California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

We celebrate and appreciate all hardworking farmers, growers, ranchers and others working in and for California agriculture.

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Join us on Sept. 6 @ 12-1 p.m. for an engaging presentation by Class 47 alum Matt Patton!

EVENT PAGE - ADD TO CALENDAR - SPEAKER BIO
https://www.agleaders.org/events/first-fridays-september-2024/

ZOOM LINK
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUode2grjgpEtMx3fyT0eaF6H-GcmADaRzf #/registration

Greetings 👋 from Monterey! We enjoyed a very productive CALF staff retreat on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a fun Region 5 ☀️ summer social on Tuesday evening! Other important foundation activities this week include the CALF board retreat and meeting.

The ninth annual NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot was a fun and friendly competition this month! We enjoyed the camaraderie and positive buzz of the 75+ alumni, family, friends and staff who gathered at the .

This year’s fundraiser benefiting Ag Leadership raised nearly $14,000 (a new record!) 👏🏼 Thank you to the event committee for your planning and teamwork. We are also grateful to the generous sponsors and donors for your awesome contributions to the event, raffle and auction.

Mark your calendars for Aug. 2, 2025 and join us for our 10th anniversary event — with exciting new features!

As part of our ongoing initiative to better serve our alumni community, CALF is undertaking a project to consider the continued viability of the current regional map boundaries. Our hope is by reviewing and adjusting these boundaries, we can identify regions that will allow for greater access for our alumni to participate in regional events and efforts that are geographically closer to their homes or workplaces.

Alumni: We invite you to participate in a Zoom meeting! Your feedback is critical as we work together to update the regions in ways that best reflect and support our community.

DETAILS / ZOOM LINKS / CURRENT REGIONAL MAP LINK:
https://conta.cc/4dwwwD7

We love summer ☀️ socials! We enjoyed seeing everyone at our recent gatherings in Region 4 (Stanislaus County Fairgrounds) and Region 3 (home of Class 50’s Erin O’Donnell). Alumni: Let us know if you’d like to host one!

CALF is pleased to welcome Raven Mariani (formerly Castro) as our new alumni engagement manager! Her primary responsibilities include the advancement of the foundation through the development and implementation of alumni relations programs and outreach strategies. The position promotes a culture of service volunteerism among the alumni in a supportive and background role.

Raven’s agricultural heritage, background as an educator and work experience supporting California agriculture complements CALF's mission, vision and values and will positively impact our alumni community.

Read more about Raven in the news release:
https://www.agleaders.org/calf-announces-new-alumni-engagement-manager/

Join us for a delightful summer evening that honors Dean Brown* and celebrates agriculture, winemaking, education and community! Held at the beautiful Paris Valley Road Estate Winery – owned by Craig Stoller (31) – you’ll enjoy award-winning wines 🍷🥂 with a multi-course gourmet meal 🍽️ prepared by chef Joe White, trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

Organized by Region 7 Ag Leadership alumni, event proceeds benefit the foundation. SEATING IS LIMITED! To reserve your spot, visit https://www.agleaders.org/events/dean-brown-winemaker-dinner/

*Dean Brown was one of the founders of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. For decades, alumni honored him through the annual Dean Brown Golf Tournament, which has now transitioned to the Dean Brown Winemaker Dinner.

(Photo of Paris Valley Road Estate Winery)

Ag Leadership family and friends came together a few weeks ago for the 2024 Alumni Conference in Monterey. We are beyond grateful for the time, talent and treasure that went into this wonderful event: dedicated conference committee and volunteers, amazing speakers and generous donors. Thank you to all those who attended and congratulations to the outstanding award recipients!

Conference committee:
Co-chairs James Ewart (49) and Yvonne Sams (45) plus Manpreet Bains (43), Carson Britz (43), John Chandler (44), Grant Cremers (52), Sandy Fiack (29), Johnna Hepner (46), Gayle Holman (46), Heather Johnson (46), Ian LeMay (48), Jazmin Lopez (48), Tom Merwin (44), Heather Mulholland (44), Sal Parra Jr. (46), Jane Roberti (45), Roxanna Smith (19), Brandon Souza (44), Jules Struckmeyer, Deanna van Klaveren (32), Ellen Way (28) and CALF staff.

Photographer: Richard Green

Tee it up in Camarillo! ⛳️ Register today! We’re looking forward to a FUN day of golf and socializing at Las Posas Country Club.

Registration includes:
▪️Lunch
▪️Cart
▪️Commemorative golf shirt
▪️Sleeve of golf balls
▪️On-course beverages
▪️Awards reception (heavy hors d’oeuvres) and raffle

Ventura County alumni appreciate your support and participation. Proceeds benefit Ag Leadership.

For registration and sponsorship details, click link in bio (then CALF events page) or visit https://www.agleaders.org/events/region-9-golf-tournament/.

Explore part three of our educational experience to help you continue your growth as a leader! Creating systems of opportunity requires innovative thinking across all fields, including agriculture.

You can access this self-guided learning module (and the previous two modules) by clicking here:
https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/l4-lifelong-leadership-learning/first-fridays/

Enjoy a fun and safe Fourth of July celebrating our nation's independence and freedom! 🇺🇸

The summer issue of Horizons is available online!

https://issuu.com/agleaders/docs/horizons_summer2024_web

ARTICLES INCLUDE:
▪Class 53 National Travel Seminar
▪Class 52 Commencement Highlights
▪New Associate Core Faculty Member
▪California Exchange Returns
▪Leadership Focus / Cultivating Wellness: The Foundation of Resilient Leadership in Agriculture by Dr. Amanda Crump
▪Alumni Council Update
▪Class 3 Reunion
▪Leaders in Dairy Production
▪Three Decades: CALF-CLBL Connection
▪I Grew with Ag Leadership
▪Generational Impact of Two Heroes (Drs. Joe Sabol and Robert Flores)
…and more!

Thank you to The Zenith for sponsoring this issue!

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council will honor Mike Campbell (3), Paul Martin (10), Ed McLaughlin (11) and John Muller (8 ) with the 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award on June 27 in Monterey.

The award recognizes California Agricultural Leadership Program alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community.

“We are proud to honor these four incredible individuals who embody servant leadership,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “As lifelong leaders and role models, they have selflessly served the agriculture industry and their communities to make lasting and meaningful impacts. We applaud them for their dedication, passion and valuable contributions over many decades.”

CONGRATULATIONS to Mike, Paul, Ed and John!

>Full news release: https://www.agleaders.org/calf-announces-2024-lifetime-leadership-awards/

This year’s award recipients will be honored during the CALF Alumni Conference on June 27 at the Monterey Conference Center. A reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the award ceremony. The cost to attend is $175 per person. Purchase tickets at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/calf/event/2024calfalumniconference/

With three weeks to go until our Alumni Conference, we wanted to acknowledge our generous event sponsors to date – we are grateful for your support!

There's still time to register for and/or sponsor the conference. Please click the link below for details or call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.

https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024-alumni-conference/

We're excited to see you in Monterey!

Mark your calendar and spread the word! Join us for the ninth annual NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot benefiting the California Ag Leadership Foundation.

Register as an individual, a team of five or for lunch only. We are also seeking sponsors, raffle donations and volunteers for this great FUNdraising event at Quail Point Hunt Club & Sporting Clays.

Event details: https://www.agleaders.org/events/norcal-sporting-clay-shoot/

Region 11 alumni know how to host a terrific dinner! 🤠 The second annual Cultivating the Future event in Imperial last week was a success thanks to all of the volunteers, attendees and generous sponsors. We enjoyed seeing all of you!

Kudos 👏🏼 to the awesome planning committee: Trevor (50) and Lauren Layton Tagg, Julian (50) and Elena Lopez, Ellen Way (28), Cherie Watte Angulo (25) and Jack Vessey (34).

Thank you to CALF board members Mike Young-chair (35) and Fidela Irigoyen (21) for speaking at the event! 🎤

Join us on June 7 @ 12-1 p.m. for an informative presentation by Jenna Large, learning design functional leader at Vivayic.

>Register: https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/l4-lifelong-leadership-learning/first-fridays/

Today we remember and honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in service to the United States and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. We share our deepest gratitude.

The day before our 2024 Alumni Conference, we are offering two educational and fun tours!

🌱 AG TOUR: Discover the bountiful Salinas Valley and learn more about the California ag industry with visits to various farms and ag operations. The tour includes dinner at the Salinas Rodeo grounds and a presentation by Dr. Susan Shillinglaw, scholar-in-residence at the National Steinbeck Center.

👟 WALKING TOUR: Explore wonderful historic attractions in Monterey, including the Colton Hall Museum, Japanese American Citizens League Hall and Custom House Museum. Optional: Dinner at the Salinas Rodeo grounds.

For ticket costs and other details, click on purchase tickets on the event page:
https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024-alumni-conference/

Meet Ron Caird (10) and learn how he grew with Ag Leadership!

>Read his Q&A testimonial: https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/i-grew-with-ag-leadership/caird/

—

Ron is the owner and CEO of Por La Mar Nursery in Santa Barbara, a horticulture enterprise he founded with his wife, Pat. The 52-year-old wholesale operation has more than 100 acres and more than 300 varieties of blooming and foliage products. It is the largest gladiolus grower in the U.S. and continues to stay innovative with third-generation family members. Ron has served in leadership roles for numerous industry and community endeavors, including Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College of Ag, Food and Environmental Sciences, Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Ganna Walska Lotusland.

Ron graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in ornamental horticulture. He commenced from the California Agricultural Leadership Program in 1981.

We always enjoy the Talley BBQ at Talley Vineyards in Region 7! It was great to visit with so many people last Friday evening. We had attendees ranging from Class 2 to Class 53!

A huge thank you and cheers to our hosts Brian Talley (30) and Rosemary Talley (19); the BBQ crew of Chris Darway (25), Dan Sutton (40) and Tom Ikeda (26) and his son; and Region 7 Alumni Council Director Anthony Bozzano (43).

Our 2024 ALUMNI CONFERENCE is just six weeks away!

We have the privilege of talking with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during a fireside chat on June 27.

SPEAKER PROFILE
Panetta is co-founder and chairman of The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan center that provides study opportunities in government, politics and public policy, and sponsors a range of other programs. During his 60-year career in public service, Panetta served as U.S. secretary of defense, Central Intelligence Agency director, White House chief of staff and U.S. Office of Management and Budget director. Elected to Congress in 1976, he represented California’s Central Coast for 16 years. He began his public service career in 1964 as a U.S. Army intelligence officer. Panetta has served on numerous boards and commissions and has received hundreds of awards and honors. He is a native of Monterey and a graduate of the Santa Clara University School of Law.

REGISTER TODAY!
https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024-alumni-conference/

A BIG shout out to Ag Leadership alumni in Yolo County and beyond for hosting the return of the CA Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange)! This program would not be possible without the support and engagement of CALF alumni and industry. Likewise, we’re so grateful to have exchange fellows eager to learn more about CA agriculture while providing insight and perspective from the regulatory and non-profit communities. THANK YOU!

The CA Exchange facilitates growth through an educational program – including expeditions to California farms and ranches – designed to deepen understanding of food production and ecosystems. Participants are introduced to leadership topics through classroom and experiential learning. CA Exchange brings together representatives from California regulatory organizations, nonprofits that work with agriculture and California agriculturalists. Participants enhance their personal development and leadership skills in an effort to benefit California’s long-term, multi-benefit public policy solutions. To learn more email [email protected]!

Hit the links with us on June 25! ⛳️ We are excited about a fun day of golf at The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch, a beautiful 18-hole golf course located in the serene countryside and hills of Monterey County.

The tournament serves a dual purpose: Gather for an outing right before our Alumni Conference and honor alum Steve Dodge (49), who was full of energy and life - and championed the idea of a golf tournament in the region of CALF’s office.

Event details: https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024ca-country-golf-tournament/

📷: Courtesy The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch

2024 Alumni Conference: We are proud and thrilled to feature an incredible group for the CALF Alumni Panel Presentation — panelists Jenny Lester Moffitt (47), Shannon Douglass (46) and Helen McGrath (43), and moderator Mike C. Young (35).

PROFILES (full bios on the event page):

▪Lester Moffitt is the under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs for USDA. She grew up on her family’s organic walnut farm and processing operation and spent 10 years as its managing director.

▪Douglass is the president of the California Farm Bureau. She is also an owner of Douglass Ranch, which raises beef cattle, walnuts, sunflowers, pumpkins, corn and forage crops in Orland.

▪McGrath is the farm coordinator for B&T McGrath/Flying M Ranch and a fifth-generation farmer. They grow citrus and avocados in Somis and the Santa Clara River Valley.

▪Young is the owner/partner for the fourth-generation Wegis & Young, which manages, consults and owns agricultural and real estate assets for individual and institutional investors around the world.

REGISTER TODAY! https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024-alumni-conference/

Check out part two of our new educational experience to help you grow as a leader! You can view the module at any time.

Access module here:
https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/l4-lifelong-leadership-learning/first-fridays/

Part three will be released on June 7…stay tuned!

Alumni: If you would like to nominate a fellow alum, please submit your nomination by Friday, April 26! Details and nominations forms available here: https://www.agleaders.org/alumni/awards/

>LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD: Recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and their community. Honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024 in a hall-of-fame-style presentation. The focus is on alumni from Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes.

>PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP AWARD: Honors alumni through recognition of specific leadership stories that demonstrate leadership in action. The recipient(s) will be presented with awards during the Class 54 inaugural ceremony in October.>

2024 ALUMNI CONFERENCE speaker Dr. Tobin Redwine will enlighten us about the importance of core values and nurturing healthy minds. It will be a terrific presentation!

SPEAKER PROFILE
Redwine is the lead learning analyst for Vivayic, Inc., a learning solutions company. In this role, he lives at the intersection of data, stories and people. Redwine previously worked for nine years as an instructor, professor and scholar in agricultural communications. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural leadership and development at Texas A&M University in 2008; a Master of Science in agricultural communications at Texas Tech University in 2009; and a Ph.D. in agricultural leadership, education and communications at Texas A&M in 2014. Redwine grew up on a farm in Lazbuddie, a rural community in Texas, and served as the Texas FFA president in 2003-2004.

REGISTER TODAY! https://www.agleaders.org/events/2024-alumni-conference/