Experience is Not Enough

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

I’ve seen a lot of business and management stories lately that call out today’s most sought-after leadership skills. Big company heads and hiring managers are now reportedly emphasizing things like humility, communication (especially listening), vulnerability, self-awareness, open-mindedness and empathy capabilities over experience and past accomplishments when making their important people decisions. So-called “soft skills” like these, combined with commitment to an organization’s mission and culture, are now considered the most in-demand and elusive skills for leaders. These are now seen as today’s real “difference makers.” 

This shouldn’t surprise any of us associated with Ag Leadership and our precious and continually improving core program. Our world-class CALF Education Team, in conjunction with our four valued university partners, has focused on developing these skills and others for more than 50 years now. It’s why more than 1,400 program alumni have gone on to make a positive impact in their families, communities, companies and California agriculture. And it’s why we continue to do all we do at the Ag Leadership Foundation.

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

Phase One Applications Due April 19

Thank you for your help in identifying the next class of leaders! The application and resources are available on our website. The application is a three-phrase process, with phase one due April 19 and phase two due May 17.

Join Us at the All Class Reunion!

We have planned a fun day of social and farm activities for families! You can register online or in person at the event.

DATE & LOCATION 

Saturday, April 15 / 2 - 9 p.m.

Underwood Family Farms / Owned and operated by Craig Underwood (5)

3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark

EVENT DETAILS

Registration, activities and lodging options are available on the event webpage. You can also pay at the event.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gathering

We hope you are planning to attend our upcoming Region 7 barbecue! This event is an opportunity for alumni to gather and welcome those who would like to learn more about the Ag Leadership Program and the application process.

MAY 12 / 6-8:30 p.m.

Talley Vineyards / Arroyo Grande

RSVP & DETAILS

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Thank You to Everyone Who Made Our Events Possible!

Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

Jan. 9 / Region 11 / La Quinta

Jan. 10 / Region 11 / Holtville

Feb. 2 / Region 6 / Kingsburg

Feb. 22 / Region 4 / Modesto

Feb. 23 / Region 5 / Greenfield

Feb. 26 / Region 3 / Clarksburg

March 16 / Region 2 / Sonoma

March 23 / Region 1 / Yuba City

March 25 / Region 10 / Fallbrook

March 28 / Region 9 / Camarillo

March 29 / Region 5 / Castroville

April 5 / Region 4 / Los Banos

April 11 / Region 8 / Delano

Ask Me Anything (AMA) Applicant Informational Event

April 6 / Live online

Ask Me Anything (AMA) Applicant Informational Event

Please join us via Zoom as we welcome questions from those interested in applying to Ag Leadership. Alumni will host the CALF Education Team and an alumni panel who will answer questions and share their experiences in the program.

APRIL 26

6 - 7 p.m. / Live online

Host: Sal Parra Jr. (46)

Alumni panelists: Miguel Lizarraga (51) and Priscilla Rodriguez (50)

Cultivating the Future Dinner

You are invited to Region 11's inaugural Cultivating the Future Dinner to benefit Ag Leadership. Join us for an evening with friends and industry supporters while enjoying a delicious meal!

MAY 25

6:30 p.m. / Imperial

Cost: $125 per person

RSVP BY MAY 19

Trevor Tagg (50) / 760-455-4586

Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476

Join Us!

Region 1 Reconnect Dinner and Riverwalk

June 22 / Williams

NorCal Ag Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot

Aug. 5 / 8 a.m. / Zamora

Region 9 Golf Tournament

Sept. 11 / Camarillo

International Leadership Alumni Conference

Sept. 18 - 21 / Wyoming

>Details

RSVP & MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

I Grew With Ag Leadership

This month we feature Sal Parra Jr. (46) in our outreach campaign! Please click the link below to read the compelling Q&As from Sal, Julie Morris (33) and John Gardiner (51). The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn - follow us!

What's Your Legacy?

The opportunity to make an impact on others can last generations. Have you considered what kind of mark you want to make for future fellows of Ag Leadership? Learn more about joining the 1970 Society, an Ag Leadership group that honors and recognizes those who have chosen to leave a planned gift to the foundation in the future.