Horizons Spring 2015

horizons California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

S P R I NG 20 1 5

ENGAGED LEADERS

Leadership in the California Rice Industry We grow leaders who make a difference.

CHAIR MESSAGE

Alumni: IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLES

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

OF LEADERSHIP

Our agricultural industry is facing myriad challenging issues – at no time in our history has leadership and advocacy been more important.

It is paramount to have the voices of agriculture speak with clarity, purpose and passion to stem the tide of negative perceptions. The disconnect between the public and farm/ food is widening and yet the need for a safe, bountiful food supply increases.

The cover story of this issue is about leadership in California’s rice industry. It is one of many impressive examples of how our alumni are making a positive difference in agriculture. There are dozens upon dozens of industry groups and efforts where our alumni are actively engaged.

Throughout the industry, I see proactive groups trying to bridge the divide

SPRING 2015 • www.agleaders.org

with sound science and passionate discussions. Whether it involves water, immigration, urbanization, private property rights, complex regulations – the list is long – alumni are standing up and demonstrating leadership. So often I see alumni chairing or participating in committees, water boards, commodity boards, etc. They are taking the time to lead the discussions and strategies. Some alumni are front and center, while others are behind the scenes. But they are all leaders and they are doing what needs to be done.

I want to thank all of you who work tirelessly for an industry that feeds the world. Each of you is making a difference!

I offer my congratulations to the fellows of Class 44! I wish you all the best as you embark on exciting and fulfilling leadership endeavors.

Best, Loren Booth (27) Chair, CALF Board of Directors

Cover photo: Jim Morris, California Rice Commission

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LEADERSHIP IN CA RICE INDUSTRY

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

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Leadership in the California Rice Industry

FEATURES 10 11 12 16

Leadership Focus by Dr. Jim Ulrich Guest Column: Heidi Harris (43) Annual Breakfast Traditions Alumni Spotlight: Beth Brookhart Pandol (25)

DEPARTMENTS 2 2 3 8 14 17 18

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

CALENDAR

CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair/ Loren Booth Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder Secretary - Treasurer/ Pierre Tada Karm Bains Barbara Boswell Edwin Camp Bob Cherenson John Colbert Ejnar Knudsen Joe MacIlvaine Jim Maxwell Rod Stark Mary-Ann Warmerdam Mike Young Rob Yraceburu

MAY

CALF STAFF President and CEO / Bob Gray Director of Education / Dr. Michael Thomas Leadership Program Manager / Dr. Jim Ulrich Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb Finance & Human Resources / Teresa Straub Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Lazzerini

JULY

WRITER/EDITOR Meredith Rehrman Ritchie Liza Teixeira

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COVER STORY

DESIGNER TMDcreative For staff email addresses, visit www.agleaders.org/about/foundation_staff

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Class 45 seminar, Cal Poly SLO Region 7 recruitment event/BBQ, Talley Vineyards, Arroyo Grande CALF board meeting, Talley Vineyards Alumni Council meeting, San Luis Obispo

JUNE

1-4 17-19

1-2 8-9 13 15-16 22-23

California Educational Fellowship Program Core faculty retreat and Education Team meeting, Santa Barbara Screening committee, Pomona Screening committee, SLO Screening committee, Chico Screening committee, Davis Screening committee, Fresno

AUGUST

2-9 12

Washington, D.C. Educational Fellowship Program Final selection committee, Salinas

FOUNDATION NEWS

From the Editor:

THANK YOU FOR READING When I was a journalism student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I met with Tim LaSalle, then president and CEO of the Agricultural Education Foundation.

As a student associate for the Brock Center for Ag Communications, I asked him if the center could produce the foundation’s newsletter. It didn’t happen.

Thirteen years later, the tables turned. Former foundation president Steve Forsberg called me in 2003 to ask if I could produce a newsletter for Ag Leadership. I had previously worked for Steve as communications manager at an ag organization; it was during that time that I went through the Ag Leadership Program.

His proposal was a two-page, twice-monthly publication (In Touch) emailed as a pdf to alumni and supporters.

I enthusiastically accepted the offer. The newsletter was a perfect way for me to stay engaged as an alumnus, as well as do some freelance writing in addition to my other job.

After Steve resigned in 2005, I worked with interim CEO Barry Ross, President and CEO Mike Barr, interim CEO Charlie Crabb and various staff members. Despite the turnover and other changes, I was fortunate to stay on board to write the email newsletter.

Over time I was offered additional writing projects, including the relaunched printed newsletter (Horizons, formerly Achievements).

In fall 2009, Bob Gray was hired. We now laugh about our first meeting, during which he offered a lot of “constructive criticism” about CALF’s communication materials.

He said that Ag Leadership is a high-quality program and it needs equally high-quality communication items. A lot of work needed to be done. Bob had expectations for excellence – and I respected that. It was due to his leadership that communication resources greatly improved.

That meeting was the beginning of CALF’s communications overhaul.

Several months later, TMD was hired as the marketing/design agency to update the logo and colors, redesign Horizons to a magazine format, redesign In Touch email newsletter, create new outreach materials, and launch an improved website.

TMD’s team, led by Nick Pasculli (27), has done an outstanding job over the past five years.

Again, I was fortunate that CALF (and Bob) kept me on the team. My work has included writing/editing Horizons, In Touch, website content, news releases, annual reports, print materials, fellows’ bios, social media and other items.

My job has been enjoyable, exciting and very rewarding.

There were occasional challenges, as with any job.

There also were moments when I didn’t think I could effectively balance work, family responsibilities and volunteer activities. Now, after 12 years as writer/editor for

Ag Leadership, I am taking time off to focus on my family, which includes my wonderful and active children (ages 13 and 10).

I have always been grateful for the opportunity to be part of the foundation team. It has been a privilege to work with an amazing, thoughtful and hard-working staff – Bob, Michael Thomas, Charlie Crabb, Judy Sparacino, Emily Lazzerini and Teresa Straub.

The same goes for the core faculty members – Michael, Bob Flores, Peggy Perry and Annie King – who have contributed to Horizons in addition to their numerous other CALF duties. All of these individuals care about Ag Leadership and have been key to its success.

A huge thank you to the board members, particularly Loren Booth, for their passion and dedication to CALF and for supporting our communication efforts. I wish the best to newcomers Liza Teixeira and Jim Ulrich.

Ag Leadership has been a special part of my life since opening that acceptance letter in 1997. I am extremely proud to have worn a few hats: fellow, alumnus and staff member. It has been a pleasure and honor to promote Ag Leadership and to work with, learn about and write about so many unique and inspirational fellows and alumni who are making a difference. Great people, great stories.

CALF Update Since Loren Booth (27) announced her matching challenge grant in January 2014, we have been blessed to have received new or additional gifts amounting to $778,228 as of mid-March. Included in this total is a recent five-year pledge of $250,000 from the California Cotton Alliance. We offer special thanks to Jeff Elder (35) and Cannon Michael (39) for facilitating this gift.

We have also been offered a unique (we believe) vendor support program from Helena Chemical Company. This program offers a small, fractional contribution of the purchase price of certain proprietary Helena products to Ag Leadership, at the end of 2015. It is a painless way to support the program for Helena customers, or others who might be interested, assuming that all things are otherwise in order and equal (that the products meet growers’ needs and are priced right). We thank CALF board members Jim Maxwell, John Colbert (22) and Loren Booth for facilitating and supporting this innovative program.

As this edition of Horizons illustrates, there several key staff changes taking place at Ag Leadership this year. In preparation for Dr. Charlie Crabb’s eventual retirement as program advisor, we welcomed Dr. Jim WolfordUlrich (Dr. Ulrich for short), a leadership educator from Duquesne University, as leadership program manager. We say farewell to writer/ editor Meredith Ritchie (28) as she turns over the reins to Liza Teixeira. Liza contributed greatly to this issue and will manage the future editions on her own.

Meredith will return in the fall as a guest contributor.

—Bob Gray

Thank you for reading, Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)

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COVER STORY

Leadership in the California Rice Industry “THE CALIFORNIA RICE INDUSTRY IS A VERY IMPRESSIVE SUCCESS STORY.” In presentations and articles – including a 2013 interview for Horizons – George Soares (4) has praised the rice industry for its leadership, creativity, stewardship and outreach.

“When you look at the California rice industry, there is enormous strength,” said Soares, an attorney who has represented the California Rice Commission (CRC) for 17 years. “It has very effectively and correctly positioned itself for what it really is – an industry coexisting with the environment. Growers are working with and enhancing the environment because of their farming practices.”

The CRC supports the 2,500 growers and handlers of rice in the state.

Soares said that leaders have never wanted the rice industry to be seen through a negative lens. “To the contrary, they recognized their strengths and have demonstrated positive accomplishments in multiple ways and are more successful because of it. It has been a building process, working with government, communities, environmental groups and researchers.”

Over the past few decades, California rice has faced myriad environmental issues and diverse complex challenges – including water quality, crop protection, air quality, wildlife habitat, strict regulations, exports and arsenic in rice concerns. It has been essential for the industry to continually adapt with proactive programs and partnerships in order to sustain its future and reputation.

Consider the importance of “the environmental crop” to the state’s economy: it is one of the state’s largest crops with more 550,000 acres, is among the top 10 exports, and provides more than $5 billion annually and 25,000 jobs. (Fun fact: California grows all of the sushi rice used in the United States). Beyond the economic contributions, ricelands provide valuable habitat and food for 230 wildlife species and millions of waterfowl.

The rice industry’s success story is due, in large part, to the efforts and vision of the CRC and its leaders, many of whom are Ag Leadership alumni. Dozens have served in volunteer positions for the CRC and other industry groups. Five of those alumni who are making a difference share their insights and experiences on the following pages.

- Written by Meredith Ritchie

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Rice photos: Fred Rehrman

COVER STORY

MARK KIMMELSHUE Class 28

ROBERTA FIROVED Class 30 In 2002, Firoved left the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to become the California Rice Commission’s industry affairs manager.

She manages programs for pesticide regulation and water quality.

Leadership •USA Rice Federation Regulatory Affairs & Food Safety Committee •Industry Liaison to the California Farm Bureau Rice Advisory Committee In addition... Firoved writes blog posts and e-coms for CRC. She has traveled to D.C. several times to meet with the EPA/Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) and legislators. She has hosted tours for DPR, Central Valley Regional Water Board, EPA-OPP and National Marine Fisheries Services.

Leadership lessons “Leadership is a leap of faith and an act of courage” – from our session with Dr. Barry Posner. What I enjoy most about the CRC is the courage we have to take unconventional approaches, resulting in creative solutions. My faith was tested several times during the development of the rice-specific waste discharge requirements (rice WDR) order. Time, patience and perseverance were the basis for positive focus on the end result. We met with stakeholders to work through areas of disconnect, with the final decision to approve such a non-issue as to be anticlimactic. Dr. Reckmeyer spoke of systemic leadership as a process that weaves the threads of what we learn – to use what we learn unconsciously. Adding to that concept, emerging leadership is where we mobilize people to pursue shared goals. Developing the rice WDR was a collective process that tested the limits of our creativity. The rice WDRs provide less as more in fulfilling a new regulation for our growers.

Above photo: Brian Baer Photography

How is leadership a factor in dealing with regulatory agencies and environmental groups?

A lesson from years working with agencies and groups that some would consider “opposite the table” is that we often share the same goal. In the end, it is about the relationships we form with those outside our immediate group. The relationship is the basis for trust, integrity and credibility. We really cannot ask for more than this.

How would you define good leadership or a good leader?

Recognizing that leadership takes many forms and is not necessarily the loudest voice. A good leader can lead the charge, and yet switch to leading from behind. Often, leadership centers from the reasonable solution. Providing those in opposition coverage while moving forward with a solution results in effective leadership.

How did Ag Leadership benefit you?

Ag Leadership taught me to identify various personality types resulting in acceptance of viewpoints other than mine. Collaboration toward a solution often results in opinions and approaches different from what I would take. Leadership often requires the faith to put a mirror in front of your face and the courage to change what you do not like. To not be stuck in old behaviors, yet adaptive to change. To quote Dr. Patrick Lattore, “The changes we make in ourselves have the greatest possibility of changing others.”

Kimmelshue is the partner/owner of Legacy Associates, Inc., which has a contract with Associated Rice Marketing Cooperative (ARMCO) to perform management and marketing functions.

As general manager and CEO of ARMCO, he works with rice producers to effectively market their rice.

Leadership California Rice Commission •Board of Directors* (treasurer, 201415; chair, 2007-2010) •Budget and Finance Committee* (chair, 2014-15) •Industry Affairs Committee* •International Marketing and Promotion Committee* •Research and Technology Committee* USA Rice Federation •USA Rice Federation Board* (alt.)

•USA Rice Council Board of Directors* •USA Rice Merchants’ Association Board of Directors* *currently serves In addition... Kimmelshue has represented rice and Northern California agriculture as a Butte County Water Commission member and has traveled to D.C. and Sacramento several times as an advocate for rice.

Leadership lessons For years, CRC has worked to dispel beliefs that rice uses excessive amounts of water. We’ve educated the public and decision makers in D.C. and Sacramento about water efficiencies that have been developed for rice and the true amount of water consumption in a field. We’ve worked with environmental partners to explain the environmental benefits that would be lost if rice fields were not present in the Sacramento Valley.

The rice industry has been proactive to counter sensationalistic media reports about arsenic levels in rice. We are also working with FDA to develop scientifically accurate arsenic levels in

rice compared to the levels that would constitute any human health risks.

What is essential for the future of California rice?

California rice – and California agriculture – must continue to tell positive stories. The vast majority of the people and decision makers in California haven’t a clue about agriculture and all the good things agriculture does for them. We must engage, find common ground and become friends with those who don’t understand our industry – from urban decision makers to consumers. We must be proactive, not reactive, to current and future issues that could adversely impact our industry. The rice industry has done this well in the past with issues such as rice straw burning, drain water discharge and environmental concerns.

How would you define good leadership or a good leader?

Good leaders must understand that their personal story and experiences have instilled them with certain biases and convictions that aren’t always the same or even close to those of others they are working with. Good leaders must be able to hear and understand the beliefs and opinions of others and work to develop common ground among all stakeholders involved. Easily said, but sometimes very difficult to do.

How did Ag Leadership benefit you?

I came from a small town, grew up in a relatively conservative family and attended a (then) relatively conservative college (Cal Poly SLO). Ag Leadership helped me start understanding that to be an effective leader, I needed to understand and be more open and accepting of beliefs and opinions that don’t necessarily align with my own.

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CHARLEY MATHEWS Class 26 Mathews is a fifth generation farmer who grows 700 acres of rice near Marysville.

Leadership California Rice Commission •Board of Directors* (secretary, 201415; chair, 2011-13) •International Marketing & Promotion Committee* •Research and Technology Committee* •Rice Certification Committee* •California Rice Producers’ Group* USA Rice Federation •Board of Directors* •U.S. Rice Producers’ Group* •USA Rice Council Board of Directors* (former chair) •International Promotion Committee *currently serves In addition... Mathews writes blog posts and is featured in videos on the CRC website. He is frequently interviewed for news articles. Mathews has traveled to D.C. many times and to six countries on behalf of the rice industry.

Leadership lessons Working on a national level with rice producers and marketers from other states has been a challenge.

The California rice situation is comparatively different from other states in rice types, markets and regulatory challenges. The value is in a unified national organization, but writing a Farm Bill or working with EPA at that level requires a unique set of skills to make sure the needs of the California rice industry are met. It is one state against five states in many instances, but the mutual understanding of each state’s wants and needs allows for discussions and compromises on some pretty significant issues. It requires leadership

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Above photo: Brian Baer Photography

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

at many levels to accomplish great things. U.S. rice is small compared to major crops like sugar, corn, wheat, etc., but we have placed ourselves as one of the most well known and respected ag organizations in Washington.

Describe the leadership and collaboration within CRC: The CRC is a good example of “bottom up” leadership. The program of work is generated by various committees based on their expertise and knowledge. The program of work is then vetted by the budget and finance committee and finally approved by the board. Once that is approved, it is implemented by staff and managed by committees. A great process that spreads the work over many shoulders and leaves those with qualified opinions to work on a consensus basis.

The chair simply runs board meetings, executive committee meetings and maintains communication with the CEO. How would you define good leadership or a good leader?

Do not ever try to carry the weight on your own; delegate work and challenges to many. Avoid the temptation to force your ideas and micromanage, because a “consensus” is what is needed to accomplish anything. A great lesson learned from the Ag Leadership Program.

How did Ag Leadership benefit you?

Everything was presented and executed as a group (my class) and I learned that individual brains were no match against the brains of the group. The trick is to understand and appreciate the thoughts and views of others while working towards a common goal as a group.

FRANK REHERMANN Class 8 Rehermann and his wife, Judy, grow 815 acres of rice in Sutter and Butte counties.

They have grown rice since 1972 in a general partnership, FJR Farms.

Leadership California Rice Commission •Board of Directors (chair, 2004-07) •Industry Affairs Committee* •Budget and Finance Committee (former chair) •Rice Certification Committee •California Rice Producers’ Group (former chair) USA Rice Federation •U.S. Rice Producers’ Group* (chair) •Board of Directors* (former vice chair) California Rice Industry Association •Board of Directors* (chair, 2007-present) *currently serves In addition... Rehermann has testified on behalf of the rice industry before committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He chaired the California Rice Producers’ Group and U.S. Rice Producers’ Group during the early development of the current Farm Bill.

Leadership lessons During my tenure as CRC chair, GMO was found in U.S. rice grown outside California and it had a major impact on the industry. The CRC formed a standing committee, the Rice Certification Committee. Landmark legislation, designed to protect California rice from contamination, was written by our counsel, George Soares. The actions of the CRC were not universally popular, but we did the right thing. People banded together and took a specific action that was the right course of action in the long run.

You have longevity as an ag leader. Why stay so engaged?

One of my takeaways from Ag Leadership was to give back to the agriculture industry. I enjoyed every role in which I served. I hope my leadership was wellspent, but that is a decision for someone else to make. I am proud that others have considered me capable. My level of engagement is decreasing because there are many young people in our industry capable of leadership.

How would you define good leadership or a good leader?

We are fortunate to have an excellent staff at CRC, headed by President and CEO Tim Johnson. They help our industry find a clear path through an increasingly burdensome regulatory environment.

Good leaders should be able to effectively navigate complex situations with composure. With Tim, whenever he confronts an issue, he’s always prepared and never loses control of a situation.

Leaders should be big thinkers and blaze a trail if necessary.

How did Ag Leadership benefit you?

Taking part in Class 8 was a truly beneficial experience. We were encouraged to consider our role in a world effectively decreasing in size.

We learned about the importance of relationships and the consideration of opinions not always concurrent with our own. Shortly after graduation from Ag Leadership, some alumni and I began organizing the California Wheat Commission. After considerable effort, we were successful in 1983. As it relates to the rice industry, when the CRC was formed to succeed the Rice Promotion Board, I was comfortable that it was the right thing to do.

COVER STORY

NICOLE MONTNA VAN VLECK Class 26 Van Vleck is a third generation rice grower and president and CEO of Montna Farms, a 5,000-acre family farming operation headquartered in Sutter County.

Leadership California Rice Commission •Board of Directors* •California Rice Producers’ Group* (chair, 2012-present) •Industry Affairs Committee •Public Education Committee* California Rice Industry Association •Board of Directors* USA Rice Federation •U.S. Rice Producers’ Group* (state chair) •Conservation Committee* •Communications Committee* •Government Affairs Committee* •Rice Quality Task Force* (co-chair, 2011-13) •USA Rice PAC Board* •Farm Bill Task Force* *currently serves In addition… Van Vleck devotes a lot of time to water issues for local water boards and by serving on the Northern California Water Association (NCWA) board. For NCWA, she serves on the executive committee and as communications co-chair. She spends a lot of time on rice and water meetings with a few of her Class 26 classmates: Charley Mathews, David Guy and Steve Danna.

Leadership lessons The rice industry has been a leader in agriculture by creating relationships with environmental groups that value the habitat that rice fields provide. Collaborating with partners – such as Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Point Blue Conservation Science and Natural Resources Conservation Service – the CRC has been working on public and private market-based opportunities to deliver wildlife friendly practices on working lands.

How critical are positive media relations and public education?

They are crucial, especially during the drought.

The CRC and NCWA are working hand in hand to find effective ways to communicate the exceptional and efficient nature of water use in the Sacramento Valley. To communicate about our growers and industry, it’s important that we reach out to the public through our website, blogs, Facebook and Twitter, and by working with reporters, legislators, regulators and opinion makers.

How would you define good leadership or a good leader?

Good leadership is dependent on someone who can cut through difficult issues and drill down to what is most important for his or her organization to effect positive change. Good leaders need good listening, communication and delegation skills to efficiently chart a course.

How did Ag Leadership benefit you?

Ag Leadership taught me the value of collaborating with others to achieve a common goal. From working with other rice states and other commodities on Farm Bill issues, working with environmental organizations on the benefit of water on rice fields for waterbird habitat, or working with both urban and rural stakeholders in the Sacramento Valley on drought issues, collaborating with a wider group helps reach a larger audience and often proves with much greater success than if one tackles it alone.

About the California Rice Commission www.calrice.org

OTHER ALUMNI AND FELLOWS WHO WORK IN THE RICE INDUSTRY Mike Boeger (7) Terry Bressler (30) Correen Davis (45) Steven Dennis (13) Jessica Lundberg (33) Charlie Mathews (6) Bradley Mattson (33) Kent McKenzie (29) Jon Munger (36) Samuel Nevis (32) Sarah Reynolds (40) Rick Rhody (45) Danny Robinson (27) Doug Rudd (26) Ryan Schohr (33) Tracy Schohr (39) Paul Squires (37) Terrell Storm (18) Joe Struckmeyer (15) Audrey Tennis (12) Robert Van Dyke (13)

Rice photos: Fred Rehrman

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CLASS 44

Class 44 Celebrates Commencement with

LIFE-CHANGING REFLECTIONS On Feb. 7, Class 44 fellows celebrated their completion of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. The commencement was a touching tribute by 24 fellows who were immersed together in a 17-month educational experience, described by many as “lifechanging.”

The event, held for the first time on the Fresno State campus, included a precommencement address by Fresno State University President Dr. Joseph Castro. He urged the class to not just wait for the big leadership opportunities that they have been preparing for, but to strive to make positive impacts on their communities on a daily basis.

The commencement ceremony included remarks from several soon-to-be graduates about the impact the program had on their lives.

“Today we are celebrating a moment of consequence in the lives of the 24 members of Class 44,” said Heather Mulholland, chief financial officer for Mulholland Citrus, as she welcomed guests to the event. “It is an occasion both to reflect on our leadership journey, and to assess the future that lies before us.”

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The program continued with personal reflections by Carissa Koopmann Rivers,

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rangeland manager at Audubon California; Jose Arriaga, agricultural supervisor for the County of San Diego and Patrick Hooker, director of operations at Colorful Harvest.

“This program has been the introduction to the journey I plan to continue the rest of my life, which is to persistently shape myself into this image of a hero or effective leader by using all the new shiny tools I have acquired in my growing toolbox during the last 16 months,” said Rivers.

Arriaga spoke positively about what he had learned. “Ag Leadership has provided me with a greater level of self-awareness,” he said. “Now I can use that awareness to change myself in a way that will radiate and influence others around me and in my community. I have learned that my success as a leader will not be measured by my accomplishments, rather it will be measured on the accomplishments of those around me.”

Hooker said that Ag Leadership was the best program that he had ever gone through. “It pushes you in ways that you normally would not be pushed. It challenges the way you traditionally think. It helps you open up and look at yourself so you can be the best person you can be.”

Luke Wilson, ranch manager for Wil-Ker-Son Ranch, and Matt Altman, chief operating officer for Altman Plants, gave sage advice to Class 45 before presenting them with a gift from the graduating class.

“Be ready to laugh at yourself and not hold too tightly to your preconceptions,” said Altman. “Say what is on your mind. Here you can be honest and expect others to do the same for you. But say it with heart and tact.

Remember we are all in this together.”

Said Wilson, “You will not have many experiences like this in your lifetime. It is a wild ride, embrace it and make the most of it.”

The event closed with comments from Trevor Meyers, ranch manager at Meyers Farming.

“The leadership journey is a very internal and personal process, but in an industry such as agriculture, where there are so many challenges, leadership and the ability to collaborate are desperately needed.”

The event was a thoughtful and heartfelt tribute to what the graduating fellows had learned together. Class 44’s presentations captured perfectly the positive, life-changing outcomes of their experience through the Ag Leadership Program.

—Liza Teixeira

CLASS 44

Class 44 Helps Build Library in Kliptown When Paul Parreira and his 23 classmates stepped off the bus at the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, he had no idea how profoundly affected he would be by Class 44’s international trip.

Back on the bus, Parreira thought back to what the leaders of the Kliptown Youth Project had said to him: “One day, we want to build a library.” So Parreira and his classmates agreed to help build a library for Kliptown.

Kliptown, which is made up of 10-foot by 10-foot corrugated tin structures that house six to 10 people each, is referred to as an informal settlement. There is no running water and cooking is done outside, over wood and charcoal fires.

The class has contributed $5,000 to the Kliptown Youth Project to buy chairs, tables and bookshelves for the library. Their goal is to have two 40-foot shipping containers filled with roughly 176,000 pounds of books sent to South Africa by this fall. As of early March, the class had already collected eight pallets of books, and the donations keep coming. In fact, a local library is even providing books from their collection for the cause. “They just called and they have 70 boxes for me to pick up,” said Parreira.

“We have no idea what poverty is here, we really don’t,” said Parreira. “We see a different type of poverty there than you see here.”

Class 44 fellows spent a half-day experiencing the impoverished area and learning about the needs of the community. While there, they helped serve lunch to 460 schoolchildren at the Kliptown Youth Project.

Class 44 fellows have wasted no time in deciding how they’ll make an impact in the world. Parreira didn’t have to stop and think

when asked why he’s so moved to build a library more than 10,000 miles away from his farm.

“WHETHER I HELP THE PERSON NEXT DOOR, OR A PERSON CONTINENTS AWAY, WE’RE STILL HELPING A HUMAN BEING, AND WE’RE HELPING SOMEBODY BETTER THEMSELVES. WE’RE SENDING OPPORTUNITY. THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO VENTURE OUT OF KLIPTOWN AND TO GET A MEANINGFUL JOB AND TO HELP THEIR FAMILY.” HOW YOU CAN HELP: Contact a Class 44 fellow or Paul Parreira at 209-988-6956 or paul@rpacalmonds.com.

—Liza Teixeira

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LEADERSHIP FOCUS

Photos: Architect of the Capitol

WHY WASHINGTON?

By Dr. Jim Ulrich “Why Washington?” This was the title of a provocative presentation to Class 45 in preparation for their national travel seminar in March. Vernon Creviston, a Fresno State history lecturer, took the fellows back in time to glean leadership lessons from the past – not about the Founding Fathers, but about the Founding Father extraordinaire: George Washington.

In explaining how Washington was the right person to meet the challenges of the day, Creviston said that at the time, no other country had a president. The only role models for national leaders were monarchs who were despised for their abuses of power. Washington’s humility and reticence to exercise power were precisely the traits the country needed in its first leader.

Creviston pointed out that Washington was not as learned as other Founding Fathers, nor was he an eloquent speaker or great writer. In fact, Washington doubted his own strengths and felt he was “deficient in many of the essential qualities” that people of the day expected in a president. In contrast to Jefferson, Madison and Adams, who had a higher social standing, Washington came from roots described as “the middling ranks.”

Considering Washington’s legacy and what he did as a leader, it is interesting to also recognize what he did not do: he did not hold on to the reins of military power. In December 1783, Washington surrendered his military commission and told Congress, “Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action – and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.”

Creviston also said that Washington was, in many ways, a failure as a military leader. His unit was defeated at Fort Necessity in 1754 when he fought for the British in the French and Indian War. At the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776, Washington had no experience commanding large numbers of troops. The Continental Army was defeated in the fall of 1776 at the Battle of White Plains and at Fort Washington. Supply chain difficulties and low morale plagued Washington during the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge.

Even after a decisive win at Yorktown in 1781, Washington faced the challenge of suppressing a growing rebellion in the ranks, culminating in the Newburgh Conspiracy in 1783.

At the start of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Washington did not ask to be appointed to a leadership position – although, curiously, he showed up in military uniform, which was a subtle reminder to others of his past accomplishments on behalf of the new republic. The unspoken message was, “I stand ready to serve” – and serve he did.

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When King George III heard of Washington’s plan to resign instead of seize political power, he acknowledged that “if he does that [resign his commission in the Continental army], he will be the greatest man in the world.”

Why, then, was Washington the Founding Father?

As Creviston said, it was because he did not fancy himself another Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar or Napoleon Bonaparte. Ironically, Napoleon – whose efforts to succeed as a military and political leader ultimately proved futile – reflected on his failure during his exile: “They wanted me to be another George Washington.”

Looking back on Washington’s legacy from the vantage point of history, his contribution lay not in authoring any new ideology, but rather choosing to work within existing traditions while embodying high ideals and modeling personal virtue. A famous eulogy summed up his legacy: “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts

of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting.”

Creviston’s talk not only helped fellows prepare for their national seminar, but observations from Washington’s life served as important reminders for leading more effectively: Don’t let failure get you down, but keep your eye on the long view.

Building on the good work of others helps ensure a lasting legacy. Sometimes the best way to serve others is to get out of the way to give them an opportunity to lead. Keep your ideals high, but also be pragmatic.

WASHINGTON’S HUMILITY AND RETICENCE TO EXERCISE POWER WERE PRECISELY THE TRAITS THE COUNTRY NEEDED IN ITS FIRST LEADER.

Dr. Ulrich is CALF’s leadership program manager.

GUEST COLUMN

A DIFFERENT

NORMAL

By Heidi Harris, Class 43 “Ag Leadership changed my life, changed my perspective and now it is changing my reality.” This was a text I wrote to my sister from my husband’s childhood home in Ephesus, Ga., in November 2014.

After 20 years of marriage, it was as if I had met my husband Gary’s family for the first time. I found myself observing them moving through their normal and infused in their culture. I was no longer threatened by the vast difference between us. Had I found peace here, in this very different-than-me place?

What a strange feeling this was. How much more fun this was. Laughing to myself, I smiled with my memories of past years.

I was raised with a formal holiday dinner table covered with great-grandma’s handmade table cloth, the “good dishes” and folks dressed for the occasion. You may imagine my surprise when the Thanksgiving table on my husband’s side was set with plastic cups full of sweet tea, Styrofoam plates and chicken dressin’ instead of a turkey. Not only was it a sin for a Californian to eat off of Styrofoam, but plastic of any kind was not allowed on my mother’s dining room table, let alone her Thanksgiving table!

For years I was driven with an eternal plan: I was going to make my husband’s family normal. I was more than happy to jump square in the middle of my box and justify every reason under the sun why I stood in the perfect position to help them. This must be why God put me in my husband’s life, to help his family become normal!

them to normal this year. This was unforeseen – I had the grocery list and we had settled into a routine.

As I stood in line at the Golden Corral, my husband whispers into my ear, “You’re just out of your box honey, you’re doing good.” Out of the box?!

What box? I can’t even see my box. I stubbornly choose only traditional Thanksgiving foods for my rainbow colored plastic plates. Watching my children eat pizza, cotton candy and gummy bears, I realize I clearly have been beaten. Normal was never coming here, not ever!

MY MIND REELED WITH NEW UNDERSTANDING OF THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. JUDGMENT WAS SHRINKING AND UNDERSTANDING WAS GROWING.

So, I became the turkey cooker every year. I even bought the roaster, baster and the platter. I bought a set of glasses and graduated his family to paper plates and napkins with leaves to start. I offered to prepare green bean casserole, fruit salad and pumpkin pie. I made appetizers.

“Why are we going to eat all this food if we are fixin’ to have a big supper?” they asked. “It is what you do while you wait on the turkey and watch football,” I proudly explained. Vexing I’m sure, as there was no football on the TV and historically no turkey in the oven. Normal was happening, slowly, year after year.

After 18 years of my efforts, I was dealt a serious blow. My mother-in-law announced that we were going out to dinner for Thanksgiving. What? A few months into the Ag Leadership Program, I had new tools. I was going to “lead”

I missed Thanksgiving 2013 (I had just returned from the international trip to Brazil), but we returned to our holiday routine for Thanksgiving 2014. Pulling into Granny’s yard, we are greeted by happy people. I watch as long hugs are exchanged between my husband, my children and granny. I notice the outside sounds, myriad bugs and night birds we do not enjoy in my mountains.

My daughter sniffs in the air. “It smells like Georgia,” she says. She is happy.

The screaming red and orange sunset typical of Georgia evenings fades to night. So this is it, I realize.

My husband’s home, this place, these people and his “normal.” For 10 days I watched, listened, ate their food, went to church, visited on the porch swing, picked turnip greens and shopped at the Piggly Wiggly. In doing so I realized something: I’m not normal! Not here anyway.

They do not need my “help.” They are normal; their normal. I do not have to become them, or they me. We do not have to understand each other or even agree on everything. I just need to let my husband be “home” and share his culture with his children.

I credit the Ag Leadership seminar on culture for this new view of my husband’s homeland and family. The culture seminar reached into the innermost parts of my soul. Afterward, my mind reeled with new understanding of the people in my life. Judgment was shrinking and understanding was growing.

Arriving home late from that seminar, I woke up my poor husband. Crying, I promised him sweet tea and biscuits. He thought I was insane, as he often does.

When asked how I had changed in the program, he said, “I get sweet tea now.”

I am not perfect, but I try!

Thank you, Ag Leadership, for changing my life, my perspective and my reality.

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SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

FEATURE STORY

Annual Breakfast Traditions Continue to Grow A large part of the California Ag Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) success is a long history of support by the alumni community across the state. Included in that tradition of support are two breakfasts held annually in February – at the World Ag Expo and Colusa Farm Show.

Each breakfast is organized by a network of dedicated Ag Leadership alumni in the area. A new chair is selected each year, and that individual steps up to prepare for the upcoming event.

“In this group, everyone has carved out a role and they do what needs to be done like clockwork,” said Elizabeth Knudsen (37), chair of the 21st annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast. “There have definitely been bumps along the way – speakers canceled at the last minute and rain coming into a tent, but the show has gone on!”

It’s this type of commitment to Ag Leadership that keeps the program going strong year after year.

“We have a very solid core that helps put on the World Ag Expo breakfast every year,” said Doug Phillips (40), who has chaired the event for two years. “Local Ag Leadership alumni are a big part of the event’s success.”

The Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast, which began in 1995, is hosted by alumni in Region 6. It draws several hundred attendees and sells out almost annually.

Attendees come from across the state to hear from top-notch speakers and enjoy a hearty steak and egg breakfast.

12 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

“People want to be part of the breakfast every year,” said Phillips. “They enjoy the camaraderie, the speaker and a nice breakfast before heading out to the World Ag Expo.”

The breakfast has had keynote addresses from notable comedians, actors, authors, sports stars and veterans. Among the list of speakers are Mike Mullane, retired astronaut and Air Force colonel; Leon Panetta, former secretary of defense and CIA director; Patti Davis, daughter of President Ronald Reagan; Dave Dravecky, former Major League Baseball player and Rocky Bleier, four-time Super Bowl champion. This year featured Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace.

To date, more than $1 million has been raised at the World Ag Expo Breakfast to benefit CALF. Eight years after the breakfast in Tulare began, the first Colusa Farm Show Breakfast was held. Ag Leadership alumni in Region 2; the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico and the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity work together to make the Colusa event a success.

“We decided to pattern our breakfast after the Tulare farm show breakfast,” said Les Heringer (13). “And why not? It was very successful and we felt we could be successful as well.”

With the blessing of the Colusa Fair board, the first breakfasts were held in a tent at the fairgrounds.

“The first event drew 70 interested farmers and ag related folks,” said Heringer. “We outgrew the tent and moved to the sheep barn, which was nicely set up for our program.

We outgrew that venue and moved to where we are today – across the street from the fairgrounds of the longest running farm show in the state. Now we’re in a very nice hall at the Catholic school in Colusa.”

Since that first year, attendance has steadily grown to 500.

“People look forward to the event each year for a visit with friends and for the opportunity to support young people in the Ag Leadership Program and the College of Agriculture at Chico State,” said Heringer.

A guest speaker is invited each year. In 2013, Gov. Jerry Brown attended the event and spoke about agricultural water issues and his family’s cattle ranch in Colusa County. In 2014, Washington, D.C. attorney Monte Lake highlighted immigration and agriculture. This year, George Soares (4) spoke about water availability, sustainability and the significance of the Ag Leadership Program.

“The event has grown tremendously in its 13 years from a small gathering in a tent on the farm show grounds to now a packed auditorium of 500 people,” said Sarah DeForest (39). “The breakfast has become an integral and enjoyable part of the Colusa Farm Show for many of our attendees.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the Ag Leadership Program and Chico State agriculture alumni scholarships. In 13 years, the Colusa breakfast has successfully raised more than $200,000.

—Liza Teixeira

FEATURE STORY

13 SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

ALUMNI EVENTS

Region 6

Region 6

Region 6

Row phot

Region 1

Region 3

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Sacramento

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

Region 1

Region 3

Region 3

Sacramento

Sacramento

Sacramento

Tulare

ALUMNI EVENTS

Event Volunteer Recognition January – March COLUSA FARM SHOW BREAKFAST

Feb. 4 | Colusa About 480 people attended the 13th annual breakfast at St. Bernadette’s Hall.

The event featured keynote speaker George Soares (4), who is considered one of the premier agricultural lobbyists in the state.

Region 1

Region 3

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

WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI RECEPTION

AGRICULTURAL AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS RECEPTION

Feb. 11 | Chinese Cultural Center, Visalia A wine and cheese reception was hosted by the World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast committee to honor the insurance sponsors of the breakfast.

Sacramento

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS Julie Allen (27) Gus Collin (3) Fred Lagomarsino (19) Soapy Mulholland (25)

WORLD AG EXPO AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI BREAKFAST Tulare

Washington, D.C.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Bill Adams (32) Julie Allen (27) Russ Bassett (16) Hugh Bello (31) Caroline (14) and Fred (20) Berry Gus Collin (3) Mandy Critchley (37) Adin Hester (3) Debbie Hurley (21) Nomie Kautz (30) Elizabeth Knudsen (37) – chair Lynn Knudson (20) Fred Lagomarsino (19) Soapy Mulholland (25) Cindy Myers (22) Doug Phillips (40) John Schaap (39) Todd Snider (41) Tricia Stever Blattler (34) Jim Sullins (19) Ray Van Beek (37)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

w 1 - Region 6 for the three tos on this page

from author and scientist Dr. Patrick Moore, the cofounder of Greenpeace who calls himself “The Sensible Environmentalist.”

Feb. 12 | Tulare A sold-out crowd of more than 600 gathered at the 21st annual breakfast to hear

March 3 | Sacramento A crowd of about 150 alumni, fellows, industry leaders, legislators and staffers gathered for a wonderful evening at The Senator Hotel.

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross spoke to the audience about state agricultural issues, as well as the value of Ag Leadership.

All of the commodities donated for the display were donated to the River City Food Bank.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS Dennis Albiani (32) Mike Campbell (3) Cecilia Chi-Ham (38) Anne Coates (42) Noelle Cremers (35) Sue DiTomaso (32)

Stephanie Etcheverria (43) Missy Gable (40) Heidi Harris (43) Mica Heilmann (40) Josh Huntsinger (39) Greg Krzys (44) Emily Lazzerini (CALF staff) Elisa Noble (42) Garry Pearson (38) Judy Sparacino (CALF staff) Deanna van Klaveren (32) Luke Wilson (44)

REGION 6 RECRUITMENT EVENT

Feb. 5 | Sun-Maid, Kingsburg Jerry DiBuduo (31) Nat DiBuduo (6) Gail Gray (22) Denise Junqueiro (42) Nomie Kautz (30) Alex Ott (37) Vernon Peterson (41) Rick Stark (39) Rod Stark (29) Tim Vaux (31) Phil Waddell (29)

REGION 3 RECRUITMENT EVENT AND ALUMNI SOCIAL Feb. 8 | Home of Mike Campbell, Clarksburg Mike Campbell (3) Mica Heilmann (40)

REGION 1 RECRUITMENT EVENT

Feb. 12 | Montna Farms, Yuba City Jon Munger (36) Jeff (24) and Cherie Stephens Nicole Montna Van Vleck (26) John Weiler (22)

REGION 10 ALUMNI SOCIAL AND RECRUITMENT EVENT

March 21 | Home of Bob and Anne Atkins Bob (17) and Anne Atkins

15 SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Outreach and Promotion for Kern County Ag Growing up in urban Denver with no agricultural background, Beth Brookhart Pandol (25) likely envisioned her future career would be something other than promoting agriculture 1,000 miles west in southern San Joaquin Valley.

But a stint as a Bakersfield newspaper reporter led to a 30-year career in agriculture-related jobs, which currently includes leading a water association and an up-and-coming nut festival. Perhaps it was her destiny to be one of Kern County agriculture’s most passionate supporters.

“It’s all been a surprise to me, how I got started in agriculture and my career in agriculture,” said Pandol, who is married to grape grower Andrew Pandol.

Pandol got her first taste of California agriculture writing freelance articles for publications such as Ag Alert and California Farmer. She then held communications positions with KERO-TV (Bakersfield), Griffin Communications, Kern County Water Agency and Calcot. She also did freelance work for several agricultural businesses and worked extensively with the Kern County Farm Bureau to develop its ag education programs.

For the past three years, Pandol has been executive director of the Water Association of Kern County (WAKC). She works with the board to develop outreach programs that educate the public about urban and agricultural water issues in the county. “It’s a challenge, since water is such a complicated subject,” said Pandol.

16

Over the years, WAKC has provided information about federal, state and local water projects; water quality;

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

legislation and regulations; historical water agreements; water supply; endangered species; water banking and conservation.

“Our slogan is ‘Every Drop Counts in Kern,’” said Pandol. “Recently we wrapped city buses with water information. We also host several programs each year featuring water speakers on topics such as the drought, groundwater regulations and fracking.”

Pandol lends her outreach and communications expertise to another agricultural endeavor, albeit a more entertaining one – the Kern County Nut Festival. She is the co-founder and co-chair (one of the “head nuts”).

She has been involved with the event since 2009, when local leaders first discussed the idea of a local food festival similar to the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Despite the interest and enthusiasm, the idea was shelved for a few years due to the economy.

The event was then revived by Pandol and her co-chair, Sheryl Barbich, who were board members of the Kern County Museum Foundation.

The struggling museum needed money – and they thought the nut festival would be an ideal fundraiser.

It was a huge venture, but volunteers embraced the challenge. Pandol and her co-chairs now lead nearly 80 committee members who meet throughout the year.

“Our goals are to showcase nuts, one of Kern’s top commodities; engage the community in an annual, regional event; and raise funds for the museum,” said Pandol. “We ultimately hope to draw people from around the state, much like Gilroy does.”

The inaugural festival in 2013 drew 10,000 people. The 2013 and 2014 festivals raised $275,000 for the museum. Pandol expects those numbers to keep increasing. “People were very supportive. It was wonderful to see the community come out and enjoy themselves. There are so many competing events, so we’re trying to differentiate the nut festival to make it better and unique. We still have work to do, but I think we’re on the right track.”

Pandol said that leadership skills are important for success, but vary depending on the project.

For the festival, it’s about teamwork.

“It’s such a big effort that getting the right people to lead committees and make sure they follow through is essential,” she said. “Every individual is different. We need to work with them in a way that suits them and empowers them to get their job done. They have to feel good about what they are doing and be proud to be doing something for the greater good.”

For WAKC, communication is paramount. “Water in California is so complex. We are constantly trying to convey the seriousness of the issue to the public. They don’t live in a world of ‘allocations’ and ‘in-lieu water banking.’ Being able to pare the issues down is really important. It’s difficult to share our messages on a limited, nonprofit budget.”

Pandol, a graduate of Leadership Bakersfield, has learned some valuable leadership lessons over the years.

“Leadership can come from unexpected places,” she said. “I’ve worked with people who were supposedly very accomplished and found them to not come through on projects.

Conversely, I’ve seen people who seemed ill equipped to be leaders come through wonderfully and do an excellent job.

“I’ve also learned that being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean being the big dog in the room. Leadership can be done with a phone call, an email or pat on the back. You don’t have to be the person getting the big award at the end of a project to be considered a good leader.”

—Meredith Ritchie

ON AG LEADERSHIP “Besides marrying my wonderful husband and having two great kids, Ag Leadership was the best thing I ever did. I learned so much about life, the commonality among people, but also the uniqueness of people. I learned how brave great leaders are.

I made some of the best friends of my life and we still have a very close class.”

“I can’t think of anything more valuable to the ag industry than to develop leaders who can speak well, speak passionately and follow through. Ag has a fainter and fainter voice in the political and social realm and it’s important that new leaders carry the message of agriculture and keep working for its viability.”

“To fellows and recent graduates: get out there and do it – whatever “it” is for you. You don’t spend two years in the program so you can go back and sit in your easy chair!”

ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS CLASSES 1-9

Myron Holdenried (3) and his wife, Marilyn –

Craig McNamara (28) was reappointed

owners of Wildhurst Vineyards – were part of a wine tasting event and three-course winemaker dinner featuring their Wildhurst wines. The event was held March 7 at the Lake County Wine Studio.

member and president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2002.

John Muller (8) was a speaker at the 2015

Terry Bressler (30) was reappointed to the

Northwest Flower and Garden Show, held Feb. 11-15 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. He presented a seminar titled “Farmer John’s Top Tips for a Garden – From Seed to Table.”

CLASSES 10-19

Paul Martin (10) returned to Western

United Dairymen (WUD) as interim CEO in January, while WUD continued its search for a permanent leader. Martin had retired from WUD in 2012 after serving as the longtime director of environmental services.

Jack Pandol (12) was a panel speaker at the Second International Grape Symposium, held Feb. 5-6 in Hermosillo, Mexico. His presentation was titled “How to achieve significant premiums in the table grape market. WPW flavors drive premium returns.” Pandol joined panelists from Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Cuba and the United States.

CLASSES 20-29 Fred Berry (20) was hired by Homegrown Organic Farms as a senior account manager. He most recently worked with Mulholland Citrus as its director of marketing.

John Diener (20) was featured in an in-depth

article about the drought (“When the Snows Fail”) in the October 2014 issue of National Geographic.

A.G. Kawamura (20) was the keynote speaker

at the first Farmers’ Lunch, held on Feb. 12 at the World Ag Expo. His speech was titled “Food is a Privilege, Not a Right.”

Jeff Merwin (20) was re-elected to his second term as Yolo County Farm Bureau president.

He served as first vice president in 2012-13 and second vice president in 2011. He has been a director of the local Farm Bureau since 1992.

Glenda Humiston (25) was a speaker at the 2015 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, held Feb. 19-20 in Arlington, Va. Her presentation was titled “What Do Scarcity, Alternatives and Comprehensive Strategies Mean for Today’s Efforts to Address Water Challenges?”

CLASSES 30-39

44th District Agricultural Association, Colusa County Fair Board of Directors, where he has served since 1999.

Jake Blehm (32) was named director of

administration for the Ceres Community Project, a nonprofit based in Sebastopol that provides healthy meals for stricken patients and provides training and experience for up to 450 young volunteers.

Charles Tyson (32) was selected president of the Yolo Land Trust board of directors.

CLASSES 40-45

Jorge Suarez (41) was named vice president of labor management at Paramount Farming Company, LLC. He previously worked for Ocean Mist as director of strategic planning and human resources for nearly 12 years.

IN MEMORIAM The following was not included in a previous issue of Horizons. We sincerely apologize for the unintentional omission.

Susan Brown Diefenderfer (10)

Sept. 5, 1955 – July 4, 2014 Susan Brown Diefenderfer passed away on July 4 after a 15-month battle with colon cancer. She was born to Ernest and Mildred Kuhnle Brown and grew up on their Cholame ranch. She is survived by brother Frank Tony Brown and daughter Sherry Swank. She and her husband, Jerry Diefenderfer (2), had moved into their new home on the west side of the Carrisa Plains two weeks before she was diagnosed with cancer.

Susan was very fond of Jerry’s children, Ray, Jennie and JC, and their four grandchildren.

Susan had been active in the community as a school board member in Shandon, a member of the county grand jury, CattleWomen member, Trail Ride member and a former director of the California Mid-State Fair. Memorial donations may be forwarded to the San Luis Obispo County CattleWomen Scholarship Fund, Ann Cochrane, P.O. Box 4653, Paso Robles, CA, 93447.

Megan Foster (44) was hired as a senior

account executive (food and agribusiness) at the Sacramento office of communications firm FleishmanHillard. She was previously the executive director of the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau.

Abby Taylor-Silva (45) was named the

30th District’s 2015 Woman of the Year

by Assemblymember Luis Alejo. She was recognized for her involvement in and commitment to the agricultural industry and her community.

MULTIPLE CLASSES Chuck Nichols (17), owner of Nichols Farms, and Dean Thonesen (12), vice president of SunWest Fruit Company, served as speakers during an agricultural and economic impact tour in January to promote the 2015 Fresno Food Expo (July 22-23). Nichols Farms and SunWest were among the tour stops for a large group of elected officials, commodity board members, Farm Bureau representatives and food producers. The expo is the largest regional food show in the nation.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE? PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS TO: mritchie@agleaders.org

17 SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

THANK YOU

DONOR SUPPORT Pledge Payments Received Otis Booth Foundation: $500,000 California Cotton Alliance: $50,000 Boswell Family Foundation: $25,000 Mission Produce, Inc.: $10,000 Paul Parreira: $6,000 Westside Produce: $5,000 Linda Hildebrand Ballentine: $200 $25,000 Western Growers Association $15,000 Harden Foundation $10,000 Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West (Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception sponsorship) Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West, Fresno Madera Farm Credit (2013-14 annual report underwriter)

18 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015

January 1 - March 31, 2015

$5,000-$5,999 Karm Bains Hidden Villa Ranch Mary-Ann Warmerdam

$300 E. & J. Gallo Winery (match for David Warter) John and Christine Schaap

$4,500 CH Robinson Company

$250 Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli John and Mary Ann Frye Bill Gisvold John Gorter Ed Grossi Mike Richardson John and Teri Zonneveld

$1,000 Berry Pack, Inc. Keithly-Williams Seeds John Muller Paul Sanguinetti Paul and Deborah Wenger $750 Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc $500-599 Les and Janet Heringer R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises Yvonne Sams $400 Bob and Anne Atkins

$150 Benny and Donna Jefferson $100 David Arakelian Woody and Jane Barnes Joe Produce LLC Robert Kasavan Marketing John and Cristel Tufenkjian

Up to $100 Andrea Card In Memory of Paul Couture Bob and Patricia Gray: $1,000 Bob and Teresa Keenan: $250 Tom Perez: $200 Eisenhut Properties: $100 Turlock Fruit Company (Don and Steve Smith): $100 Beverly Winger: $25 In Memory of Jim Coelho (1) Woody and Jane Barnes: $100 In Memory of Hank Stone (1) Woody and Jane Barnes: $100 In-Kind Darlene Din: $22,050 TMD Creative: $4,000 Kelley Parsons: $372 Allied Grape Growers: $328.32

THANK YOU

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS July 1, 2011- March 31, 2015 $1,000,000 and above

James G. Boswell Foundation Otis Booth Foundation

TMD Creative Wegis and Young / Mike Young, Rick Wegis, Greg Wegis Westside Produce

LEGACY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

THE 1970 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

FOUNDERS’ LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

$500,000 and above

Boswell Family Foundation

PIONEER LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $250,000 and above

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

CHAIRMAN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $100,000 and above

John and Betsy Grether John and Sheila Lake Mulholland Citrus Reiter Affiliated Companies Taylor Farms California Wells Fargo Western Growers Association

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $50,000 and above

Bank of America Merrill Lynch The Borba Families / Mark and Sharon Borba Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. Growers Express J.F. Maddox Foundation (in memory of J.G. Boswell II) Mission Produce, Inc. Vessey and Company

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $25,000 and above

Azzule Systems Estate of Katherine Brown Bowles Farming Company / Philip E. and Jamie N. Bowles Capital Insurance Group C.H. Robinson Worldwide D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California Darlene Din Denise Godfrey Family / Olive Hill Greenhouses Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West Foster Farms Harden Foundation Lagomarsino Group George and Kathleen Myers The Norton Foundation Syngenta Corporation

$10,000 and above

AGR Partners Bank of the West Booth Ranches Martin and Debbie Britz Ed and Rosa Boutonnet Rose Marie Burroughs Charles Buchinger Memorial Endowment Fund Class 39 Class 43 John and Nan Colbert Gary Cusumano Margaret Duflock Melissa Duflock E. & J. Gallo Winery Jeff and Mori Elder Greenleaf Farms Jim and Betsy Hansen Hayashi & Wayland Hidden Villa Ranch International Paper Company The Johannessen Trust Kevin Grizzle Farms, LLC The Klassen Corporation Limoneira Foundation Fund Charlie and Sheila Mathews Monsanto Company Benina Montes Paul and Yvonne Murai Mark and Joann Nickerson Peggy Sears Perry Vernon and Carol Peterson / Abundant Harvest Organics Richard Pidduck Prime Time R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises Rabobank, N.A. Rolling Ridge Ranch Jan Smith Rod and Carol Stark Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci Sally Hughes Church Foundation Saticoy Lemon Association Union Bank of California Foundation Mary-Ann Warmerdam Tim York

FELLOWS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $5,000 and above

Karm Bains AGR Partners Blue Diamond Growers Edwin and Kaye Camp Doug and Jan Circle Class 41 Craton Capital Errotabere Ranches Finch Farms Gail Gray George and Janice Higashi Jeana and Larry Hultquist The James R. Moffett Family Foundation Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma King & Gardiner Farms, LLC Bradford and Randall Lange / LangeTwins Winery & Vineyards Leslie Leavens Link and Sally Leavens John and Edyth Ledbetter McClarty Family Foundation Mann Packing Company David and Melissa Martella Tom and Brianne McGrath Paul Parreira Craig Pedersen Person & Son Cattle Co. Peter Peterson Prudential Ag Investments Rain for Rent Meredith Rehrman Ritchie Supima Cotton Pierra Tada TM Bunn Trust John Weiler/ Oji Brothers Farm Inc.

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 Life-Long Leadership Learning Seminar/ Dr. Daniel Goleman

>>Major sponsors ($7,500 each): Agriland Farming Co., Inc., Bank of the West, Booth Ranches, Chevron, Greenleaf Farms & Prudential Agricultural Investments, Simplot, Wells Fargo Bank, and The Ag One Foundation & Fresno State.

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SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

P.O. BOX 479 SALINAS, CA 93902 Return Service Requested

HORIZONS MAGAZINE is published by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends.

Phone: 831-585-1030 www.agleaders.org

THANK YOU, MEREDITH Meredith is now the longest-serving “employee” (free-lance independent contractor) at the foundation, and her institutional memory and extensive knowledge of and acquaintance with the alumni will be greatly missed. She has experienced more than her share of changes of both board leadership and executive management during her tenure, yet she stuck with it in true Ag Leadership fashion (she “drank the Kool Aid” during her program experience, and apparently liked it).

“She has a deep passion for the program, she stayed with it through thick and thin,” said Loren Booth. “It was her love of CALF that kept her going and we love her for that! Her unwavering support of the program is so appreciated and we will miss her positive spirit and editorial talents! Thank you Meredith, your bright light will be missed!”

She was motivated by the current regime (Loren and myself) to elevate and improve our communications platforms in September of 2009, and she has risen to the challenge and done so with a flair and a tenacity and a dedication that has helped these publications win many, many awards (2014 SIAA Award Annual Report, 2013 Summit International Award Annual Report, 2012 Communicator Award Annual Report, 2011 Communicator Award Horizons). She is a member of an award-winning team, and we dedicate this issue to her in grateful thanks for her service to this program, where she has made a difference.

Bob Gray, President & CEO Loren Booth, Chair, CALF Board of Directors

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Salinas, CA Permit No.61