Why We Travel

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

  

Fall, as we know, is a major harvest season in agriculture. It’s also a time for planning, repair and refocus. At CALF, fall is associated with a class seminar at San Quentin, new class inauguration, recognizing Profiles in Leadership Award recipients, our important annual appeal and last but not least, the international seminar.

Ask alumni and they’ll be happy to share the details of their international seminar, including the life-changing experiences and forever lessons learned. It’s why we travel and why these adventures are the highlight of so many fellowships. Travel expert and author Patricia Schultz said, “Travel teaches us empathy, humility, patience, gratitude and how to enjoy experiences over things. It is the ultimate classroom without walls.” You can learn more about Class 52’s upcoming seminar below, along with many other updates and notices.

I could not end my message without noting that seven of our classes traveled to Israel during their international seminars. Our thoughts are with all of those who have family, friends and other contacts in that part of the world.

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

We've Launched!

Following our triumphant Go for 500 Challenge in 2022-23, we are embarking on an even more ambitious campaign! 

In the spirit of driving even greater impact, we ask you to help us meet the goal of 750 gifts via our Mission 750 Challenge in 2023-24! Your support of any amount will enable us to reach elevated heights, thereby impacting the lives of more young leaders and creating a legacy of positive change. Watch your mailbox in the days ahead and please consider donating!

Class 53 Fellows Inaugurated

The 24 fellows of Class 53 celebrated the beginning of their leadership journey on Oct. 5 in Fresno. Welcome to Ag Leadership! Click here to view the event program with photos and bios.

The inauguration event also included a reception hosted by the Alumni Council and recognition of Classes 3, 13, 23, 33 and 43. 

Class 52 Preparing for Upcoming International Seminar

Follow the Class 52 fellows' journey as they travel through Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica for their international seminar (Oct. 22 - Nov. 5).

Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients Honored

On Oct. 5, the Profiles in Leadership Award was presented to Randy Fiorini (21) and Michael Frantz (36). Congratulations to both! They grace the cover of the fall issue of Horizons - click link below to read the articles.

Read the Fall Issue of Horizons Online

The latest issue of Horizons is out! It features a variety of foundation, program and alumni news, articles, Q&As and more!

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Jack Vessey (34) in our campaign! Click the button to read the testimonial from Jack and several other alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – like, share and follow!

L4 Seminar: Rethinking Your Leadership Strengths

This Lifelong Leadership Learning seminar will be an opportunity – using the Strengthscope® assessment – for attendees to identify and utilize the strengths that make them more confident, engaged, productive and able to build better relationships. It will include group coaching and interactive learning that will guide attendees to rethink their leadership strengths. Facilitated by CALF Education Team members, the seminar is focused for California Agricultural Leadership Program alumni.

Our thanks to Bayer Crop Science for its generous sponsorship!

DATE / TIME / LOCATION

Nov. 9 / 10:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Justin and J. Lohr Center for Wine and Viticulture

Mt. Bishop Road, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

RSVP BY NOV. 1

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

CALF Alumni Engagement Manager

dvanklaveren@agleaders.org / 209-765-2476

COST

$75 (includes Strengthscope® assessment, materials, lunch)

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)

Upcoming First Fridays

Nov. 3 / Rethinking First Fridays with a Focus on Trust

Dec. 1 / Rethinking Goal Setting

Presenter: CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35)

Jan. 5 / Class 52 International Seminar

Presenters: Class 52 fellows

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. 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. Please click the link below for the nomination form. Nominations due April 2024.

Update Your 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.

Jim Manassero Fellowship Lunch

This event is an opportunity for alumni and friends to gather and support CALF. Friends of Jim, prospective applicants to the program and guests are welcome! Featured guest speaker will be Ara Azhderian (42), general manager of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. All proceeds benefit CALF!

DATE & LOCATION

Nov. 2 / 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Growers Pub / Salinas

RSVP BY OCT. 26

Region 5 Director

James Ewart (49) / 831-682-1235

Alumni Engagement Manager

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

2024 Alumni Conference

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!