Foundation News

Serendipity: Lessons Learned in the Age of COVID-19

BY THE CALF EDUCATION TEAM

As we reflect on 2020 , the emergent theme was “serendipity.” Serendipity is defined as, “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” None of us could have predicted how the program would be impacted, how Class 50 fellows would respond, or how we would all learn some unintended positive lessons through the unique experience, resulting from COVID-19.

Although virtual sessions don’t have the same impact as in-person sessions, informational seminars can be quite effective to supplement experiential learning, especially when the directions are clear and the sessions are well-structured. It is remarkable how much can be accomplished virtually, especially after we’ve all gotten more used to it. Because of the deep relationships already developed in Class 50, we have been able to translate the connection to the virtual format at least to some extent. Also, “virtuality” (if that’s a word) opens up a wide world of resources to us that might not otherwise be available. Speakers from all over could be included in our sessions and time constraints for travel are not a factor.

Class 50 members have been remarkably resilient for putting up with the sudden shift and the disappointment about losing some of their opportunities and certainties. It shows that our selection process is a good one and it identifies people who are completely committed to their own personal development, at any cost. That type of loyalty is very heartwarming to see. The fellows of Class 50 have had ample opportunity to engage in critical thinking and dialogues about complex social issues, leadership challenges and the role of leaders in driving the change they wish to see in the world.

As we move forward with Class 50, we continue to offer a series of monthly mini-seminars on topics that reinforce learning objectives in the existing curriculum and we look forward to resuming in-person experiences once it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, the CALF Education Team continues to look for innovative approaches to enhance and support the curriculum, including additional expert speakers, multimedia resources and blended learning tools to support connectivity over time.

ROB GOFF JOINS CALF BOARD

Rob Goff (45) manages the farming operations on approximately 21,000 acres of almonds, pistachios and pomegranates, the harvest of 30,000 acres of pistachios and the research and development department for Wonderful Orchards. His academic background and early career were focused in forestry and natural resources management, however, for the past 13 plus years, he has enjoyed a career in the Kern County ag industry.

A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and natural resources management. He stays involved with multiple industry and community related boards and committees. He is a certified arborist/utility specialist, pest control advisor, qualified applicator and certified crop advisor. Rob and his wife, Joyel, enjoy spending time with their children, Katie, 18, and Thomas, 15. They like to visit Central Coast beaches, backpack the Sierra Nevada Mountains and visit family in upstate New York.

Winter 2021 Horizons Correction

In the winter 2021 issue of Horizons, photos of Adin Hester (3) and Don Nelson (4) were mistakenly switched on a special tribute page. We are very sorry for this mistake. Our intention in creating this memorial page was to honor our alumni. We have updated the digital copy, which is now available online at AgLeaders.org. We have also distributed new corrected copies to classes 3 and 4. We know that remembrances are important, especially at an organization where relationships and personal connections are such an integral part of what makes the program special. Please accept our sincerest apologies for this mistake. Adin Hester (3)

DON NELSON (4)

Following are some foundation and program highlights from 2006. • The Agricultural and Government Leaders Spring Reception was held at Sofia Restaurant in Sacramento.

• Class 35 commencement was held at Cal Poly Pomona. As part of the festivities, alumni could also attend the annual theater night (Smokey Joe’s Café in 2006).

JANUARY

• The 29th Ag Leadership Annual Conference was held in Sacramento (theme: “Global Influence Begins at Home”). David Martella (22), Tom Mulholland (18), Hank Stone (1) and Scott Stone (28) received the Profiles in Leadership Award. George Gomes and Dr. Julian Whaley received the Honorary Fellow Award.

FEBRUARY – MARCH

• Class 35 fellows traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand for their international seminar.

• Class 36 fellows traveled to Washington, D.C. and New York City for their national seminar. More than 500 people attended the class reception at the U.S. Capitol.

• The D.C. Exchange selection committee interviewed more than 60 candidates in D.C.

• Lifelong Learning Series events were conducted at Chico State and Fresno State.

• Numerous regional recruitment events were held for potential Class 37 candidates.

• The Class 37 application process was fully integrated on CALF’s website.

• Colusa Farm Show and World Ag Expo breakfasts drew hundreds of attendees and raised thousands for CALF.

• The annual Agristruction BBQ welcomed Class 36. AUGUST – OCTOBER

• In August, 20 D.C. Exchange participants visited regions 8, 9, 10 and 11.

• In October, eight California Exchange participants toured through regions 1, 2, 3 and 4.

• Region 12 and Dean Brown golf tournaments raised thousands for CALF.

• The 2006-07 Fellows Council worked with the CALF board to align its policies and procedures – including terms of office and elections system – with the new board governance process.

NOVEMBER

• Dean Brown, one of Ag Leadership’s founders, passed away.

• Two annual conferences in one year! The conference moved to November to coincide with inauguration and a class seminar.

• The 30th Ag Leadership Annual Conference, held in San Diego, featured U.S.-Mexico panels on immigration and NAFTA and included a day trip across the border. Dr. Charlie Crabb received the Honorary Fellow Award.

• Class 37 inauguration was held on Nov. 10.

Class 36 National Seminar Class 35 Commencement