Mission DRIVEN
According to an article (“Mission Matters Most”) in the Stanford Social Innovation Review (2014), “A clear and well-focused mission statement can serve to guide all major decisions that a nonprofit organization must make.”
The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) mission of “Growing leaders who make a difference” most certainly guides us and keeps us focused in all that we do. To emphasize our mission-driven focus, we used Mission 750 as the theme for our successful 2023-24 annual appeal.
This impact report details how CALF has further advanced its mission and realized continued strategic priority progress in fiscal year 2024.
We are pleased to share that our total assets have again grown, now to $28.5 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, as compared to $26.6 million one year ago. Continued growth of our investment accounts, in addition to the generosity of our many donors, enabled this increase of $1.9 million or 7.1%. Endowment and other investment accounts began the year valued at $24.6 million and grew to $26.2 million, an increase of $1.6 million or 6.5%.
We are grateful to our advisors at Canterbury Consulting for their expertise in helping us manage these funds, along with the guidance of our board’s finance and investment committee.
As for P&L results, fiscal year 2024 saw income decline to $3.3 million, despite an increase in donors, while costs of $3.0 million were again managed below budget and almost flat to prior year. We continue to track favorably against the five-year financial goals associated with our current strategic plan.
We are proud to report the Salinas-based accounting firm of Bianchi, Kasavan & Pope LLP, has again issued a clean opinion of our financial reports, which you can view in part in this report.
We sincerely thank our board of directors, alumni, fellows, university partners and core faculty, donors, other industry friends and staff for your continued support and engagement. We appreciate your commitment to our mission as well as our vision of “Leaders united to strengthen California agriculture and sustainably supply the world.”
With gratitude,
CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35)
CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson
DWIGHT FERGUSON
MIKE YOUNG
1
PLANNING
Five Critical PRIORITIES
Fellow Selection
• Further strengthened the transparent, ever-evolving selection process by providing more comprehensive orientation for phase two and phase three reviewers and interviewers and adapting the process to better support volunteer screeners.
• Process and rubrics aligned to readiness indicators led to more objective, evidence-based appraisal of candidate readiness by committees, with each indicator assessed at least once in the process.
• Class 54 applicants represented all alumni regions, with multiple candidates from each.
• Nineteen applicants reapplied. One-third of Class 54 consists of reapply candidates, a testament to CALF’s focus on aligning ready applicants who are not immediately selected to a class with alumni who share geographical, industry or experiential connections, providing targeted support and encouraging reapplication.
• More than 160 people started an application in phase one – a record!
• 77% of applicants learned about the program via alumni or a current fellow.
2
Education and Curriculum
• Continued to foster excellence with three-person executive coaching team, incorporating new ideas and guidance from this team into curriculum offerings as well as coaching program.
• Updated post-seminar evaluation questions leading to increased levels of self-reflection, illustrating importance of curriculum on fellow’s leadership trajectory and potential to make an impact.
• Joyce Jong (39), transitioned into an associate core faculty role working with Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (9) at Cal Poly Pomona.
• Ed team focused on continuous program improvement, ushering in program updates to begin with Class 54 that include a comprehensive pre-fellowship course, consolidating content traditionally covered during orientation and inaugural. This new approach integrates self-paced surveys, minimizes email exchanges and allows for more focused seminar discussions on crucial topics. The streamlined pre-work model will continue through the fellowship, enhancing program efficiency.
• Foundation staff and alumni worked together to plan the Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange) to be held in fall 2024 in Regions 9, 10 and 11, with significant leadership on behalf of Alumni Council regional directors for those areas.
11
Applicants to Class 54 represented all 11 regions
77% of applicants learned about the program via alumni or a current fellow
3
Continuation of three-person executive coaching team
CLASS
54
The CALF Ed Team focused on program improvements, updates, approaches and efficiencies – to begin with Class 54
Alumni Engagement
• Volunteerism continued to grow, with 73 alumni participating in Class 54 selection committees, 46 in D.C. Exchange and more than 125 participating in regional fundraiser and social event committees.
• Alumni hosted prospective applicant events in all 11 regions, bringing alumni, prospective applicants and industry stakeholders together to share and learn about the program.
• The annual Ag & Government Leaders Reception was held in February 2024 and hosted 130 California government leaders, agricultural industry leaders, Ag Leadership alumni and current program fellows. It was a great opportunity to connect with decision-makers to further the goal of a strong and viable future for California agriculture.
• Lifelong Leadership Learning (L4) events continued to attract alumni and stakeholders to First Fridays webinars. In person L4s continue to gain traction in the alumni community. The L4 event in November 2023 focused on the Strengthscope® assessment, allowing attendees to identify and utilize the strengths that make them more confident, engaged, productive and able to build better relationships.
• The biannual Alumni Conference was held in June 2024 at the Monterey Conference Center. Nearly 90 alumni engaged in educational and social activities throughout the week. The event highlighted the Lifetime Leadership Awards dinner titled The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner, which showcased products from agricultural producers across the state and celebrated four alumni awardees. 175 people were in attendance.
Continued volunteerism growth in committees and fundraisers 100%
All 11 regions hosted prospective applicant events
4
Marketing and Communications
• CALF published three issues of Horizons magazine. It transitioned to a new printer, resulting in significant cost savings while maintaining a high-quality printed publication.
• Nearly 140 eblasts – including the monthly In Touch e-newsletter – were sent to alumni, fellows and other stakeholders to inform about CALF events, news, campaigns and more.
• Combined impressions for nearly 100 social media posts (on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook) totaled just over 250,000. CALF increased the use of videos; several testimonial videos during the Class 54 application period and a few promotional videos for the Alumni Conference garnered more than 12,000 combined views and plays.
• The I grew with Ag Leadership outreach campaign wrapped up in May 2024. Fourteen alumni were featured during the 15-month campaign on CALF’s social media platforms, website, Horizons and select ag industry publications. It received positive reactions and more than 53,000 impressions on social media.
• In April 2024, CALF launched a monthly column – Leadership Insights – in partnership with Morning Ag Clips-California Clips to expand CALF’s visibility within the California agricultural industry. In the articles, academic and agricultural leaders offer valuable leadership perspectives and strategies that apply to the agriculture sector.
• In-house design of social media, resource and event materials, event signage and promotional images were advantageous for efficiency and budget.
5
Financial Strength
• The five-year strategic fundraising plan is meeting its goals. To date, more than $8 million has been raised against the $13 million goal and plans to secure the balance are in place.
• The fiscal year 2023-24 annual appeal – Mission 750 – was a great success. The foundation received more than 650 financial gifts. For the first time ever, in-kind gifts and gifts of time (volunteerism) were recorded and tracked – netting more than 530 non-financial gifts totaling more than $140,000 in value donated to the foundation.
• 2023-24 saw 157 first-time donors and 30 donors who gave more than they did the previous year. In addition, 60% of those who gave in 2022-23 gave again in 2023-24 – well above the industry average of 45%.
• The CALF Class Challenge saw 476 alumni participate throughout the year –giving time, talent and treasure. On average, 36% of alumni participated and the winner was Class 51 with 92% participation. Congratulations to Class 51!
• Eight fundraising events were held throughout the state; they drew more than 1,400 attendees and raised more than $275,000 for Ag Leadership programs and operations.
14
alumni featured during the 15-month I grew with Ag Leadership outreach campaign
250 K
Combined social media impressions
$8 M
Amount raised to date toward the $13 million five-year strategic goal
476
Number of alumni who participated in fundraising efforts this year
Program IMPACT
CLASS 52 / YEAR TWO SEMINAR RECAPS
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2023
San Quentin
Criminal justice system, criminology, death penalty, polarized viewpoints and emotional responses, critical thinking skills for complex issues. Included walking tour of San Quentin State Prison which, within its population, houses California’s death row inmates.
“Touring the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center was so much more than a walkthrough of a notorious prison, but instead offered valuable perspective on the concept of criminal reform. Our four incarcerated guides walked us through the facilities and took the time to explain the actions that led them to incarceration, while also highlighting the steps they were taking to grow and better themselves under such difficult circumstances. I walked into the facility with a perception of incarcerated peoples as hardened and unapologetic criminals and walked away with a more compassionate and hopeful perspective of those within the system who are willing to change.”
—Chris McGlothlin (52)
NOVEMBER 2023
International Seminar
The overarching theme for the international seminar to Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica was to consider “How does leadership benefit the led versus the interests of the leader?” The purpose and associated learning objectives included cultural immersion, examining critical international issues, comparing complex cultural dynamics, investigating leadership from various historical perspectives and dialoguing with policy leaders.
“Our international seminar demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in service to the people. In immersing ourselves in the vibrant cultures of Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica, I saw firsthand how impactful leaders prioritize the development and well-being of their communities over their own interests. I also saw what can happen when the opposite is true. This journey deepened my understanding of how thoughtful, inclusive leadership has the power to create unity amidst diversity.”
—Jeannette McClure (52)
JANUARY 2024
Pomona
International seminar synthesis, reflection on the Ag Leadership experience, looking beyond the program and finalizing their plans for making an impact following commencement.
“This seminar had me reflecting on everyone we met overseas and the strength, resilience and love they freely poured into their communities. Several questions continued to tug at my heart about making a difference in this world and avoiding falling into the trap of old ruts and habits in order to keep this momentum going. These thoughts stirred restlessly until Dane (CALF director of education) shared a quote that cleared my mind and lit my heart on fire. So I remind myself daily of the words of Mary Oliver: ‘Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’”
—Anne Megaro (52)
FEBRUARY 2024
Fresno
Life after Ag Leadership, taking personal responsibility for leadership development, succession planning, reflective interviews and commencement.
“In our final seminar together, we chose to focus on the idea that this was the start of our revitalized leadership journeys rather than the conclusion of Ag Leadership. During the program, we consistently pushed ourselves to experience our journey through multiple lenses and learned to strive for positivity and optimism when dealing with the challenges that await. This truly was a time of sincere reflection of our experiences in the program, understanding where we stand today and planning on how to live our desired futures. Filled with gratitude towards CALF, our mission to give back starts now.”
—Jeff Iniguez (52)
CLASS 53 / YEAR ONE SEMINAR RECAPS
OCTOBER 2023
Fresno
Inaugural seminar devoted to orientation to the program and one another; gaining familiarity with how to thrive as a member of Class 53; “Leadership and Self-Deception” review and discussion; uncover personal strengths and growth areas using the Strengthscope tool and reflection on general characteristics of a leader.
“The inaugural seminar was a tidal wave of emotions for me of excitement, suspense, curiosity and happiness. Learning that servant leadership is all about bringing out the best in others sparked the excitement of becoming not just a better version of myself, but a chance to make a greater impact in my community.
‘Leadership and Self Deception’ is purposely made the first reading material as it sets a solid foundation for the future lessons learned.”
—Krystal Abbott (53)
NOVEMBER
2023
San Luis Obispo
Team building activities and storytelling to build trust, develop and deliver informative speeches, practice in engaging an audience, discussion of effective media literacy and interaction tactics, practice as presiding fellows, more reflection on the results from the Strengthscope analysis and developing listening skills.
“Storytelling is the vessel that transports the heartbeat of the industry; with it we can paint vivid portraits of the agricultural landscape and convey the enduring resilience of our industry. Through the lens of media literacy and thoughtful, intentional interactions, we are given the power to weave narratives that bring the soul of farming to life – inviting others to walk alongside us in our journey. In telling these stories, we illuminate our place in the tapestry of life, revealing how we are bound together by our shared experiences as humans on this earth and our unwavering commitment to feeding the world.”
—Jeana Cadby (53)
DECEMBER 2023
Davis
Group dynamics, “Crucial Conversations,” unconscious bias and intercultural perspectives, debriefing on the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), engaging community, site visit to Quinn Cottages and Loaves & Fishes to explore issues for the homeless.
“Our class had the opportunity to visit Loaves & Fishes and Quinn Cottages. Here we met leaders whose tireless work supports Sacramento’s homeless community. Back at UC Davis, speakers came to share insights on a host of subjects, and together, we delved into the book ‘Crucial Conversations.’ Guided by our remarkable Education Team, we practiced and refined the art of navigating difficult conversations – tools meant for our professional paths and our personal lives.”
—Scott McArthur (53)
JANUARY 2024
Pomona
Reflections on impact from respected leaders, exploring the role of culture in leadership, introduction to Homeboy Industries and Father Greg Boyle’s leadership, learning about the Japanese American experience and the internment camps, site visit to AbilityFirst to learn about working with differently-abled youth, book presentations and discussion, envisioning culture competency.
“Exploring the impact of respected leaders, it became evident that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping effective leadership styles. Father Greg Boyle’s work with Homeboy Industries exemplified compassionate leadership, where he fosters an inclusive environment for marginalized communities. Learning about the Japanese American internment camp experience revealed the resilience and strength of individuals, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in leadership. My favorite site visit was to AbilityFirst where we were reminded that by nurturing unique talents, we can transform lives and enrich our communities. This experience urged us to embrace cultural competency as an essential tool for fostering inclusivity and understanding.”
—Taj Samran (53)
CLASS 53 / YEAR ONE SEMINAR RECAPS
FEBRUARY 2024
Fresno
Exploring the connection between biological systems and leadership behaviors, studying emotional intelligence (EQ) and the interplay in addressing leadership challenges, interpreting individual results from the EQ 2.0 assessment, leadership from historical perspectives, preparation and planning for the national seminar.
“The February 2024 seminar for Class 53 was an impactful one for me on several fronts. Notably, it provided an important structural and historical primer for large-scale leadership, in very nuanced public entities, on the eve of our national seminar in March. It was also an opportunity for us to better understand our innate leadership strengths, opportunities for growth and how our biological systems can support and hinder those efforts. This seminar, in many ways, was one of connecting threads; it allowed us to refine an even more holistic view of how leadership is formed, the innate systems that can impact personal leadership styles and how those styles are applied in often challenging environments.”
—Kyle Collins (53)
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
National Seminar
SACRAMENTO: How various levels of government operate, public policy careers, alumni panel on regional and state public boards, meeting with legislators, role of ag advocacy organizations and firms, stateless refugees discussion and sustainable water management at the state level.
MINNEAPOLIS: Mapping Prejudice (a University of Minnesota program), policing perspective, Hmong community issues, visit with immigrant communities, dismantling the school to prison pipeline, community leadership in action with George Floyd Memorial and Sanneh Foundation.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Defense University exercise, Congress and the press, meeting with staff and representatives, styles of leadership in a legislative body, interactions with D.C. Exchange alumni and discussions in preparation for their international seminar.
“The national seminar gave our class an in-depth look at the workings of government, local engagement, activism and the reminder that real change – whether swift or gradual – requires active participation. The most powerful stories from our legislators were the ones about collaboration, compromise and mutual respect across the aisle that led to meaningful change. In Minneapolis we confronted the historical injustices that divided communities by class and race, culminating in the tragic death of George Floyd. In D.C. we learned that true leadership often means navigating disappointment, frustration and persistence to make progress, even when it is slow and challenging. This seminar revealed that leaders must balance these elements in their pursuit of lasting impact.”
—Tomas
Aguilar Campos (53)
MAY
Role of power in leadership, personal power and how to use it, Leadership Gone Awry panel, debriefing of book “Deep Change,” history of the countries where the fellows will travel for their international seminar (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos).
“The April seminar in Pomona illuminated a profound truth: what we give our attention to is what we truly love. In leadership, this means that to inspire trust and foster growth – in ourselves and others – we must be intentional about where we focus our energy and invest our time. We learned that we grow our personal power in much the same way – by shifting our attention, aligning it with our values and bringing others along with us. But we were also reminded that power is a double-edged sword; it can uplift and unite, but if misused, it can harm and divide. Our responsibility as leaders is to wield that power thoughtfully, always aiming to serve the greater good beyond ourselves.”
—Jodi Switzer (53)
Prepare and deliver a persuasive speech, explore current societal trends in power and privilege, enhance knowledge of communication tools to use in times of crisis, explore and discuss assertive behaviors, relate the role of influence and motivation in exercising leadership abilities.
“The San Luis Obispo seminar taught our class the important task of packaging essential content in a relevant way. It also showed us how to be assertive when delivering the content, so our own feelings and needs are met, while also being respectful to the audience. It has truly had an impact on me. I have increased communication by not being afraid of sharing with others what my perspective is and have had more open conservations for doing so.”
—Trent Voss (53)
Social and cultural issues, history and religion related to international destinations, personal power, leadership styles, personal and organizational change management.
UNIVERSITY FOCUS
Team building, communication skills and personal assessment.
Emotional intelligence, criminology and national leadership issues.
Conflict management, facilitative leadership, economics, local and state government.
APRIL 2024
Pomona
2024
San Luis Obispo
Examples of alumni making an impact related to OUR MISSION: Growing leaders who make a difference.
The California chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) presented awards to Holly King (24) and Cannon Michael (39) in March 2024 and to Charlotte Mitchell (51) in October 2023. King received the 2024 Distinguished California Agriculturist Award, which recognizes a Californian who has contributed in a significant way to the betterment of California agriculture. Michael received the 2024 Agricultural Stewardship Award, which recognizes a California agribusiness or individual for excellence in conserving, maintaining and improving our natural resources and the environment by using innovative and progressive business practices. His award was co-sponsored by Western Agricultural Services. Mitchell received the Pick & Shovel Award, given to members who show great effort, support and service to the California chapter.
Shannon Douglass (46) had been actively involved with California Farm Bureau for 20 years before being elected president in December 2023, the first woman to lead the organization. Douglass previously served three terms as first vice president. She was also a Glenn County Farm Bureau director, Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee chair, Leadership Farm Bureau graduate and participant in American Farm Bureau Federation’s Partners in Advocacy Leadership program. The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 26,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 6 million Farm Bureau members.
Jim Finch (28), a citrus and avocado grower, was honored in October 2023 with the 2023 Award of Distinction – Alumnus of the Year from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Awards of Distinction “honor individuals whose contributions and achievements have positively impacted our communities, advanced science and education or enhanced the college’s ability to serve California and the world.” The alumnus award recognizes outstanding graduates who exemplify excellence in leadership and achievement, their support and service to the college and how they have represented or collaborated with the college through their careers. Finch has been active in numerous agricultural organizations and is a former trustee of the UC Davis Foundation board.
Blake Vann (46) was appointed chair, effective early 2024, of the Almond Alliance, a nonprofit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/ shellers, growers and allied businesses. After being appointed, Pacific Nut Producer featured him on the cover and in an article in its April issue and West Coast Nut included a Q&A article in its March issue. Vann is CEO of Vann Family Orchards, a family-owned, vertically integrated grower, buyer and processor of almonds. He serves on the board of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District and is a member of the Colusa Groundwater Authority Board.
Alumni Making an IMPACT
Examples of alumni making an impact related to OUR VISION: Leaders united to strengthen California agriculture and sustainably supply the world.
CALIFORNIA COTTON GINNERS & GROWERS ASSOCIATION (CCGGA)
Priscilla Rodriguez (50) is the assistant vice president and Chris McGlothlin (52) is the director of technical services. Serving on the board of directors are Cannon Michael (39), representing growers; Kirk Gilkey (21), representing ginners; and Mark McKean (20) and Ted Sheely (13), serving as advisors. CCGGA presented its 2024 Distinguished Service Award to George Soares (4), who has been the association’s legal counsel since 1980. CCGGA represents 100% of all cotton ginners and growers in the state. It represents members on state and federal issues, including air quality, water quality, energy, environmental, labor, taxes, transportation and more. The membership produces 100% of the total cotton produced in California.
CALIFORNIA FARMLAND TRUST (CFT)
Charlotte Mitchell (51) serves as the executive director. Mike Machado (9), Maxwell Norton (12), Ken Oneto (25) and Barbara Smith (30) serve on the board of directors; Emily Rooney (39) and Paul Wenger (17) serve on the trustee council; and Carrie Isaacson (51) is a committee member. Founded in 2004, CFT is a nonprofit with a mission of helping farmers protect the best farmland in the world. The organization has been a culmination of farmland conservation advocates all over California, coming together to protect the most fertile soil and end the trend of paving over the state’s valuable farmland. CFT has protected 18,259 acres on 83 farms in seven counties.
CENTER FOR LAND-BASED LEARNING (CLBL)
Mary Kimball (32) serves as the CEO. Board members include Jeff Borum (52), Kyle Collins (53), Jessica Lundberg (33), Anne Megaro (52), David Ogilvie (52) and Michelle Paul (53). CLBL’s mission is to inspire, educate and cultivate future generations of farmers, agricultural leaders and natural resource stewards. It offers numerous programs related to agriculture, food, conservation, natural resources and the environment. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of Ag Leadership alumni have served on the board, committees and as hosts for CLBL events and educational endeavors.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER ASSOCIATION (NCWA)
David Guy (26) is the president and Todd Manley (35) is the director of government relations. Board members include Mat Conant (31), Steve Danna (26), Correen Davis (45), Hans Herkert (47), Jon Munger (36), Blake Vann (46), James Rickert (39) and Nicole Van Vleck (26). NCWA is committed to advance the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Sacramento Valley by enhancing and preserving its water rights, supplies and water quality for the rich mosaic of farmlands, cities and rural communities, refuges and managed wetlands, and meandering rivers that support fisheries and wildlife.
Donors and
supporters:
Mission Complete!
To all who gave their time, talent and treasure to our 2023-24 Mission 750 Challenge: THANK YOU for an incredible year!
Your gift was an investment in leadership. Your generosity provided fellows and alumni with the leadership skills needed to create a stronger, more vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in California agriculture, businesses, organizations, communities and families.
Donor IMPACT
In addition to financial contributions, we warmly acknowledge the thousands of volunteer hours provided by dedicated alumni, fellows and friends. The gift of your time and effort ensured successful events, engaged stakeholders and valued connections. We could not have done what we did without you.
We congratulate Class 51 for taking home the Class Challenge trophy with an astonishing 92% class participation!
Thank you all for being an integral part of this, for your ongoing dedication to cultivating leadership excellence in California agriculture and for helping grow leaders who make a difference!
650 financial gifts and sponsorships
Through the 2023-24 annual appeal –Mission 750 – CALF received 650 financial gifts and sponsorships plus over 420 gifts of time.
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(Statements from June 30, 2024 and 2023)
STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
(Statements from June 30, 2024 and 2023)
*Note: Additional financial information may be found at agleaders.org.
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$600,000
The James G. Boswell Foundation
$250,000
The Otis Booth Foundation
$105,000
Taylor Farms
The Zenith
$55,000 – $60,000
Almond Board of California
Paul Parreira
Quinn Company
Western Growers
$10,000 – $49,999
Doug and Jan Circle / Circle Vision
CopperPoint
Dean Brown Foundation Driscoll’s
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Jim Finch / The Finch Family Foundation
Global Ag
Fred Lagomarsino / AgSource / Lagomarsino Family Foundation
John and Sheila Lake
Tom Mulholland
George Myers / Ladera Foundation
Nationwide Agribusiness
Peggy Sears Perry
Producers Dairy Foods Inc.
RCIS
State Compensation Insurance
Syngenta Crop Protection AG
Pierre Tada / Granite Peak Real Estate
The Harden Foundation
Wells Fargo Bank
$2,500 - $9,999
AgWest Farm Credit
Allied Grape Growers
American AgCredit, FLCA
Anthony Costa & Sons
Bayer Crop Science
Berkshire Hathaway
Homestate Companies
Philip Bowles
Calavo Growers Inc.
Canterbury Consulting
Capital Insurance Group CoBank
Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit
Gary Cusumano
Dwight and Nancy Ferguson
Gallagher Insurance
Golden State Farm Credit
Bob and Pat Gray
Gail and John Gray
Mr. and Mrs. James Hansen
Michael and Dominique Hollister
ICW Group
Index Fresh
Fidela Irigoyen
Robert and Jennifer Kolberg
Land IQ LLC
John and Edyth Ledbetter
Helen McGrath / Flying M Ranch
Measure to Improve LLC
Philadelphia Ag
Jean and Bill Phillimore
Richard Pidduck
ProAg
Rabobank
Reiter Affiliated Companies LLC
Republic Indemnity
Gary and Karen Robinson
Saticoy Lemon Association
The John & Lillian
Norton Charitable Foundation
The Wonderful Company
Raymond and Deborah Tonella
Travelers Insurance
Blake Vann
Darcy Vlot / Vlot Calf Ranch Inc. / Dairyland Huller
Luke and Margaret Wilson
Wonderful Orchards
$1,000 – $2,499
ADM Rice Inc.
AgRx
Dennis Albiani
Andersen & Sons Shelling Inc.
Kevin Andrew Anonymous
Associated Rice Marketing
Cooperative
Bob and Anne Atkins
Manpreet Bains / Far
Horizon Crop Insurance
Yissel Barajas
Carlo Bocardo
Anthony Bozzano
Brokaw Nursery LLC
Buck Camp / Tim O’Neill
Fundraiser (Class 10)
/ Mike Bennett
/ Lance Brown
/ Ron Caird
/ Steve Chrisman
/ John Crossland
/ Randy Linquist
/ Paul Martin
/ Michael Phelan
Richard Burnes
Mark and Mona Burrell
Mike Campbell
Bill Carriere / Carriere
Family Farms
Ben and Denise Carter
Jim and Ellen Clare
Richard Clauss
Mitch Coit / Marv Coit
Farms L.P.
John Colbert
Mary Comfort
Correen Davis / R. Gorrill
Ranch Enterprises
Jensen Devaurs
James Ewart
Farmers’ Rice Cooperative
Rick and Bonnie (Fernandez) Fenaroli
Sandy and Seth Fiack
Five Crowns Marketing
Matthew Freeman / Camulos Ranch LLC
Steve Garland
John and Sharon Garner
Giumarra Avocado
Grether Family Farms
John and Elizabeth Grether
Kevin Grizzle
Harris Woolf CA Almonds
LLC
Les and Janet Heringer / M & T Chico Ranch
Kevin and Diane Herman
Higashi Farms Inc.
Kevin Kenagy / The Elmore Company
Holly A. King
Scott Klittich / Otto & Sons Nursery
J.P. LaBrucherie / LaBrucherie Irrigation
Supply
Bill Lewis
Lomo Cold Storage
Adam Lovgren
Justin Micheli
Mike and Jennifer Young
Family Foundation
Mission Produce
Mixtec Group
Paul and Yvonne Murai
Stephen F. Murrill
Bart Nelson / Nelson Irrigation Corporation
Louis Pandol
Papé Machinery
Ty and Sheri Parkinson
Kelley Parsons
Gene Peterson
Pinion
Provost & Pritchard
Consulting Group
RDO Equipment
Alan Reynolds
Gerry and Elaine Rominger
RPAC Almonds
Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella
ShoEi Foods USA
Todd Snider / Western Ag Crop Insurance Services LLC
Kevin Steward
William Stokes and Janet Berriman
Sun Valley Rice Company LLC
Superior Tire Service / Safety Tire Service
Brian Talley
Rosemary Talley
Taylor Farming
Craig Underwood
Bill Van Skike
Jack Vessey / Vessey & Company
Ellen and Mike Way
John Weiler
Ken and Rebecca Wiseman
Joe Zanger
Kenneth Zimmerman
John and Teresa Zonneveld
Jarett Zonneveld
$500 – $999
Dick Akin / Akin Ranch
American AgCredit FLCA
American Commodity Company
Anonymous
Alton (Gregg) Avilla
Thomas Barrios
William Bennett
Caroline and Fred Berry
Arthur Bliss
Karen Buchinger
Butte County Rice
Growers Association
Butte Creek Farms
Jake Cecil
Bill Chandler
Robert and Lisa Cherenson
Chico Electric
Class 45
Charlie and Jackie Crabb
Paul and Giselle Crout
Dave Wilson Nursery
Driscoll’s and Reiter
Affiliated Companies
(CALF alumni)
John Ellis
Joey Fernandes
Joseph Ferrara
Fred and Susan Ferro
Roberta Firoved
First Northern Bank
Bart Fisher
Michael Fitch
Bob Flores
Foothill Warehouse
Fowler Nurseries Inc.
Rob Goff
Miguel Gomez
Robert Goodwin
John and Carol Gorter
Edward Grether
Ed Grossi / Grossi Farms
GSA Farms Inc.
Randi Gwilliam
Heartland Financial
Helena Agri
Stephen F. Heringer
Linda Hildebrand
Ballentine
Jeana Hultquist
Huntington Farms
Dale and Mary Jane Huss
Jordan Central Implement Co.
Cathy Joughin
Keathley, Maxwell & Antongiovanni LLP
Ejnar Knudsen / AGR Partners
Steve Knudsen / Heartland Financial
KSN Inc.
Butch and Laurie La Velle
Ian LeMay
Bob Lilley
Eric Limas
Llano Seco Rancho
Julian Lopez / Rockwood Ag Services
Thomas Lucas
Bill Lyons
Todd Manley
Kathryn McCutcheon
Kathryn and Kent McKenzie
John McKeon
Louis McPherrin / McPherrin Farming
Morrison
Jon Munger
Mark Nickerson
North Star
North Valley Ag Services
Northern California
Water Association
Erin O’Donnell
Mark Oldenkamp
Justin Perino
Prudential Ag FinancePGIM
Patricia Reynolds
River Valley Community Bank
Reid Robinson
Kimber Rogina
Brad and Yvonne Sams
Rick and Michelle Schellenberg
Ryan Schohr and Tracy Schohr
Jason Schwartze
Sierra Gold Nurseries
Dan Souza / Dan Souza Family Fund
Sunsweet Growers Inc.
Sutter Land Management / Sam Nevis
Mary Underhill Sylvester
Abby Taylor-Silva and Paul Silva
Thomas Manufacturing Co. LLC
Ulash Turkhan / Pearl Crop Inc.
Scott and Susan Van Der
Kar
Phil Waddell
Mary-Ann Warmerdam / Rural County Representatives of California
Donald Warden
David Warter
Wilbur-Ellis
Stuart and Pilar Yamamoto
$250 – $499
Juliet Allen Anonymous
David Arakelian
Steven Arnold
Mike Bennett
Paul Betancourt
Stacy Bonnifield
Carson Britz
Megan Byrne
Karen Caplan
Maria de la Paz Carpio
Mark Clayton / Clayton’s Inc.
Edwin Coe
Controlled Thermal Resources
Noelle Cremers
Vernon Crowder
David Elliot & Sons
Peter DeGroot
Michael Dimock
John and Antoinette
Draxler / Draxler Land Company
Jack Efird
Tom and Rose Ellis
Gerta Faye
Randy Fiorini
Bryan Foley
Delmar Friedrichsen / Friedrichsen Farms
Erin Gorter
Layci Gragnani
Jody Graves
John Grizzle
Jackson Gualco / The Gualco Group
Junior Enterprises LLC / Celeste Alonzo
H. Clay Daulton / Daulton Ranch
Melissa Heinrich
Hans Herkert
Gary Hester
Glenda Humiston
Jeff Iniguez
Michael and Jessica Kelley
Sharan Lanini
Laurel Ag and Water
Larry Layne
Robert Longatti
Ralph Lucchetti
Adam Martinez
Leo McGuire
Mark and Megan McKean
Dina Moore
Kelly Mora / Heritage Insurance Agency Inc.
Sopac Mulholland
James Neeley
Steve and Elaine Olson
Lucy Pandol
Lane and Joyce Parker
Matthew Peyret
Nicholas Podsakoff
Paul Quinn
Jeff Rasmussen
Todd and Andrea Rehrman
Jane Roberti
Fritz Ruegger
Gerald Schwartz
Dan Sozzi
Rod Stark
Trevor Tagg / West-Gro Farms
Ann Thrupp
Roger and Deanna van Klaveren
Paul Violett
Cherie Watte / Agmin LLC
Jim Wavra / Jim Wavra
Ent. Inc.
Western Growers
Insurance Services
Suellen Witham
UP TO $249
Keith Abercrombie
Michelle Allen-Ziegler
Anonymous
Scott Berndt
Janet Berriman
Paulo Cesar Borges
David Bradshaw
Burt Bundy
Thomas Chandler
Kelli Coffey
Les Crutcher
Bret Cude
Mark Dalrymple
De Pue Warehouse Company
Doug Dickson
Brittany Fagundes
Dustin Fuller
Andrew Genasci
Michael George
Megan Grima
Cathy Haas
John Hawk / Horizon Farms LLC
Pat Heiskell-Hillman
Benjamin Henry
Bart Hill
Jim Hogan Jr.
Gayle Holman
Betty Hurley-Lindemann
Heather Johnson
Tracy L. Kahn
Bob Keenan / Keenan Farms
Arima Kozina
Holly Little
Jazmin Lopez
Melissa Macfarlane
Dexter McDonald
Anne Megaro
Jeff Merwin
Tom Merwin
Jason Miller / Miller
Honey Farms Inc.
Jim Miller / Villa Pacifica
Ranch
Mia Mirassou
Jenny Lester Moffitt
Fenton Moran
John and Eda Muller
Daniel and Nancy Nelson
Ken and Florrie Oneto
Bre Owens
Sal Parra Jr.
Richard Peterson
Paul Quinn
Mark and Janellen
Quisenberry
Robert and Patricia Rathbone
Fred and Martha Rehrman
Darren Schmall
William Scott
Robert Sheesley
Mary Souza
Julie Spezia
Robert Steinhauer
Alejandra Navarrete
Stevens
Jacylyn Stokes
Etaferahu Takele
Tim Vaux
David Viviani
IN MEMORY OF
RANDY AXELL (7)
J. Link and Sally Leavens
LINDY BACHETTI
Jack Norton
ROB BAKER (23)
Charles Kosmont
ED BOUTONNET (3)
Mike Campbell
Joe Pezzini
RICK COSYNS (21)
Lynne Cosyns
BILL DANIELL (10)
Lori Frommer
SAMUEL J. DANNA
Douglas Rudd
DAVID D’ARRIGO
John D’Arrigo
PAUL DAVY (33) AND BHUPINDER “SONNY” KALKAT (33)
Jose Baer
Lewis Bair
Parmjit Dhaliwal
Cindy Giorgio
Elise Holland
Lynn Kuo
Megan McGrath-Gates
Jonathan Merriam
Julie Morris
Joe Petersen
Lowell Zelinski
BOB DE VOY (2)
Anonymous
PAUL DIENER (4)
Clay Groefsema
STEVE DODGE (49)
Adam Borchard
Louise Ferguson
PETER FALLINI (10)
J. Link and Sally Leavens
ROBIN FLOURNOY (29)
Ben and Denise Carter
Robert Cooley
Doug DeGroff
Tess Dunham
Dwight and Nancy Ferguson
Sandy and Seth Fiack
Jeannine Grech
Janis Jones
Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma
John Nock
Mark Oldenkamp
Glenn Proctor
Blair Richardson
Judy Sparacino
Mary Underhill Sylvester
Phil Waddell
JOHN GIBSON (10)
John and Edyth Ledbetter
Ledbetter Family
Randy and Barbara Linquist
ADIN HESTER (3)
Stephanie Cahill
Paul Newton
DEWAYNE HOLMDAHL (4)
Larry and Katie Lemke
DAVID HOXIE
Lynne Cosyns
JOHN LARZABAL
Gregg Avilla
CHARLES “CHUCK”
LOHSE (9)
Mark Borba
Randy and Barbara Linquist
FRED LOVGREN
Adam Lovgren
SAMIA MACON
Theresa Becchetti
NORM MARTELLA (6)
Bob and Shirley Dempel
ROBBIE MAST
Stuart Mast
TOM MCGRATH (4)
Ralph and Jane Maiello
DARRELL NELSON (7)
J. Link and Sally Leavens
MELVIN ONETO (4)
Lena Oneto
ANNE LOUISE OWENS
Gregg Avilla
KEITH PETTERSON (6)
Bob and Shirley Dempel
AL PONCIA (2)
Bob and Shirley Dempel
Jerry Diefenderfer
JIM POWELL (2)
Anonymous
LELAND RUIZ (7)
Roger Wood
STEVE SAGOUSPE (26)
Kevin and Bea Olsen
BOB AND JOYCE
SMITH
Jan Smith
MARGARET
THOMPSON
John and Eda Muller
KEN VAN LOBEN
SELS (23)
John Callis
Teodoro Martinez
NORMA JEAN WALLACE
Ron and Martha Bass
IN HONOR OF
CLASS 28
Kent Brocker
Jeff Colombini
Richard Engel
Mark Grewal
Mark Kimmelshue
Michael Kuehn
Mike Maciel
Craig McNamara
Brenda Ouwerkerk
Joe Pezzini
Joe Pozzi
Michael Sencer
Scott Stone
Dana Thomas
CLASS 36
Nicholas Miller
CLASS 37
Michele Clark
CLASS 43
Bill Lewis
CLASS 50
Brian Gill
Erin Gorter
CLASS 51
Jake Cecil
Matan Goldberg
Thomas Gore
Carrie Isaacson
Betsy and Mike Karle
Miguel Lizarraga
Victor Lopez
Ahna Miller-Vargas
Charlotte Mitchell
Jessica Saltzman
Ryan Stapleton
Donglan Tian
Marlene Velasquez
Darcy Vlot
Deborah Willmann
Jarett Zonneveld
CLASS 52
Andrew Genasci
John Mercado
David Ogilvie
CARSON BRITZ (43)
Martin Britz
FIDELA IRIGOYEN (21) AND JOHN HILL
Roxanna Smith
JIM HAYES
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie
ANDREW AND BETH (25) PANDOL
Mary Brookhart
BILL WILLIAMS
Marcia Snidow
IN-KIND
AgRx
Alford Distributing
Almond Board of California
Bob Atkins
Alton (Gregg) Avilla
Bayer Crop Science
Jeff Bitter
Blue Diamond Growers
Booth Ranches LLC
Loren Booth
Cameron Boswell
Anthony Bozzano
Braga Farms
California Date Commission
California Milk Advisory Board
Andrea Card
Bill Carriere
Casa de Fruta
Coastal Tractor
Jason Cole
Kyle Collins
Corteva Agriscience
Corto Olive Oil
Crazy Horse Ranch
Creekside Farms
Steve Danna
Davis Machine Shop
Delicato Family Wines
Diamond Foods
Darlene Din
Driscoll’s Inc.
Duckhorn Vineyards
Dust Bowl Brewing Co.
James Ewart
Brittany Fagundes
Fiack Family Farms
Foster Farms
Fresh Sunrise
Gills Onions
Gonzales Irrigation Services
George Gough
Grizzly Nut
Guglielmo Winery
Harris Woolf CA Almonds
LLC
Daniel Hartwig
Hilmar Cheese Co.
Frank Hilliker
Stuart Hoetger
Randy Hopkins
Hormel Foods
Julie Johnson
Knaughty Farms
Steve Knudsen
L.A. Hearne
Land IQ
Adam Lovgren
Adam Martinez
Charley Mathews
Mauritson Wines
Chris McGlothlin
Steve McIntyre
Jonathan Merrill
Mission Produce
Moiola Brothers Cattle
Feeding
Benina Montes
M & T Chico Ranch
John Muller
Musco Family Olive Co.
Nature’s Reward
Sam Nevis
Olive Hill Greenhouses Inc.
Paul Parreira
Peggy Sears Perry
Pinkerton Ranch
Pisoni Family Vineyards
Prime Time Produce
Paul Quinn
Rancho Cielo
RDO Equipment Salinas
Redox Inc.
Rice Experiment Station
Rick Rhody
Blair Richardson
Rolling Hills Nut Company
RPAC
Rumiano Cheese
Yvonne Sams
Taylor Serres
Silt Wine Company
Roxanna Smith
Jacylyn Stokes
Scott Stone
Sunsweet Growers Inc.
Sun Valley Rice
Superior Farms
Judy Tagg
Taylor Farms California Inc.
Tractor Beverage Co.
True Organics
Ulash Turkhan
John Weiler
Roger and Deanna van
Klaveren
Marlene Velasquez
Wonderful Company
Mitchell Yerxa
Woody Yerxa
Zenith
SPECIAL EVENTS
2023 NorCal Ag
Leadership Sporting Clay Shoot: $11,500
2023 Region 9 Golf Tournament: $40,175
2023 Jim Manassero
Memorial Luncheon: $1,300
2024 Ag Leadership
Alumni World Ag Expo
Breakfast: $131,800
2024 Colusa Farm Show
Breakfast: $25,700
2024 Common Threads
Central Valley: $18,100
2024 Cultivating the Future Dinner: $14,700
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Yissel Barajas (40) Reiter Affiliated Companies
Cameron Boswell (42) Vice Chair
J.G. Boswell
Jason Cole (42) Cole LTD (through February 2024)
Nikki Cossio Measure to Improve LLC (effective February 2024)
Correen Davis (45) Gorrill Ranch
Rob Goff (45) Wonderful Orchards
Fidela Irigoyen (21) Wells Fargo
Roger Isom
California Cotton Ginners and Growers Assn. / Western Ag Processors Assn. (effective September 2023)
Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37) Land IQ
Sal Parra Jr. (46) Burford Ranch (effective February 2024)
Paul Parreira (44)
Parreira Almond Processing Co. / RPAC LLC
Emily Rooney (39) Secretary-Treasurer Agricultural Council of California
Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz
Cal Poly Pomona (through May 2024)
AG
LEADERSHIP / JULY 1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024
Michael Young (35) Chair
Wegis & Young
CORE FACULTY MEMBERS
Dr. Athanasios “Alex” Alexandrou
California State University, Fresno
Dr. Amanda Crump University of California, Davis
Dr. Erin Gorter (50)
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (9)
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Joyce Jong (39) Associate Core Faculty
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
UNIVERSITY DEANS
Dr. Helene Dillard University of California, Davis
Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire
California State University, Fresno
Dr. Andrew Thulin
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (through December 2023)
Dr. Bill Hendricks
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (effective January 2024)
ALUMNI COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Heather Mulholland (44) Chair
Ian LeMay (48) Vice Chair
Jason Cole (42)
Board Liaison (through February 2024)
Sal Parra Jr. (46)
Board Liaison (effective February 2024)
ALUMNI COUNCIL AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
Manpreet Bains (43) Education Team Liaison
Sal Parra Jr. (46)
Education Team Liaison (through February 2024)
Anthony Bozzano (43) Education Team Liaison (effective April 2024)
ALUMNI COUNCIL REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Region 1: Kelly Mora (48)
Region 2: Rocco Cunningham (50)
Region 3: Tom Merwin (44)
Region 4: Yvonne Sams (45)
Region 5: James Ewart (49)
Region 6: Heather Johnson (46)
Region 7: Anthony Bozzano (43) (through April 2024)
Region 7: Paul Crout (48) (effective May 2024)
Region 8: Lucas Espericueta (45)
Region 9: Luis Calderon (49)
Region 10: Denise Godfrey (37)
Region 11: Ellen Way (28)
FOUNDATION STAFF
Dwight Ferguson President and CEO
Abby Taylor-Silva (45) Executive Vice President
Dane White Director of Education
Sharon Harney Finance Manager
Jodi Litz Development Manager
Judy Sparacino (HF) Programs Manager
Deanna van Klaveren (32) Alumni Engagement Manager (through November 2023)
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28) Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Mia Mirassou
Administrative Assistant
CONTRACT CONSULTANTS
Liza Robertson Writer/Editor
Rob Balaam Executive Coach
Marla Collins Executive Coach
Peggy Sears Perry (9) Executive Coach
Tina Shaw Executive Coach DESIGN BY IE Design + Communications
80 Garden Court, Suite 270
Monterey, CA 93940
Gallagher is one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firms, with a dedicated Food and Agribusiness division. With more than 52,000 people working around the globe, we’re connected to the places where we do business and to every community we call home. Managing risk with customized solutions and a full spectrum of services, helping you foster a thriving workforce, and always holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethics to help you face every challenge — that’s The Gallagher Way. For more information, visit AJG.com Gallagher
501 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291
559-733-1181
Richard Nunes, Jr. CALF Class XXXVII
559-280-0609
Adam_Dunbar@ajg.com
