Leading is Changing

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

For many of us, this time of year includes resolutions, or as those are typically defined, a firm decision to do or not do something. In most cases these require making changes. My favorite definition of leadership is Dr. Pat Lattore’s, as shared in his book, “How We Grow Leaders.” There he states, “Positive leadership is an art form, a teaching and serving process that envisions, influences, shapes and enhances to the end that the leader and followers realize their goals for change within community.” Leading is therefore making or enabling changes and as our mission at Ag Leadership implies, changes that lead to positive differences. It’s helpful to remember this, I believe, especially at the beginning of a new year.

I also want to acknowledge our many alumni and foundation friends and partners who are being affected by the ongoing fires in the southern part of the state. Please know you’ve been in our hearts and thoughts. As always, if I can be of any service, please contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030.

Staff Transitions and Updates

Abby Taylor-Silva (45)

Executive Vice President Abby Taylor-Silva announced her resignation, effective Jan. 31, to pursue a new opportunity to make a positive impact on California agriculture. Since joining the foundation in November 2020, she has led various team operations and collaborated closely with President and CEO Dwight Ferguson to achieve strategic growth and development across the foundation's five critical priority areas. Read the full eblast announcement.

"Abby has been a true servant leader, going above and beyond to ensure the success of all our foundation, program and alumni efforts," said Ferguson. "Please join me in wishing Abby much continued success as she furthers her leadership journey."

Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)

Effective Jan. 1, Meredith returned to contract consultant due to other professional opportunities. Since joining CALF's team in 2003, she has served in various foundation roles, including marketing and communications coordinator for the past three years. She will continue assisting CALF with foundation and alumni projects.

Raven Mariani

Congratulations to CALF Alumni Engagement Manager Raven Mariani on the birth of her baby boy, Axel, in December! She is on maternity leave and is expected to return in February. In the interim, please contact CALF Development Manager Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030.

Class Challenge

Thank you to everyone who has given to our annual appeal so far! Every contribution – regardless of size – strengthens Ag Leadership and cultivates the next generation of agricultural leaders who will shape our industry.

This year's Class Challenge is well underway, with Class 48 taking a strong early lead! It's going to be an exciting race to see which class takes home the trophy this year!

If you are interested in seeing where your class ranks, please reach out to your class liaison or email Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org.

Class 53 Commencement

Join us as we celebrate the fellows of Class 53 on their commencement and welcome them into the alumni community!

Feb. 8 / 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Ceremony and luncheon

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center

2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd., Fresno

Tickets: $40/person. Purchase by Jan. 24 via the button below.

Class 55 Applications Available Soon!

Applications for those interested in being part of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program will soon be available on the CALF website.

Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry who are emerging leaders with 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 informational resources here to assist in acting as ambassadors to potential candidates. Alumni interested in assisting in informational events or prospective applicants should contact their regional directors or Judy Sparacino (HF).

PHASE ONE APPLICATION DEADLINE

April 1

2025 DCX: Call for Nominations

Nominations are needed for the 2025 Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange), which will tour Regions 1 and 2 in early fall 2025. 

Please forward names and emails of qualified candidates to Judy Sparacino (HF). We will be conducting in-person interviews in D.C. and surrounding areas on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 3-5. For applicants who can only meet virtually, we will have some availability the week before to hold a limited number of interviews.  

Partial list of topics to be covered on the 2025 D.C. Exchange include: water, labor/immigration, food safety, pest exclusion and management, animal husbandry, crop protection, trade, urban agricultural interface, conservation resources and environmental issues.

Class Liaisons Needed

We are still in need of liaisons to represent classes 1, 4, 5, 6, 11, 15, 17, 20, 23 and 39. Join us in being a part of the grassroots effort to strengthen our alumni community! Contact Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org for more information.

Region 2 Wine Dinner

Jan. 18 / 5 - 8 p.m.

La Crema Winery – Richard's Grove Pavilion

3575 Slusser Road, Windsor

Tickets are $125/individual or $900/table of eight. Sponsorships available! All proceeds from the event will support Ag Leadership. For more details, click the event page button.

Sacramento Social During Unified Wine & Grape Symposium

Ag Leadership alumni, prospective applicants and guests are invited to join us for this fun annual event. Even if you are not attending the symposium, you are welcome to attend!

Jan. 29 / 5 - 7 p.m.

Café À Côté / 1201 K St., Sacramento

RSVP

Tom Merwin (44) / 916-201-1513

Tickets on Sale for 2025 Breakfast Fundraisers

Two of our biggest fundraisers are just weeks away – join us for great speakers and delicious breakfasts!

COLUSA FARM SHOW BREAKFAST

Feb. 5 / 7 - 9 a.m.

St. Bernadette's Hall, Colusa

• Speaker: Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37)
• PURCHASE TICKETS

AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI WORLD AG EXPO BREAKFAST

Feb. 13 / 6:30 - 9 a.m.

International Agri-Center, Tulare

• Speaker: Hans Kabat
• PURCHASE TABLES & TICKETS

BREAKFAST SPONSOR RECEPTION

Feb. 12 / 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Chinese Cultural Center, 500 S. Akers St., Visalia

RSVP to: Ian LeMay (48), committee chair

The evening before the breakfast, join the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast Committee to honor the generous sponsors. Great food and wine, plus a wonderful opportunity for visiting and connecting.

Upcoming Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

Join us to socialize, network and share about the program. We invite you to bring a guest who would like to learn more about Ag Leadership.

Region 3 / Sacramento

Jan. 29 / 5 - 7 p.m.

>More information

Region 4 / Snelling

Feb. 5 / 6 - 8 p.m.

>More information

Region 6 / Clovis

Feb. 6 / 6 - 8 p.m.

>More information

Region 3 / Clarksburg

Feb. 23 / 2 - 4 p.m.

>More information

Ag & Government Leaders Reception

Feb. 24 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Senator Office Building / 1121 L St., Sacramento

RSVP by Feb. 18

Click here or the event page button.

NEEDED: AG PRODUCT DONATIONS FOR DISPLAY

We are continuing the tradition of featuring a beautiful and large display of California agricultural products at the reception, so the event committee is seeking product donations. Please click the event page button for the form. Thank you for your help!

International Travel Opportunity

Exciting news for Ag Leadership alumni and community members! Scott Allen, CALF's trusted travel agent, is offering a unique opportunity to curate your own international leadership experience. Drawing inspiration from recent Ag Leadership class travels, Scott will craft personalized journeys that blend impactful leadership education, awe-inspiring destinations and cultural immersion. You choose your ideal trip duration, preferred budget and the leadership teachings that resonate with you. Bring family and friends! To preserve the uniqueness of current programs, Scott's itineraries will be based on trips from two or more years ago. Contact Scott Allen.