Rooted in Agriculture, Driven by Service: Meet Our Newest Team Member John Castro

In agriculture knowledge and products matter. But at the end of the day, it all comes back to one thing: taking care of the people, and it’s the relationships that matter most.

For our newest MicroBasics team member, that philosophy isn't something he learned from a textbook. It's something he grew up with.

Born and raised in California's Central Valley, surrounded by dairies and agriculture, John has spent his life learning what it means to work hard, build trust, and serve the people around him. Now, he's bringing that experience to Micro Basics with a simple goal: help producers build healthier herds, manage costs, and continue building their legacies.

 

Agriculture Runs in the Family

John’s connection to agriculture began before he was born. His parents immigrated to the United States from Portugal. His father came to California as a teenager and eventually began working in the dairy industry. He quickly discovered that dairy was a life he enjoyed.

John’s mother also immigrated from Portugal as a teenager, one of 12 children. Meeting her husband after coming to the United States. Their love story became the foundation for the next generation.

John was born while his parents were operating a dairy near Lodi. For John, growing up meant spending time on the dairy, cutting hay, learning the work, and experiencing the agricultural lifestyle firsthand.

The family later moved to Elk Grove, and eventually to Tracy.

 

Learning the Value of Hard Work

Growing up in a dairy family taught him more than how to work around cattle. It taught him the importance of integrity, responsibility, and respect.

John’s parents emphasized a simple lesson:

Your reputation matters.

You can have fun, make mistakes, and enjoy life—but at the end of the day, you have to show respect, do your job correctly, and think about how your actions affect other people.

That mindset has carried into his professional career.

 

Putting the Customer First

When asked what lesson from his career has had the greatest impact on how he approaches livestock health and productivity, John’s answer was simple, “The customer comes first.”

Having family members who still dairy and run cattle has given him firsthand insight into the challenges producers face—even when times are good.

He understands that producers aren't simply running businesses. They are feeding their families, supporting employees, and building something that may be passed from one generation to the next.

That perspective shapes how he approaches his work. As he put it, the goal is to help producers “feed their families and grow a legacy.”

 

Why has John come to MicroBasics?

That producer-first philosophy is one of the things that attracted him to Micro Basics.He was impressed by the company's focus on helping customers while keeping products economically practical.

For John, the combination of natural products, livestock health, and cost-conscious solutions was a strong fit with his own values.

John wants to bring Micro Basics products to producers with the same philosophy that has guided his career:

“Help producers raise healthier animals while finding ways to do it at a cost that makes sense.”

 

Serving California and Beyond

In his new role with Micro Basics, John will cover the entire state of California. He will also be working in the Fallon, Nevada, area, where there are numerous dairy and beef operations.

John’s experience gives him the opportunity to work across multiple livestock sectors. While dairy and beef will be primary areas of focus, he is also connecting with swine producers, sheep and goat dairies, and other livestock operations throughout California.

 

A Family Man Outside of Work

John’s focus is on his family. He has three children: a 16-year-old stepson and two younger children, ages 7 and 5. Much of his time outside of work is spent getting his kids to school and activities—including jiu-jitsu, soccer, and horseback riding.

Jiu-jitsu has become particularly meaningful for his family. His children have been involved for several years, and he appreciates the confidence, discipline, and ability to defend themselves that this sport teaches.

For him, raising children is about giving them opportunities to learn, interact with others, and develop skills that will serve them throughout life.

John, welcome to the MicroBasics Team! We are excited to have you and know that great things are ahead!