New Year, Same Goals

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

The new year typically brings resolutions and new plans, along with increased optimism and focus. This is certainly the case at CALF, where 2023 will present opportunities to:

• Find ways to further enhance our fellow selection process, where numerous alumni have very diligently and respectfully reviewed strong numbers of highly qualified applicants in recent years.
• Ensure the delivery and continued excellence of our cherished core program and other curriculums.
• Continue to encourage, support and enable alumni involvement, participation and engagement in everything we do.
• Seek further ways to develop and expand our communication and marketing practices with all of our stakeholders.
• Strengthen the financial health of the foundation so we can sustain and grow the impact we make today and for many years to come.

These have been our top priorities since launching our current strategic plan almost two years ago. They remain our focus as we start another new year committed to growing leaders who make a difference in the various communities they serve and ultimately, California agriculture. We’re counting on all of you to support and hold us accountable to these as we wish you a very happy and prosperous new year!

As always, please contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Thank you, Darlene!

After years of service to Ag Leadership, Darlene Din (35) is leaving her role with the foundation to focus on pursuing her sociology degree. Darlene is most noted as the supporter, guide and cheerleader of the D.C. and California Exchange programs. We wish her the best!

See the upcoming winter issue of Horizons to read more about Darlene’s contributions to Ag Leadership.

Celebrating Class 51

Join us as we celebrate the fellows of Class 51 on their commencement and welcome them into the alumni community!

RECEPTION & DINNER

Feb. 3, 2023

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center

2233 Ventura St., Fresno (Sequoia Room)

6 p.m. / Reception

7 p.m. / Dinner

Cost: $50

RSVP

jsparacino@agleaders.org / 831-585-1030

COMMENCEMENT

Feb. 4, 2023

Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

848 M Street, Fresno (Diamond Room)

Welcome remarks from Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval

10 a.m. / Commencement

12 p.m. / Reception

Applications for Class 53 Available Jan. 31

On Jan. 31 applications will be available on CALF’s website for those interested in being part of Class 53 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals or individuals working in allied businesses and organizations who are emerging leaders in agriculture and have a passion for California agriculture. They should also demonstrate a high propensity to lead and exemplify CALF's values of integrity, excellence and respect. Alumni may find resources to assist in acting as ambassadors to potential candidates here. Alumni interested in assisting in informational events or prospective candidates should contact their regional directors or CALF Alumni Engagement Manager Deanna van Klaveren (32).

DEADLINES

Phase one: April 19

Phase two: May 17

Upcoming Potential Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

Jan. 25 / Sacramento Social During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

Loyal Legion Beer Hall / 921 12th St. / Sacramento / 5 - 7 p.m.

No host

Feb. 2 / Region 6 

Home of Jeff Boldt (40) / Kingsburg / 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Dinner: $25 / No cost for potential applicants

Feb. 23 / Region 5

Scheid Vineyards / Greenfield / 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Feb. 26 / Region 3

Home of Mike Campbell (3) / Clarksburg / 2 - 4 p.m.

March 29 / Region 5

Ocean Mist Farms / Castroville / 5:30 - 7 p.m.

May 12 / Region 7

Talley Vineyards / Arroyo Grande

July 13 / Region 4

Stanislaus County Fair / 6 - 8:30 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Annual Breakfast Events

Colusa Farm Show Breakfast

Keynote Speaker: California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson

Feb. 8 / 7 - 9 a.m. / Colusa

>More information

>Sponsor form

Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast Sponsor Reception

Feb. 15 / 5 - 7 p.m. / Chinese Cultural Center / 500 S. Akers St. / Visalia

Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast

Keynote Speaker: Adrianne Haslet - Advocate, Dancer, Adventurer

Feb. 16 / 6:30 a.m. / Tulare

>More information

Join Us!

California Women for Agriculture / Community Gathering (with international seminar presentation by Class 51 fellows)

Feb. 21 / 5:30 p.m. / Glenn

>More information

Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception

Feb. 27 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. / Sacramento

>More information

Common Threads Central Valley Awards Luncheon

March 1 / 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. / Clovis

>More information

>Tickets & sponsorships

Common Threads North Awards Dinner

April 5 / 5 - 7:30 p.m. / Winters

>More information

NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot

Aug. 5 / 8 a.m. / Zamora

RSVP & MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Way to "Go for 500!"

With six months left to go for the "Go for 500" Challenge, we are delighted to share that the Ag Leadership community surpassed 500 gifts as of Dec. 31! Thank you to everyone who participated in this challenge launched by the Boswell Foundation.