Horizons Spring 2014

horizons California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

S P R I N G 2014

ADVOCACY AND ACTION

Leading a County Farm Bureau

We grow leaders who make a difference.

FOUNDATION MESSAGE

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES:

ALLIANCE AND RELIANCE CALF leadership and alumni had the privilege of meeting with two partner university presidents in January. The themes of both meetings were similar, with a focus on CALF’s legacy relationship with the respective campuses. They were also an opportunity to discuss the memorandum of understanding that governs the relationship of CALF and the partner institutions, as well as the responsibilities of the deans of the colleges of agriculture in shaping the program curriculum.

On Jan. 8, Fresno State President Joseph Castro and Agriculture Dean Charles Boyer met with CALF chair Loren Booth, vice chair Jeff Elder, Bob Gray and Dr. Michael Thomas. Castro is a student of leadership and invited CALF to hold our fall 2014 L4 event on campus.

On Jan. 10, Cal Poly SLO President Jeffrey Armstrong and interim Agriculture Dean Andy Thulin met with Booth, Gray, Thomas, Dr. Bob Flores, Dr. Charlie Crabb, former Agriculture Dean Dave Wehner, and George Soares (4). Armstrong hopes to incorporate aspects of Ag Leadership into student courses on his campus.

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

SPRING 2014 • www.agleaders.org

Since the beginning of Ag Leadership, we have relied on the relationships with our partner universities. They bring a multicampus framework to the program and tenured faculty to the classroom. They help ensure our diversity of perspective and experience and give us access to senior and seasoned academics. In many ways, they are perhaps our most important legacy contributors. Without their commitment to this program, the founders would have been without a platform for delivery or a means for curriculum development.

Our meetings with presidents Castro and Armstrong and their deans of agriculture were to restate and reinforce this connection and mutual commitment. They continue to believe in the relevance of Ag Leadership today, and we are pleased that they will continue our alliance for years to come.

COVER STORY 4

Leading a County Farm Bureau

FEATURES 8 9

Leadership Focus: Dr. Robert Flores Alumni Spotlight: Craig Underwood (5)

DEPARTMENTS 2 2 3 7 10 12 13 14

Chair Message Calendar of Events Foundation News Program News Alumni Events Alumni & Fellows News Development Donor Recognition

Calendar MARCH

27 28 CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair/ Loren Booth Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder Secretary - Treasurer/ Pierre Tada Edwin Camp John Colbert A.G. Kawamura Ejnar Knudsen Joe MacIlvaine Rod Stark Deanna van Klaveren Mary-Ann Warmerdam Dr. Lester Young Rob Yraceburu

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ALUMNI EVENTS

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

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 Lazzerini | elazzerini@agleaders.org WRITER/EDITOR Meredith Rehrman Ritchie mritchie@agleaders.org DESIGNER TMDcreative

Common Threads ceremony, Fresno L4 Seminar with Dr. Nan Keohane, Cal Poly SLO

APRIL

3

9

14-16 15 17 24

Region 9 recruitment event, Ventura County Ag Museum Region 10 recruitment event, home of Cher and Tom Angulo Class 44 seminar, Cal Poly Pomona Region 8 recruitment event, location TBD Region 2 recruitment event, location TBD Common Threads North, UC Davis

MAY

12 15-17 16 16

Class 45 phase one application due Class 44 seminar, SLO Region 7 recruitment event, Talley Vineyards CALF board meeting, San Luis Obispo

JUNE

17-19

Core faculty retreat and Education Team meeting, Santa Barbara

JULY

7 9-10 16-17 23-24 30-31

Screening committee, Chico Screening committee, Davis Screening committee, SLO Screening committee, Fresno Screening committee, Pomona

AUGUST

20

Final selection committee, Salinas

FOUNDATION NEWS

CALF SEEKS

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION CALF HAS BEGUN A NATIONAL SEARCH FOR AN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. THE CREATION OF THIS POSITION IS A RESULT OF A STAFF TRANSITION WITH DR. CHARLIE CRABB, CALF’S PROGRAM ADVISOR.

Crabb first joined the foundation in the fall of 2007 as director of education. He eventually took on the added role of director of operations and then served as the interim CEO for nine months until the hiring of Bob Gray in September 2009. To find more balance in his life, Crabb assumed the position of program advisor, working for the foundation half time since the fall of 2010. In addition to part-time work for CALF, he has worked part-time for the provost at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for the past three years.

In January, Crabb returned to a full time position at Cal Poly, helping with administrative needs in the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences. In addition to his new position, he has agreed to continue with CALF in a further reduced capacity. He will continue to work behind the scenes on administrative, IT, recruiting, trip planning and other matters to help ensure program excellence until a replacement is found.

“Working with Ag Leadership, the Education Team and the fellows is extremely rewarding

and stimulating,” said Crabb. “I look forward to continuing my involvement for as long as possible and as long as it is mutually beneficial. My new role at Cal Poly will allow me to develop more leadership experiences and gain insights that I hope can contribute something new to Ag Leadership.”

Said President and CEO Bob Gray, “We believe this position will be a critical hire and will no doubt influence the future of the program. Looking ahead five or 10 years, many of our key educators will be nearing retirement, and we hope this person can develop into the next leader of this program, insuring a smooth and seamless transition in the future. With Dr. Crabb’s willingness to serve in a reduced capacity for an extended period of time, if necessary, we will take as long as we must to find the right person.”

The new associate director will initially take over Crabb’s responsibilities in the area of program support. He/she will work with the CALF president and CEO and the director of education to deliver the core leadership development program.

AMONG THE JOB TASKS ARE: »» Assist the director of education (DOE) in managing, delivering, and advancing CALF’s educational programs. »» Support curricula development, delivery and evaluation in partnership with the DOE, the Deans Council, and the core faculty. »» Assist the DOE in scouting national and international trips

»» Design, conduct and assess routine program evaluations. »» Work with the program coordinator to ensure that the logistics necessary to support the educational mission of CALF are in place. »» In coordination with the CEO and DOE, work with stakeholders to ensure the educational programs meet CALF’s mission, vision and purpose.

»» Ensure that the appropriate technology is in place and functioning appropriately to support the mission of CALF and the program. »» Assist the DOE in the preparation and monitoring of the budget for the educational programs. »» Remain current in the areas of adult education and leadership theory through professional development.

NEW PARTNER UNIVERSITY DEAN:

Dr. Helene Dillard

The foundation welcomes Dr. Helene Dillard as the new dean of UC Davis’ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) and as the newest member of CALF’s Deans Council. She assumed leadership of the college on Jan. 27. Two days later, she attended CALF’s Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception.

Dillard was previously the director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and associate dean and professor of plant pathology at Cornell University. She had been a member of Cornell’s faculty since 1984, when she joined the Department of Plant Pathology at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, N.Y. She was promoted to associate professor at Cornell in 1990 and to full professor in 1998. Dillard was named associate director of CCE in 2001 and promoted to director in 2002. As director, she oversaw 1,700 employees and an annual system budget of approximately $120 million.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dillard earned a bachelor’s degree (1977) from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree in soil science (1979) from UC Davis and her Ph.D. in plant pathology (1984) from UC Davis.

Dillard was appointed CA&ES dean after a monthslong search process that involved an internal (campus) advisory committee and external (industry) advisory committee. Several Ag Leadership alumni participated on the industry committee. As a former board member of LEAD New York (affiliated with Cornell), Dillard is familiar with agricultural leadership programs.

The ideal candidate is committed to adult and leadership education. In conducting the search, CALF has reached out to the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leadership, a consortium of agricultural leadership programs in the United States and other countries, and to the Association of Leadership Educators. Depending on the response, a professional recruiter may be hired to assist in this search. The position is presently located in Salinas. The successful candidate should begin no later than Sept. 1, 2014.

If you or someone you know would be well suited to this assignment, please send a cover letter and CV in confidence to Bob Gray at the Ag Leadership address.

“UC Davis has a long history of working with the Ag Leadership Program and the key agricultural and environmental stakeholders in California,” said Dillard.

“As the new dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, with a strong background in Cooperative Extension, I’m committed to working with California’s agricultural leaders to build partnerships that strengthen California’s critical agricultural industry.

I look forward to meeting with Ag Leadership members, and getting in the field with agricultural producers to determine how we can work together.”

—Meredith Ritchie

—Meredith Ritchie

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SPRING 2014 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

COVER STORY

ADVOCACY & ACTION Alumni Lead County Farm Bureaus

A TYPICAL JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A COUNTY FARM BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS RATHER EXTENSIVE: County Farm Bureau seeks highly motivated, highly organized, dynamic and dedicated leader for the position of executive director. The executive director is the main point of contact that oversees the day-to-day operations of a nonprofit, membership-driven organization.

Responsibilities include: administering a budget and finances; supervising staff; managing public relations, educational and outreach efforts to various audiences (community, government agencies, elected officials, media, students); acting as a media spokesperson; maintaining and enhancing stakeholder and community partnerships; fostering collaboration with other agricultural organizations; engaging in political action; retaining and developing members; and cultivating relationships with members, volunteers, business supporters and donors. The ideal candidate must be knowledgeable about agricultural, legislative and regulatory issues in the county, state and nation.

The executive director will report to and work directly with the board of directors. Outstanding leadership and strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.

It’s a challenging job, and one that several Ag Leadership alumni have undertaken in past years. Currently, five graduates and one fellow serve as county Farm Bureau executive directors. They include Bruce Blodgett (31), San Joaquin; Jess Brown (13), Santa Cruz; Megan Foster (44), Yuba Sutter; Diane Friend (15), Kings; Steve Pastor (27), Riverside; and Tricia Stever Blattler (34), Tulare.

Alumni who have served in the past include Tara Brocker

(28), Yolo; Jackie Crabb (36), San Luis Obispo; Michael Delbar (24), Lake; Lauren Grizzle (23), Imperial; Lex McCorvey (18), Sonoma; and Julia Berry Terzakis (32), Madera.* County Farm Bureaus are considered the grassroots core of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Some represent several hundred members, while others represent several thousand. The organizations advocate and take action on behalf of farmers, growers, ranchers and landowners, as

From left: Jess Brown, Megan Foster, Bruce Blodgett, Tricia Stever Blattler, Steve Pastor and Diane Friend. Photo: CFBF

4 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

well as people who merely want to support agriculture.

County Farm Bureaus deal with many of the same significant industry issues, but each county has its own set of challenges, projects and activities.

“Every day I interact with people from all different backgrounds, whether they are high-level government and agency officials, Farm Bureau members with questions about local topics, the media that need quotes and information, or the general public,” said Blattler. “Like any other agricultural advocacy organization, there is no shortage of local, regional, state and federal issues that command my attention. County executive directors cover a lot of ground and work on dozens of important issues on a daily basis.”

Executive directors are making a difference to “protect, pre-

serve and promote agriculture.” Per the job description, outstanding leadership skills are essential: competency, vision, effective communications, strong interpersonal skills, integrity, motivation and teamwork.

“Working with my board and committees, I always have to find opportunities for nurturing leadership and encouraging volunteers to step forward, while giving them the tools and resources to lead and be successful,” said Blattler.

While it is difficult to capture their comprehensive jobs in a few pages, our graduates and current fellow provide a brief glimpse of their roles as executive directors.

—Meredith Ritchie

*We attempted to gather names of former executive directors, and we apologize if a name was omitted.

ADVOCACY & ACTION

31

Bruce Blodgett Joaquin County FB

Bruce Blodgett (31) San San Joaquin County FB

COVER STORY

13

Jess Brown Santa Cruz County FB

Megan Foster Yuba Sutter FB

44

YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 9 (in June 2014)

YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 37

YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: A little over two and a half years.

MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: Water, land use, regulations and labor shortages.

MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: The main challenges are land use, water and adequate labor supply for farms. The challenge with Farm Bureau is really an opportunity – to find creative income sources to fund the organization.

I find that growers are the best people to work with.

MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: Our main focus over the past two years has been making sure agriculture has a seat at the table during the development of the Feather River Regional Flood Plan. Our regional plan is one of several in the Central Valley currently being drafted to fulfill the goals of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan, approved in 2012.

Our region is furthest along in the development process, meaning what’s contained in our final document will set the precedent for other regional flood plans. Knowing this, YSFB has been working diligently to represent the interests of agriculture through collaboration with local agencies while advocating against projects that would negatively impact farming.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS: In the past, it was not uncommon for the board of supervisors to ignore the needs of agriculture.

But our relationship with them has changed dramatically. Two issues help illustrate this. One was regarding the expansion of a private landfill, which would have converted prime farmland into a landfill. SJFB initiated and carried out an extensive campaign via mainstream and social media to get the message out. Ultimately, the supervisors voted to not expand the landfill. It was the first time they ever sided with agriculture and public safety interests on this issue. The second issue relates to the maintenance of the Williamson Act program. County staff proposed implementation of a program that would allow Williamson Act contracts to be reduced by 10% with a corresponding impact to our members’ property taxes. Working with the board, we were able to convince them that this money (from the tax increase) would be better spent reinvesting in agriculture.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Both of these issues required an extensive effort to coordinate the message between volunteer leaders, staff, the elected officials and their staff.

For the landfill issue, we brought in the technical expertise to help set up our media outreach campaign that made an impact. A key leadership skill is vision, to work to come up with the best position to effectively address the issues that arise.

Relationship building – to more effectively carry out our goal on these issues – is also important.

Finally, teamwork skills are essential to ensure we have the partners needed to be effective in implementing the vision.

HOW DID AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: Simply put, it makes me view things differently.

Ag Leadership gave us all the tools to succeed, but even more importantly, it taught me to seek out and view the issues from a broader and more open perspective.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS: Early in my career the Farm Bureau board of directors made a conscientious decision to have its executive director involved in the community.

During the past three decades we have been actively involved in arts, social services and philanthropy organizations. Last year, a poorly perceived measure was placed on the ballot to annex prime farmland for urban development.

Since we were involved in many facets of the community, we were able to quickly build a broad based coalition to oppose this effort. As a result, the measure was defeated by almost 75 percent.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Boards and committees are the best ways to solve problems. The most important skills an executive director can have to assist boards and committees are listening and following through.

HOW DID AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: Ag Leadership helped me broaden my view of the world and my own community. This broader perspective shaped me in becoming a better executive director.

FIVE GRADUATES AND ONE FELLOW SERVE AS COUNTY FARM BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.

LEADERSHIP LESSON: An excellent example of leadership I’ve seen at YSFB has been the time, passion and persistence dedicated by one of our younger board directors in his efforts to represent agriculture during our regional flood plan development, even though he is incredibly busy with the responsibilities and pressures of managing his farming operation. He is definitely an inspiration.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Whether you’re participating in a contentious panel discussion, speaking during an event or publicly addressing elected officials, communication skills are absolutely key to be effective at Farm Bureau. The job requires interaction with a range of groups and interests, and sometimes navigating the communication waters effectively can be a challenge.

HOW WILL AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: Our seminars that focused on conflict management strategies and public speaking have been invaluable. I often find myself reviewing my class notes or re-reading a program book when I need to participate in an important discussion. I know future seminars will build our communication skills even more and I can’t wait to learn even more.

5 SPRING 2014 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

ADVOCACY & ACTION

COVER STORY

Diane Friend Kings County FB

15

YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 1 year MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: Water and high-speed rail. It is a continual battle to convince state legislators, government and agencies that agriculture is important to California’s economy and that hard working people and communities are affected by policies, regulations and laws they make.

LEADERSHIP LESSON: A speaker told my Ag Leadership class, “Never lose the opportunity to say nothing, but always take the opportunity to make a point.” That advice has stuck with me for 28 years. Knowing when to listen and when it is important to speak up is the ultimate lesson in leadership. I find that the farmers I represent need a leader who can be their voice in critical debates or in times when the testimony could influence policy shifts. A recent statement I delivered to a water panel led to a personal invite to discuss details of the proposed state water bond with the author (a Southern California legislator). From our meeting, the “voice” of Kings County was heard and hopefully made an impact.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: In my experience, the greatest leadership skill is the ability to connect with people. I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can make the work environment better for staff, how to thank someone in the community who has helped me or how to best inspire the board I serve. Without relationships and alliances, leadership is an empty exercise of power.

HOW DID AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: As a young farmer at the time, Ag Leadership gave me permission to be myself and develop my own unique leadership skills. So many incidents, small and big, were life changing. Everyone comes to Ag Leadership with the desire and some natural ability to be a leader. For me, it was the validation that I could become a leader. It prepared me by providing a learning opportunity so that I could experiment and practice skills that I’d use throughout my career. Every time I speak in public, I remember Gene Rapp telling me to “just breath.” Still to this day, I take a deep breath and the words and thoughts just flow.

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Steve Pastor Riverside County FB

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YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 13 (includes two years as executive director of Imperial County FB) MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: Riverside County is one of the state’s fastest growing counties. To meet demand, prime farmland is still being bought by developers for future expansion. This is always a challenge.

Water issues are at the top of the list. With the drought situation, groundwater is being used at an alarming rate. Other water issues include the use of recycled water and the formation of agricultural coalitions to help farmers comply with the Clean Water Act. LEADERSHIP LESSON: Riverside County has hundreds of acres of citrus trees. A local water agency began forcing growers to use recycled water on their trees. Growers contacted RCFB for help because they feared that the recycled water was detrimental to citrus trees.

We began working with various water agencies and our board of supervisors through the county’s Water Task Force to resolve the problem. The task force hired irrigation experts from UC Davis to review the situation. Their findings confirmed the growers’ fears that recycled water, combined with the type of heavy-clay soil found in Riverside and the lack of rain, would be harmful to citrus trees in the long run. RCFB is working with the water agencies and growers to find a solution agreeable to all parties.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: A county executive director must wear several hats and work with a wide variety of individuals and groups. Some people and organizations are very much against agriculture, while others are extremely friendly to farming and ranching.

As a leader of a farming organization, one must understand where they’re coming from and learn to work with each with respect and appreciation.

HOW DID AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: Ag Leadership taught me to look at both sides of any situation. Don’t always assume you have all the answers or your position is correct. Listen and understand the problem(s) before you come to a conclusion or make a judgment call. Ag Leadership was a great experience because it taught me self-confidence, especially with public speaking.

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Tricia Stever Blattler Tulare County FB

YEARS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 7 (14 years total with CFBF) MAIN ISSUES/CHALLENGES: I think most all Farm Bureau executives encounter challenges with membership outreach and advocacy when the issues we are working on conflict with local politics or values. Water scarcity, environmental regulations, labor demands, land use decisions – they all impact farms and agribusinesses in different ways, and it is very difficult for Farm Bureau to be that ‘general’ agriculture organization that tries to be everyone’s advocate.

LEADERSHIP LESSON: Tulare County Farm Bureau was approached by walnut growers about nut theft in 2012. The theft problems were rampant in nuts because they are shaken and may lie in the orchards for a day or more until they are swept up by machinery. With a largely unregulated cash buying market, it was hard for law enforcement to disrupt the thieves.

We brought together our county’s agriculture commissioner, district attorney’s office, law enforcement and growers to address the problem and discuss solutions. As a result, we were able to revise our local ordinances to assist law enforcement in deterring nut theft.

IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Becoming an effective listener, and really listening and watching body language and nonverbal communication is so important in my job. Using interpersonal skills to open dialogue, develop constructive conversations, and move issues and projects forward is critical to my success. Conflict resolution, communication and negotiation skills are equally important in my work.

HOW DID AG LEADERSHIP BENEFIT/ PREPARE YOU FOR THIS POSITION: Ag Leadership was one of those life changing experiences and a journey that has not ended for me. I was only 26 when I was accepted into Class 34. As a younger member of that class I benefited greatly from the exposure to my classmates and their life experiences both personally and professionally. Conflict resolution, international exposure to societal issues, and personal enrichment were all competency areas where I grew significantly. That, along with an amazing network of alumni, has made my experience priceless to me.

COMMENCEMENT

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS 43 CLASS 43 FELLOWS CELEBRATED A SIGNIFICANT AND REWARDING ACCOMPLISHMENT ON JAN. 15, when they graduated from the Ag Leadership Program in the presence of family, friends, alumni and other guests. The ceremony included thoughtful speeches and reflections from fellows and CALF staff, as well as a video presentation about the fellows’ journey.

Prior to the commencement ceremony, special guest speaker Hilda Solis spoke to the audience about finding common ground. Solis is the former secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor and now a scholar-in-residence at Cal Poly Pomona.

The 24 fellows first came together in October 2012 at Fresno State for their inaugural, everything-youneed-to-know-about-Ag Leadership seminar. It may have been overwhelming, but the fellows were excited and ready to learn.

Class 43 was the first class to have the shorter, 16-month program schedule. In less than a year and a half, they were exposed to unique and enlightening educational experiences and travel opportunities that some might not experience in a lifetime – or ever. Whether from a university seminar, a congressman’s office, a women’s shelter, their class project, San Quentin, Chesapeake Bay or Brazil…the leadership lessons they learned will stay with them for years to come. Furthermore, they gained lifelong friends who will share the memories.

All of the fellows should be enormously proud for the hard work and commitment they put forth for the program. These leaders will continue to learn and grow and embark on meaningful leadership paths. CALF is excited about the many ways they will rise to action and make a difference.

CLASS 43 FELLOWS Vance Ahlem Manpreet Bains Anthony Bozzano Carson Britz Danielle Burk Sona Chilingaryan Jensen Devaurs Bailey DiIoia Danielle Dupree Leon Etchepare Stephanie Etcheverria Eric Genzoli Tricia Geringer Heidi Harris Susan Josue Scott Klittich Anthony Laney Shannon Leigh Bill Lewis Jim McGarry Helen McGrath Paul Sousa William “B” VanBeek Chris White

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMMENCEMENT.

7 SPRING 2014 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

LEADERSHIP FOCUS

Commentary:

COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP

By Dr. Robert Flores

Effective communication is an essential skill that is inextricably tied to leadership. Indeed, being a highly effective communicator is a skill that great leaders possess.

Leaders should be clear, concise, genuine and credible. As Dr. Sara Daubert wrote, “It is important to be able to articulate your mission, vision and goals. Strong communicators understand the best way to get their message across to all stakeholders inside and outside an organization.”

The California Agricultural Leadership Program ensures that the fellows get ample opportunities to practice and hone their communication and presentation skills. Although elements of public speaking and the development of communication skills are embedded within all seminars of the program, the seminars held at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo remain focused on developing and perfecting communication skills.

The fear of public speaking is an age-old emotion.

The thought of speaking before a group typically creates more anxiety than other fears, such as death and fear of the dark. Yes – the fear of public speaking is mentioned more often as a major phobia than the fear of dying! The sentiments of many fellows are best expressed in a comment by one of the fellows: “I was nervous about this seminar because of the public speaking aspect.

However, it was great to step out of my comfort zone and practice public speaking in this setting.”

The seminars are not meant to strike fear and terror into the minds of the fellows, but the fellows

8 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

certainly are taken out of their comfort zones.

Since the first seminar in San Luis Obispo follows the inaugural seminar, it is quite apparent that the fellows are uneasy about presenting themselves in front of 23 peers they do not really know. Practicing in close quarters with a group of strangers doesn’t do much for establishing a comfortable environment. Hence, the objective is to try and take the fear out of the uncomfortable environment. Ultimately, the fellows may not be in a comfort zone, but it will be a safe environment for practice. It is the intention of every core faculty member to provide for challenging seminars and safe places for fellows to learn and practice.

The first seminar in San Luis Obispo challenges the fellows by requiring them to present in front of their peers multiple times. Each challenge builds upon another. A major part of the seminar is devoted to helping the fellows to get to know each other and getting to know self. The real learning begins once they realize that the program truly provides for a safe environment. The fellows start to understand that the internal work must begin in the form of self-reflection and selfassessment.

The presentations that occur at the first seminar include: • Sharing personal stories • Practicing an introduction of a speaker • Giving a 5-minute informational speech • Interviewing with the news media Although personal coaching has been incorporated as a major component of the Ag Leadership Program, coaching is not a new concept. Speech coaches have been a part of the program for decades. The speech coaches are professionals who work with fellows in further refining their presentations, as well as providing valuable pointers during critique sessions. The half-day sessions that are focused on honing public speaking skills are worthwhile. Even though fellows may not regularly deliver a speech in public, the self-confidence and self-esteem that might be considered by-products of such practice are worth their weight in gold.

The fellows receive more practice in communicating in public at both seminars in San Luis Obispo. The second seminar provides them with an opportunity to deliver a persuasive speech. As is the case with the informational speeches at the first seminar, the speech coaches work with the fellows in small groups.

Communication is not limited to public speaking. Other important areas of communication include: • Developing listening skills • Learning how to assert yourself • Using a microphone properly • Team building • Writing for the print media • Teaching a lesson via storytelling Even though many fellows refer to San Luis Obispo seminars as the “communication seminars,” the integration of speaking opportunities into every campus seminar affords fellows multiple practice sessions of presenting in public.

Fellows refine their speaking and communication skills throughout the program journey. The sessions in San Luis Obispo are meant to force reflection on seeing yourself as others see you.

Clear and effective oral and written communication skills are essential to successful leadership.

Perfecting your presentation skills is also important, but having the confidence to stand before peers, colleagues, and the general public to share your expertise is invaluable.

Dr. Flores is one of CALF’s four core faculty members, representing Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

CONTINUING A RICH AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE Nestled in a rural valley 45 miles northwest of Hollywood/Los Angeles is Underwood Family Farms. More than 300,000 people – locals, schoolchildren, tourists, celebrities – flock to this 150-acre farm in Moorpark annually for not only the fresh fruits and vegetables, but for the educational, family-oriented farm experience.

Craig Underwood (5), owner of Underwood Family Farms and Underwood Ranches, gets great fulfillment from connecting his farm with the non-ag public. “Our goal is to educate and entertain the public and encourage a healthy lifestyle by bringing them to the farm,” he said.

Underwood is a fourth generation Ventura County farmer; his family has lived and farmed in the area since 1867. For the past 46 years, he has carried on the family tradition and created his own legacy as a leader in agriculture and in the community.

Underwood started farming with his dad in 1968. In 1980, during a particularly challenging time in the produce industry, they decided to open a roadside produce stand in Somis. It was the foundation for Underwood Family Farms.

In 1994, they opened the Moorpark location. It has a farm market, u-pick, educational school tours, summer farm camps and an animal center.

For the past 16 years, huge crowds have attended the month-long Fall Harvest Festival, featuring family activities and live entertainment.

Underwood Family Farms also sells produce at 16 farmers markets in Ventura and Los Angeles counties and participates in Community Supported Agriculture.

Inset photo: Griffin Hammond

“Underwood Family Farms has evolved in response to public interest,” said Underwood. “I never envisioned that the farm itself would become such a major attraction.”

The family’s other business is Underwood Ranches, which grows about 2,500 acres of citrus, avocados, blueberries and vegetables (specialty and baby). The star crop is jalapeños.

Since 1988, Underwood has been the sole supplier of red jalapeños for Huy Fong Foods, the company that produces the popular Sriracha sauce (the red sauce with a green cap and rooster on the bottle). In 2013, they grew 48,000 tons of peppers on 1,700 acres in Kern and Ventura counties.

The strong and loyal 25-year relationship with Huy Fong Foods is another aspect of business that Underwood finds fulfilling. “It is highly unusual to have the level of trust and support between processor and farmer,” he said. “Our affiliation has resulted in benefits for both of us. We have developed efficiencies in growing and harvesting that have produced inexpensive and good quality peppers for Huy Fong.”

most were reluctant to be interviewed,” he said.

Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship and Sustainability.

One of the topics he has been interviewed about is labor. “Labor is at the top of the list for challenging issues.

I don’t see the replacement pool for the aging farm population. Laborintensive crops will need a massive investment in mechanical harvesting.

We need engineers and tech people working on the problem. Immigration reform alone won’t solve the problem. Mexico is urbanizing and young people growing up off the farm are not equipped to work on the farm.”

Through all of his endeavors, he has witnessed many leadership efforts.

“Our group of local farmers stopped Kaiser Aetna from developing 10,000 acres of the Las Posas Valley in the early 1970s. Ten years ago, Somis residents stopped Cal Trans from building a disproportionate intersection that would’ve led to a four-lane highway through the valley. Recently, a group stopped Edison from building a wasteful $50,000,000 project in our Tierra Rejada Valley.

Underwood deals with many other ag problems, threats and risks, but his love for farming outweighs the challenges. “I love the farm community and the outdoor life. It’s very satisfying to produce a good crop.”

His passion is also evident in what he does off the farm – contributing to and volunteering for many local organizations.

Thanks to the two local farms, the Sriracha sauce and his willingness to talk to media, Underwood is in the news frequently. An articulate spokesman for agriculture, he has been interviewed by local and national media outlets. He also appeared in “Sriracha,” a documentary about the iconic sauce. Media outreach (mainstream and social) is another way for him to connect the non-ag public with farming.

He is president of Zone Mutual Water Company, vice president of Ventura Pacific Lemon Cooperative, vice president of the Somis Municipal Advisory Council, and a member of the Ventura County Fair Foundation and Ventura County Ag Irrigated Lands Group steering committee. He has served on the boards for Mesa Elementary School, Ventura County Fair, Farm Credit, Ventura County Farm Bureau, Ventura County Agricultural Association, Ventura County Ag Advisory Committee and Las Posas Citizens Committee.

“I started talking to the press early in my farm life because I thought they needed to hear from farmers, and

In 2012, the Ventura County Resource Conservation District honored Underwood with the Award for

“The odds in all cases seemed long, but people believed and fought back,” he said. “In farming, perseverance is sometimes the most important quality.”

Indeed, it’s one of many qualities that have made the Underwoods successful family farmers for nearly 150 years.

—Meredith Ritchie AG LEADERSHIP “My Ag Leadership experience was deeply enriching. It is an association I will always value.

My advice to fellows and alumni is to stay involved in Ag Leadership. Graduates should take advantage of that experience to make a difference in their community. It will help their career and make them proud.”

LEADERSHIP SKILLS “So many leadership skills are important, but communication is my favorite. It takes a lot of effort to keep everyone informed about what is going on, but it builds confidence.”

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DRAW LARGE CROWDS January and February were jam-packed with popular alumni events.

AGRICULTURAL AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS RECEPTION

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COLUSA FARM SHOW BREAKFAST

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The year kicked off with the 11th annual Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception in Sacramento on Jan. 29. It was a wonderful evening, with a large crowd of alumni and fellows, as well as friends from the agricultural industry, government and education. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, a CALF Honorary Fellow, spoke to the attendees for several minutes about agricultural issues and about the importance and impact of Ag Leadership. Numerous businesses and organizations donated colorful nursery items and loads of food products and fresh produce for a beautiful commodity display. After the reception, 863 pounds were donated to the River City Food Bank.

The 12th annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 5 broke an attendance record with nearly 500 guests.

Washington, D.C., attorney Monte Lake addressed the audience on the topic “Immigration Reform and Agriculture: Prospects for New Farm Worker Programs in 2014.” The fundraiser, co-hosted by alumni of Ag Leadership, Chico State’s College of Agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho, has raised nearly $200,000 to support Ag Leadership and Chico State College of Agriculture.

EVENT VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AGRICULTURAL AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS RECEPTION

WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI RECEPTION

Jan. 29 – Sacramento

Feb. 12 – Visalia

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Dennis Albiani (32) Mike Campbell (3) Noelle Cremers (35) Sue DiTomaso (32) Missy Gable (40) Mica Heilmann (40) Emily Lazzerini Ron Macedo (32) Garry Pearson (38) Deanna Van Klaveren (32)

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WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI RECEPTION

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This year marked the momentous 20th anniversary of the highly successful World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast, which continues to be a sold-out affair with more than 600 attendees. Keynote speaker Ramon Resa, M.D., a Central Valley native, shared his moving story about his journey from a poor child farmworker to successful pediatrician and the countless struggles he overcame along the way. Resa’s powerful message of determination and resilience in the face of overwhelming obstacles was inspirational. The event raised $87,000 for Ag Leadership, bringing the total raised over the past 20 years to more than $1 million. Thank you to major sponsors Zenith Insurance and State Compensation Insurance Fund.

The evening before the breakfast, alumni hosted the World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Reception at the Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia. The reception was for alumni and industry friends to network and to give thanks to the major sponsors of the breakfast.

—Meredith Ritchie

WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI BREAKFAST

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Feb. 13 – Tulare

Manpreet Bains (43) Darlene Din (35) Megan Foster (44) Ashley Gill (42) Gail Gray (22) Heidi Harris (43) Jessica Light (44) Brandon Souza (44) Luke Wilson (44)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

COLUSA FARM SHOW BREAKFAST Feb. 5 – Colusa

WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI BREAKFAST

Julie Allen (27) Soapy Mulholland (25) Fred Lagomarsino (19) Gus Collin (3)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Les Heringer (13) – committee chair Karm Bains (40) Lewis Bair (33) Ashley Bocast Terry Bressler (30) Christie Capik Bill Carriere (27) Colleen Cecil Charlie Crabb Jack Coots (27) Holly Dawley (38) Sarah DeForest (39) Jennifer Ryder Fox Mark Kimmelshue (28) Emily Lazzerini Tom Martin Sam Nevis (32) Justin Nunes Ryan Schohr (33)

Doug Phillips (40) – committee chair Julie Allen (27) Randy Asadoor (40) Russ Bassett (16) Hugh Bello (31) Fred Berry (20) Tricia Stever Blattler (34) Jeff Boldt (40) Steve Chrisman (10) Gus Collin (3) Mandy Critchley (37) Cliff Dunbar – Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. Adin Hester (3) Nomie Kautz (30) Beth Knudsen (37) Lynn Knudson (20) Fred Lagomarsino (19) Bill Lewis (43) Richard Moss (20) Soapy Mulholland (25) Tom Mulholland (18) Cindy Myers (22) James Neeley (26) Richard Nunes (37) Steve Rothenberg (30) Todd Snider (41) Jim Sullins (19) Ray Van Beek (37) Volunteers for winter/spring recruitment events will be recognized in the spring/summer issue.

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ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS CLASSES 1-9

Jeff Thomson (3) was featured on the cover of Bakersfield Life magazine, posing in full hunting gear with his dog, Zinfandel. In an article titled “Men and the Great Outdoors,” Thomson spoke about being an avid duck hunter and his longtime membership in a local duck hunting club.

Jim Nielsen (5) was named

Legislator of the Year by the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs for his efforts on behalf of career technical education.

Nielsen was also inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in November 2013, as a member of the track and field team that won the 1964 NCAA championship.

CLASSES 10-19 Kelly Olds (10) was named chief executive officer of the San Joaquin County Fair in January. He was hired to help restore, rebrand and revitalize the struggling fair. Olds has an extensive management background in agribusiness, produce and food processing companies.

CLASSES 20-29

Jeff Merwin (20) was elected president of the Yolo County Farm Bureau for 2014. A fourth generation farmer, he previously served as first vice president in 2012-2013 and second vice president in 2011. He has been a Farm Bureau director since 1992.

Ben Carter (24) joined the

board of directors of the Center for Land Based Learning. He also is a founding member and president of the Colusa County Fair Foundation.

Chris Darway (25) was

appointed to the 16th District Agricultural Association, California Mid-State Fair board of directors. He has served on the board since 2005.

CLASSES 30-39

Mary Kimball (32) was one of 20

recipients of the U.S. Department of Interior’s 2013 Partners in Conservation Award. She accepted

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the award in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Center for Land-Based Learning, for which she is the executive director.

The award recognizes publicprivate partnerships that have achieved exemplary conservation results through cooperation and community engagement.

Tyler Christensen (32) was

named 2014 Member of the Year for the Tehama County Farm Bureau. He has been a member of the local Farm Bureau board of directors for 13 years.

Ryan Schohr (33) is running

for state Assembly district 3 (northern and eastern Sacramento Valley) in 2014. Schohr is a sixth generation farmer whose family has been farming in Butte County for more than 150 years. www. ryanschohr.com.

Greg Wegis (39) served as a

panel speaker for the USDA 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum, held Feb. 20-21 in Arlington, Va. The panel discussion was titled “Future of Agriculture: Young Farmers– Unlimited Opportunities.”

Lisa Bodrogi (39) was named president-elect for California Women for Agriculture.

CLASSES 40-43

Bailey DiIoia (43) has joined

Index Fresh Inc. in a field staff position, where he’ll be working with Ventura County growers.

Index Fresh distributes avocados from California, Mexico, Chile and Peru under the AvoTerra brand.

MULTIPLE CLASSES The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau elected its 2013-15 executive board in December 2013, including Carlos Castañeda (36) as president and Dan Sutton (40) as vice president. They will serve a twoyear term. Tom Ikeda (26) serves as a district director on the board.

ALUMNI AND STAFF

Rachelle Antinetti (42) and

CALF Director of Education Dr. Michael Thomas represented Ag Leadership for a half-hour live (in

studio) interview on PowerTalk’s Ag Life Weekend radio show on Feb.1.

IN MEMORIAM

James Newton Powell (2)

Jim Powell passed away on Jan. 3 at the age of 74. As a child, he worked with his father on the Limoneira Ranch in the Santa Paula area. Jim was a farmer his entire life. After he graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in citrus production, he spent a good part of his working years on S & J Ranch in Madera County. In 1980, he started his own farm management enterprise, El Oso Farming Company. In his community, Jim served in leadership roles with Madera County Farm Bureau, Madera Sunrise Rotary, Madera-Joppa Masonic Lodge, Madera Eastern Star and Camarena Health Center.

He was active with his children in Boys Scouts of America, Indian Guides, soccer and Rotary’s Interact program. Jim loved sailing and traveling. With Ag Leadership he visited Russia, Israel, Iran, Central America and other countries. Jim and his wife, Janet, traveled to many historical spots in the United States, to Costa Rica to deliver wheel chairs to people in depressed areas, and to the British Virgin Islands for a sailing trip. Jim is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter, five grandchildren, and a brother.

Lionel Joseph Brazil (10)

Lionel Joseph Brazil passed away on Jan. 2 at Mercy Medical Center in Merced. Lionel was a native and lifelong resident of Gustine.

He was a real estate developer for 20 years and a dairyman for many years. Lionel graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Gustine High School. While in high school, he belonged to FFA and 4-H. Lionel was an executive member of the California Milk Advisory Board and a member of the Gustine Gun Club and the Real Estate Association. He enjoyed traveling, duck and deer hunting and deep-sea fishing.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter, two brothers and a sister, and eight grandchildren.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN YOUR LIFE?

PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS TO:

mritchie@agleaders.org

DEVELOPMENT

CALF CHALLENGE GRANT

LOREN BOOTH ISSUES $1 MILLION CHALLENGE GRANT In January, the foundation received a $1 million challenge grant from board chair Loren Booth to help grow the foundation’s endowment and to support operations. The grant will provide a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1 million for all new gifts donated.

CALF is currently in the middle of a major endowment fundraising campaign, which began in late 2012.

“I have said many times that I cannot possibly give back to Ag Leadership what it has given to me,” said Booth, chair of the CALF board since July 2009 and a Class 27 alumna. “With this grant, I hope to inspire others to join me on Ag Leadership’s journey toward financial independence, so that we can perpetuate this one-of-a-kind program for generations to come.”

To encourage broad participation, the match will be valid until met – by new pledges or increased gifts from current donors – so that people can manage their philanthropy over a period of time and not against a deadline. Booth said she encourages anyone who is considering a gift to act now and double the donation while the matching grant is in place.

“Loren is one of our most passionate supporters and we are enormously grateful for her longtime commitment and breathtaking generosity,” said Bob Gray, CALF president and chief executive officer. “Her gift will effectively help us raise $2 million new dollars, which will have a tremendous impact on our endowment and operations and will be instrumental in sustaining Ag Leadership.”

DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS SEE PROGRESS The number of donors contributing to the foundation is on the rise, and that momentum can be directly linked to the efforts of CALF’s regional development officers.

During the past six months, the five alumni officers have been hitting the road, making calls and meeting with alumni and industry friends as part of their outreach goals. Their promotional and fundraising efforts

were further energized when CALF chair Loren Booth announced the challenge grant in January.

“The breadth of support is definitely increasing and I attribute it to the personal outreach of the officers,” said Bob Gray.

“The alumni contact is very powerful. They have a special connection to and strong feelings for the Ag Leadership Program – and it comes

across in their outreach efforts. We have good momentum right now.”

The participation rate among alumni went up by a significant amount (27%) in 2013 compared to 2012. Currently, CALF has about a 28% alumni participation rate, but the goal is to achieve as much as 35% alumni participation.

The regional development officers typically

devote one day per week (or one week total per month) to their duties. In addition to the outreach, they engage in periodic conference calls to provide updates and feedback.

“One of the uplifting aspects of our job is talking with alumni and hearing their stories.

People are excited to share and give back to the organization,” said Lauren Grizzle.

IF YOU OR YOUR CLASS IS INTERESTED IN ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWMENT OR CONTRIBUTING TO AG LEADERSHIP, CONTACT ONE OF CALF’S REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS.

Northern Region: John Weiler (22), jweiler@agleaders.org

Central/San Joaquin Valley: Gail Gray (22), ggray@agleaders.org

Coastal Region: Darlene Din (35), ddin@agleaders.org

Southern Region: Lauren Grizzle (23), lgrizzle@agleaders.org

Tim Vaux (31), tvaux@agleaders.org

CLASS 23 CREATES ENDOWMENT FUND Class 23 recently established an endowment fund, becoming the fifth class to establish a fund to support Ag Leadership. Other classes with funds are 12, 17, 30 and 33.

CALF Development Officer Lauren Grizzle (23) said that class members were motivated to create the endowment fund when they realized that the minimum contribution amount of $10,000 was attainable.

“There were six or seven lead gifts, a combination of cash and pledges, to get it rolling,” said Grizzle.

“Additional class members have indicated that they will also contribute. With this endowment fund, Class 23 will forever be commemorated. It is a wonderful way for us to acknowledge our experiences in Ag Leadership and give back financially to the foundation.”

—Meredith Ritchie

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THANK YOU

DONOR SUPPORT Prior-year Pledge Payments Received Boswell Family Foundation: $25,000 Charlie Mathews: $2,000 Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci: $1,500

John and Edyth Ledbetter Peggy Perry Vina Quest (Dan Rodrigues) Christopher Woolf

$25,000 Thomas Mulholland (Mulholland Citrus)

$1,000-$1,499 Agland Engineering, Inc. (Steve Hackett) James Ahlem Dairy ( James and Carol Ahlem) Anonymous Beardsley & Son, Inc. (Tom Beardsley) Hugh and Debbie Bello Bengard Ranch Jeff and April Bitter Art Bliss Franklin Otis Booth III Ben and Denise Carter Christensen & Giannini Darrell and Norma Cordova Costa Family Farms (David and Kerri Costa) Rick and Lynne Cosyns Doug and Alison DeGroff John and Antoinette Draxler Tom Dungan Farming Co. Jeff and Mori Elder Roberta Firoved Edwin Fisher Fresh Innovations, LLC (Vic Smith) Fresno Equipment Co. (Marsha Vucovich) John and Jane Gibson Bob Graham Jim Hansen George and Janice Higashi Ikeda Bros. (Tom Ikeda) J.D. Heiskell & Co., Inc. (Scot Hillman) Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP (George Soares) Charles Kosmont Stan Lester (Lester Farms) Catarino Martinez (Val-Mar Farming, Inc.) Soapy Mulholland Jon Munger Nelson Irrigation Corporation Donald Norene

$15,000-$15,500 Class 43 The Norton Foundation $10,000 Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West John and Betsy Grether Kevin and Kim Grizzle International Paper Ladera Foundation (George Myers) Lagomarsino Group (Fred Lagomarsino) $8,500 AGR Partners (Ejnar Knudsen) $5,000 Margaret Duflock Hidden Villa Ranch (Mike Sencer) Beth and Andrew Pandol Craig and Kris Pedersen $3,000 John Colbert The McClarty Family Foundation Richard Pidduck $2,500 The Philip E. and Jamie N. Bowles Fund Rose Marie Burroughs Gary and Diana Cusumano Benina Montes Rolling Ridge Ranch Rod and Carol Stark

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$2,000 Jeana and Larry Hultquist King and Gardiner Farms (Keith Gardiner and Holly King)

$1,500 Sarbjit Bohl

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2014

December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014

Oji Bros. Farms, Inc. Peter Peterson Sherm Railsback Kevin Riddle (Riddle Farms) Leland Ruiz Frank and Alice Saviez Richard and Claudia Smith Brian Talley Rosemary Talley The Craig Underwood Family Trust (Craig Underwood) John Weiler $750 Beth Knudsen Mark McKean/Mark McKean Farms Ed McLaughlin/EMAC Farms $500 Bill and Chris Adams Art Barrientos Barry and Kim Bedwell Caroline Berry Rick Burnes Lori Cardoza Tom and Katie Chandler Bill Coit Richard Collins Noelle Cremers Double E Farms (Russell Efird) Duda Farm Fresh Foods (Sammy Duda) Mike and Jeanette Fitch Mark Gilles John Giovannetti Bruce Hall Todd Hansen Stephen and Donna Heringer Julia Inestroza Mark Jacobs Leo and Mary Ellen Marihart Leo McGuire Steve and Kim McIntyre Kent and Kathryn McKenzie McKenzie Farms, Inc. Steve Murray (Murray Family Farms, Inc.) Tony Oliveira Ben and Kappy Olson Mona and Pete Pankey Jean Phillimore

Pucheu Bros. ( John Pucheu) Charles Sherrill Elisabeth Silva 6th Generation Farming (Ryan Schohr and Tracy Schohr) Barbara Smith The Growers Company, Inc. (Sonny Rodriguez) Dana Thomas Raymond and Deborah Tonella Ulash Turkhan Raymond and Katie Van Beek Scott and Susan Van Der Kar David Warter Ellen and Mike Way $400 Victor Yamamoto $300-$399 Joey Fernandes Rob Goodwin Janis Jones Michael Maciel Meredith Rehrman Ritchie Audrey and Lance Tennis $250 Dick and Nina Carriere Carlos Castaneda Michele Clark Ned Coe Steve and Kelly Danna Scott Deardorff Jerry DiBuduo Nat and Marilyn DiBuduo Merlin Fagan Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli Joseph Ferrara Bryan Foley/Toro Micro Irrigation Freeman Farms (Loren Freeman) Frieda’s Finest (Karen Caplan) John and Mary Ann Frye Ashley Gill George Gough Grimmway Farms ( Jeff Meger) Debbie Hurley Nomie Kautz Keithly-Williams Seeds, Inc. Edward and Tisha Kurtz

Craig McNamara Dina Moore James Neeley New Hope Dairy, LLC (Arlan Van Leeuwen) Oro Del Norte LLC ( John Orr) Steve and Mary Pastor Garrett Patricio Doug and Ann Phillips Jeff and Gina Rasmussen Todd Rehrman Don Roberts Karen and Barry Ross San Miguel Produce, Inc. (Roy Nishimori) John Schaap Squires Ag Consulting, Inc. (Paul Squires) Storm Ranch (Terrell Storm) Joe Turkovich Woody Yerxa $200 William Bennett Kiran Black Doug Dickson Susan Diefenderfer Patricia Johannessen Lynnel and Herb Pollock Alan and Patricia Reynolds Michael Sarabian Jerry and Ann Spencer Ann Thrupp $125-$199 Nina and David Ames Lisa Bodrogi Sue DiTomaso Ali Elhassan Fred and Susan Ferro Gary Kaprielian Paul and Jill Martin Sam Nevis Cliff Sadoian Paul Violett Stuart Yamamoto $100 Erin Andersen David Arakelian Emily and Tony Ayala Arnold and Terry Barcellos Paul and Sheryl Betancourt Bruce Blodgett Ralph De Leon

THANK YOU

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS Linda Etcheverria Don Gordon Jared Gross Erin Hamm Josh and Jana Huntsinger Ralph Lucchetti Stacy Miller Mitch Millwee Rob Moser Kevin and Bea Olsen Tim Panziera Robert Kasavan Marketing William Scott David and Charmaine Silva Julie Spezia Eta Takele Melissa Varcak

July 1, 2011- January 30, 2014 FOUNDERS’ LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $1,000,000 and above

James G. Boswell Foundation Otis Booth Foundation

LEGACY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $500,000 and above

Boswell Family Foundation

PIONEER LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California Darlene Din Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West Foster Farms Harden Foundation Lagomarsino Group George and Kathleen Myers The Norton Foundation Syngenta Corporation TMD Creative

$250,000 and above

THE 1970 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Up to $100 Lynn Martindale Peggy McNutt Nick Pasculli Leo and Barbara Lynch

Susan Dulin (in memory of J.G. Boswell II) Justina Borba

$10,000 and above

In Memory of Dean and Katherine Brown Mark and Peggy Borba: $5,000

$100,000 and above

In Memory of Kathy Brown Peter Scaroni: $100 Sally Scaroni: $100 Suzanne Scaroni: $100 In Memory of Tom McGrath (4) Roz McGrath: $500 In Memory of Jim Powell (2) Adin Hester: $100 Dempel Farming Company: $40 In-Kind Darlene Din: $15,150 TMD Creative: $1,800 Lodi Winegrape Commission (Camron King): $591 Robin Flournoy: $549.19 Lisa Bodrogi: $200 Alumni Fundraising Events Region 9 Golf Tournament: $45,000 Dean Brown Golf Tournament (Dean Brown Leadership Foundation): $35,000

CHAIRMAN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE John and Betsy Grether John and Sheila Lake Taylor Farms California Wells Fargo

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $50,000 and above

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. Growers Express J.F. Maddox Foundation (in memory of J.G. Boswell II) Mission Produce, Inc. Mulholland Citrus Reiter Affiliated Companies Western Growers Association

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $25,000 and above

Azzule Systems The Borba Families – Mark and Sharon Borba Bowles Farming Company / Philip E. and Jamie N. Bowles Capital Insurance Group C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Booth Ranches Rose Marie Burroughs Charles Buchinger Memorial Endowment Fund Class 39 Class 43 Denise Godfrey Family / Olive Hill, LLC Melissa Duflock E. & J. Gallo Winery Jim and Betsy Hansen Hayashi & Wayland International Paper Company The Johannessen Trust Kevin Grizzle Farms, LLC The Klassen Corporation Charlie and Sheila Mathews Monsanto Company Benina Montes Paul and Yvonne Murai Vernon and Carol Peterson / Abundant Harvest Organics Richard Pidduck R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises Rabobank, N.A. Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci Sally Hughes Church Foundation Saticoy Lemon Association Wegis and Young / Mike Young, Rick Wegis, Greg Wegis Tim York

FELLOWS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $5,000 and above

AGR Partners Bank of the West

Blue Diamond Growers Magaret Duflock Craton Capital Gary Cusumano Errotabere Ranches Finch Farms Gail Gray Greenleaf Farms, Inc. Hidden Villa Ranch The James R. Moffett Family Foundation Bradford and Randall Lange / LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards Limoneira Fund at VCCF McClarty Family Foundation Mann Packing Company David and Melissa Martella Tom and Brianne McGrath Craig Pedersen Person & Son Cattle Co. Peter Peterson Prudential Ag Investments Rain for Rent Meredith Rehrman Ritchie Rolling Ridge Ranch Janette Smith Rod and Carol Stark Supima Cotton Union Bank of California Foundation Ventura County Community Foundation

FUNDRAISING AND SPECIAL EVENTS World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast

>>Major sponsors ($15,000 and above): Zenith Insurance Company/ Zenith Ag and State Compensation Insurance Fund Dean Brown Golf Tournament

>>Special thanks to Hampton Farming Company Region 9 Golf Tournament

>>Major sponsors: Calavo Growers and Paramount Citrus Colusa Farm Show Breakfast Common Threads, Fresno

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