Alumni Are Our Difference Makers!

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Our now more than 1,300 alumni are top of mind in all we do. Recent events and activities, including Class 52 screening interviews, D.C. Exchange, lifelong learning programs and regional gatherings, would not happen without their support and involvement. 

The same will be true for the upcoming plans you’ll learn more about below. Alumni are also our greatest ambassadors and biggest advocates, always responding positively when asked for time, talent and treasure. 

I’m often asked what differentiates Ag Leadership and its programs from others in our industry. My first answer is always our premier, experiential, high impact curriculum, followed very closely by our loyal alumni. The difference they make daily in their families, communities, businesses and California agriculture is immeasurable and all of us associated with the foundation are grateful for it.

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

Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

The foundation is pleased to welcome three new members to the board of directors, including two Ag Leadership alumni.

Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz, Fidela Irigoyen (21) and Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37) will replace Dr. Dennis Nef, Loren Booth (27) and Gene Peterson. The foundation is incredibly grateful for their service on the board.

Launch of Redesigned Website

Our new website will be ready within the next few weeks – and we're excited! Thank you for your patience during the "under construction" period. A few elements of the website will take a bit longer to fine tune after the launch, but we look forward to sharing the new look and experience as part of our comprehensive brand refresh. 

Shop for Cool New Merch!

Purchase CALF apparel and accessories with our new logos and icons! Customize shirts, jackets, vests, hats, bags and more with our main logo or diamond icon, plus class and/or region number icon as an option.

The foundation will receive a percentage of all sales. Thank you for supporting and promoting Ag Leadership!

Ag Leadership Event Registration

Have you registered for an Ag Leadership event recently? Chances are you've seen a few different sites hosting our event registration. We are piloting new software called "Kindful" for all Ag Leadership events outside of the Alumni Conference. If you encounter any issues or have questions, please call our office or email Kelli Coffey.

Class 52 Update

With in-person interviews complete, we have now moved into the final stage of selecting fellows for Class 52. Expect to see an announcement from us in September.

Thank you to everyone who helped during the recruiting and interviewing stages of our selection process!

D.C. Exchange

The 2022 D.C. Exchange Program took place in early August in regions 3, 4 and 5. The fall issue of Horizons will have an in-depth look at the exchange trip with reflections from Ag Leadership alumni who participated. 

Our gratitude to all the fellows, alumni and friends of Ag Leadership who helped with this year's event!

First Fridays / Succession Planning: What, Why, How and When?

A panel of alumni and industry friends with expertise and experience with this important subject will share their insights, advice and perspectives on the questions raised in the program title and beyond. Time will also be dedicated to audience Q&A. Join us for this outstanding First Fridays session!  

Panelists include:

• Caroline Berry (14) – Caroline Berry Consulting
• Bill Carriere (27) – Carriere Family Farms
• Cannon Michael (39) – Bowles Farming Company
• Jenna Muller – California Ag Mediation Program / Full Belly Farm
• Davidson Pattiz – The Zenith Insurance Company

Sept. 2 / 12 - 1 p.m.

L4 Webinar: The Heart-Led Leader

Based on the book "The Heart-Led Leader" by Tommy

Spaulding, this training will help you define your leadership

philosophy. Learn the 18 essential leadership traits and build

your awareness and skill at implementing them in your work

Sept. 7 / 12 - 1 p.m.

NorCal Sporting Clay Shoot

DATE & LOCATION

Aug. 20 / 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Quail Point Hunt Club / Zamora

QUESTIONS?

Steve Garland (44), Event Chair / (916) 801-2715

Deanna van Klaveren (32), Alumni Engagement Manager / (209) 765-2476

Upcoming Regional Events

Region 5 Social

Aug. 24 / Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Tap Depot / Monterey

MORE INFORMATION

James Ewart (49), Region 5 Director / (831) 682-1235

Deanna van Klaveren (32), Alumni Engagement Manager / (209) 765-2476

Region 9 Golf Tournament

DATE & LOCATION

Sept. 12

Las Posas Country Club / Camarillo

QUESTIONS?

Luis Calderon (49), Region 9 Director / (805) 612-2472

Deanna van Klaveren (32), Alumni Engagement Manager / (209) 765-2476

Alumni Conference and Celebration Dinner / Oct. 7 - 8, 2022

Ag Leadership alumni are invited to connect for an incredible learning, networking and socializing opportunity. The event will include a state of the foundation luncheon, speakers (Dr. Pat Lattore and Jean Steel), silent auction, wine stroll reception and celebration dinner to celebrate 52 years of the foundation. We hope you plan to attend!

Save the Date!

Region 7 Dean Brown Golf Tournament

Nov. 4 / Santa Maria

L4 Alumni Workshop: Enneagram Workshop with Ashlee Sikorski, Sway Leadership

Nov. 9 / San Luis Obispo