Horizons Spring 2016

horizons California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

S P R I N G 2016

CLASS 45 IS “ALL IN�

Commencement and Leadership Journey

We grow leaders who make a difference.

CHAIR MESSAGE

Leadership is about Change

BY JEFF ELDER

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

The year has passed us by, and with it comes a whole new set of changes and achievements for the foundation, the program, alumni and fellows.

Another class of talented individuals has joined the ranks of alumni. My congratulations go out to the members of Class 45 on their recent completion of the Ag Leadership Program. Those of us fortunate enough to be at the reception dinner or commencement ceremony witnessed the sincere gratitude and emotions of an Ag Leadership graduate. I’ve always felt that the commencement ceremony was the payoff for all of us who work behind the scenes to make this journey possible for the fellows. This ceremony did not disappoint. I am so blessed and proud to be associated with such a fine group of individuals. Their stories reaffirmed the impact the program has on the success of our future leaders. Congratulations again to Class 45!

On a somber note—the unfortunate passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has been on my mind. While I was in Ag Leadership’s Class 35, I had the privilege of spending some time with Justice Scalia at the Supreme Court. His comments about his belief in the Constitution have stayed with me through these many years since meeting him. We have lost a great patriot and a man who was very generous with his time to Ag Leadership.

For the foundation, it’s a busy and important time. The Alumni Council is continuing with its strategic alignment plans, the search committee has interviewed candidates for Bob Gray’s successor and we will soon be welcoming new board members to fill the positions of those who term out in May. Although there are many changes in our future, I am confident that by borrowing Class 45’s “all in” motto, we can maintain the momentum our organization has enjoyed over the past years.

SPRING 2016 • www.agleaders.org

COVER STORY 4

Class 45 Commencement

FEATURES 8 11 12 13 14

Class 45 International Seminar Class 46 National Seminar Remembering Justice Antonin Scalia Alumni Spotlight: Rich Smith Alumni Council Update

DEPARTMENTS 2 2 3 15 16 17

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

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

Page 8 2

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR

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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 WRITER/EDITOR Liza Teixeira Robertson DESIGNER TMD Creative For staff email addresses, visit www.agleaders.org/about/foundation_staff

APRIL

3 Region 3 Alumni Social and Recruiting Event, Clarksburg 7 Region 2 Recruitment Event, Glen Ellen 9 ApCal Recruitment Event, Madera 11-13 Class 46 Seminar, Pomona 15 L4 Seminar, Leon Panetta, Salinas 16 Region 8 Recruitment Event, Bakersfield MAY

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Phase 1, Class 47 Applications Due Region 7 Recruitment Event, Arroyo Grande Class 46 Seminar, San Luis Obispo Phase 2, Class 47 Applications Due

FOUNDATION NEWS

Class 45 Presents Poverello House with $100,000 Donation Class 45 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program presented Fresno’s Poverello House with a $100,000 donation.

The presentation was held in conjunction with Class 45’s commencement ceremony at Fresno State on Saturday, Feb. 6.

(Read more about commencement on page 4).

The Poverello House will use the money donated by Class 45 to purchase a food truck which will provide hot meals and fresh produce to rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley.

Drawing on their experience in foodservice and resource management, the Poverello House will operate the food truck with the goal of providing free meals to individuals in need.

“Our biggest concern is that not enough rural areas are getting nutritious meals cooked, prepped and served,” said Cruz Avila, executive director, Poverello House. “This is how the concept of the truck came about. We want to reach the ag community and we know we can help them on a bigger level by providing hot nutritious meals.”

$1 Million Challenge Grant Met! CALF is thrilled to announce that Loren Booth’s $1 million challenge grant has been met! The challenge was issued in early 2014 to help grow the foundation’s endowment and to support operations.

The grant provided a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1 million for all new or increased gifts to Ag Leadership.

Loren has directed that her matching gift be designated for the foundation’s endowment, to the Franklin Otis Booth Legacy Fund. Thank you to Loren Booth and to everyone who contributed to the success of the $1 million challenge grant!

Alumni Testimonial Videos We are in the process of creating several alumni testimonial videos for use on the foundation’s website and through social media.

The money for the project was donated to Class 45 by individuals and organizations from throughout California.

View the current videos online at www.agleaders.org/about/video.

“The project has been so successful because of the help we received from the agricultural community across the state— it’s a real testament to the generosity of people in agriculture and their willingness to help those who are in need,” said Justin Morehead (45).

If you are interested in being interviewed for a video, contact Liza Teixeira Robertson at Liza.Teixeira@agleaders.org or (559) 816-5979.

The funds remaining after the food truck is purchased and furnished with the kitchen equipment necessary to prepare, cook and serve meals will be used to operate the project until it becomes self-sustaining.

“We’ve fundraised for the upfront cost to get it going and the Poverello House will take on the annual maintenance costs and everything that goes into keeping the truck going,” said Morehead.

“We are very proud of Class 45 and congratulate them on their achievements as servant leaders,” said Bob Gray, president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. “These individuals have already proven their ability to make a difference by assuming leadership roles and helping communities in need.”

Class 47 Applications Applications for Class 47 are now available on the CALF website.

Phase one applications are due no later than May 2. Phase two applications are due May 24.

We need your help identifying, recruiting and mentoring candidates for the program.

Please start thinking about and talking with friends and colleagues who would be strong candidates for Ag Leadership.

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COVER STORY

Class 45 is “ALL IN” for Commencement and Leadership Journey

BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON

In early February, Class 45 fellows celebrated their completion of the California Agricultural Leadership Program with a commencement ceremony held on the Fresno State campus.

The event was a reflection of their 17-month educational journey and an opportunity to share with friends, families and supporters about how their lives were impacted by the program.

Throughout the commencement, the fellows emphasized that at the beginning of the program, they agreed to give their best effort to Ag Leadership by adopting an “all in” attitude. Their presentations at the event demonstrated that they had indeed been “all in” and had reaped the benefits of their effort.

The event capped Class 45’s final seminar, also held at Fresno State. The seminar began with a presentation by Dr. Michael Thomas and Dr. Peggy Perry about utilizing what the fellows have learned throughout their Ag Leadership journey to continue to build their own leadership capacity. The seminar also included a session with Bob Gray about succession planning, and a joint lunch with Ag Leadership’s board of directors.

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The commencement ceremony began with a touching invocation

by Tyson Heusser (45) who expressed how thankful he was for all of those in attendance and for family, friends and supporters who made it possible for him to experience Ag Leadership.

“I was honored to be asked to deliver the invocation, to set the tone and to invite the spirit, at such a special event,” said Heusser.

“I loved the fact that I was able to share the experience with my family who has heard so much about the program—to really see for themselves how elite and impressive the program is.”

The event continued with welcome and leadership remarks by Dr. Joseph Castro, president of California State University, Fresno. In his address to the class, Castro emphasized how encouraged he has been by the fellows, alumni and focus of the program.

COVER STORY

“AG LEADERSHIP HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE MYSELF AND TO DISCOVER WHO I AM.” LAUREN REID ACEVEDO (45)

“I BELIEVE THE EXTENSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CLASS 45 WERE VISIBLE TO ANYONE IN THE COMMENCEMENT AUDIENCE. NOT ONLY DID THEY COMPLETE WHAT THEY WERE ASKED TO DO AND SHARE MEANINGFUL REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM, THEY ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE COMMUNITY BY WAY OF THEIR CLASS PROJECT SO THE COMMUNITY IS NOW MUCH MORE CONNECTED WITH THE AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.” DR. MICHAEL THOMAS

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COVER STORY “I was very impressed when I looked at the curriculum of this program,” said Castro. “It’s broadened your perspective of leadership and I’m so impressed that we have such strong leadership in agriculture. Your commitment to leadership is important to the long-term viability of agriculture.”

The commencement also included a keynote address by Col. Stephen Randolph, historian of the U.S. Department of State. For many years, he has met with Ag Leadership classes during their national seminar. Class 45 was especially honored to have Col. Randolph share his leadership lessons with the group.

“In leadership, it’s very important to maintain initiative, to adapt to circumstances and to seize opportunities,” said Randolph. “In leadership, you don’t seek, you are imposed the opportunity to know yourself.”

As part of the event’s program, Class 45 presented Fresno’s Poverello House with a $100,000 donation to purchase a food truck which will provide hot meals and fresh produce to rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. Cruz Avila, executive director of the Poverello House joined Justin Morehead (45) on stage for the presentation.

“From the bottom of my heart—thank you so much to everyone who helped make this possible,” said an emotional Avila. “We provide hope and services to folks that really do need it, and now we can go to those pockets of communities that we weren’t able to serve before.”

Drawing on their experience in foodservice and resource management, the Poverello House will operate the food truck with the goal of providing free meals to individuals in need.

“Poverello House is a wonderful example of what servant leadership is,” said Morehead. “The passion that Cruz is showing here today is exactly why we wanted to partner with Poverello for this project.”

Dr. Michael Thomas, CALF’s director of education, continued the program by sharing “The Parable of the Pebbles,” a story of three horsemen who, while riding across the desert, are instructed

“IF BEING A HISTORIAN HAS TAUGHT ME ONE THING, IT’S THAT THE FUTURE UNFOLDS IN WAYS NO ONE CAN FORESEE.” COL. STEPHEN RANDOLPH

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by a voice in the darkness to pick up fistfuls of pebbles and put them in their pockets. The voice says, “If you do so, tomorrow at sunup you will be both glad and sorry.” The story concludes with the horsemen reaching into their pockets to find the pebbles had been transformed into diamonds and other precious stones. The horsemen were glad they had listened to the voice, but sorry they had not picked up more pebbles.

“In our case, the voice may be our inner voice—the one that we hear only when it is quiet and after much reflection,” said Thomas.

“Perhaps you heard it during synthesis. Perhaps you heard it at a time when you were alone, still processing the content of a seminar or our travels.”

He continued connecting the story to Class 45’s experiences and left them with some thoughts upon which to reflect.

“Think of new understandings of culture, currency, self reflection, emotional intelligence—in this vernacular, each would be a pebble,” said Thomas. “Are you right now glad—yet sorry like the horsemen?

Glad that you have some pebbles, but sorry you didn’t pick up more? Think about it. What did you pick up? Could you have picked up more?”

The program continued with personal reflections of the Ag Leadership journey by three members of the graduating class, Rob Goff, Rick Rhody and Lauren Reid Acevedo. Each fellow spoke about how their experiences changed their lives and their way of thinking.

Goff began by telling a touching story of a visit to AbilityFirst, a center that offers programs for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. In his speech, he reflected about how a conversation with a mother of a child at AbilityFirst introduced him to a new way of thinking about his own life.

“I am eternally grateful for this experience and try to remain diligent at not taking anything for granted,” said Goff. “Before the program, I thought I was on the right path. Now, I feel I have corrected course and I’m headed to where I need to be.”

COVER STORY Rhody followed by quoting a passage from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Citizenship in a Republic” speech about a man fighting in an arena. He explained how, after completing Ag Leadership, he discovered an entirely new message in the passage.

“The Ag Leadership journey has opened my eyes to a new arena—a new perspective,” said Rhody. “Sure, it could be what I originally envisioned, but it could also be very different—much less valiant. This arena represents the darker, more fearful areas of our life—a place that questions our very worthiness.”

Acevedo continued the reflections with a personal story and described how Ag Leadership ended a long journey of struggles and discouragement. She found Ag Leadership in a moment when she was in need of help and change in her life.

“I realized I needed to let myself be part of this program and to be all in,” said Acevedo. “I can say that Ag Leadership hasn’t changed my life—but it has given me the tools to understand who I am as a person. It has given me the opportunity to let me let go of what was holding me back.”

At the end of their 17-month leadership journey, Class 45 presented themselves as a group of individuals who understood that by committing themselves fully to the program, they had changed their lives and the lives of their friends, families and communities.

“With this attitude, they quickly formed a culture that maximized their performance as individuals and as a class. ‘All in’ became a class motto which summarized their commitment, allowed them to grow personally and fostered accountability,” said Thomas.

“IN THE FINAL SEMINAR, CLASS 45 WAS ABLE TO REFLECT ON HOW THEY COULD CONTINUE TO BUILD LEADERSHIP CAPACITY BY USING THE AG LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AS A CATALYST FOR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE FOCUSED ON PULLING OFF THEIR OWN COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY, THEY ALSO PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE CULMINATING CONCEPTS PRESENTED IN THEIR SHORT FINAL SEMINAR.” DR. MICHAEL THOMAS

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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SEMINAR

CLASS 45 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SEMINAR

LESSONS LEARNED

Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand

BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON While in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand for their international seminar, Class 45 fellows learned about different cultures and economic systems that added diversity and a variety of leadership lessons to their Ag Leadership experience.

One of the first experiences of the seminar was at the village of Som Rhong. The class visited this village through a partnership developed with the Rotary Club of Phnom Penh and the Rotary Clubs of Salinas, Loyalton, Firebaugh and District 5190. The clubs donated $5,000, which was used to purchase 280 water filters for families in the village. The filters provide clean and safe filtered water for 1,500 people, including 900 children, in an area where one in five children under the age of five dies as a result of water quality-related illnesses.

“We all came away reminded that water is a basic essential resource needed for survival all over the world. This had been illustrated to us in a way we’d never experienced before. This village’s safety, independence, health and livelihood came down to water. We couldn’t help but think about how differently we think about water in California and how much we too are concerned about it, but for very different reasons. Water surrounds us from every angle here, yet the quality is so poor their people perish from drinking it.”

-International Seminar Blog (Cameron Mauritson, Jane Roberti, Tou Her and Abby Taylor-Silva)

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The fellows continued their journey with stops at Toul Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. At these

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

locations, the group was face-toface with the history of the Khmer Rouge atrocities and the magnitude of the Cambodian genocide.

“Although the haunting images of Cambodians’ bloody past will stay etched in our memory forever, what will stay with us the longest, is the powerful spirit of the Cambodian people—a true sense of determination. They don’t want to stay locked in the past. They choose to look to the future. They are blighted at the same time with a deep sadness; how could they not be. A whole nation’s psyche has been crushed. But if you look closely, you’ll see glimmers of hope and faith for a brighter future.”

-International Seminar Blog (Tyson Heusser, Ravi Thiara and Stephanie Gonzales) Early on the morning of day four, the fellows started their adventure to the Angkor Wat temples to witness a sunrise at the location of one of the wonders of the world. The Khmer Kingdom of Cambodia built Angkor Wat in 37 years utilizing 375,000 workers in the 10th century. There were one million inhabitants in an area that was roughly 2,200 acres. In 1431, the Thai invaded Angkor and forced the Khmer people to move their capital to what is now Phnom Penh. The temples were abandoned in the 15th century and were consumed by the jungle until rediscovered by the French in 1816.

“We were there not only to have a once in lifetime experience, but also to LIVE the leadership models we have thus far been given—classroom and books to real life experience. Self-awareness

was a key tool used, as it was necessary to quickly reevaluate many scenarios and stop to check our own attitudes. We had to make adjustments and decisions that would be most beneficial to the experience, while being both rigid and flexible to the adjusting conditions—the group was more important than the self.”

-International Seminar Blog (Rick Rhody, Jeff Milinovich and Brian Neufeld) During their seminar, the fellows learned a considerable amount about Vietnamese politics and economics. Although Vietnam is governed by a communist political party, it functions more like an elitist oligarchy. Vietnam is working on linking its economy to the global economy through free trade agreements. Vietnam is the 12th largest export market for both the United States and California.

“Our class was able to see that despite a lack of infrastructure and stability, economic opportunities are possible and that developing resources and skills that are particular to your location and market can only enhance your ability to be successful. Our class was continuously enthralled with the kindness and humility of the people of Cambodia. We were able to see firsthand that when people feel empowered to try and add new value to centuries old business models, coupled with naturally gracious and thoughtful ways, they can begin to change their villages and country for the better.”

-International Seminar Blog (Justin Spellman, Lauren Reid and Yvonne Sams)

After experiencing the mausoleum of Vietnamese Communist Party leader, Ho Chi Minh, Class 45 visited Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. This prison is well-known by Americans because it housed American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, most notably, Sen. John McCain after his plane was shot down in Hanoi.

“We were warned even by local Vietnamese that the whole truth isn’t really told in the descriptions of the history and artifacts displayed. The portion of the museum dedicated to the Vietnam War focused on the ‘good’ treatment provided to the American POWs and converting them from their destructive ways. It was refreshing to hear directly from locals that the next generation is using discernment when evaluating propaganda.”

-International Seminar Blog (Derek Azevedo, Matt Efird, Justin Morehead and Abby Taylor-Silva) The experience continued as the class visited Cuc Phoung to see a cave that contains some of the oldest traces of human existence.

The group explored the huge network of caves and imagined how the various rooms would have been used by the original occupants. On the same day, the fellows also visited Trang, a scenic area where they quickly jumped into small boats to paddle down the river into narrow caves and through mountains that occasionally opened up to reveal a breathtaking landscape of sheer limestone cliffs.

The group traveled from Hanoi to the mountain village of Muong Phang. The historical significance

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SEMINAR

“THE REVELATIONS EXPERIENCED AND WITNESSED ON OUR INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR CAN BE DESCRIBED AS AMAZING, BUT ONLY TRULY UNDERSTOOD BY THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED AG LEADERSHIP. THE PROGRAM HAS FORGED OUR CLASS INTO A GROUP OF LEADERS THE FOUNDATION WILL BE PROUD OF. THE VISION AND EXECUTION OF THE ENTIRE PROGRAM LEAVES US HUMBLED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO US AND HAS MOTIVATED US TO PAY IT FORWARD. AS WE CONTINUE TO UNPACK OUR JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHEAST ASIA, WE SAY THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE.” -INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR BLOG (TOU HER, TYSON HEUSSER AND CAMERON MAURITSON)

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INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR of this location dates back to 1954, during the conflict between the French and Viet Minh. The dense jungle just outside of Dien Bien Phu served as the headquarters for General Giap, military commander to the estimated 50,000 Viet Minh guerrilla fighters that claimed an unlikely victory over the 15,000 French soldiers stationed in Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954.

“After a brief study and the help of our fantastic tour guides, we immediately began to realize this battle was a tremendous feat and could not have occurred without the leadership qualities of General Giap. Raised on a farm and an accomplished history teacher, Giap studied the civilizations of Chinese, Russian, and European cultures.

As a soldier in the guerrilla army, it did not take long before Ho Chi Minh himself recognized Giap to be a great leader and he became the only member of the Viet Minh to be promoted. This is significant in that Giap had no formal military training and yet still played a crucial role in the liberation of the Vietnamese people.”

-International Seminar Blog (Rick Rhody, Ravi Thiara and Brian Neufeld) The next part of the seminar took fellows to Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam.

The province is considered one of the poorest regions in Vietnam and is home to more than 40 ethnic groups. Located in the northwest area of the country, near the Laos border, it was the setting for a significant battle during the French Indochina War and an excellent location to take away valuable leadership lessons.

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In Bangkok, Thailand, Class 45 was welcomed to the U.S. Embassy

by Bobby Richey, an alumni of Ag Leadership’s D.C. Exchange who is stationed in Thailand as the counselor of agricultural affairs. The group spent the morning with a panel of experts from the Embassy, including local Thai employees.

“Our leadership takeaways from the day included a realization that while our democracy may be frustratingly gridlocked on important issues, the existence of a stable political system allows us to be on a path of continuous improvement. We were also reminded that being prepared, knowing your message and being ready to deliver it at any point in time are the foundations of effective leadership when working in challenging cultural and political environments.”

-International Seminar Blog (Correen Davis, Brad Lindemann, Chris Jensen and Rob Goff) As Class 45 neared the end of the international seminar, they visited the NP Dairy Nakhonpathom Cooperative for a processing tour and time with the cooperative’s board president. After a short bus ride, the group was in Kinchanaburi exploring the Death Railway War Museum. After the museum, fellows took a boat ride down the River Kwai and had the opportunity to walk over the replica of the portion of the railway bridge that was destroyed by allied forces. At the Don Rak War cemetery, fellows walked through the headstones of the fallen, taking in a number of monuments and a beautiful manicured cemetery to honor the fallen of the allied forces, including a number of U.S., British and Australian servicemen.

“The over arching lesson was a powerful one. Our actions and decisions can reach far beyond ourselves and the institutions we represent. We must, as leaders, consider all possible outcomes and weigh the benefits of our plans versus the consequences. We must realize and remember that what we do and say can be far reaching and with our positions, they should be positively impactful as often as possible.”

-International Seminar Blog (Jeff Milinovich, Lauren Reid and Stanley Kjar, Jr.) After two weeks of travel, the fellows began their last full day with a morning session of relaxation.

“We’d been traveling through countries where Buddhism and Hinduism are the main religions and had been exposed to a Buddhist meditation when we visited a Buddhist temple during one of our seminars at CSU, Pomona.

Our lodging was outside of town in a remote location surrounded by a tranquil river, jungle, birds, flowers and overall beauty. This surrounding allowed many of us to finally take a deep breath and to pause. It set the stage for our day of reflection–our final synthesis. The morning started with a river front session of yoga and meditation (led by two of the days presiding fellows, Correen Davis and Jason Schwartz).

While this was many of Class 45’s first foray into yoga, the class embraced it and found that it was useful for bringing ourselves down from the hustle and rapid pace of our last two weeks.”

-International Seminar Blog (Devon Yurosek, Jason Schwartz and Correen Davis)

After the early morning yoga session, the class began the process of unpacking what they learned through their experiences in South East Asia. This was Class 45’s longest and most important synthesis session of reflection.

“We structured synthesis into three parts: cultural observations, content takeaways summarized into a ‘word of the day’, and finally a time to open up about our own struggles and how we intend to move forward when we return to the U.S.” -International Seminar Blog (Devon Yurosek, Jason Schwartz and Correen Davis) On departure day, the group reflected on the international seminar and what they would be taking back with them.

“As we made it back to our families from our journey through Southeast Asia, we brought back fresh perspectives with unique experiences. At each of the countries we visited, we experienced a degree of instability created by corruption in government and a struggle for power. In Cambodia, a fear of civil war predicated on the outcome of the next election; in Vietnam, we experienced a communist run government with a capitalistic economy; in Thailand, the anticipation of the unknown fallout with an ailing king in an already volatile country. The leadership lessons learned in these countries have enriched our perspectives, opened our minds, and helped us better understand the unintended consequences of both war and colonialism in Southeast Asia.”

-International Seminar Blog (Tou Her, Tyson Heusser and Cameron Mauritson)

CLASS 46

Class 46 National Seminar Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C

BY DR. JIM ULRICH

This March, Class 46’s national seminar followed a pattern similar to trips earlier classes have taken. Fellows deepened their understanding of how our national government operates in Washington, D.C. They traveled to an additional state to take an in depth look at a pressing issue of national significance. While visiting the Gettysburg battlefield, they examined how the lessons of the past impact leadership today.

Shortly after arriving in Washington, D.C., CALP fellows had dinner with fellows from Montana’s Ag Leadership program, learning what their experience has been on their leadership journey thus far. Class 46’s first full day began by meeting Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and hearing his reflections on leadership and his time in Washington as he ends 22 years of service in Congress.

During the course of the next day and a half, Class 46 inquired into the Black Lives Matter movement by visiting the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood in Baltimore where Freddie Gray grew up and died in the hands of civil authorities in 2015.

The class visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland AfricanAmerican History & Culture to hear a University of Baltimore history professor trace the historical roots of today’s Black Lives Matter movement. Fellows learned about grassroots efforts of neighborhood revitalization despite systemic discrimination in healthcare, housing and education. They met with a

leader of the local police force about what reform efforts are underway in response to Black Lives Matter and recent protests in Baltimore. Fellows also visited an urban farm to perform a mini-service project to benefit the nonprofit organization that hosted them.

The Gettysburg portion of Class 46’s national seminar included a guided tour of the battlefields—but with a twist. Their licensed tour guide led them through a “re-enactment” not just of the battles—but the leadership decision-making processes of those fateful three days in July of 1863. Fellows role played several “crucial conversations” that took place between key generals at Gettysburg. This experiential form of learning reinforces other lessons fellows have learned in their seminars leading up to the national seminar.

Before wrapping up the seminar with three intense days in our nation’s capital, fellows experienced local religious practices by attending a worship service at the historic

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. Class members spent the rest of the day exploring the Washington D.C. area on their own.

The final three days included: panel discussions with experts on government relations and ethical decision making; a briefing on international migration and the refugee crisis in the Middle East and European Union (to prepare them for their international seminar); an exercise in food security policy formation with graduate students studying agribusiness at the National Defense University, meetings with legislators and staffers on multiple issues of interest to California agriculture and a series of briefings at USDA to learn the breadth and scope of the department’s different agencies in support of agriculture.

Class 46 also spent time with Col. Stephen Randolph, historian at the State Department.

After this week-long whirlwind of activity, Class 46 fellows joined

the D.C. Exchange Fellowship Reception, hosted by CALF alumni on the D.C. Exchange selection committee. No doubt their trip home gave them wonderful memories to savor and rich reflections on leadership to ponder.

A full recap and reflections of the national seminar will be in the summer issue of Horizons.

“I WOULD LIKE TO GET AN ACTUAL VIEW OF HOW THINGS WORK IN THE POLITICAL ARENA. IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO MAKE CHANGES IN ANYTHING, WE MUST FIRST GRASP THE CULTURE, AND ONLY THEN CAN WE MAKE ANY NECESSARY CHANGES.” -SHAUN RAMIREZ, CLASS 46

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Remembering a Memorable Jurist

BY GEORGE RADANOVICH (21) I first met Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia over a spaghetti lunch or dinner somewhere near Capitol Hill in 1996. I was put in touch with “Nino” by Washington dignitary Ms. Viola Drath, the mother-in-law of my press secretary and dear friend, Will Dwyer. Even though I was a member of Congress, and in some respects his constitutional equal, I found it hard to relate to him on personal terms. That changed over time.

Justice Scalia made himself available to every class of the California Agriculture Leadership Program since then. Every year, I would be there with the newest Ag Leadership class in the stately meeting rooms in the Supreme Court. He would field very good questions from nervous but adept fellows. Once he reacted so strongly from an accusatory question that I thought he would never meet with the group again. When I called to make sure everything was ok, he laughed and said something to the effect that if he was upset at everything he didn’t like hearing, he would have given up long ago. Of course, the meetings continued.

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Over the years, I would invite Scalia to attend dinners sponsored by the Chowder and Marching Club and he would say, “I would love to come, George, but I am being watched like a hawk!” He had to worry about the political implications of being a Supreme Court justice. We did have lunches at the Supreme Court and I would invite colleagues from the House and we would discuss matters before the Congress and the Supreme Court, at least as much as he was able. The lunches were enjoyable.

I hear from many Ag Leadership alumni and they say that meeting with Justice Scalia was the highlight of the trip and, in some cases, their lives. I get it, but “Nino” would say, “Please, it’s just me, I’m a person like you.”

Just before I left Congress I had lunch with Justice Scalia in his chambers.

I shared my desire to change the culture of our country by reducing fatherlessness and rebuilding the relationship between children and their parents. He encouraged me and laughed and said “good luck!” I hoped someday we’d meet again in his chambers and I could say, “See Nino, I did it!” I think that meeting will still happen, just in a different venue. May God bless Antonin Scalia.

George Radanovich is a former U.S. Representative for California’s 19th congressional district, serving from 1995 to 2011. He is also a graduate of Ag Leadership’s Class 21.

Outpouring of Support for Richard R. Smith Memorial Fellowship Fund

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

BY LIZA TEIXEIRA ROBERTSON Richard Smith (7), passed away in late December. 2015 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Smith, known for his graciousness and friendship, was a leader and advocate for California’s wine industry.

After his passing, fellow Ag Leadership alumni, Kurt Gollnick (16) and Steve McIntyre (21), worked with the foundation to establish The Richard R. Smith Memorial Fellowship Fund to remember Smith’s legacy of leadership in the agriculture industry.

“I met Rich in 1981 and he was always such a gracious person and always made himself available to people in the business,” said Gollnick. “His leadership and friendship were highly valued and we wanted to do something to keep Rich’s star burning bright.”

For Gollnick, establishing the fund was a way to create a memorial for his friend.

“Rich was an inspiration to our whole community—not just the wine industry—but he was instrumental to the ag industry in the Salinas Valley,” said Gollnick. “I’m grateful to do something small in his memory. He was a modest guy and when he left us, he didn’t ask for anything—so we’ll honor him, whether he likes it or not.”

For McIntyre, establishing the fund was a way to honor Smith’s legacy and to make sure the program can continue well into the future.

“We wanted to do this to help ensure that Ag Leadership continues to prosper and to help ensure its legacy because we knew how important it was to Rich and how important it is to us—and hopefully to my children when they’re older and to my employees,” said McIntyre.

After graduating from Ag Leadership, Smith encouraged his friends and colleagues to apply to the program.

“I remember when I was considering the program, Rich was an instrumental mentor to me and he really pushed me to apply at a time when I thought I was too busy,” said

McIntyre. “It worked out and I thanked him for encouraging me to do that.”

Since Smith’s passing, $12,000 (as of midMarch) has been donated to Ag Leadership in his name—a testament to his impact in the agriculture industry over several decades.

“I’m not surprised at what has been donated, given his stature and the fact that he never met a person he couldn’t talk to,” said McIntyre. “He always had something good to say—people liked to talk to him and he was genuine and that’s unique in a lot of ways and I think that quality really endeared people to his memory.”

Smith served in many leadership roles throughout his life as an advocate who was involved in making a difference in his community and in the agriculture industry.

“He was a great mentor, and he was still so vibrant and so involved—especially in regards to water—and right now, we don’t have anyone’s shoulders to really stand on because he was so instrumental,” said McIntyre. “Some of us are trying to step up to the plate and hope his spirit is still mentoring us. We’ll miss him.”

Smith’s family is grateful for the support and kindness of the agriculture community in the wake of his passing.

“First and foremost, it’s an honor to have Ag Leadership setup the memorial foundation—the fact that it was established was an honor because he really believed in Ag Leadership,” said Rich’s son, Jason Smith. “The fund is a way for friends and the community to say thank you and to give back to a great program and to express their appreciation.”

Jason, who was nine years old when Smith went on the international seminar to Russia, still recalls the impact the trip and the program had on his father.

“I still remember when he was gone on his trip to Russia—at my age, I didn’t understand what he was doing—but I know that it had a big impact on him,” said Jason. “Something that was important to him was education and he talked

“HE VALUED AG LEADERSHIP AND HE WAS TRULY IMPRESSED WITH IT—IT IS A FABULOUS PROGRAM AND HE WOULD BE SO HONORED THAT PEOPLE ARE CONTRIBUTING TO HIS MEMORIAL FUND.” - RICH’S WIFE, CLAUDIA SMITH

about how the program broadened people’s horizons and helped get them out of their comfort zone.”

The impact of the program on Smith’s life continued well after he returned from the international seminar.

“Through the program, he had a lot of leadership and eye-opening experiences—Ag Leadership was a good stepping stone to building our company from zero to 3,200 acres of wine grapes over 40 plus years,” said Jason.

McIntyre encourages anyone who was influenced by Smith to join him in honoring his friend’s memory and legacy.

“Please join us by contributing in remembrance of Rich and the entire Smith family and their tireless contribution to California agriculture,” said McIntyre.

To make a donation to the California Ag Leadership Foundation through The Richard R. Smith Memorial Fellowship Fund, visit www.agleaders.org or call (831) 585-1030.

“RICH WAS AN INSPIRATION TO OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY—NOT JUST THE WINE INDUSTRY—BUT HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL TO THE AG INDUSTRY IN THE SALINAS VALLEY.” - KURT GOLLNICK

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ALUMNI NEWS

Alumni Council Update: Laying a Foundation to Support CALF

BY DEANNA VAN KLAVEREN (32) The Alumni Council (AC) met at Fresno State on Feb. 5 to discuss a plan to implement the strategic alignment. The plan was forwarded to the foundation’s board for approval, and will now be rolled out in three parts.

The first part of the implementation will begin with the election of 11 regional directors. To create a better connection between all Ag Leadership alumni, two regions will be created in the southern most area of the state—now making 11 regions. The directors will serve as conduit communicators in their regions to guide volunteers to be servant leaders for the foundation. An application process will open in the spring with an alumni-wide election (by region) planned for May. The ballot election will include detailed information about each candidate. The elected directors will be seated in their new positions in May and will attend an on-boarding retreat in June.

After the regional directors return from the June retreat, they will each begin the process of creating a team of volunteer subcommittee chairs to support the activities and events of their region. The major areas of support needed will be for recruiting, fundraising, alumni events, external activities (like DC Exchange) and communicating with alumni, industry and foundation supporters.

Alumni Council ADDS NEW REGION

Region

14 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

11

The transitional team, along with the strategic alignment committee, will continue to work together on the next two phases of the plan’s implementation—appointing at-large directors and coordinating the leadership and communication needed to guide the AC.

“IT WAS FELT THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO ALIGN THE AT-LARGE DIRECTOR POSITIONS WITH THE NEEDS OF THE FOUNDATION AND WHERE THE FOUNDATION NEEDS HELP AND SUPPORT FROM ALUMNI.” - DEANNA VAN KLAVEREN

“Over the next year, this group will work on that alignment. The hope is to have the alignment process implemented by June of 2017,” said Deanna van Klaveren (32), past chair of the Alumni Council.

The group is also making sure the plan is implemented thoughtfully while taking into account changes within the foundation. To help ensure a smooth transition, Matt Fisher, chair of the strategic alignment committee; Deanna van Klaveren, communications support; Noelle Cremers and Mica Heilmann, education team liaisons and Mike Young, board liaison, will continue their current posts through the transition to support the strategic alignment process.

There are also other alumni, including current regional directors, who will continue the work of the AC by supporting events like the DC and CA exchanges, the Legislative Reception and regional recruitment events until the new leadership is in place.

The Alumni Council will continue to share information as each part of the plan is implemented and as new opportunities to support the foundation arise.

ALUMNI EVENTS

RECENT EVENTS THANK YOU

February 3 Colusa Farm Show Breakfast Karm Bains (40) Lewis Bair (33) Terry Bressler (30) Christie Capik Bill Carriere (27) Colleen Cecil Charlie Crabb Jack Coots (27) Holly Dawley (38) Sarah DeForest (39) Les Heringer (13) Mark Kimmelshue (28) Emily Lazzerini Tom Martin Sam Nevis (32) Justin Nunes Ryan Schohr (33) February 4 Sun-Maid Recruitment Event Jerry DiBuduo (31) Nat DiBuduo (6) Gail Gray (22) Denise Junqueiro (42) Nomie Kautz (30) Rick Stark (39) Rod Stark (29) Sun-Maid Growers of California Tim Vaux (31), chair Phil Waddell (29) February 5 Class 45 Reception and Dinner Erin Amaral (46) Jeff Bitter (32) Melissa Duflock (40) Justin Perino (44) Roger and Deanna van Klaveren (32) February 11 World Ag Expo Breakfast Bill Adams (32), chair Russ Bassett (16) Fred Berry (20) Tricia Stever Blattler (34) Gus Collin (3) Mandy Critchley (37) Nomie Kautz (30) Beth Knudsen (37) Lynn Knudsen Fred Lagomarsino (19) Soapy McCarthy Mulholland (25)

Cindy Myers (22) John Shaap (39) Jim Sullins (19) Ray Van Beek (37) February 18 Montna Farms Recruitment Event Manpreet Bains (43) Terry Bressler (30) Jon Munger (36) Cherrie Stephens Jeff Stephens (24) Nicole Van Vleck (26) John Weiler (22) March 1 Sacramento Ag and Government Leaders Reception Dennis Albiani (32) Manpreet Bains (43) Mike Campbell (3) Noelle Cremers (35) Missy Gable (40) Steve Garland (44) Josh Huntsinger (39) Emily Lazzerini Deanna van Klaveren (32) Luke Wilson (44) March 16 Common Threads Fresno Ross Borba, Jr. Gary Brunsvik Carol Chandler Shannon Fast Jackie Giacomazzi Alcidia Freitas Gomes Sadie Hemsath Denise Junqueiro (42) Emily Lazzerini Soapy McCarthy Mulholland (25) Karen Musson, chair Cindy Myers (22) Debbie Raven Kim Rogina (25) Louise Silacci Rod Stark (29) Annie Stuhr, co-chair Helen Sullivan Cristel Tufenkjian Mai Vang Marsha Vucovich Betty Young

Colusa Farm Show Breakfast

World Ag Expo Breakfast

World Ag Expo Breakfast

Sun-Maid Recruitment Event

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ALUMNI & FELLOW NEWS

CLASSES 10-19

Dave Pratt (15) is the author of “Healthy

Land, Happy Families and Profitable Businesses – Essays to Improve Your Land, Your Life and Your Bottom Line,” published in 2013 and available on Amazon. The book provides insight and principles for building and running sustainable ranch businesses. Pratt is the owner of Ranch Management Consultants.

Melissa Hansen (17) was hired as the

first-ever research program manager for the Washington State Wine Commission. The position advances the organization’s vision to establish the Washington State wine industry as an internationally recognized leader in viticulture and enology research. Hansen was previously the associate editor of Good Fruit Grower for 20 years.

Kevin Andrew (18) joined The Vanguard International Group as its chief farming officer.

Andrew will work closely with Vanguard’s senior leadership on acquisitions, mergers and integration, and he will oversee all farming operations. He has been involved in the global produce industry for more than 35 years.

Mark Chandler (18) was elected mayor of Lodi in December 2015. He previously served as vice mayor and was first elected to Lodi City Council in November 2014. Chandler is the owner of Chandler & Company Wine Consultancy.

CLASSES 20-29

Alison Larsen (24) was elected to board

of directors of the nonprofit International Economic Development Council, the world’s leading membership organization for professionals in the field of economic development. Larsen is the principal of TadZo, an economic development and site selection firm in Yakima, Wash.

John Duarte (28) was the featured subject in a Jan. 15 Los Angeles Times article – “A land use case that’s enough to furrow a farmer’s brow” – detailing his experiences dealing with federal agencies and farmland.

CLASSES 30-39

Brenda Hastings (30) was included on Food Tank’s list of 25 influential women in food and agriculture who are reshaping food systems around the world. Based in California, Hastings and her husband founded Hastings Dairy, which has about 560 Holstein cows. Hastings served on the Ohio Dairy Producer Association as the only female board member and she is one of two women on the American Dairy AssociationMideast board.

16 HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

Tracy Kahn (34), curator of UC Riverside’s

Citrus Variety Collection, was appointed the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection Endowed Chair. The appointment, which runs through June 30, 2020, allows the collection to be supported and maintained in perpetuity. It was made possible by a $1 million endowment from Swiss-based company Givaudan.

Cara Crye (39), vice president of

communications at Farm Supply Company, was selected to The Tribune’s Top 20 Under 40 list. The award honors the accomplishments of young women and men under the age of 40 who have demonstrated excellence in their professions and commitment to community service.

CLASSES 40-46

Stuart Mast (41) was honored with Calaveras Visitors Bureau 2015 Innovations in Tourism awards for best attraction and best business.

Mast and his wife own Brice Station Vineyards in Murphys.

Mike Testa (42), of Coastal Vineyard Care

Associates, was elected chair of the California Association of Winegrape Growers board of directors in November 2015.

Lucas Espericueta (45) was appointed to the 15th District Agricultural Association, Kern County Fair board of directors in January.

MULTIPLE CLASSES

Nat DiBuduo (6) and Steve McIntyre (21)

were among the speakers at the 2016 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento in January. DiBuduo was part of the state of the industry session, while McIntyre was part of the labor pool panel.

Dan Dooley (18), Randy Fiorini (21), Sarah Woolf (27) and Karen Ross (Honorary Fellow) were speakers at The California

Conversation: Water In The West, a forum hosted by the Los Angeles Times and Netafim in December 2015. The forum examined California agriculture, water issues, technologies and solutions specific to the Central Valley.

IN MEMORIAM

Ronald Henry Metzler (1)

May 6, 1937 – Nov. 24, 2015 Ron Metzler passed away at home in Arizona, after a courageous battle with ALS. Ron attended Sanger High School and Fresno State. His education was focused on plant science, viticulture, horticulture and enology, and his life focus was production agriculture.

Ron developed innovative techniques in the

production of stone fruit, table/wine grapes, Granny Smith apples, citrus, almonds and walnuts. He built an integrated farming operation and packing and marketing under the SunMet brand and Metzler Family Farms.

He also produced fine red wines under the Z label. Ron was a member of the Bulldog track team and throughout his life supported Fresno State activities as a member of the Bulldog Foundation and the agriculture department.

He held leadership positions with the Fresno State Viticulture and Enology Research Center advisory board, Central California Winegrape Growers, California Grape and Tree Fruit Agreement, International Apple Institute and Fresno State Agricultural Foundation. He was a founding member of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Ag One Foundation.

He was also a big supporter of athletics in the Fresno community. Ron is survived by his wife, Diadre; sons Eric, Ryan and Michael, and daughter Tracy; their spouses and seven grandchildren. Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Fresno State Foundation (viticulture and enology department), the ALS Association (Arizona chapter), or Fresno State’s The Bulldog Foundation (Football Fund for Excellence).

Richard Smith (7)

Dec. 19, 1946 – Dec. 27, 2015 Rich Smith passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was on his home vineyard, surrounded by his family. Rich earned a degree in agricultural science and management from UC Davis. He began growing grapes in Monterey County in the 1970s, started Valley Farm Management in 1973 and a custom harvesting business in 1977. By 1987 both businesses were thriving and Rich purchased his own 350-acre vineyard, which is now the Paraiso home estate vineyard. Paraiso Vineyards is located in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Rich was a community and industry leader and visionary promoter of the Monterey County wine region. He was involved with the Monterey County Farm Bureau, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine America and UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology executive leadership board. Rich was a founding member and president of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association (MCVGA).

He led the 1991 effort that established the Santa Lucia Highlands American Viticultural Area.

He was also a national leader who advocated for sustainability and research. Rich is survived by his wife, Claudia, children Justin and Kacy and their spouses, and grandchildren. MCVGA created the Rich Smith Memorial Research Fund to honor his life and accomplishments, with contributions supporting local viticulture research through UC Cooperative Extension.

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation created the Richard Smith Memorial Fellowship Fund.

THANK YOU

DONOR SUPPORT Matching Challenge Grant Received Loren Booth: $1,000,100.45 Pledge Payments Received Mission Produce, Inc.: $10,000 Paul Parreira: $6,000 Jeff Elder: $5,000 Westside Produce (Steve Patricio): $5,000 Stan and Jean Cooper: $1,666.67 Richard Vorpe: $1,500 Carson Britz: $1,000 Stephen Kritscher: $1,000 Beth Pandol: $1,000 Vernon Crowder: $500 Mike Kelley: $300 Linda Ballentine: $200 Bob and Anne Atkins: $100 Jeff Stephens: $60 Sue DiTomaso: $45 Julie Johnson: $45 Jacqueline Pucheu: $25 $15,000 The Norton Foundation (John and Lil Norton) $10,000 American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West and Fresno Madera Farm Credit (annual report) American AgCredit, CoBank and Farm Credit West (Sacramento reception) John and Betsy Grether Fred Lagomarsino George and Kathleen Myers (Ladera Foundation) Syngenta (Dennis Kelly) Up to $5,200 Jim and Betsy Hansen Deanna and Roger van Klaveren $5,000 Karm and Harpreet Bains Bank of America Doug and Jan Circle

December 1, 2015 - February 29, 2016

John L. Colbert Crop Production Services Dairyland Farms (William “B” Van Beek) Kevin and Diane Herman Kerman Ag Resources, Inc. Ron Lopes Maxwell Foundation Midland Tractor Minturn Huller Cooperative, Inc Orchard Machinery Corporation Peggy Sears Perry Sierra Valley Almonds, LLC T.E.L. Foundation Trinity Fruit Sales Union Bank Foundation Zenith Insurance Company $3,000 King & Gardiner Farms, Holly King and Keith Gardiner Limoneira Fund, Ventura County Community Foundation $2,500 Anonymous Andrew Pandol Farming Anthony Costa & Sons Phillip Bowles Rose Marie Burroughs Button Transportation Buttonwillow Warehouse Co. Gary Cusumano Fresh Foods, Inc. (Jerry Rava) Gail and John Gray Mariani Packing Co., Inc. Melissa and David Martella Charles Mathews, Jr. Benina and Heriberto Montes Justin and Emilee Morehead Pearson Realty (Stanley Kjar, Jr.) Rolling Ridge Ranch Leanne Rutherford Thiara Orchards Wonderful Citrus Packing, LLC Wonderful Orchards, LLC Zoetis

$2,000 James P. Finch Jeana and Larry Hultquist Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma Leavens Ranches, LLC Loyalton Rotary Club Thomas Mulholland Daniel Rodrigues Craig and Sara Jane Underwood $1,750 Efird Ag Enterprises $1,500 Anonymous Danielle Dupree Fred Rau Dairy, Inc Justin and Emily Morehead Nor-Cal Pump & Well Drilling, Inc. Pikalok Farming Brian Talley Tanimura & Antle The Sun Valley Rice Company, LLC Up to $1,100 Mary-Ann Warmerdam $1,000 Kevin and Maureen Andrew Beck Consulting Fred and Caroline Berry Art Bliss Mark and Mona Burrell California Fresh Fruit Association (Barry Bedwell) Central California Packing Co., Inc. (Jeff Milinovich) John Chandler Thomas Chandler CoBank (for Butte County Rice Growers Assn.)

Bill Coit Rick and Lynne Cosyns Doug and Alison DeGroff Russel Efird Far Horizons Insurance Partners Farm Credit West, FLCA (Yuba City) Roberta Firoved

Bart Fisher John and Jane Gibson Rob Goff Gorrill Ranch Robert and Kari Hodgen J & J Farms Jim Hicks Family Foundation Sarbjit Johl Charles Kosmont Ronald Kruse MC Solutions, Mandy Critchley Stephen and Wendy Murrill Ocean Mist Farms Oji Bros. Farm, Inc. Joe Petersen Jean and Bill Phillimore Richard Pidduck John Pucheu Jim and Mary La Salle Rickert Leland Ruiz Jean Pierre Sagouspe Sierra Valley Legacy of Agriculture Foundation Jan Smith Vic Smith Rosemary Talley Terranova Ranch, Inc Triple C Farms (Darrell and Norma Cordova) Raymond Van Beek Tim Vaux Vintage Nurseries, LLC John Weiler $750 Pat Lattore Mark and Megan McKean Meyers Farms Family Trust Ray Veldhuis Uesugi Farms, Inc. $700 Bob and Anne Atkins Bob Cherenson $500 Bill Adams James S. Anderson

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THANK YOU

DONOR SUPPORT

18

Randy Asadoor Arthur Barrientos Benjamin’s Transfer Inc. Bid Cal Anthony Bozzano Stephen Brown Rick and Kandi Burnes C.H. Robinson (Henry Gill) Cynthia Cory Steve and Kelly Danna Diageo Foundation (Stasi Seay) Nat and Marilyn DiBuduo Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. John and Antoinette Draxler Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli Mike and Jeanette Fitch Gauge Farms Rob Geis Charlie Gilbert Ed and Susie Grossi Less and Claudia Guthrie John and Anne Hester Randy and Catherine Hopkins Hilda Klein Linder Equipment Co. Jay Mahil Steve and Kim McIntyre Chris and Christy McKenzie Kathryn and Kent McKenzie Ed McLaughlin Joey Mendonca Joan and Dan Milinovich Morrison and Company Soapy Mulholland Sam Nevis Garrett Patricio Pearson Realty (Gus Bonner) Pearson Realty (Melvin Lubisich) Karen and Tom Pecht Phillips Silage Harvesting, Inc. Reitz Almond Harvesting, Inc. Rick Rhody Gary and Karen Robinson Rotary Club of Firebaugh Stasi Seay Ted Sheely Sierra Gold Nurseries Silva Trucking Kevin Steward Squires Ag Consulting Inc. The Growers Company, Inc. The Tremont Group Thiara Agribusiness Triple S Farming, LLC United Source Packing

HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Valley Pacific Petroleum Services, Inc Scott and Susan Van Der Kar Anthony and Patricia Van Ruiten Vito Trucking, LLC Danny Walker William Dale Young & Sons Wonderful Giving (Kevin Olsen) $400 Bob Lilley Meredith Ritchie $350 Noelle Cremers $300 A & T Enterprises (Arnold and Terry Barcellos) Larry Lemke Leo McGuire Douglas Rudd John and Christine Schaap Jeff Stephens Ann Thrupp $250 Anonymous Emily Thacher-Ayala Richard Bennett Diana Burton Central Valley Builders Supply Ned Coe Les and Cindy Crutcher Steven Dennis Bailey Diioia E & J Gallo Winery (David Warter) Fred and Susan Ferro Robin Flournoy Fowler Nurseries (Denise Moore) John and Mary Ann Frye Felix and Mercy Gomez Todd Hansen Joe Pozzi Ranch Tracy Kahn Nomie Kautz McKenzie Farms, Inc Larry and Char Mettler Dina and Mark Moore Doug and Ann Phillips Alan and Patricia Reynolds Robert Roumiguiere S-K Ranch Management, LLC Charles Sherrill Sopac and Associates, LLC

$240 Mitch Millwee $200 Theresa Becchetti Hal Collin Peter and Patricia Fallini Lori Frommer Robert Goodwin Johnson Bros.

Craig McNamara Oro Del Norte, LLC Libby Ouellette $150 Mark Edsall Ed and Trisha Kurtz Dan and Nancy Nelson Robert and Patricia Rathborne Kevin and Liza Robertson Stuart Yamamoto $125 Cliff Sadoian $100 Nina and David Ames Jane and Franklin (Woody) Barnes John B. Buntin Richard Collins Jeff Colombini Ria de Grassi Emkay Food Sales Brian Fedora Louise Fisher Bill Gisvold Lauren Grizzle Tyson and Lauren Heusser Joe Produce.com (Rex Lawrence) Mary Kimball Ralph and Denene Lucchetti Dexter McDonald Brenda Ouwerkerk Tim Panziera Richard L. Peterson Chuck Pritchard Patricia Reynolds Carissa Rivers Richard Rominger David and Chamaine Silva Julie Spezia Van Ruiten Bros.

$50 Elaine Francisco Abby and Paul Silva In Memory of John Micheli, Class 8 Donald and Sandy Noreme: $1,000 In Memory of Lester Heringer, Sr. Kip Lipper: $100 Gene Rapp: $100 Bob and Becky Giannoni: $50 In Memory of Tom McGrath, Class 4 Bob and Shirley Dempel: $100 In Memory of Hank Stone, Class 1 Woody Barnes: $100 In Memory of Rich Smith, Class 7 (and the Richard R. Smith Memorial Fellowship) Raymond and Deborah Tonella: $2,500 San Antonio Winery: $2,000 Bob and Pat Gray: $1,000 John Peterson: $1,000 Julie and Craig McNamara: $500 Steve and Wendy Smit: $500 Roger and Chi Chi Wood: $500 Gary and Rosella Franscioni : $250 Pisoni Farms LLC: $250 Charlie Crabb: $100 Bob and Shirley Dempel: $100 Jerry Diefenderfer: $100 Darlene Din: $100 Margaret D’Arrigo-Martin: $100 Joanne Nissen: $100 Sharan Lanini Consulting: $100 In Memory of Willy Chamberlin, Class 2 Jerry Diefenderfer: $250 In-Kind Contributions Allied Grape Growers: $549.72 Darlene Din: $13,650 TMD Creative: $2,500 Bob Gray: $387 Roger and Deanna van Klaveren: $300 Alumni Fundraising Events Region 9 Golf Tournament: $40,000 Dean Brown Golf Tournament: $37,000

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS

THANK THANK YOU YOU

July 1, 2011- February 29, 2016 FOUNDERS’ LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $1,000,000 and above James G. Boswell Foundation Loren Booth Otis Booth Foundation LEGACY 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 Darlene Din 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. TMD Creative Vessey and Company PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $25,000 and above Azzule Systems Dean & Katherine Brown Charitable Trust Bowles Farming Company / Philip E. and Jamie N. Bowles Rose Marie Burroughs and Benina Montes Capital Insurance Group C.H. Robinson Worldwide D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California Denise Godfrey Family / Olive Hill Greenhouses E. & J. Gallo Winery Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West Foster Farms Harden Foundation Lagomarsino Group Monsanto Company George and Kathleen Myers The Norton Foundation Rabobank, N.A.

Syngenta Corporation Wegis and Young / Mike Young, Rick Wegis, Greg Wegis Westside Produce THE 1970 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $10,000 and above AGR Partners Bank of the West Booth Ranches Martin and Debbie Britz Ed and Rosa Boutonnet Charles Buchinger Memorial Endowment Fund Edwin and Kaye Camp Doug and Jan Circle Class 39 Class 43 John and Nan Colbert Gary Cusumano Margaret Duflock Melissa Duflock E. & J. Gallo Winery Jeff and Mori Elder Gail Gray Greenleaf Farms Jim and Betsy Hansen Hayashi & Wayland Kevin Herman Hidden Villa Ranch International Paper Company The Johannessen Trust Kevin Grizzle Farms, LLC The Klassen Corporation Limoneira Foundation Fund Charles and Sheila Mathews 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 Rolling Ridge Ranch Jan Smith Rod and Carol Stark PM Bunn Trust Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci Sally Hughes Church Foundation Saticoy Lemon Association Union Bank of California Foundation Deanna and Roger van Klaveren Mary-Ann Warmerdam Wonderful Orchards Tim York FELLOWS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $5,000 and above Karm Bains Church Brothers, LLC Elkhorn Packing Co, LLC Matt and Julie Fisher Blue Diamond Growers Class 41 Craton Capital Robert and Lisa Cherenson Anthony Costa and Sons

Rick Cosyns Crop Production Services Dairyland Farms / “B” VanBeek Danielle Dupree John Eisenhut Errotabere Ranches Finch Farms F.M. Upton & Sons Fresno Equipment Company Roberta Firoved John and Sharon Garner Bob and Pat Gray Grimmway Farms George and Janice Higashi Jeana and Larry Hultquist The James R. Moffett Family Foundation Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma Kershaw Companies King & Gardiner Farms, LLC Kerman Ag Resources, Inc Charles Kosmont 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 Maxwell Foundation Midland Tractor Tom and Brianne McGrath Orchard Machinery Corporation Paul Parreira Craig Pedersen Person & Son Cattle Co. Peter Peterson Peter and Jim Peterson Phillips Associates Prudential Ag Investments Rain for Rent Meredith Rehrman Ritchie Dan and Kim Rodrigues Leland Ruiz Sierra Valley Almonds, LLC Supima Cotton Pierra Tada Rosemary Talley T.E.L. Foundation Victor Packing - “Madera Brand Raisins” John Weiler / Oji Brothers Farm Inc. Val-Mar Farming, LLC / Catarino Martinez Woolf Farming & Processing Zenith Insurance Ken Zimmerman FUNDRAISING AND SPECIAL EVENTS (MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS) World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast Allianz BMI Liberty Mutual Nationwide

QBE Republic Indemnity Rural Community Insurance Services State Fund Compensation Insurance The Zenith Agribusiness Solutions The Zenith Worker’s Compensation Specialists Travelers Western Growers Dean Brown Golf Tournament Region 9 Golf Tournament Arthur Bliss Ranch Brokaw Nursery LLC Calavo Growers Camulos Ranch, LLC Donlon Ranch Farm Bureau of Ventura County Farm Credit West Finch Farms Fruit Growers Lab, Inc. Index Fresh Leslie Leavens Brianne McGrath Tom and Karen Pecht Saticoy Lemon Association Travis Agricultural Construction Umpqua Bank Ventura Pacific Co. Wonderful Citrus Colusa Farm Show Breakfast ADM Rice Carriere Family Farms Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit Empire Nut Company, LLC Farm Credit West Foothill Warehouse Golden State Farm Credit Omega Walnut, Inc. Rabobank Superior Tire Service The Sun Valley Rice Co., LLC Valley Truck & Tractor Co. Common Threads, Fresno Borba Farms Farm Credit: American AgCredit, Farm Credit West, CoBank, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit Fresno Equipment Company Gar Tootelian Land O’ Lakes Regency Investment Advisors Valley Small Business Development Corporation

19 SPRING 2016 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

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