horizons California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
FALL/WI NTE R 2012
HONORING LEADERS
2012 Award Recipients
We grow leaders who make a difference.
CHAIR MESSAGE
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Making a Difference — Today and Tomorrow A message
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
Fall/Winter 2012 • www.agleaders.org
from Loren Booth and Bob Gray Stories of leadership emerge on every page of this issue. Leaders reach out and make a difference in other people’s lives. The Ag Leadership Program develops mid-career leaders who then develop leadership capacity in others – in a wide variety of contexts and capacities. It is L x 2: leadership doubled.
How do we keep this program viable for future generations? The Boswell Foundation has made it possible for you to double your financial impact through the end of 2013 with a generous $1,000,000 matching grant (see page 3). The current tax code makes it attractive for you to make a tax-advantaged contribution by this year-end, before the rules are subject to change. Planned giving is another simple way you can make a difference. Most people underestimate the worth of their estate and overestimate the time or cost involved in setting up a will. Individuals simply note in their will what they wish an organization to have: cash, stocks, bonds, property – anything of value that they wish to designate for this worthy purpose. Gifts like these also reduce the federal estate tax burden on heirs. Buying life insurance to fund a gift is also a simple process. Planned gifts and legacy giving will keep our small nonprofit healthy by building our resources over many years and will enable us to achieve our shared goals and aspirations in perpetuity. The most significant thing you can do as a human being is invest in the lives of others. The time is opportune now, so please do your part in growing leaders who make a difference.
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Best, Loren Booth (27) Chair, CALF Board of Directors
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CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair/ Loren Booth Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder Secretary - Treasurer/ Mary-Ann Warmerdam John Colbert A.G. Kawamura Ejnar Knudsen Joe MacIlvaine Chris Nelson Rod Stark Pierre Tada Deanna van Klaveren Dr. Lester Young Rob Yraceburu CALF STAFF President and CEO / Bob Gray | bob.gray@agleaders.org Director of Education / Dr. Michael Thomas | mthomas@agleaders.org Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb | ccrabb@agleaders.org Finance & Human Resources / Teresa Straub | tstraub@agleaders.org Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino | jsparacino@agleaders.org Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Clark | eclark@agleaders.org
READ ABOUT THE NEW CLASS 43 FELLOWS.
WRITER/EDITOR Meredith Rehrman Ritchie mritchie@agleaders.org DESIGNER TMDcreative
COVER STORY 4
2012 Award Recipients
FEATURES 7 10 12 13
Get to Know Class 43 Fellows The San Quentin Seminar Leadership Focus: Dr. Sara Daubert Guest Column: Tim Vaux (31)
DEPARTMENTS 2 Chair Message 2 Calendar 3 Foundation News 14 Alumni Council Events 18 Alumni & Fellows News 19 Donor Recognition CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY
4 9-11 16-18 17 30
Class 43 applications online Class 42 seminar, UC Davis Class 43 seminar, Cal Poly Pomona CALF board meeting, Cal Poly Pomona Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception, Sacramento
FEBRUARY
6 11th annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast 6 Region 6 recruitment event, Sun-Maid 14 19th annual Ag Leadership World Ag Expo Breakfast 16-2 Class 42 international travel seminar MARCH
18-28 25-27
Class 43 national travel seminar D.C. Exchange Selection Committee trip
APRIL
1-3 6 11 17-19 18
Class 42 seminar, Santa Clara All Class Reunion, Ventura Common Threads, Fresno Class 43 seminar, Cal Poly Pomona CALF board meeting, Salinas
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Foundation News
CALF ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN GETS MAJOR BOOST The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation received a substantial boost to its endowment campaign – currently in the early stages – with a $1 million challenge grant from the Boswell Foundation and a $5 million gift from the Otis Booth Foundation. The goal of the challenge grant – which matches dollar for dollar all funds raised up to $1 million by Dec. 31, 2013 – is to attract more donors to the endowment campaign and to help create a strong fiscal base to build on for decades. The Boswell Foundation’s commitment follows the Otis Booth Foundation’s gift of $5 million, the largest single endowment contribution to Ag Leadership. “We are extremely grateful to the Boswell Foundation and the Otis Booth Foundation for these extraordinarily generous gifts,” said CALF President and CEO Bob Gray. “These gifts come at a critical time in the foundation’s history. They will be the building blocks upon which to mount an aggressive campaign to grow the foundation’s endowment and ensure the sustainability of the program for future generations of agriculture leaders.”
The endowment campaign seeks philanthropic support from alumni and friends of Ag Leadership to secure core funding for the program in perpetuity. More than $7 million has been raised to date. The campaign goal, not yet finalized, will be shaped in large part by the response of prospective donors during these early stages of the campaign.
James G. Boswell Foundation
The late J.G. Boswell II was a cofounder of Ag Leadership in the late 1960s. He was an instrumental and visionary leader who was consistently committed to the excellence and success of the program. The Boswell Foundation has been CALF’s largest donor during its 42-year history.
“We hope this challenge grant will further stimulate the strong beginning to the Ag Leadership Foundation’s endowment campaign, so that over time this much-in-demand leadership program will become less reliant on a handful of legacy donors and be able to sustain itself on its own,” said James W. ( Jim) Boswell, associated with Class 17. “My family loves this program and we want to see it continue for generations to come.”
Otis Booth Foundation
The Otis Booth Foundation is the legacy of the late Franklin Otis Booth, Jr., a successful executive, rancher and philanthropist who was an enthusiastic supporter of the Ag Leadership Program and the results it produced. “On behalf of my co-trustees, we are very pleased to be able to make this contribution to the future of the best agricultural leadership program in the world,” said Palmer Murray, vice president and treasurer of the Otis Booth Foundation. “Our commitment is perfectly aligned with Otis Booth’s keen interest in California agriculture and his recognition of the importance of developing leaders. Otis Booth always made the extra effort to excel in everything he set out to do. The men and women who participate in the California Agricultural Leadership Program have this same ambition. We are delighted to support leaders who make a difference in agriculture and in their communities.”
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More than $100,000 was donated in the month of November. Thank you for your support!
IN MEMORIAM:
CALF Director
Ann Burke Reimers
Announces Retirement Ann Burke Reimers was a remarkable woman who had a passion for agriculture, nature, animals and philanthropy. The Ag Leadership Foundation was privileged to be a recipient of her generosity with her $200,000 donation in 2010.
Reimers had many favorite charities to which she gave her time and money. She supported her church, Woodlake Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Cat Haven, the local SPCA and other groups. She also served her community – from flipping burgers at high school football games to working at bingo fundraisers. Reimers was preceded in death by her husband, Don Reimers, in 1975. Married in 1942, they first lived on a ranch near Lemon Cove and moved to Woodlake in 1970. Reimers and her cousin Otis each inherited a 40-acre parcel, which Don planted in oranges in 1950. That sparked Otis’ interest in the orange industry, which resulted in Booth Ranches.
After nearly 23 years of raising funds for educational entities, including 21 years at UC Davis and the past year and a half with CALF, Director of Development Rick Vorpe has announced his retirement. He is looking forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing other interests. Said Vorpe, “It has been an honor to contribute to the effort to grow the foundation’s endowment to ensure financial sustainability for the most prestigious leadership program in the world. In the years ahead, it will be exciting to follow Ag Leadership’s continuing, significant impact in developing leaders in the ag industry.” In early 2012, Vorpe and his wife, Evelyn Matteucci, established the Remo L. Matteucci Endowment in honor of Evelyn’s father and to support Ag Leadership. We appreciate his service to CALF and wish him the best in his retirement.
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Reimers passed away on July 27, 2012 at the age of 92, having lived a full and wonderful life. The cousin of the late Franklin Otis Booth, Jr. and aunt of Loren Booth (27), Reimers was an orange grower and well known for giving back. Born and raised in Visalia, she attended the University of California for three years and graduated from Smith College in 1941. She raised thoroughbred racehorses at her ranch and was an expert equestrian who owned and showed quarter horses throughout her life.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Cover Story
Profiles in Leadership Award
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This award recognizes Ag Leadership Program alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.
Outstanding Leaders Recipients of the 2012 Profiles in Leadership Award and Honorary Fellow Award were honored during Class 43’s inaugural dinner on Oct. 18 at Fresno State. Congratulations to these exceptional individuals, who are positive role models and leaders who have made – and continue to make – a difference.
>> Cover Story
Mary-Ann Warmerdam Class 17
Mary-Ann Warmerdam has shown great leadership and abilities working with some of the most difficult issue areas within the agriculture/government/environmental arena. She has represented her various employers and administrations with devotion, expertise and tenacity. More importantly, she has been an important voice for agriculture and an advocate of ag education while serving the industry, community and state government. Mary-Ann was director of the California Department of Pesticide Regulation from 2004 to 2011. She had many notable accomplishments and leadership roles during her tenure at DPR. She skillfully navigated the organization through significant
budgetary and political challenges that would have diminished the important functions of DPR and weakened the support for agriculture. At a time when political and budgetary pressures were increasingly placing the agriculture industry at odds with government, Mary-Ann managed to support her administration and keep the needs of California’s agriculture future in clear sight. Further, she helped to bridge the gap between environmental and on-farm demands, and she continues to do so in her new position at the Clorox Company. At Clorox, she is the external regulatory affairs leader in the global stewardship and innovation division.
Outside of work, Mary-Ann serves on the board of directors of Cache Creek Conservancy and on the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council. Mary-Ann has been a valued member of the Ag Leadership Foundation board for the past 10 years, serving as treasurer for six of those years and on the governance committee. She is a skillful, well-respected and passionate leader who is committed to agriculture. How fitting that she is receiving this award at her alma mater – where she majored in ag business.
Ben Carter Class 24
Ben Carter and his wife, Denise, are owners and operators of BENDEN Farms in Colusa. As a third generation farmer along the Sacramento River, Ben has a deep understanding of the importance of our rivers and bypasses for water supply, flood control and environmental enrichment. As president of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board for seven years, Ben led the board in carrying out its duties to provide flood protection to the entire Central Valley. His focus on public safety – including increasing the level of flood protection and improving the collaboration among the board’s partners – helped foster years of robust flood improvement activity involving construction of major flood protection system modifications and strengthening of existing projects.
Some of the projects and accomplishments under Ben’s presidency include the Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project, the Natomas Levee Improvement Program, Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority Project, and the rehabilitation of the Tisdale Bypass. His leadership was instrumental in successfully navigating the board through its legislatively mandated and momentous transition in 2008. He helped foster an atmosphere of open and honest communications among board members, staff and stakeholders. As a co-founder of the California Levees Roundtable, Ben championed the effort of many diverse flood control and environmental interests in developing solutions to addressing vegetation on levees. He developed relationships that helped bridge the
gaps created by rigid federal and state policies. He helped keep the complex solution building effort alive despite insurmountable challenges. Ben has served in leadership roles with numerous other groups, including the Sacramento River Conservation Area Forum, Sacramento River Water Contractors Association, and Colusa County Fair board. Ben and Denise have also been generous and regular hosts for Ag Leadership’s D.C. Exchange. Californians have benefited from Ben’s knowledge, management, creative solutions, teamwork and “can-do” attitude. These qualities have earned him the trust, respect and friendship of his colleagues.
Alex Ott Class 37
Alex Ott is the executive director for three organizations: the California Apple Commission, California Blueberry Commission and California Olive Committee. He also owns Ott and Davison Consulting, which assists growers and packers in developing food safety programs. Alex leadership roles are extensive. In addition to his involvement in the agricultural industry, he is very active in his community. He is the former chair of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Western Center for Risk Management Education federal grant board, a delegate to the California Republican Party, and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a Civil War re-enactment group.
In addition, Alex serves as vice chair of the Fresno County Blue Ribbon Committee, which makes recommendations directly to the board of supervisors regarding economic issues affecting Fresno County. He also oversees an internship program in conjunction with Fresno State’s Ag Department. This program provides paid internships for college students interested in obtaining working knowledge of California’s political landscape and how it relates to agriculture. Also in his community, Alex has coached youth soccer and baseball teams. Since 1994, he has volunteered for the Constitutional Rights Foundation as a state history judge,
assisting elementary through high school students in developing their knowledge of history. For Ag Leadership, Alex is called upon a couple of times each year to introduce the California State Legislature and legislative processes and issues to Ag Leadership fellows. He has developed pre-seminar materials, made presentations and led discussions in Stockton, Sacramento and Davis. In addition, he has worked with Dr. Michael Thomas to develop programming for Ag Leadership fellows and for Fresno State students. Alex is the epitome of a dynamic and dedicated leader in his community and the agricultural industry.
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AG LEADERSHIP
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Cover Story Honorary Fellow Award
The Honorary Fellow Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture. Honorary Fellows are also dedicated and longtime supporters of the Ag Leadership Program. This year’s honorees join 29 distinguished leaders who have received this award since 1976.
Karen Ross
Karen Ross was appointed secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on January 12, 2011 – an appointment that received considerable praise from the agricultural community. She has extensive leadership experience in agricultural issues nationally, internationally and in California. Prior to her appointment as secretary, Karen was chief of staff for USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, a position she accepted in 2009. Before USDA, she made an impact serving 13 years as president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. During that period, she also served as executive director of the Winegrape Growers of America and as executive director of the California Wine Grape Growers Foundation. Among her many achievements at CAWG was the creation of the nationally recognized Sustainable Winegrowing Program. Karen has served on numerous boards and committees in California agriculture, the wine industry and with academic institutions. From 2001 to 2009, she served on
Neal Van Alfen
For the past 13 years, Neal Van Alfen was dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis – and an outstanding Ag Leadership partner university dean who provided valuable expertise, wisdom and guidance to us.
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Neal’s current position is professor of plant pathology at UC Davis. He is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Phytopathological Society. He serves, or has served, on numerous national and international committees and boards, including the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. Neal served as president of the American Phytopathological Society and chaired the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council. He is the editor of the Annual Review of Phytopathology and the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Agriculture and Food Systems.
the California State Board of Food and Agriculture and was chair of its Ag Vision subcommittee. Now, as CDFA secretary, she works closely with the state board, which includes several Ag Leadership alumni. Karen grew up on a farm in western Nebraska. She and her husband, Barry, own 800 acres of the family farm where her younger brother grows dry-land wheat, sunflowers, feed grains and cattle. She is a graduate of the Nebraska Ag Leadership Program. When Karen moved to California nearly 25 years ago, she contacted Ag Leadership and has been involved with the foundation ever since. Karen served on the Ag Leadership Alumni board and on the CALF board for seven years. She is now a two-time Ag Leadership award winner, having received the Profiles in Leadership Award in 2005. We are grateful that Karen reached out to us back then, and for all that she has done for California agriculture and for Ag Leadership.
Neal has extensive international experience. He serves on the board of the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Foundation that funds joint research programs of scientists of the United States and Israel. He was a member of a Vietnam Education Foundation team to help the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam improve higher education. And he is one of the few Americans to serve on the editorial board of China’s leading agricultural journal, the Journal of Integrative Agriculture. Neal has been a dedicated and enthusiastic advocate for Ag Leadership for many years. We are grateful for his service, insight and leadership on the CALF board for the past two years (which was his third stint on the board). Further, he has always been a gracious and welcoming host for fellows and alumni when seminars and events were held at UC Davis. He will be greatly missed as one of our partner university deans.
AG LEADERSHIP
Vance W. Ahlem Denair
Vance is the managing partner of Ahlem Foothill Farms G.P. and a fourth generation dairyman. His family has been in the California dairy industry for more than 70 years. Vance manages the newest dairy in partnership with his parents and brother. He is involved in all aspects of the dairy facility and farming operation. His main responsibilities are environmental compliance, risk management and human resources.
Danielle Burk
San Luis Obispo
Danielle is a purchasing agent for San Luis Obispo County Farm Supply Company, where she serves the needs of more than 2,300 members of the farmer-owned cooperative. Danielle has worked for Farm Supply Company for 17 years in her present position. She and her husband own a small cow herd.
Manpreet Bains Yuba City
Manpreet is a partner in two family businesses in Sutter County. At Manseena Orchards, she manages the financials, researches market opportunities abroad, and oversees the implementation of greener farming practices. At Far Horizon Insurance, which specializes in crop insurance, Manpreet manages the financials and assists in the development of communication strategies for the company.
Sona Chilingaryan San Francisco
Sona is a life scientist at the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest office. As a part of the regional Agriculture Program, she works with stakeholders and state and local agency partners to craft solutions that are economically profitable for farmers and improve air and water quality. Sona also coordinates the regional, cross-divisional EPA team that works on San Joaquin Valley issues and helps direct air quality related agricultural research.
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Anthony Bozzano San Luis Obispo
Anthony is the sales manager for The Thornhill Companies, a familyowned and managed vineyard and winery company. He is involved in many sales aspects, including business and product development of private label wine brands, bulk wine negotiations, contracting wine services, and grape sales. Anthony was raised in a farming family in Stockton, where he worked with orchard and row crops.
Jensen Devaurs Bakersfield
Jensen is a wholesale sales representative for Driscoll Strawberry Associates. Family owned for more than 100 years, Driscoll’s is the world’s largest grower/ packer/shipper of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Jensen represents growers from the United States, Mexico, Canada, Chile and Argentina by selling their berries into wholesale markets across the United States and Canada.
Carson Britz Guadalupe
Carson is the food safety coordinator for Apio, Inc., a valueadded vegetable packing and processing company. He manages the food safety program for sourcing from Canada, Mexico, Central America and the U.S. He focuses on food safety compliance with Apio’s vendors, growers and harvesters. Carson consults on GAPs, as well as the development of food safety programs and management systems. He is a licensed pest control adviser.
Bailey DiIoia Summerland
Bailey is an avocado and citrus supervisor for Shade Farm Management, a full service landscape and orchard management company owned by a multigenerational farming family. He runs the food and safety program and good agriculture practices program while maintaining the day-to-day operations of his clients’ farms. Bailey is also a licensed qualified applicator.
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GET TO KNOW
>> Class 43
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Class 43
43 Danielle Dupree Salinas
Danielle is the controller at Merrill Farms LLC, a fresh produce grower producing lettuce, romaine, broccoli, cauliflower and strawberries. She manages the day-to-day office activities, including financial reporting, federal and state reporting, payroll and accounts payable, health insurance, plan documents, workers comp and employee manuals. She also helps develop tools to streamline mandatory compliance reporting.
Tricia Geringer
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Sacramento
Tricia is the director of government affairs for Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council), a member-supported organization representing more than 15,000 California farmers. She advocates on behalf of Ag Council members in the state Capitol on legislative issues important to the agricultural community. Tricia was raised on a farm in Fresno, where her family grows wine grapes and raisin grapes.
The Class 43 inaugural seminar was held Oct. 17-19 at Fresno State. Fellows, spouses and partners got their first look at what to expect during the 16-month program. The three-day seminar included numerous presentations from CALF staff, alumni and guest speakers. On Oct. 18, more than 160 guests attended the inaugural seminar to welcome the new class.
Leon Etchepare Maxwell
Leon is the manager of Emerald Farms, where he manages more than 4,000 acres of walnut and almond orchards, irrigation and spray operations, the maintenance and manufacturing shops, and two walnut huller/dehydrators. He is also a licensed pest control adviser.
Heidi Harris Hoopa
Heidi is a range management specialist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. She works with the Hoopa Valley Indian Tribe installing infiltration galleries and pipeline to restore irrigation to tribal lands. She also works in the Trinity River area to establish food sustainability and revive the homestead way of life. Heidi’s family has lived on the Trinity River for seven generations.
Stephanie Etcheverria Sacramento
Stephanie is a program coordinator for the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of agriculture among educators and students. She works with educators to help them incorporate agriculture into their curriculum. Her projects include a story writing contest, conferences and exhibits, and the University Student Teacher Program.
Susan Josue Oxnard
Susan is the manager of Solimar Farms, Inc., and a third generation strawberry and bush berry grower. Her family has produced berries in Ventura County for more than 40 years. Solimar Farms focuses on crop production as well as contract growing for international growershippers. Susan oversees the office and is involved in the day-to-day operations with her brothers. The company has grown to include locations in Lompoc and Santa Maria.
Eric Genzoli Turlock
Eric is ranch manager of Genzoli Almond Farms and a fourth generation almond farmer. His family has been farming in the Central Valley for more than 75 years. Eric and his father oversee all day-to-day operations for their almond orchards in the Turlock and Hughson area.
Scott Klittich Fillmore
Scott is a fourth generation nurseryman and the owner and manager of Otto & Sons Nursery, which specializes in growing container roses and fruit trees for the landscape and garden center industries. He is active in the company’s day-to-day operations, including marketing, production planning and customer service.
Jim Garr Lom
AG LEADERSHIP
Anthony is a fourth generation farmer and president of Twin Peaks Agriculture, Inc., a small farming and agricultural management company. He oversees all day-today operations of the company, which manages peaches, walnuts and olives for his family and local and out-of-town property owners. Anthony is also a partner in EVO Harvesting, a custom olive harvesting company for super highdensity olive oil producing orchards.
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Helen McGrath Sebastapol
Helen is a program coordinator for the Ag Innovations Network, an organization that brings together various stakeholders to create a better food system for farmers, consumers and communities. She coordinates the California Alliance Network and the Coalition on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases. Helen was raised on a farm and is the fifth generation of a Ventura County farming family.
Shannon Leigh Monterey
Shannon is the transportation manager for the Monterey division of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., which provides global supply chain services to more than 37,000 customers through more than 230 offices worldwide. She focuses on the customer development and sales process, planning and executing strategic goals, and developing personnel. She works with produce growers and shippers, specializing in temperature controlled global logistics.
Paul Sousa Modesto
Paul is the director of environmental services for Western United Dairymen, an association representing more than 60% of the milk produced in California. He works with dairy farmers to help them comply with environmental regulations and with regulatory agencies to help them develop sensible regulations. Paul grew up and worked on his family’s dairy farm in Stanislaus County. He is a certified crop adviser and a NRCS technical service provider.
William (Bill) Lewis Fresno
Bill is the vice president and regional manager for Prudential Agriculture Investment Group, which has provided real estate mortgages to the ag industry for more than 100 years. He oversees a mortgage debt portfolio of multiple crop commodities throughout the southwestern United States. Bill has worked for Prudential since 2000, previously in Florida serving the southeastern agriculture market.
William “B” VanBeek Tipton
B is the manager for Dairyland Farms, his family-owned dairy that milks 2,800 head and raises calves and heifers on site. His day-to-day responsibilities include, but are not limited to, herd health and employee and feed management. He is a third generation dairy farmer with roots in the Central Valley for 40 years.
Jim is a regional vineyard manager for Atlas Vineyard Management, which has more than 1,600 acres of vineyards in California and Oregon. He oversees all vineyard operations on the Central Coast. Jim has more than 13 years of experience working in vineyard management and he is a licensed pest control adviser. A Central Coast native, Jim grew up on his family’s ranch in Suey Canyon near Santa Maria.
Chris White Los Banos
Chris is the general manager and district engineer for the Central California Irrigation District, one of the largest irrigation districts in the Central Valley, serving more than 1,600 farms across more than 143,000 acres of farmland. He is responsible for implementing board policy direction and protection of some of the most senior water rights in California. He is a California licensed land surveyor and professional civil engineer.
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Anthony Laney Live Oak
>> Class 43
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Program News
The San Quentin Seminar By Dr. Michael Thomas CALF Director of Education
For many years a primary critical thinking focus area for the Fresno State seminars has been criminology, specifically focused on the death penalty. The seminars provide an intense look at a complex issue, allowing fellows to contemplate what a leader might do with a serious topic that has no immediate answers. For many years, the topic was enhanced with a visit to Corcoran State Prison. Beginning with Class 28, 15 classes have had the rare opportunity to visit San Quentin State Prison. Assemblyman Jim Nielsen (5), former chair of the Board of Prison Terms, is instrumental in getting us access to facilities and personnel.
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San Quentin is California’s oldest and bestknown correctional institution. It is home to about 3,800 inmates, all death row male inmates in California, and the state’s only execution chamber. The prison is commonly viewed as a dreary, depressing and dangerous place. For some inmates, San Quentin is the end of the road. For others, it is a place to learn from mistakes, transform and rehabilitate. Intro to Criminology Class 42 experienced the San Quentin seminar in October. Therapist Terri Thomas and Fresno State professor Dr. Candice Skrapec began the seminar with discussions about the origins of violence. With a Ph.D. in criminal justice and forensic psychology, Dr. Skrapec is a nationally known expert who has interviewed and researched serial killers. She elaborated on the development
of the criminal mind, and also highlighted modern technologies that allow researchers to determine difference in brain function in a cold-blooded killer and the normal brain. The criminology discussion prepared the fellows for the next morning, when they heard from high level speakers providing exposure to state law, people involved in slowing down or stopping state executions, and individuals supporting the death penalty. They also heard from family members of victims and handselected inmates. During this intense segment of the seminar, fellows usually find themselves swinging emotionally and intellectually based on the compelling and powerful social, financial, moral and emotional arguments presented by the speakers. As the day progresses, it becomes emotionally exhausting. Welcome to San Quentin In the afternoon, we arrived at San Quentin’s outer gate. With only our driver’s licenses in hand, we disembarked near the warden’s office to be checked in at the huge double gate holding cell where correctional officers and visitors enter. The second gate opens after the first gate closes. The invisible ink stamped on our wrist must glow when we leave. “If you don’t glow, you don’t go.” In the courtyard inside the main gate, we noticed striking contrasts. The huge medieval-looking main gate wall contrasts with a new, five-story, multi-million dollar medical facility. A nice memorial garden is located in front of the Adjustment Center, where the
most hardened criminals (“the worst of the worst”) reside. There are three chapels that accommodate different religious denominations. A Jewish synagogue shares space with a Muslim mosque (they seem to coexist better on the inside versus the outside). The prison has a beautiful view of the bay. An Eye-Opening Tour In true Ag Leadership style, fellows are taken out of their comfort zone during the twohour tour of the prison. They see and hear the reality of prison life up close. It is a fascinating, overwhelming and unnerving experience. We began with a briefing and Q&A from the warden, followed by a tour of many parts of the facility. We walked down to the lower yard, which is the primary location of outdoor free time on non-foggy days. It has a baseball field, tennis and basketball courts, and items such as punching bags. This area is self-segregated; only those of a particular racial background are found in a given area. We walked through north block, which houses non-violent offenders (two inmates per cell). Some years we’re able to visit east block or condemned row (one inmate per cell), which has a feeling of total despair. Sometimes we’re able visit the enormous cafeteria, where, in the 1950s, an inmate painted four California history murals (each measuring 100 feet by 12 feet). For the final tour stop, fellows got an inside look at the grim execution chamber.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Program News
Q&A with Jim Nielsen How did you come up with the idea for a San Quentin seminar? The idea came to me after I became chair of the Board of Prison Terms (now Board of Parole Hearings). As chair, I realized that I was directly responsible for thoroughly reviewing evidence and making a decision about whether a death row inmate should be given clemency. It struck me how far from the farm I was. Being in Ag Leadership and an ag leader, I had a feeling that this seminar would have a profound impact on our ag leaders.
Residents, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens, may fit under one or more categories: hardcore drug and alcohol abusers, former prisoners, unskilled, functionally illiterate, personal history of violence, generations of poverty. The average resident remains for almost four years – drug, alcohol and crime-free. During their time at Delancey Street, they receive a high school equivalency degree and are trained in three different marketable skills. Residents also learn important values, and the social and interpersonal skills that allow them to live successfully in mainstream society. They learn to work together promoting non-violence through a principle called “each-one-teach-one,” where each new resident is responsible for helping guide the next arrival. Delancey Street is an impressive example of rehabilitation, transformation, hope and leadership. The program has positively turned around the lives of thousands of people.
Viewpoints “I’ve worked with criminal justice systems for the past 30 years. It has been my pleasure to share information and lead a discussion on the development of criminal behavior at the October seminar for the past six years. This group of adult learners has been a fascinating group for me to meet each year. The fellows have challenged me to continue to learn. For the first time in many years, I have been encouraged by seeing programs that help prevent at-risk youth avoid gang life and rehabilitation after prison life. When I left the seminar last year, I realized I had just witnessed the best rehabilitation program I had seen for many years.” —Dr. Candice Skrapec “The death penalty seminar I experienced was intense, enlightening, perhaps even life changing. Being thrust viscerally into a world of violence and prison, only somewhat tempered by fleeting glimpses of possible redemption, was emotionally searing. The fact that so many people, especially in the U.S., live in this world of dead ends I find appalling.” —Ed Arnold, Class 42 spouse “I came into the seminar with some loosely formed opinions about the death penalty, but I left with solid reasoning for my stance and a better understanding of the reforms needed to better enable justice.” —Cameron Boswell, Class 42 San Quentin photos: CDCR Delancey Street photo: Steven Knudsen
What are the lessons learned? The most important point – and I begin the seminar this way every time – is that this seminar is not about the death penalty; it’s about how you deal with a very serious, very grave and very emotional issue. That’s the lesson. A leader must be able to deal magnificently with the most difficult life situations. Over the years, I’ve seen and heard about the impact this seminar has on people. We present actual case studies to the fellows. They have to see all of the facts and weigh all of the evidence and then make a decision – yes or no. At the end of the day, they have to pull the whole thing together. It inspires them to talk. This is typical of the Ag Leadership experience. Every class is unique in how they discuss and how they vote. The degree of emotion varies, but there is always enormous intensity in the room. What is so powerful about the seminar? It’s kind of the realization that some things in life are unbelievably horrible, and we as humans must deal with them and go on with our lives. What have you learned from these seminars? To this day, it’s still a huge experience for me. I come out of the seminar each time having learned more. Because of the seminar, I am resolved and inspired to continue to be a leader…a leader who makes a difference. What is your motivation? My continuing motivation is that I see the enduring impact on the members of the fellowship. This is a very successful seminar and it’s of significant value. The reaction is what I expect it to be and it’s worthy to continue it. This is also a way for me to give back to Ag Leadership.
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Hope at Delancey Street On the last day of our seminar, we visited Delancey Street Foundation in San Francisco. Delancey Street is the country’s leading residential self-help organization for former substance abusers, ex-cons, homeless and others who have hit bottom.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Leadership Focus
By Dr. Sara Daubert
The leadership theories that I previously wrote about – “THE GREAT MAN” THEORY AND TRAIT THEORY – examined the notion of leadership as an innate quality. Behavioral theorists believe that leadership is a learnable behavior and that great leaders are made, not born. This leadership theory focuses on the actions of the leader, not on mental qualities. According to the theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.
theorists began to research leadership as a set of behaviors – evaluating the behavior of successful leaders, determining a behavior taxonomy, and identifying broad leadership styles. A classic study of leadership behavior was first conducted at the University of Iowa by Kurt Lewin (1939). The researchers trained graduate students in behaviors associated with three leadership styles: autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire.
Behavioral theory looks at what leaders can actually do. Behavioral theories of leadership are classified as such because they focus on the study of specific behaviors of a leader. For behavioral theorists, a leader’s behavior is the best predictor of his or her leadership influences and as a result, is the best determinant of leadership success.
The autocratic style of leadership is characterized by tight control from the leader of group decisions and activities. The democratic style emphasizes group participation and decision-making with the majority rule. And lastly, laissezfaire leadership involves very little involvement and decisions by a leader. The results of this study indicated that the democratic style of leadership was more beneficial for group performance than the other styles. The importance of this study was that it emphasized the impact of the behavior of the leader on the performance of followers.
By the 1940s, in response to early criticisms of the trait approach,
In 1945, Ralph Stogdill and other researchers at Ohio State University
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Evolution of Leadership Theory
(1930s -1940s)
developed an assessment known as the Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ). The researchers developed a list of 150 statements from their generated responses that included 1,800 statements. The list was designed to measure nine different behavioral leadership dimensions. As part of the study, the LBDQ was administered to various groups of individuals – from college students, to their administrators, to private companies, including military personnel. One of the primary purposes of the study was to identify common leadership behaviors. After compiling and analyzing the results, the study led to the conclusion that there were two groups of behaviors that were strongly correlated. These were defined as consideration (peopleoriented behavioral leaders) and initiating structure (task-oriented leaders).* People-Oriented Leaders The people-oriented leaders focus their behaviors on ensuring that the inner needs of their followers are satisfied. They seek to motivate their staff through emphasizing the human relation. People-oriented leaders still focus on the task and
the results; they just achieve them through different means. Leaders with a people focus will have behaviors that are in line with: encouraging, observing, listening, and coaching and mentoring. Task-Oriented Leaders The task-oriented leaders focus their behaviors on the organizational structure and operating procedures– they like to keep control. Taskoriented leaders are concerned with their staff motivation, and they favor behaviors that are in line with: initiating, organizing, clarifying and information gathering. Since the 1940s there have been various behavioral studies that stem from the original work brought forth by Lewin and Stogdill. Understanding leader and follower behaviors is crucial in managing your success as a leader! *Manning, G. and Curtis, K. (2012). The Art of Leadership. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Lessons in Leadership:
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Guest Column
Cuba Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow By T.R. Vaux, Class 31
The 1950s were a boom time for Cuba. It was an international hot spot. Gambling was a prominent draw, as well as the wintertime climate. The abuses and excesses of the government, however, led to its shift to civil unrest, a civil war and the overthrow of the Batista
regime in 1959 by a band of rebels led by Fidel Castro. There were several leadership lessons learned through my travels. First, Fidel Castro created a shared vision among mine workers, farm workers and other disenfranchised citizens. He engaged Che Guevara and Camillo Cienfuegos to help lead his poorly equipped, yet singularly focused band of rebels. The takeover was relatively swift, but the responsibility of governing is still a work in progress and has left many to question its success. It is true that Fidel created a vision, developed stakeholders, formulated a plan and successfully executed it. And although that can be defined as “leadership” in broad terms (as Hitler can be defined in the same manner), true leadership must result in positive end points. That clearly has yet to happen in Cuba. Fidel was seen as a popular leader around the world early in his rise to power. He was hailed as a modern day Robin Hood, taking from the rich and giving to the poor. He introduced a literacy program in 1960 and declared a year later that the country’s citizens were 100% literate. Later on, however, he found he needed to consolidate his power to ward off potential threats to his leadership. And although there is proof to the contrary, many hold the belief that the deaths of Cienfuegos and Guevara were directed in some form or fashion by Fidel.
In an effort to bolster the economy and perhaps do some interhemisphere saber rattling, Castro invited the Soviet Union into Cuba to lead and finance infrastructure projects, train doctors and provide weapons to a depleted Cuban military. The temporary economic boost took citizens’ minds off their lack of basic freedoms of speech, religion and democracy. When the Soviet Union broke up and the economic stimulus disappeared, Cuba fell into what they call the “special time.” Special indeed. They now experience currency issues; $7 per gallon gas, which is rationed by the government and only available because Hugo Chavez of Venezuela supplies it; no access to the Internet; and worst of all, food rationing. Each month, families go to a government-run commissary where each family member can collect 1 kilo of rice, 1 kilo of sugar, 1 kilo of beans, 1 kilo of powdered milk, six eggs, a half liter of cooking oil and a small portion of meat, usually chicken, pork and fish. Clearly, it is not enough to live on. Panhandling is prevalent in the streets. So what happens when 86-year-old Fidel and his 81-year-old brother Raul leave power? Although socialism has not been the answer, it is expected that the current leadership will retain power. The names may change, and although citizens are being told that they will elect the next president, a
government-selected candidate may be the only name on the ballot. Some encouraging social changes are evident. Entrepreneurs are taking advantage of recent reforms announced by Raul Castro that allow for privately owned businesses in the service sector to emerge. Several new restaurants have developed over recent months in Old Havana, for example. UNESCO funding is helping to restore Old Havana into a Heritage City. Otherwise, buildings and roads are ramshackle at best. Thousands of cars from the ‘50s can still be seen throughout the country. Real and visible progress under the Castro brothers has been elusive. As tourism opens up and the younger generation learns more about the “outside” world, they will yearn for more. More freedoms, more democracy and more capitalism will be demanded. It may take another generation for enlightened leadership to develop both in Cuba and in Florida (where much of U.S. policy toward Cuba is dictated) before meaningful change occurs. Fidel’s “leadership” got Cuba to where it is today, but outcomes defined as “beneficial” to today’s generation of Cubans is frustratingly beyond their current reach.
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Recently, I had an opportunity to travel to Cuba with a group from the Chamber of Commerce. It was an eight-day trip beginning and ending in Havana. Along the way we had stops in Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, the Hemingway mansion, tobacco and sugar cane growing areas, Che Guevara’s gravesite, and many other areas of interest. This trip reminded me of our Ag Leadership international trip and how fascinating and valuable it was to learn about leadership in foreign countries…extremely enlightening.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni Events
Understanding Ag Issues and Challenges This year marked the 30th anniversary of the highly praised Washington, D.C. Educational Fellowship Program (D.C. Exchange), sponsored by the Ag Leadership Alumni Council. Since it began in 1982, the D.C. Exchange has educated more than 500 policy-makers about significant issues affecting California agriculture. The program’s success is due to a dedicated group of alumni working together and striving for a quality program. On Aug. 4, a group of 19 federal agency representatives kicked off their eight-county tour in the Sacramento area. They continued through the San Joaquin Valley and finished in the Central Coast region. The fellows visited more than 20 agriculture-related sites, participated in one-on-one talks and small group discussions, and spent “relationship building” days with farm and ranching families. “With federal agency representatives helping make key decisions for our industry, it’s important that they see agriculture up close and have that connection,” said Darlene Din (35). “We provide a comprehensive, eye-opening field trip for them to learn about our complex issues and challenges directly from growers, ranchers, producers and conservationists. We get them in the field and in the ag operations to enhance their learning. In return, they’ll apply their increased knowledge to their government work.”
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Topics covered during the week included water (quality, supply, conservation), plant breeding, seed biotechnology, food safety, food policy issues, crop production and processing, organics, weed and pest control, and labor. “The D.C. Exchange program introduced me to the committed men and women who make up California agriculture,” said Cecilia Choi of the U.S. Department of State. “Whether it was the passion of Russ Lester in Winters to be energy independent or the SPLAT 2.0 machine that thins out lettuce rows with its laser eye and global positioning system, California agriculture continues to innovate to solve problems of resource constraints and changing markets. I am grateful to the volunteers and host families who donated their time to show me their dedication to provide safe, healthy food for my family.”
AG LEADERSHIP
Site Visits
Franz Hochstrasser Office of the Secretary, USDA Pamela LeBlanc Food and Drug Administration Holly Lindquist Thomas U.S. Department of State Cindy Long Food and Nutrition Service, USDA Jeffrey Lucero Bureau of Reclamation Ally Mayer U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Julie Moore U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Elle O’Flaherty FAS Andrew Perraut OMB Sam Posner Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Warren Preston AMS Matthew Royer APHIS Andrea Simao APHIS Samantha Simon APHIS
California Farm Bureau Federation; Old Sugar Mill; UC Davis agricultural facilities; LangeTwins Winery; Burroughs Organic Dairy and Almond Ranch; Hilltop Ranch, Inc.; Spycher Bros., Inc.; Turlock Irrigation District; Bill Ahlem Dairy; Hilmar Cheese Company; Westside Produce; San Joaquin River Improvement Project; Bowles Farming Co.; O’Neil Pumping Plant; San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority; San Juan Bautista farm tour; Grower-Shipper Association of Central California; Ocean Mist; Taylor Farms; Floricultura Orchid Nursery. Finale dinner at Kendall-Jackson Winery.
Counties Sacramento Yolo
San Joaquin Stanislaus
Merced Fresno
San Benito Monterey
Thank You
>>
>>
Alumni participating on the selection committee and/ or organizing committee include co-chairs Robin Flournoy (29) and Darlene Din (35), Mike Campbell (3), Mary Kimball (32), Sue DiTomaso (32), Missy Gable (40), Ron Macedo (32), Chase Hurley (35), Melissa Duflock (40), Bill Hammond (40), Rob (35) and Kelly Geis, Gail Gray (22), David Martella (22) and Tracy Schohr (39). Special thanks to Jim (11) and Carlene Cunningham, Randy Lange (14), Margaret D’Arrigo (24) and Norman Martella (6). Most of the photos on these three pages are courtesy Cecilia Choi, U.S. Department of State
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2012 Fellows
Sidney Abel Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USDA Lisa Anderson Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), USDA Cecilia Choi U.S. Department of State Mike Clark Office of Management and Budget (OMB) David Epstein Office of Pest Management Policy, USDA
>> Alumni Events
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni Events
Federal Officials Touring Valley Farms OVER THE CLUCKS OF HUNDREDS OF HENS, A FEDERAL OFFICIAL ASSURED THIS WEEK THAT THE GOVERNMENT REALLY DOES LISTEN TO FARMERS.
on matters affecting California farming in other parts of government, such as the State Department and the Office of Management and Budget.
A farm 10 miles east of Turlock was one of the stops Tuesday on a seven-day tour for 19 policy-makers from federal agencies. The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation is putting on the 30th annual D.C. Exchange to raise awareness about water, pests, exports, food safety and other concerns.
The participants, who arrived Saturday, are staying with several farm families, along with hitting the tour stops in the Central Valley and Central Coast.
“We want to know what the issues are that they are facing and whether we can formulate policy back in Washington to help them,” said Sid Abel, an assistant deputy administrator at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Riverdale, Md.
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About half of the participants are from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The rest work
Organic start to the day Tuesday started at the Burroughs family’s organic farm, home to chickens that feed in pastures and to dairy cows, almond orchards and other operations. Later in the day, the group saw almond production at the nearby Hilltop Ranch and Spycher Bros. It learned about water from the Turlock Irrigation District, milk from the Bill Ahlem Dairy and cheese from Hilmar Cheese Company.
By John Holland Modesto Bee
Among the other stops over the week are wineries and farms that grow melons, artichokes and orchids. The group visited the University of California at Davis and on Wednesday viewed irrigation systems and river restoration on the West Side. Leadership group paid bill The money for the tour is raised by alumni of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, which trains residents of the state over two years. “The whole purpose of this is to build a bridge, build a communication link and understanding,” co-chairwoman Robin Flournoy said.
This article was reprinted with permission from The Modesto Bee.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni Events
Golfers Hit the Links for Ag Leadership Hundreds of golfers enjoyed sunny days, warm weather, fellowship and fun competition at the Region 9 Golf Tournament and Dean Brown Golf Tournament and Auction. Both events were fantastic fundraisers due to substantial sponsorships and the efforts of the organizing committees.
22nd Annual Region 9 Golf Tournament | Sept. 10
23rd Annual Dean Brown Golf Tournament | Nov. 5
The Region 9 tournament raised $40,000. Committee members included Yissel Barajas (40), Scott Beylik (40), Art Bliss (8), Jim Finch (28), Cesar Hernandez (41), Leslie Leavens-Crowe (34), Ed McFadden (25), Tom McGrath (4), Bill Morris (38), Mike Nuñez (29), Tom Pecht (18), Richard Pidduck (21), Mike Richardson (40), Larry Rose (17) and Karen Wetzel Schott (24).
The Dean Brown tournament and auction raised nearly $40,000. Committee members included Lino Bozzano (38), Lisa Bodrogi (39), Cara Crye (39), Chris Darway (25), Brenda Farias (42), Lon Fletcher, Dale Hampton (11), Tom Ikeda (26), Karen King, Jeff Koligian (18), Nicholas Miller (36), James Ontiveros (31), Brenda Ouwerkerk (28), Jim Stollberg (35) and the Talley family.
“What a fun day we had!” said Leavens-Crowe. “Gorgeous weather, enthusiastic golfers and extremely generous sponsors. The dinner festivities were highlighted by introductions of incoming Class 43 members Bailey DiIoia, Scott Klittich and Helen McGrath, the daughter of Tom McGrath, a stalwart founder of our tournament and extremely proud dad.”
“The weather was unseasonably warm and the course played great,” said Stollberg. “Everyone on the committee came together and provided a fun and memorable event. A big thanks to all of the players and sponsors who continue to support California agriculture each and every year!”
Get Engaged With Alumni Events By Rob Geis, Class 35 Chair, Ag Leadership Alumni Council
We already do this for our agricultural organizations, community groups, schools and other entities. But it’s also important to do the same for Ag Leadership and our Alumni Council. There are numerous ways for alumni to step up, get involved and give back. After graduating from the program in 2006, I more or less put Ag Leadership behind me and focused on my career and family like most of us do. In 2009, my classmate and friend, Mike Young, “recruited” me to the Alumni Council. It’s been a very fulfilling experience to network with my fellow alumni and reconnect with all the great things Ag Leadership has to offer after graduation.
How do you get involved? Just pick one activity to start and give it a try. You may be surprised how much you will benefit from reuniting with fellow alumni and giving back to a great program. Among the important alumni events held throughout the state in 2012 were the Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception in January, followed by breakfasts at the Colusa Farm Show and World Ag Expo, several regional recruitment events, the All Class Reunion, and the Region 6 Golf Tournament. These were just during the first half of the year. This past summer and fall, we enjoyed continued success with an educational program and two fundraisers that have been outstanding alumni-hosted events for more than 20 years.
The Washington, D.C. Educational Fellowship Program (D.C. Exchange) celebrated a milestone 30 years, while the Dean Brown Golf Tournament marked 23 years and the Region 9 Golf Tournament reached 22 years. With the D.C. Exchange, I am proud that our alumni have carried on this first-rate program for three decades. This program is very enriching to alumni as well as the fellows. It is still going strong and is still in demand with federal agency representatives. Hundreds of dedicated alumni volunteered to make all of these events happen – either by helping organize or showing support in some way, whether it was for a few hours or a few days. In the coming year, we are excited about offering life-long leadership
learning seminars that will provide alumni with unique and enriching Ag Leadership-style learning experiences. These seminars may include leadership presentations or workshops, selected readings, joint seminars with current classes and other experiences. Stay tuned! As you can see, there are many opportunities for you to step up, get involved and give back to Ag Leadership. I encourage you to do these in any way you can in 2013 and beyond. Volunteer for an activity, help recruit or mentor potential candidates, share ideas with us, attend events and/or make a contribution. Your involvement is invaluable – it will not only benefit Ag Leadership, but it will benefit you.
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Step Up. Get Involved. Give Back.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni & Fellows News
CLASSES 1-9
Jim Nielsen (5) ran for State
Senate - District 4 in a special election on Nov. 6 and will be in a runoff election on Jan. 8. Jim recently received the President’s Medal of Distinction, Fresno State’s highest non-degree award.
Craig Underwood (5) re-
ceived the 2012 Award for Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship and Sustainability from the Ventura County Resource Conservation District.
John Muller (8) was re-elect-
significantly enhanced its teaching, research and service missions. He was a charter member of the Dean’s Advisory Council and has served continuously since 1998, currently as vice chair.
Mark Sorensen (23) was
Abel Maldonado (26) ran
the Award of Distinction (staff) from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This is the highest recognition presented by the college.
for the U.S. House of Representatives - District 24.
CLASSES 10-19
Devin Nunes (29) was re-
Dan Marcum (16) was elected to the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District board of trustees. CLASSES 20-29
Jim Shasky (20) and his wife,
Mary, received the 2012 Farm City Award of Excellence for their work in trees and vines and education. The Agribusiness Committee of Merced County honors outstanding leaders from various areas of agriculture who have promoted agriculture while continuing to give back to the community.
Ron Foster (23) received the
UC Davis Veterinary Medicine 2012 Distinguished Service Award. For more than 15 years, he has assisted the school – as advisor, fundraiser, benefactor, pet owner and corporate collaborator – and
re-elected to the Holtville City Council.
John Amarel (38) was elected to the Yuba City Unified School District governing board.
Mark Kimmelshue (28)
pointed in March to the Benicia Planning Commission.
David Bradshaw (37) was
elected first vice president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. Kash Gill (26) was re-elected to the Yuba City City Council.
ed to Half Moon Bay City Council. He was first elected in 2007.
Susan Cohen (16) was ap-
in the department of biology, and curator of the university’s Citrus Variety Collection.
was elected to the Durham Unified School District board of trustees.
elected to the U.S. House of Representatives - District 22. He was first elected in 2002 and this will be his sixth term in Congress.
Garry Pearson (38) received
CLASSES 40-43
Todd Snider (41) was appointed to the Kern County Farm Bureau board of directors. MULTIPLE CLASSES
Dino Giacomazzi (36) of
CLASSES 30-39
Terry Bressler (30) was ap-
pointed to the 44th District Agricultural Association, Colusa County Fair, where he has been a member since 1999.
Matthew Conant (31) was re-elected to the East Nicolaus Joint High School board of trustees. Jeff Boone (33) ran for Sutter
County Board of Supervisors - District 1.
Giacomazzi Dairy was the winner of the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award for California. The Burroughs Family – including Rosie Burroughs (30) and Benina Montes (36) – of Burroughs Family Farms were finalists for the second straight year. All were recognized at the California Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in December. The award is presented annually to private landowners who practice exemplary land stewardship and management.
Tracy Kahn (34) received the
2012 Award of Excellence from the California Citrus Research Board for exceptional service to the California citrus industry. At UC Riverside, Kahn is the principal museum scientist in the department of botany and plant sciences, lecturer
IN MEMORIAM
Bill Johnson (15)
November 6, 2012 Bill was married to his wife, Susie, for 42 years. They had two sons, Stephen and Peter, and three grandchildren. Bill was born and raised
in Ukiah. He graduated from Ukiah High School, attended Cabrillo College, and received a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from Cal Poly Pomona. Bill was a fourth generation farmer that raised pears and grapes. In 1990, he and his brother built a packinghouse to process their pears, and sold them throughout North America under the “Eagle Peak” label. He felt lucky to farm with his sons and was happy to have his family continue with the farming way of life. Bill was a Mendocino County Farm Bureau member for 44 years, a director for 30 years, and president for two years. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Russia, Germany and Poland with his Ag Leadership class. Bill served as a director for the Mendocino County Resource Conservation Board and California Pear Association for 17 years, and he belonged to the Knights of Columbus for 41 years. He loved his family very much, and will be deeply missed. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Ukiah and St. Mary’s Foundation.
CALF ANNUAL REPORT RECEIVES AWARD
Our 2010-2011 annual report received the 2012 International Davey Award for outstanding annual report. The Davey Awards are an affiliate of the International Academy of Visual Arts. Congratulations to the team at our marketing agency – TMDCreative, led by Nick Pasculli (27) – for their excellent work.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
IN YOUR LIFE?
PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS TO:
mritchie@agleaders.org
to Special Thanks Since July 1, 2011
Founders’ Leadership Circle $1,000,000 and above J.G. Boswell II Foundation Otis Booth Foundation
Legacy Leadership Circle $500,000 and above Boswell Family Foundation
Pioneer Leadership Circle $250,000 and above Susan Dulin (in memory of J.G. Boswell II)
Chairman’s Leadership Circle $100,000 and above John and Sheila Lake Taylor Farms California
Alumni Leadership Circle $50,000 and above
J.F. Maddox Foundation (in memory of J.G. Boswell II) Mission Produce, Inc. Reiter Affiliated Companies Wells Fargo
President’s Leadership Circle $25,000 and above Bank of America Merrill Lynch The Borba Families D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California TMD Creative Western Growers Association
The 1970 Leadership Circle $10,000 and above
Azzule Systems Booth Ranches Mark and Sharon Borba Capital Insurance Group C.H. Robinson Worldwide Class 39 Farm Credit Alliance: American AgCredit, Farm Credit West, CoBank Harden Foundation International Paper Company Kevin Grizzle Farms, LLC Lagomarsino Group Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci George and Kathleen Myers Olive Hill, LLC The Johannessen Trust Rabobank, N.A. Syngenta Corporation Wegis and Young
Fellows Leadership Circle $5,000 and above Bank of the West Bowles Farming Company Monsanto Company Person & Son Cattle Co. Saticoy Lemon Association Union Bank of California Foundation Tim York
Fundraising and Special Events
World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast Dean Brown Golf Tournament Region 9 Golf Tournament Region 6 Golf Tournament Colusa Farm Show Breakfast Common Threads, Fresno
>> Thank You
Donor Support July 1, 2012 – October 31, 2012: thank you $950,000 The James G. Boswell Foundation $30,000 Wells Fargo $25,000 Bank of America Boswell Family Foundation Reiter Affiliated Companies Taylor Farms
$1,000-$1,499 Craig Kleindl – RDO Equipment Ralph Myers Brian Talley $750 Robert and Lisa Cherenson
$10,000 Farm Credit Alliance: American Ag Credit, Farm Credit West, CoBank International Paper
$500-$599 James and Ellen Clare Greenleaf Farms Green Valley Farm Supply Holaday Seed Company Kaweah Pump, Inc. Martella Farming NH3 Service Company, Inc. Robert and Vicky Sheesley Mary-Ann Warmerdam (The Clorox Company Foundation)
$8,000 Rabobank, N.A.
$300 Rich Peterson
$6,000 Craton Capital GP, LLC
$200-$299 Jeff Orton Rick Vorpe
$15,000 Wells Fargo Bank
$5,000 Bank of the West The James R. Moffett Family Foundation $3,000 Ventura County Community Foundation $2,500 Milo Ferini $2,000 California Association of Winegrape Growers $1,500 Georgia-Pacific Foundation, Inc.
$100-$199 Tina Anderson Pam Colgate Bob Dempel Sue DiTomaso From Class 10 (Tim O’Neill Memorial Fund) -Lance Brown -Mike Phelan -John Crossland -Ron Caird -Bob Denney -Pete Fallini -Randy Linquist -Mike Bennett -Steve Chrisman -Bill Daniell Up to $100 David Warter
Challenge Grant Off to a Great Start Thank you to all of our supporters who have already contributed to the challenge grant from the Boswell Foundation. More than $100,000 came in in
November! Donors who contributed in November and beyond will be recognized in the next issue of Horizons. We are very pleased by this early response and enthusiasm. We hope you will consider making a contribution and helping make this fundraiser a huge success.
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Our Major Contributors
AG LEADERSHIP
This edition of Horizons is brought to you in part by a generous grant from Azzule.
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HORIZONS MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends. Phone: 831-585-1030 www.agleaders.org
cordially invite you to the
Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception Sacramento Date: January 30, 2013 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Location: The Senator Hotel lobby 1121 L Street, Sacramento