1913-1972
Al Zaniboni was born in Red Bluff. After graduating from high school, he served in the Marine Corps before going into ranching near Colusa with Floyd Buffam, father of his wife, Peggy. They grew ladino clover, had irrigated pasture, and operated a feedlot.
Al cooperated with the Agricultural Extension Service in determining the best months of the year to calve cows in Central California. He conducted a complete and controlled experiment on the performance of Holstein and Okie cattle versus choice Herefords. The data secured on this trial have been used extensively throughout the country. He was one of the first cooperators to work with Dr. Harold Cole of UC Davis on the use of stilbestrol implants in heifers while grazing on irrigated pasture.
Al served on the Colusa County Juvenile Justice Commission, was a member of the Commonwealth Club of California, was active in the Colusa Cattlemen's Association and the Farm Bureau, and served as president of the Williams PTA. He greatly enjoyed taking friends and children on campouts and trail rides in the Mount Lassen area.
This energetic community leader organized the Williams 4-H Club and, with Peggy, provided leadership for several years. Among the projects developed while they were Leaders were: Williams Parade Group; Annual Colusa-Glenn Horse Health Clinic; several trail rides; Annual Northern Counties Fall Horse Show; 4-H Horse Show; and Northern California Halter Show. From his early acquaintance with the cattle inductry, his continual drive, enthusiasm, and interest in doing his best, and his devotion to his family, Al Zaniboni contributed much to the cattle industry and to the development of young men and women in the state. He leaves a family and multitude of friends who are proud of his legacy.