Walking the (Ag Leadership) Talk

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

  

I always feel grateful and gratified when reading In Touch. Grateful for so many of you who enable our events and activities to happen. Gratified for how everything we do is intended to support our mission, vision and values. And this month is no exception!

Below you’ll find:

• The exciting announcement of Class 53 fellows, selected for their capacity to lead. 
• Updates on last week’s D.C. Exchange and Class 52’s upcoming international trip.
• Details about Class 53’s inauguration and the Profiles in Leadership Award ceremony on Oct. 5.
• Acknowledgement of recent generous foundation donors.
• Details about other upcoming events where alumni and other supporters can engage and continue in their lifelong leadership learning.

“Walking the talk” means putting words into action, which we are all committed to at Ag Leadership. We also embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and service in all that we do. I truly hope you agree.

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

Welcome to the Family!

The 24 fellows of Class 53 were announced on Sept. 12 (read news release). Join us for the inauguration event on Oct. 5 at Fresno State. More details below.

Fellows Preparing for Upcoming International Seminar

Class 52 fellows will travel to Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica Oct. 22 - Nov. 5. The purpose and associated learning objectives include immersion into a different culture; examining critical international issues from multiple perspectives; comparing and contrasting complex cultural dynamics; investigating leadership from various historical perspectives, and dialoguing with policy leaders. Our overarching theme is to consider: How does leadership benefit the led versus the interests of the leader? Topics will include the Panama Canal, understanding the experiences of refugee and indigenous communities and viewing various leadership styles through the lens of current events and historical arcs.

Contact Abby Taylor-Silva or Dane White with any questions. We will share the class blog link the week before they depart.

CALF Welcomes Roger Isom to Board

The foundation is pleased to welcome Roger A. Isom to the board. Isom is president and CEO of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association and Western Agricultural Processors Association.

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Darcy Vlot (51) in our campaign! Click the button to read the testimonials from Darcy and several other alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – like, share and follow!

Leaders are Readers Book Club

"Trust and Inspire" is a new way of leading that starts with the belief that people are creative, collaborative and full of potential. Individuals with this kind of leader are inspired to become the best version of themselves and to produce their best work. The book calls for a radical shift in the way we lead in the 21st century.

Book club registrations are accepted at any time. Group sessions to discuss the fall book club selection will be held in October and November.

MORE INFORMATION

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

Lifelong Leadership Learning

First Fridays

• Nov. 3 / Details to be announced soon
• Dec. 1 / Generational Goals and Giving. Presenter: CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35)
• Jan. 5 / Class 52 International Seminar. Presenters: Class 52 fellows

Seminar: Rethinking Your Leadership Strengths

• Nov. 9 / Cal Poly San Luis Obispo / Save the date! Details to be announced soon

Lifetime Leadership Award: Call for Nominations

The 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 community. The first recipient was Richard "Dick" Clauss (1) in 2022.

Our next group of honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024. Numerous alumni may be recognized 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. Nominations will be accepted until April 2024. If you know of an alum who may be worthy of recognition, please click the link below for the nomination form.

Have You Updated Your Online Alumni Directory Listing?

FIRST-TIME VISITORS to the alumni directory: Please use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder. RETURNING: Use your username to log in (do not use your email address).

If you need additional support, please contact Deanna van Klaveren (32) / 209-765-2476.

2024 Alumni Conference: Mark Your Calendar!

We are excited to gather Ag Leadership alumni and ILAC for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! The committee will be planning an outstanding lineup of speakers, sessions and events. An ILAC ag tour is scheduled for June 26 and all are welcome to join. Stay tuned for more details!

More Upcoming Events

Region 5 / Jim Manassero (1) Fellowship Lunch

Nov. 2 / Growers Pub / Salinas (details to be announced soon)

The Countdown Begins!

T-minus 26 days until we launch this year's fundraising campaign! 

Last year's Go for 500 Challenge was such a success that we've decided to reach for the stars this year! Be on the lookout for an exciting new challenge coming next month. And 3...2...1...