Colusa fought for independence.
◈ 1919. 6. 21: Glenn Company in Willows was a leader in rice production, owning 45,000 acres.
◈ 1919. 7. 17: Rice prices rose from $4.75 to $5.
◈ 1919. 8. 28: According to a report from Marysville, women picking hops in Wheatland were dissatisfied with the hourly wage of 35 cents and went on strike, demanding 40 cents per hour. The company owner agreed to their demands.
◈ 1919. 10. 9: A large-scale farmer, whose contract was breached, filed a $375,000 lawsuit against the American “King of Rice,” Cross.
Rice farming in Northern California was so prosperous that $42,955 was raised as patriotic funds. The highest individual contribution was $3,400 from one person, followed by $3,000 from another, and $1,000 each from seven individuals. The average contribution was $350.
◈ 1920: Agricultural Expansion and Failure – The total area of Korean rice farms in Northern California this year was 7,990 acres, with an estimated output of $1.4 million. Tenant farming (where farmers cultivated leased lands and shared 10% of the profit with the landowners) accounted for 9,760 acres, with an estimated output of $170,000.
However, continuous rain during the harvest season in early November left over 10,000 acres of rice unharvested, resulting in losses amounting to several million dollars. This dealt a severe blow to businesses in general.
For 5–6 years, Korean immigrants worked tirelessly to reclaim wastelands and transform them into fertile rice fields. Unfortunately, the rice farming industry, once flourishing, could never recover after this incident.
Sunnyvale was a hub for Korean agriculture. At the time, tomatoes were abundant across the plains of Sunnyvale, boasting record harvests. Many immigrants and students flocked there seeking jobs.
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