SLO County Farm Bureau Women’s Member of the Month: Linda Pedotti

By Atascadero News · Thu Nov 20 2025

By San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Women

Linda “Lindy” Swanson is the middle of three daughters, born to Howard and Elizabeth Swanson in Los Angeles. Lindy’s mother taught physical education at Harbor College. Her father, an Army veteran, was a facilities engineer for Douglas Aircraft. The Swansons’ modest home in Palos Verdes was nestled on a unique 1-acre parcel above the peninsula, with whimsical play structures amongst an avocado and citrus grove. The young sisters were gifted a horse, and Lindy became hooked!

After graduating from Palos Verdes High School, Lindy attended Harbor College. The bubbly cheerleader was crowned Homecoming Queen. Lindy transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where coed stardom once more named her Poly Royal Queen. Lindy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and received a teaching credential.

While attending Cal Poly, Lindy met Jon Pedotti, a second-generation cattle rancher and Navy veteran. Jon acquired San Simeon Creek Ranch in Cambria in 1973. Lindy readily participated in the growing pains of a start-up cattle ranch. Jon and Lindy were married in the ranch’s historic barn in 1979. Over the years, they raised two daughters — Wendy and Kristy — both of whom married their husbands on the ranch’s picturesque headquarters.

San Simeon Creek Ranch remains a diverse operation. The rolling hills are home to a beautiful herd of commercial Angus cows. Both irrigated row crops and dry-farmed hay are grown on the flats that meander along San Simeon Creek. A quaint rock quarry produces a variety of aggregate materials. Both daughters’ families, with four grandchildren in total, contribute hands-on amid ranching operations.

Along with Farm Bureau Women SLO, Lindy is a member of the SLO Cattlewomen’s Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Native Daughters of the Golden West. Common threads between these organizations include fundraising for agriculture scholarships and supporting military veterans. She enjoys the camaraderie and energy of the Farm Bureau Women and their dedication to helping ag students succeed.

Lindy’s enthusiasm for ag education developed throughout, supporting her daughters’ academics and extracurricular activities. For several years, Lindy supplied the kindergarten with eggs in an incubator to observe hatching chicks. She hosted field trips to the ranch to educate classes on cattle working facilities, experience horseback, and feed chickens. In the late 1990s, Lindy facilitated the rejuvenation of Coast Union High School’s FFA program. Today, Lindy proudly sits on the Ag Advisory Board. FFA and 4-H heifer and steer practices are still welcomed in the corrals. Lindy continues to host ranch tours, donate succulents to horticulture classes, and share harvests from their orchard and garden. She was proud to be elected Cambria’s Woman of the Year in the 1990s.

Lindy’s personality is the only feature that outshines the twinkle lights of her festive holiday attire. Lindy doesn’t just cross your path; she touches your soul.

San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau Women meet every second Monday of the month from September through June. If you’re inspired by these stories and would like to learn more about becoming involved, contact Susan Sonne at (805) 610-1375 or shortsuecakes@gmail.com.

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