Kari Wheeler is of course, most known for her business, Wheeler Ranch and Feed but follow her around a few days and you'll find out so much more.
During the Butte County Fair, she could be seen helping many children, besides her own.
Born and raised in Tassajara, California, a rural ranching community between Pleasanton and Danville, Ca., she grew up around the family business, which was a cow/calf cattle ranch, operated in Pleasanton and Dixon, Ca.
Her father and brothers still continue with the cattle ranching business today.
Wheeler was very active in 4-H showing horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and rabbits.
She later became a 4-H leader for many years.
After graduating from High School, she attended Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, majoring in Human Development and Psychology, with a minor in Animal Science.
After graduating from college, she married Doug Wheeler, who also went to Cal Poly and majored in Animal Science.
They have been married 23 years and have three children. Kelsi is 21, and attending UC Davis, taking pre-law, Jake is 18, attending Chico State in Ag Business and Kayla, is 16, and a junior at Biggs High School.
Children and animals have always been the main focus of Wheeler's life.
She taught kindergarten before raising her three children. She feels blessed that she was able to stay home with her children while they were very young. She and Doug owned and operated a firewood business in Oroville, as well as raised cattle on their ranch in Tassajara.
In 1992, the Wheeler family moved to Biggs, Ca., to give their children the same small town, close-knit community that the Wheeler's were raised in.
They continue to raise cattle and farm in the Biggs area, as well as maintain their firewood business in the Bay Area.
In 1999, the Wheeler's decided to open a new business in Biggs. Wheeler Ranch and Feed, is a feed and ranch supply store as well as a horse boarding stable, with a full size arena. She continues to run this business and is entering into their tenth year of business.
Wheeler loves the interaction with her customers and helping the kids with their fair projects.
"We try to make it a place where parents enjoy taking their children and everyone gets to see all the animals. Customer service is our number one priority," Wheeler stated.
Since moving here in 1992, Wheeler has felt that community and family are the best virtues in a person's life. Communities that are strong and offer lots to do, keep children strong and on the right path to a productive life.
"Children are our future of tomorrow," she said.
