Horizons Summer 2025

ALUMNI

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Published by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR: Michael Young (35)

SECRETARY/TREASURER: Correen Davis (45)

Yissel Barajas (40)

Nikki Cossio

Rob Goff (45)

Fidela Irigoyen (21)

Dr. Joel Kimmelshue (37)

STAFF

PRESIDENT & CEO

Lesa Eidman (49)

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Dane White

PROGRAMS MANAGER

Judy Sparacino (HF)

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Maria Angulo

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Jodi Litz

Sal Parra Jr. (46)

Paul Parreira (44)

Davidson Pattiz

Dr. Rolston St. Hilaire

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Mia Mirassou

WRITER / EDITOR

Liza Robertson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER / EDITOR

Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)

CONTACT

831-585-1030 • info@agleaders.org 80 Garden Court, Suite 270 • Monterey, CA 93940 www.agleaders.org

Provide address changes by contacting the office.

Content in this magazine may only be reproduced with permission. Contact info@agleaders.org.

The number in parentheses (#) after names indicates Ag Leadership Program class. (HF) indicates Honorary Fellow Award recipient.

For a full list of program, foundation and regional events, visit agleaders.org/events

A Foundation of Growth

By Lesa Eidman (49) CALF President and CEO

wwhen i began my journey as the president and CEO of the California Ag Leadership Foundation (CALF), friends and mentors suggested that I read Michael Watkins’ book, “The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels.” In this book, Watkins emphasizes the importance of understanding the organization’s history, culture and dynamics.

I took the challenge of fully immersing myself in the history and culture of CALF by meeting with those who have been key in the development and maintenance of the success of the foundation. I spent time asking many questions about why things had been done certain ways in the past, to fully understand and learn from the history. The book’s emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation resonates with my approach to leadership — a learning approach that is the foundation of the California Ag Leadership Program (CALP), which alumni and fellows experienced whether in Class 1 or 54.

MEET CALF’S NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

Lesa Eidman (49) began her role as CALF’s new president and CEO on Feb. 18. Eidman is a third-generation agriculturalist with a family heritage rooted in education and production agriculture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and management from Fresno State and a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from UC Davis.

Eidman has extensive experience with agricultural producers and associations over the past 20 years. From 2015 to 2025 she worked for Superior Farms — North America’s top processor and marketer of lamb — first as director of producer resources and sustainability and for the

“Adapt to change while appreciating and honoring history” were the exact words on a slide I presented to the board when applying for this position. These words reflect who I am and how I strive to improve any scenario I am in. As a member of Class 49, I became a better person and leader because of those individuals who founded and continued to mold the curriculum of CALP. Now, as president and CEO, I can grow and lead the organization into the future. I am committed to staying attuned to the evolving needs of the foundation and its stakeholders, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive in a dynamic environment.

It is essential to honor the history and achievements of those who came before us while also being open to change and recognizing growth opportunities. I am proud to be the 10th CEO of CALF, building upon the solid base that Ag Leadership is on and making improvements with the team, board and committees, making all of us better each and every day. ◆

past five years as vice president of sales. From 2003 to 2015, Eidman was the executive director of the California Wool Growers Association and California Pork Producers Association.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lesa to the Ag Leadership team as our new president and CEO,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “Lesa brings to the role a deep connection to Ag Leadership, as a graduate of Class 49 and an actively engaged alum, as well as an inspiring vision for the future of Ag Leadership and California agriculture as a whole.”

Welcome to Ag Leadership, Lesa! ◆

CONTACT LESA AT leidman@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030.

CALF WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER

Davidson Pattiz is the CEO of Zenith Insurance Company. He began his current position in January 2025 after spending 19 years in various roles within the company, including president and chief operating officer. As CEO, he is responsible for overseeing a nationwide operation comprised of more than 1,400 professionals. Pattiz earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology from Brown University and a J.D. from Georgetown University. ◆

Gratitude for Service to CALF

STAFF

Thank you to Dwight Ferguson, Abby Taylor-Silva (45) and Raven Mariani for their service and contributions to the California Ag Leadership Foundation (CALF).

Dwight Ferguson Abby Taylor-Silva (45)

Ferguson became the foundation’s president and CEO in October 2020 and remained in the role until his successor, Lesa Eidman (49), joined the foundation in February. Ferguson led the last strategic plan and positioned the foundation for long-term success and sustainability while also setting a strong trajectory to propel CALF to even greater heights.

“Dwight has been instrumental in professionalizing our organization and leading our last strategic plan,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “His leadership has set the stage for an exciting future, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and service. On a personal note, Dwight has become a close friend and mentor, and I am truly sad to see him go.”

Taylor-Silva served as the foundation’s executive vice president from November 2020 through January 2025. During that time, she led various team operations and worked collaboratively to achieve strategic growth and development across CALF’s five critical priority areas. She began her new role in April as managing director of regulatory affairs for Kahn, Soares & Conway.

Raven Mariani

“Abby was the steady force that held CALF together during a time of immense change,” said Young. “Her deep knowledge and passion for Ag Leadership not only kept the foundation steady but also set the stage for growth. Simply put, CALF would not be on its current trajectory without her. She gave Dwight the runway to do something special, and her legacy will be felt for years to come.”

Mariani stepped down from her role as alumni engagement manager in April in order to dedicate more time to her family. She joined the foundation in July 2024 and promoted a culture of service volunteerism among alumni.

“Raven’s time at CALF and her commitment were instrumental in driving our alumni initiatives forward,” said Eidman. “We are truly grateful for the impact she made with our alumni stakeholders.”

We share our gratitude for Dwight, Abby and Raven’s impact on the foundation and their dedication to growing leaders who make a difference. We thank them for their leadership and wish them the very best in their future endeavors! ◆

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thank you to Cameron Boswell (42), who joined the foundation’s board of directors in February 2019, for his service to Ag Leadership. During his time as a director, Boswell shared his industry expertise and demonstrated outstanding servant leadership by working with other board members and staff on foundation issues. He served as the board’s vice chair, as a member of the executive committee and chair of the development committee. He also participated in the strategic planning process, fellow selection and numerous alumni events.

“We are deeply grateful to Cameron Boswell for his years of dedicated service on our board,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “As the grandson of J.G. Boswell II, one of our founding visionaries, Cameron has honored and advanced that extraordinary legacy, bringing wisdom, humility and steadfast leadership to every aspect of our mission. His impact on Ag Leadership will be felt for generations.” ◆

Seminar Updates

Class 53 / January / Pomona

Fellows synthesized the impact of the international travel seminar and assessed the status of their leadership journey.

Class 54 / January / Pomona

Fellows examined the concept of culture in organizations, families and communities.

Class 53 / February / Fresno

Fellows shared their synthesis and reflections of their 17-month experience and commenced from the program. Read pages 12-15 for more about their commencement.

Class 54 / February / Fresno

Fellows examined emotional intelligence and prepared for their national seminar.

Class 54 / March / National Seminar

Fellows experienced various styles of leadership in Sacramento, Minneapolis and Washington, D.C. Read pages 20-23 for the national seminar recap.

Class 54 / April / Pomona

Fellows learned the complexities of culture and how to use their personal power to make an impact.

Class 54 / May / San Luis Obispo

Fellows experienced the power of strategic communication and gained insight into how to maximize their influence. ◆

Class 54 International Seminar Preview

By Dane White CALF Director of Education

The fellows of Class 54 are preparing for a transformative international journey across Southern Africa, with immersive visits to Zambia, South Africa and Namibia. This experience represents a pivotal component of our program’s commitment to developing leaders who understand global systems and can navigate complex international challenges beyond their familiar environments.

Participants will engage with diverse communities and cultures, exploring how different societies address their unique social, economic and environmental challenges. Through direct cultural immersion, fellows will gain perspective on how leadership manifests across different contexts, broadening their worldview and enhancing their capacity to drive positive change back home.

In Zambia, fellows will connect with local community leaders and organizations working to address social inequality and

EXCHANGE PROGRAMS UPDATE

After much consideration, the Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange) is being put on pause for 2025. The D.C. Exchange is a valuable program for Ag Leadership, and we look forward to spending this next year ensuring the program continues to have an impact on participants and the California ag industry.

With this change, we are pivoting resources to focus on the California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange), which will take place in Region 1.

economic development. South Africa offers the opportunity to explore the legacy of apartheid and witness the ongoing reconciliation and nation-building efforts. In Namibia, the focus shifts to understanding how communities balance conservation, tourism and sustainable development in one of the world’s most unique landscapes.

Throughout the journey, fellows will meet with government officials, social entrepreneurs, cultural leaders and educators to discuss governance systems, community organizing and approaches to solving complex societal challenges. These exchanges will challenge participants to think critically about leadership across cultural divides and to question their own assumptions and problem-solving approaches.

This experience develops leaders who can understand diverse perspectives, think globally while acting locally and return with broader horizons to strengthen California agriculture. Upon their return, fellows will apply these international insights to enhance their effectiveness as leaders and difference-makers in their respective fields.

The journey continues the foundation’s legacy of transformative international experiences that have shaped visionary leaders across the state for more than five decades. ◆

CA EXCHANGE DATES ( 2025 ):

Application deadline: Friday, July 11*

Virtual interviews: July 29-30

Program dates: Sept. 9-12

If you are interested in assisting with this year’s CA Exchange, please reach out to Mia Mirassou at 831-585-1030 or mmirassou@agleaders.org.

*Application available at agleaders.org ◆

CLASS 55 APPLICATIONS

We are extremely pleased with the number of Class 55 applications received. Screening interviews will occur at our partner universities in July. Final selection will take place in late August and notification of acceptance will begin in September. We are always looking for alumni volunteers for screening committees; if you are interested in serving on future committees, please contact Judy Sparacino (HF) at jsparacino@agleaders.org. ◆

Powerful Connections Alumni Shape Policy Through D.C. Exchange

tThe 2024 Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange) introduced 22 government leaders to Regions 9, 10 and 11 for experiential learning across Ventura, Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties.

The participants connected with California agriculturalists in October for a weeklong immersive learning experience through one-on-one connections, small group discussions, expert panels and site visits. Ag Leadership alumni and friends play an important role in providing tours and welcoming participants for home stays on their farms.

Anna Nakamura Knight (52) hosted participants at Old Grove Farms, where discussions centered on invasive pests, rural/urban interface and succession planning. She believes when leaders from D.C. walk the groves of her family’s farm, the connections they form have a personal impact on policy.

“To my family, agriculture is personal and hyperlocal,” said Knight. “At the same time, we recognize that we’re part of a larger agricultural system and that decisions made in D.C. shape what we

can grow, how we can grow it and who it can reach. That’s why it’s important to have the opportunity to tell our story.”

Knight connected with federal officials working on programs that enable schools to purchase fresh produce directly from local farms like her family’s.

“I hope we won’t just be numbers on a page and that they will remember the faces and stories behind the policies they shape,” she said. “My farm is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle, but if these conversations lead to small shifts — making it easier for schools to buy from farmers like me, helping the next generation of farmers step into this work with support instead of struggle — then that’s a win.”

Jack Vessey (34) has been involved with D.C. Exchange for more than 15 years and hosted participants for a meal, farm tour and food safety discussion. He sees the program as a chance to give leaders in D.C. a deeper understanding of the complex issues affecting California agriculture.

“We need contacts and open communication with decision makers who affect our daily lives and industry,” he said.

D.C. Exchange brought federal leaders to California for a week of firsthand learning hosted by Ag Leadership alumni and industry friends. The program fostered powerful connections that help shape agricultural policy with real-world perspective.

By Liza Robertson

“Even if they’re not the decision makers, they share their knowledge with the decision makers, even if we may not get time with them directly.”

Vessey hopes participants enhance their knowledge of priority topics while building connections with the agriculturalists they meet in California.

“We try to provide them with as much information as possible so when they go back to D.C. they have some background and knowledge about our industry,” he said. “I also hope that instead of Google or ChatGPT, they have our phone numbers and feel comfortable to ask us questions directly.”

Denise Godfrey’s (37) nursery tour provided more insight into the challenges faced in California agriculture while also prompting participants to think about the industry in a different way.

“Agriculture could provide some really interesting solutions to help mitigate climate change,” she said. “There are a lot of ecosystem services that ag can provide. The connections we make help open the door to future

conversations and discussions about coming up with better solutions.”

She emphasized the importance of open lines of communication with policy leaders about the real impact their decisions have.

“Pick up the phone and call us if there’s something that affects us,” she said. “I hope they think about us when they’re trying to figure out what makes sense.”

Bob Atkins (17) has been involved in D.C. Exchange since shortly after he graduated from Ag Leadership. He shared how a connection with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once helped shape a policy decision.

“We reached out in both directions and we were able to improve some of the information that was going into the decision making,” said Atkins. “It absolutely improved the outcome for California ag. More factual information always makes the final decisions better.”

Atkins noted that nothing can replace the personal touch participants receive during D.C. Exchange.

“These individuals are getting a lot of raw facts, but when you are able to talk to the people directly and we explain how the decisions have affected our producers personally, that really makes an impact,” he

said. “The [D.C. Exchange] program is so powerful because it has a unique way of providing the information and building invaluable relationships.” ◆

“[DC Exchange] absolutely improved the outcome for California ag. More factual information always makes the final decisions better.”

—Bob Atkins (17)

International Seminar Lessons Learned

tthe fellows of class 53 traveled to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in fall 2024 for their international seminar. They experienced leadership through the lens of colonialism, American influence and competing ideologies. The seminar was also a way for the fellows to gain incomparable experiences through cultural immersion, examining critical international issues and investigating leadership from various perspectives. They began the seminar with eager anticipation and a willingness to step out of their comfort zones and returned home asking themselves how they can carry forward the beautiful spirit of the people they met.

DAY 1 / Close Your Eyes and Go!

The excitement of traveling to Ho Chi Minh City marked the beginning

of an international experience that would quickly take the fellows out of their comfort zones as they immersed themselves in local culture. In the crowded and diverse city, which dates back to the late 1600s, they lit incense at the Thien Hau Pogoda, tried local products at a market and visited the Tan Dinh Cathedral.

“The excitement was impossible to ignore and we were ready for whatever South Asia had in store for us. We stepped into this new chapter with open minds and open hearts. While the city is crowded with people, the energy and movements are efficient and effective. One cannot help but be fascinated by the ease and chaos of their movements through this diverse city.”

—Kristi Robinson and Joe Sequenzia

From the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh to the lush landscapes of Vientiane, the fellows of Class 53 explored new cultures, expanded their perspective and gained global leadership insights during their international seminar.

By Liza Robertson

DAY 2 / Under the Saigon Soil

The day included an emotional visit to the War Remnants Museum, which is dedicated to conserving and displaying exhibits to war crimes and consequences inflicted on the Vietnamese people by foreign aggressive forces. Fellows also visited the Cu Chi Tunnel complex and experienced the underground labyrinth of tunnels, which provided respite for guerrilla fighters and their families during attacks from U.S. forces.

“Our local guide walked us through the timeline of the second Indochina War, commonly referred to as the Vietnam War. While much has been recorded about various American perspectives of this war, it was very interesting to hear the Vietnamese perspective. Exhibits depicting war atrocities on civilians and

chemical warfare were especially eye opening and almost too much to take in. It was horrifying, truly. What we saw defies description.”

—Nick Edsall, Katie Panici and Bryce Spycher

DAY 3 / A Rainy Morning,

a Cup of Vietnamese Coffee and the Art of Humanity

The fellows described the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine as a “quiet gem in the bustling city.” The museum is home to centuries of knowledge and tradition, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Enthusiastic for the next leg of their adventure, the fellows said goodbye to Vietnam and headed to Cambodia.

“One phrase stood out among the relics: ‘The making of medicine is the art of humanity.’ The idea that healing is not just a science, but a deeply human art — an act of care and compassion. It resonated with many of us, especially in the way agriculture, too, is a practice rooted in care and nourishment for people. The anticipation of what lay ahead was palpable — each new destination offering more opportunities to learn, grow and challenge ourselves as leaders.

—Bob Donnelly, Kristi Robinson and Taj Samran

DAY 4 / Ancient Storytelling

On their first full day in Cambodia, the group visited the Angkor Wat Hindu-Buddhist temple complex and watched the sun rise over the temple. The day ended with a traditional Cambodian dance, an ancient art of storytelling, which was described by fellows as the perfect summation of Cambodia.

“While exploring the Angkor temple complex, one can’t help but be transported to a very different time and place. Our experience also opened a window for us to examine many of our own cultural legacies. Much is made in California agriculture of telling our story, but what is the story we are telling, and to whom are we telling it?”

—Tomas Aguilar Campos, Jeana Cadby and Kyle Collins

DAY 5 / Goodbye Siem Reap

At a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, home to 80,000 people, fellows realized the importance of adaptability, cultural heritage and community.

“Many of us noted that, minus the mangrove trees poking out of the water, it felt as if we were back in California floating on one of our lakes. From the resilience of the floating villages to the stones of Angkor Wat, we have a better understanding of what it takes to last in a changing world.”

—Ariana Joven, Scott McArthur and Trent Voss

DAY 6 / The Tapestry — History, Healing and the Spirit of the Khmer People

Visiting Phnom Penh was described by fellows as stepping into a rich tapestry of Cambodia’s culture, spirituality and resilience. As the Mekong River, known for its fishing and agricultural resources, flowed beside them, fellows took note of the waterway that sustained Southeast Asia for centuries, linking cultures and livelihoods from Tibet to the South China Sea.

“Our journey through Cambodia was like watching the weaving of silk. The class learned that silk weaving requires patience and care, just as building a future after such profound hardship requires resilience and faith. Cambodia’s history, spirituality and craftsmanship are threads woven into the larger tapestry of the country’s identity. It’s true that resilience is a journey, but as Cambodia has shown us, it’s a journey well worth taking.”

—Miguel Gomez, Deissy Ibarra and Daniel O’Connell

DAY 7 / A Culinary Farewell and New Beginnings

On their final day in Phnom Penh, fellows were immersed in the heart of the city’s culture — the Boeng Keng Kang Market, where they gathered ingredients for a Cambodian cooking class later that day. The activity challenged their perceptions, pushed them into their stretch zones and fueled their curiosity.

“What felt strange and new to us was normal to the people we were meeting, and that realization pushed us to reflect on our own experiences and how we relate to the world around us. We learned that sometimes the greatest growth comes from letting go of what we think we know and opening ourselves up to new perspectives. As we reflected on our experiences, we felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the lessons learned and the connections made.”

—Hillari Bynum, Joe Sequenzia and Jodi Switzer

DAY 8 / Lessons from the Lao: Gratitude Through Steadfast Resilience

At the Cope Visitor Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating unexploded ordinances which still

remain from prior wars, fellows learned that roughly 12,000 Laotian lives are lost annually as a result of the explosive weapons.

“We learned about how [the Cope Center’s] work brings vital support to survivors, helping them regain mobility with prosthetic and orthotic care. The center’s work is a testament to resilience and community-driven support, serving as a reminder of the impact of compassionate leadership. Our time here has called to us to DO something. If not us, then who?”

—Manny Gaitan, Kurt Metheny and Michelle Paul

DAY 9 / In Search of the Golden Buddha

Fellows made an impactful visit to the Laos Disabled Women’s Development Center, where they learned that approximately 10% of the Laotian population live with physical disabilities.

“We could not help but consider our own communities. How do we improve access to education, healthcare and vocational training for marginalized individuals? How do we empower our own communities to support the most

vulnerable amongst us? How do we, as a society, do better?”

—Kyle Collins, Jack Norton and Aman Virk

DAY 10 / Uncovering the Golden Heart of Laos

In Laos the fellows were moved by the people they met who, despite their hardships, have shown them kindness and hospitality at every step of their international journey.

“In a tale passed down from the 18th century, when the Burmese army threatened to cross into Thailand, monks took a golden Buddha and covered it in plaster. For [nearly 200 years] the Buddha lay hidden under that disguise. In the 1950s, as it was being moved to another shrine, the plaster chipped and a glint of gold flashed out. They found that beneath the common stone was pure gold, a three-meter giant weighing over five tons. Laos feels a bit like that hidden Buddha.”

—Jeana Cadby, Krystal Jenkins and Scott McArthur

DAY 11 / The Simple, Purpose-Filled Life

In Luang Prabang the fellows joined a centuries-old tradition of giving alms to

Buddhist monks, a practice that dates to the 14th century. The day also included a visit to a buffalo dairy, where fellows learned about the innovative system created by two American and Australian families that has become an investment in the Lao people. Not only does the business rent buffalo from local farmers, but they also host free English classes for children and modern animal husbandry training for local villagers.

“Our conversations swirled around various themes of how we, too, could have an impact by using our time, talent and treasure to invest in those around us. We each have used this time in Luang Prabaung to consider the lessons and inspiration of the Lao people.”

—Jack Norton, Katie Panici and Michelle Paul

DAY 12 / Walking with the Giants

Making time for reflection, the fellows took a morning hike before setting off to the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center, where they discussed the need for elephant conservation and learned about the leaders who engage in this work.

“The key takeaway for us is that true leadership inspires collective action, fostering a community-driven movement for change. When leaders invest in people, they build a foundation where individuals feel equipped

and motivated to contribute to a shared mission, resulting in a lasting legacy of collaboration, progress and ethical stewardship.”

—Tomas Aguilar Campos, Ariana Joven and Taj Samran

DAY 13 / Beautiful Lands, Beautiful Games, Beautiful People

As the seminar came to an end, the fellows reflected on CALF Director of Education Dane White’s challenge to them to find beauty in things they might otherwise overlook. The challenge inspired them to seek “Golden Buddha” moments throughout their journey.

“The Golden Buddha story teaches us the importance of finding meaning in unexpected places and the value of protecting what we hold dear. We return home with a hunger to act and a commitment to make a difference. We are answering the call to make the world a better place. How can we carry forward the beautiful spirit of the Laotian people?”

—Hillari Bynum, Bryce Spycher and Trent Voss

DAY 14 / A New Tapestry of Growth, Gratitude and Changed Perspectives

As they headed home, the fellows reflected on their experiences. In Vietnam

they encountered the resilience of a people still healing from the scars of war. In Cambodia they marveled at human achievements and reflected on suffering and survival. In Laos they were greeted by a quiet yet powerful inspiration and were reminded that hope takes many forms.

“Our time has been filled with wonder, rich culture, warm hospitality, deep introspection and a newfound sense of hope and inspiration. This journey has been about learning from others, growing within ourselves and challenging our assumptions in ways we could not have imagined. All these experiences have been building blocks in the personal growth journey we’ve undertaken through Ag Leadership. The perspectives gained, the empathy deepened and the sense of shared humanity cultivated here will continue to shape us as leaders and as people.”

—Krystal Jenkins, Kurt Metheny and Jodi Switzer

These daily recaps and excerpts are only a snapshot of Class 53’s international seminar leadership lessons. Read their complete travel blog at class53.agleaders.blog/. ◆

Commencement was an opportunity for fellows to reflect on their leadership journey while sharing the leadership postures that shaped their experience.

By Liza Robertson

Commencement Leadership Postures

by:

Photos

Brian Baer

tthe fellows of class 53 gathered in Fresno in February to celebrate their commencement with family, friends and Ag Leadership supporters. They highlighted some of the leadership lessons they learned during the program, shared experiences from their travel seminars and thanked those who made their Ag Leadership journey possible.

A highlight of the event was hearing from the fellows about the postures of effective leadership they learned during the 17-month program. In the context of Ag Leadership, the postures are broadly defined as the practiced traits and characteristics that leaders carry with them. A group of fellows stood on stage and described the postures they have learned to call on as they grow as leaders.

Zoom Out: “In our fast paced, detailoriented world, it can be easy to become caught up in the minutia or the quick emotional solution. However, the most effective leaders develop the ability to step back, zoom out and examine the bigger picture. Zooming out allows us to gain perspective and helps us understand how small actions can fit into larger goals.

When we take the time to zoom out, we can assess our priorities, align our actions with our values and ensure our decisions resonate with our vision of the future.”

—Kyle Collins

Hosting: “In our success-driven world, we often become so focused on tasks and outcomes that we inadvertently overlook the people we are engaging. As fellows, we learned through experience that successful leaders intentionally invest time and energy into hosting those around them. They take a step back, allowing others to be the focus while serving as a resource, providing guidance and helping them thrive.”

—Kristi Robinson

Curiosity: “Over time, your curiosity is diminished by the life experiences you encounter. It is difficult to look past your personal bias. When you are curious you can gain a new viewpoint on a topic, but at the same time show empathy to whom you ask the question. If you would like to continue to grow in your life, you need to be curious about whatever fills your heart.”

—Bob Donnelly

Stretch Zone: “The space between comfort and overwhelmed is where real growth happens. It’s about willingly facing fear, committing to growth and understanding that failures are not setbacks, but stepping stones to success. I learned that a leader who refuses to grow becomes stagnant and cannot guide a team toward a future reality greater than their present reality. Over the past 17 months, this mindset has transformed me. I am committed to pushing past my limits, embracing discomfort and stepping fully into the challenges that leadership demands. Because true growth begins where comfort ends.”

—Kurt Metheny

Thermostat: “One of the most empowering lessons I’ve learned in Ag Leadership is that leaders don’t just measure the temperature in the room — we set it. Leadership isn’t passive; it’s about being the thermostat, setting the tone through our actions, energy and example. Every room I enter is an opportunity to lead with intention — bringing calm to chaos, focus to uncertainty or momentum to stagnation. My commitment is to be a

⇐

Class 53 fellows celebrate alongside Director of Education Dane White and Programs Manager Judy Sparacino.

steady, intentional presence, ensuring my leadership elevates those around me.”

—Jodi Switzer

Spectral Thinking: “As our lived experiences broaden, so does our understanding of the spectrum of possibilities. No longer do we simply agree or disagree; we see the full range of choices. Only by employing spectral thinking can I comprehend the nuance needed to understand how 8 million motorcycles in Ho Chi Mihn City can successfully navigate traffic circles. Or how people from opposite sides of the world can have the same aspirations, even if in starkly different circumstances. As I consider the issues that face agriculture

today, it is spectral thinking that will allow creativity and innovation to flourish so that we can solve the difficult problems we may face in the future.”

—Bryce Spycher

Pop Quiz: “An unexpected test that reveals our resourcefulness, commitment and the path we choose when faced with adversity. This posture has taught me that when we are challenged with a pop quiz, it may be a test of small things or even reveal if we are willing to compromise ethics when under pressure, but the pop quiz defines us in the same way as when we are met with more prominent challenges.”

—Jeana Cadby

These seven postures were crucial to the fellows as they worked to expand their impact, increase their leadership capacity and tackle complex challenges.

The event’s keynote address was given by CALF Director of Education Dane White, who reiterated the importance of the postures and how they are key to preparing the fellows of Class 53 to step into their new roles as leaders prepared to make a difference. He spoke directly to the fellows and shared one last posture he had witnessed them all master.

“The posture of the mirror,” said White. “Not the kind you use to check your hair before you head out of the house,

Fellows of both classes came together to celebrate Class 53’s commencement.

but the kind that reflects truth, sincerity and most importantly — love. Class 53, you’ve embodied this in ways that have left me speechless.”

He continued by describing how the fellows had demonstrated this posture. Referencing their visit to AbilityFirst during the Pomona seminar, he said, “You didn’t just show up — you showed up with your whole hearts. You saw people exactly as they were meant to be seen.”

Another example he offered was from the international seminar during a visit to the Disabled Women’s Development Center in Laos: “You showed us what love in action truly looks like. You

stepped into that space with such genuine openness and warmth that you transformed it entirely. There was no hesitation, no barrier — just pure presence and connection.”

White closed by remarking on the incredible ability the Class 53 fellows had to not just study leadership, but to live it through their vulnerability and refusal to be anything less than genuine.

“To you 24 extraordinary individuals: I’ve watched you grow. I’ve seen you tackle challenges with grace and face uncertainty with courage,” said White. “In those moments when everything aligned — when your purpose, your

passion and your love all came together — you were magnificent.”

The address resonated with the group as their time as Class 53 fellows came to an end. The impacts of their shared experiences during the program changed their mindsets and helped them prepare to take on challenges as they become Ag Leadership alumni and leaders in the industry and their communities. ◆

Get to Know

Marisa Alcorta / Winters

Marisa is the apprenticeship program director at the Center for Land-Based Learning, a nonprofit that inspires and trains the next generation of agricultural leaders and natural resource stewards. She manages a team of four, overseeing program funding, curriculum design and delivery, participant tracking, outreach, recruitment and partnership building. She and her husband own Terra Firma Farm.

Jake Barcellos / Los Banos

Jake is a fourth-generation farmer and partner at A-Bar Ag Enterprises, a family-run operation that grows almonds, pistachios, Pima cotton, processing tomatoes and olives on nearly 7,500 acres. He oversees office operations and fieldwork; helps manage financial accounts, workforce planning and crop optimization; and focuses on long-term profitability to maintain the viability of the farm for future generations.

Megan Bell / Santa Cruz

Megan is the founder and winemaker of Margins Wine, a winery that produces low-intervention wines with organic grapes from lesser-known regions, vineyards and varietals. She executes all wine production tasks, manages wholesale partnerships and oversees direct sales.

Class 54 fellows were inaugurated into the program on Oct. 11, 2024.

Photos: Brian Baer

Hunter Berry / Turlock

Hunter is the special assets manager at Yosemite Farm Credit, ACA, a memberowned financial cooperative dedicated to serving farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in California. He oversees the management of the association’s delinquent and distressed loan portfolios, specializing in workouts. He manages a team of seven and serves as the lead loan officer on numerous accounts.

Kelly Bishop / El Centro

Kelly is a conservation program representative for the Imperial Irrigation District, an agency promoting efficient irrigation practices for the nation’s largest ag-to-urban water conservation agreement. She leads a team of seven, ensuring consistent communication, procedures and training. She oversees quality control for more than 350,000 acres annually and represents the department in internal audits.

Cameron Boomgaarden / Yuba City

Cameron is the orchard operations manager for Vann Brothers, a multigenerational, vertically integrated grower, buyer and processor of almonds that also manages more than 13,000 acres of almonds, walnuts and pistachios. He is responsible for the organization of farm resources, ensuring effective and efficient crop production and the evaluation of onfarm procedures and practices. He is also a pest control adviser.

Hillary DeCarl / Fallbrook

Hillary is a field representative for Del Rey Avocado Company, a family-owned grower, buyer and shipper of fresh avocados. She is responsible for sourcing avocados from California, where she builds strong relationships with growers and purchases their avocados. She also assists with audits and certifications, walking groves to make crop estimations and assessing trees to offer recommendations for crop nutrition.

Allison Dericco / Healdsburg

Allison is the estate vineyard manager for Rodney Strong Vineyards, a familyowned and operated winery that farms 12 certified sustainable estate vineyards and produces wines. She oversees more than 1,100 acres of premium wine grapes and is responsible for implementing cutting-edge farming practices, ensuring high standards of quality and optimizing vineyard efficiency.

Will Dyt / Nuevo

Will is a partner of Dyt Dairy, his familyowned and operated farm that milks 2,000 cows and produces milk for the leading dairy processing cooperative in the state. He has full-time responsibility of running the farm, serving as the day-to-day manager, secretary, futures trader, milk hedger and breeder while also handling human resources and environmental compliance.

Consuelo Fernández / Ventura

Consuelo is the chief operating officer at Brokaw Nursery, which specializes in producing clonal avocado trees and supplies more than 85% of the California avocado industry. She oversees the nursery’s business and farming operations, research and development and the international management of intellectual property.

Jarred Greene / Firebaugh

Jarred is the assistant ranch manager at Nickel Family Farms, a family-owned operation with more than 150 years of history, specializing in diverse orchards and row crops. He oversees a portion of the daily operations in Dos Palos and Firebaugh. His responsibilities encompass irrigation and fertility scheduling for almonds, corn, onions and winegrapes; water monitoring; and managing almond cultivation.

Rachael Laenen / Santa Paula

Rachael is a sixth-generation farmer and director of farming and operations for Kimball Ranches — El Hogar, her family’s 150-acre avocado ranch. She is responsible for food safety, workplace safety, employee relations and grant applications; participates in all farming decisions, including crop nutrition, water management and harvest scheduling; and oversees replanting and the rebuilding of ranch structures.

Lizandro Magana / Red Bluff

Lizandro is the vice president of agriculture operations for California Olive Ranch, the largest producer of olive oil in North America. He oversees the agronomical, operational and budgetary aspects of the agricultural side of the business with more than 30 employees and more than 4,000 acres of olives in the north state. He is also a certified master miller and certified olive oil grower.

Patty Martinez / Somis

Patty is a second-generation grower and compliance manager at Marz Farms, her family’s business that is one of the largest berry growers in Ventura County, cultivating more than 2,500 acres of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. She is responsible for overseeing regulatory and legal compliance, integrating risk management into everyday business decisions and processes.

Timothy Murray / Visalia

Timothy is a first-generation citrus grower in Tulare County and the founder and principal of Murray Ag Real Estate. He oversees all aspects of the business and works directly with buyers and sellers to achieve their desired goals and outcomes on agricultural transactions. He is a licensed real estate broker.

Carson Pettit / El Dorado Hills

Carson is a grower relations field representative for the Northern San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys for RPAC LLC, a grower/processor of California almonds. He is responsible for the procurement and relationship management of growers. He assists them with production decisions, connects them with other industry members for on- or off-farm practices and builds relationships with prospective growers.

Janeth Quintero / Salinas

Janeth is the senior manager of the product integrity department at Naturipe Berry Growers Inc., a marketing cooperative — owned by growers for growers — that specializes in strawberries. She oversees the food safety and quality assurance department.

Jenny Scheer / Chico

Jenny is an agricultural water specialist with Water and Land Solutions LLC, a company that works with farmers on water challenges. She helps agricultural communities chart a path to sustainable water use through groundwater recharge projects, policy development, water district management and infrastructure projects. She is also the huller manager on her family’s fourth-generation walnut farm.

Theresa Schneider / Chico

Theresa is a fourth-generation walnut grower and co-owner of A&J Family Farms Inc., a women-owned walnut farming operation in Butte County with approximately 200 acres of prime farmland. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and making sure the farming tasks are complete.

Tony Shelton / Bakersfield

Tony is the vice president of environmental health and safety at The Wonderful Company, a global company that grows, harvests, bottles, packages and markets a diverse range of products. He is responsible for ensuring the company meets the highest standards in environmental stewardship, workplace safety and regulatory adherence across its global operations.

Andrew Smith / Santa

Rosa

Andrew is the agricultural commissioner and sealer of weights and measures for the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures. He oversees numerous programs and 39 employees at a regulatory agency that is responsible for the promotion and protection of agriculture, community and the environment through education, outreach and enforcement of laws and regulations.

Trevor Tauzer / Davis

Trevor is the vice president and chief of operations for Tauzer Apiaries, his family’s Northern California beekeeping operation that provides professional pollination services to more than 300 growers across Northern and Central California. He is responsible for dayto-day management of the operations, long-term strategic planning, all staff beekeepers and 40,000 hives.

Linda Torres / Healdsburg

Linda is an assistant grower relations representative at Constellation Brands Inc., a leading international producer and marketer of wine, beer and spirits. She manages winegrape production contracts across Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties; monitors farming practices; ensures adherence to quality standards and builds collaborative relationships with growers.

Jaime Valdovinos / Windsor

Jaime is a risk management specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency, which supports agricultural producers through subsidized crop insurance programs. He is responsible for overseeing the insurance programs for stone fruit crops (including fresh and processing apricots, cling peaches, freestone peaches, nectarines and plums) and caneberries (raspberries). ◆

National Seminar Lessons Learned

tthe national seminar focuses on equipping fellows with reinforcing opportunities to use critical thinking to work through complex topics and improve on their ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives. The seminar provides an understanding of interconnections between local, state, federal and international governmental systems — including regional differences — and helps fellows gain confidence in how to engage in the political process and develop tools to engage government.

The 10-day experience also provides fellows with an understanding of nongovernmental organization influence on public policy, culture and communities and the interplay of their activities with

government. Personal stories, styles and paths to leadership play a major role in the discussions fellows have with people they meet and communities they visit.

From the dynamic city of Minneapolis, Minn. to the heart of Washington, D.C., fellows explored the world of policy, innovation and cultural exchange. This experience is a transformative opportunity to meet with thought leaders, discuss challenging issues and expand perspectives. This was a chance for the fellows to sharpen their leadership skills, forge new connections and return home with fresh insights to drive meaningful change.

Fellows began their national seminar in Sacramento, immersing themselves in

The national seminar exposes fellows to transformative experiences that allow them to expand their perspectives while preparing to make a meaningful impact in their own communities.

By Dane White CALF Director of Education

the principles of state governance and democratic processes. This foundation allowed them to examine the complex relationships between policy, leadership and community engagement while challenging their preconceptions about political systems. The experience emphasized the importance of finding common ground and building authentic connections across differing perspectives.

In Minnesota, fellows deepened their understanding of systems thinking and community transformation. They explored how interconnected systems impact social issues and discovered the power of consistent presence and genuine relationships in creating meaningful change. This portion of their journey

highlighted the necessity of seeing beyond surface-level problems to address root causes through collaborative, community-centered approaches.

In Washington, D.C., fellows cultivated a more nuanced understanding of democracy as an institution requiring active participation and advocacy. They gained insights into how effective policy development emerges from collaboration across ideological divides, with the most significant achievements often being bipartisan. The experience reinforced the critical importance of storytelling in advocacy, the responsibility of leadership and the obligation to contribute to society beyond individual interests — ultimately preparing them to apply these lessons as agricultural leaders committed to positive change.

In preparation for the seminar, the fellows are provided with context about immersing themselves in other communities, cultures and mindsets.

The following daily excerpts are only a snapshot of Class 54’s national seminar leadership lessons. Visit agleaders.blog for their complete travel blog.

WELCOME TO MINNEAPOLIS!

By Marisa Alcorta, Hillary DeCarl and Trevor Tauzer

Over the last three days, we discussed and shared our conceptions of democracy and

our individual ideas on how our political system interfaces with the communities we share. We were challenged to zoom out and consider a wider range of factors influencing why systems and people they impact are the way they are today. Exposure to diverse voices from our state government provided us with a remarkable lens to examine our own understanding and preconceived notions of California politics. Relationship building, curiosity and the ability to find common ground were exemplified and highlighted in the messages these leaders promoted. As we prepare to explore the complex relationship between race, class, culture, opportunity, institutions and power in our society, we are working to draw upon the leadership skills we’ve been developing together. This journey calls for compassion, curiosity, empathy and openness to different experiences. By stepping back to consider broader perspectives while acknowledging our own feelings, we can engage thoughtfully with these important topics and learn from one another’s experiences.

MINNESOTA NICE

By Kelly Bishop, Carson Pettit and Theresa Schneider

The Sanneh Foundation, created by former professional soccer player Tony Sanneh, covers a multitude of programs for youth and supporting communities and genuine connections. What they’ve built is transformative — creating

pathways to break the pipeline to prison through education and community support. As Tony Sanneh said, “I didn’t come with an answer, I came with a mission to help.” Spending time with these kids, playing games and seeing their energy was incredible. The center represents the best of a community: hope in action. This experience has challenged us to rethink how we give back to our own community — beyond the usual approaches — toward something more meaningful and lasting. Real impact comes from consistent presence and genuine relationships. It’s about caring about your community and seeing the gaps to help be the support network we all need.

MEANINGFUL CHANGE THROUGH SYSTEMS THINKING

By Megan Bell, Linda Torres and Jaime Valdovinos

Our deep dive into the ways in which

systems function and interconnect began with a thought-provoking presentation by City of Roseville, Minn. police officer Crystal Jones regarding her perspective on current issues in agriculture. Officer Jones highlighted the ways in which shifting immigration policies throughout the U.S. southern border are changing systems of immigration as a whole — resulting in increased cases of attempted border crossings from Mexico to the U.S. via Minnesota’s northern border. This concept embodied one of the main learning points from the day — a poignant idea from scientist Donella Meadows proclaiming that, “the function of a system is often not the one we want the system to achieve.” By stepping back to look at the bigger picture, we can attempt to understand how one element of a system interconnects to a larger whole. We can find solutions by shifting these connections until we reach a place of greater understanding.

A FAMILY READY TO TELL THEIR STORY

By Hunter Berry, Hillary DeCarl and Jarred Greene

As we reached the final leg of our journey in Minneapolis, we focused on adopting an unassuming mindset, being reflective rather than prescriptive about who we have been and who we aspire to become. This process was about cultivating the self-awareness needed to guide our future decisions and fostering personal growth. By embracing vulnerability and openness to change, we recognized that effective leadership requires strength, vision, humility and a willingness to learn and listen to the difficult stories waiting to be heard, ultimately enhancing our capacity to create positive, lasting impact in the lives of others. Every individual within our community has a critical role to play, and our success depends on the collective commitment to this shared responsibility. We have become more than Class 54; we

have become a family. A family ready to hear the stories of others and share the stories we have held in for too long.

DEMOCRACY AS AN INSTITUTION

By Jake Barcellos, Patty Martinez and Timothy Murray

Day five brought us into deep conversations about democracy — not just as a system, but as an institution that demands active participation, selfawareness and a commitment to progress. Through thought-provoking discussions, political insights and an emotional visit to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, we explored the tension between learning from history and the need to move forward with purpose. What stood out most was a realization we had heard twice today: major achievements are bipartisan. Whether in state legislatures or independent movements, the most effective solutions are rarely those born

from a single ideology. Instead, they emerge from the middle ground — from leaders willing to listen, collaborate and prioritize outcomes over optics.

THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

By Will Dyt, Consuelo Fernández and Trevor Tauzer

Our time in Washington, D.C. has reinforced how critical storytelling is in agriculture. Storytelling is only the first step. To shape policy, we must also engage directly with the process. Whether we call it advocacy, lobbying, strategy or public affairs, the goal is the same: ensure agriculture’s voice is heard in the halls of power. We were reminded throughout this week that effective advocacy isn’t about shouting the loudest — it’s about showing up prepared, with clear, compelling stories that illustrate the real-world impacts of policy decisions. If we don’t show up, someone else will tell our story for us. That’s why our engagement matters.

CULTIVATING POLICY

By Allison Dericco, Janeth Quintero and Jenny Scheer

Our class was able to view the floor session from the House gallery, giving us a chance to see Congress at work. In the afternoon we split into four groups to meet with members of California’s congressional delegation. We met with eight members of Congress or their staff. Each member of Congress we met with was passionate, reasoned and genuinely interested in improving the lives of people in their districts and in our nation. The biggest takeaway from the day was to remember Congress is designated to represent people and our participation is crucial in cultivating policies that impact the agricultural sector. By embracing this understanding, we can become more effective advocates for our agricultural community and help drive positive change.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

By Marisa Alcorta, Lizandro Magana and Tony Shelton

Our final day in Washington, D.C. was impactful and emotional, centering around the question we all have in our minds: Where do we go from here? We ended our time in our nation’s capital with a deeply moving and emotional reflection with the group, recognizing that we had reached the halfway point of our program. During the evening, the fellows exchanged heartfelt toasts, expressing admiration for one another, gratitude for our supporters and pride in how far we had come. We also shared our hopes for each other’s continued growth, looking ahead to the future with optimism and encouragement. As we return to California, we carry with us the lessons, inspiration and renewed sense of purpose gained in Washington, ready to apply them to the work ahead.

REFLECTING ON OUR FUTURE

By Cameron Boomgaarden, Rachael Laenen and Andrew Smith

With hearts full of hope and minds in an ever-expanding exercise of questioning what we know and what the future of our democracy looks like, we reflect on this great journey to understand. When we move toward seeking understanding instead of being right, we recognize that connection is possible and that solutions come in the form of commonality and working together. We express our heartfelt gratitude for this extraordinary journey. Our sincere thanks go to the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for its unwavering dedication in providing us with such a transformative experience. We are profoundly grateful to the donors and supporters whose generosity makes these experiences possible, ensuring the future of the program for generations to come. ◆

Seeking the Stretch Zone

Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Agricultural Leadership

ccalifornia agriculture has always demanded resilience. From drought cycles to market fluctuations, those who lead our agricultural enterprises have never had the luxury of complacency. Yet today’s accelerating pace of change requires a fundamental evolution in how we approach leadership development and organizational culture.

At the heart of this evolution lies what psychologist Carol Dweck identified as the “growth mindset” — the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work and strategic learning. For California’s agricultural leaders, cultivating this mindset and deliberately seeking what performance psychologists call the “stretch zone” represents a critical leadership frontier.

UNDERSTANDING THE COMFORT-STRETCH-PANIC FRAMEWORK

The three-zone model of performance and development provides a useful framework:

The Comfort Zone is where we operate within well-established skills. We feel confident, but remaining here leads to stagnation.

The Stretch Zone lies just beyond comfort, where challenges push our capabilities without overwhelming them. Here we experience productive discomfort and accelerated learning.

The Panic Zone exists beyond stretch, where challenges exceed our capabilities and overwhelm us. Extended time here leads to stress and burnout.

The art of leadership development lies in finding your stretch zone — that productive territory between complacency and overwhelm.

FROM THE SIDELINES TO THE BOARDROOM: LESSONS FROM THE SOCCER FIELD

Before exploring formal applications, I’d like to share a revealing parallel from my own experience as a boys’ varsity soccer coach in Galt. On that dusty field with ambitious young athletes, I witnessed the principles of growth mindset play out in ways that powerfully translate to agricultural leadership.

In my first season as a coach, I inherited a team with considerable raw talent but limited tactical sophistication. I faced a critical choice: keep them in their comfort zone with familiar strategies where they felt confident or push them into the stretch zone with more complex systems and higher expectations.

We chose the stretch zone approach. We implemented training sessions that deliberately operated at the edge of their capabilities — challenging but achievable. When players mastered one skill level, we immediately elevated the difficulty. Most importantly, we reframed mistakes from failures to learning opportunities, collectively analyzing what each setback taught us.

The transformation wasn’t immediate. Early season matches revealed growing pains as players navigated new expectations. But by mid-season, their capacity to adapt in real-time,

The art of leadership development lies in finding your stretch zone — that productive territory between complacency and overwhelm.

By Dane White CALF Director of Education

solve complex on-field problems and perform under pressure had expanded dramatically. Players who initially resisted the discomfort of new approaches became the most vocal advocates for continued challenge.

The lesson traveled with me from the soccer field to agricultural leadership: when people experience the tangible benefits of stretch zone learning — seeing their capabilities expand in ways they hadn’t thought possible — resistance transforms into enthusiasm.

WHY CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE NEEDS STRETCH ZONE LEADERS

Several factors make stretch zone seeking essential for today’s agricultural leaders:

Unprecedented Complexity: From water technologies to carbon markets, today’s agricultural landscape demands continuous learning across specialized domains.

Accelerating Change: Technical, regulatory and market knowledge that once sustained entire careers now requires constant refreshing.

Emerging Leadership Models: As command-and-control gives way to collaborative approaches, many leaders must develop entirely new interpersonal skills.

Cross-Sector Integration: Agriculture increasingly intersects with technology, finance and environmental science, requiring competence across previously separate fields.

The imperative is clear: Those who seek stretch experiences will thrive, while those defaulting to comfort will find themselves unprepared.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND GROWTH MINDSET

When we encounter appropriate challenges — difficult but achievable with effort — our brains respond by strengthening neural connections and creating new pathways. This neuroplasticity underlies all skill development and continues throughout life.

Growth mindset principles align with how our brains optimize learning. By believing improvement is possible, we:

• Persist longer when facing difficulties.

• Employ more varied strategies when initial approaches fail.

• View feedback as valuable information rather than personal judgment.

• Find inspiration rather than threat in others’ success.

Research consistently shows that individuals and organizations with growth mindset orientations demonstrate greater resilience, innovation capacity and long-term performance — all critical qualities for agricultural leadership.

FIVE STRATEGIES FOR SEEKING THE STRETCH ZONE

How can California’s agricultural leaders deliberately cultivate growth mindset practices and seek productive stretch experiences? Consider these five strategies:

1. Audit Your Comfort Defaults

Begin by identifying where comfortseeking has become your default. Ask yourself:

• Which conversations do I avoid because they feel uncomfortable?

• What skills have I neglected developing because initial attempts felt awkward?

• Which parts of my role do I delegate primarily because they don’t come naturally?

These comfort defaults often signal your highest-leverage stretch opportunities.

2.

Practice Deliberate Discomfort

Small, regular steps outside your comfort zone build your capacity for productive stretch. Consider:

• Volunteering for presentations if public speaking makes you nervous.

• Engaging with stakeholders who hold opposing viewpoints.

• Learning new technologies you’ve been resistant to adopting.

• Seeking feedback in areas where you’ve historically been sensitive to criticism.

The key is making discomfort deliberate rather than accidental; you’re choosing challenge with a specific growth outcome in mind.

3. Develop Growth-Oriented Language Patterns

Our internal and external dialogue profoundly shapes our mindset. Integrate these linguistic shifts:

• Replace “I’m not good at...” with “I’m still developing...”

• Substitute “This isn’t working” with “This approach isn’t working yet.”

• Exchange “I made a mistake” for “I learned what doesn’t work.”

These language patterns aren’t semantic games; they rewire cognitive pathways toward growth orientation.

4. Build Recovery Rhythms

Sustainable stretch requires balancing challenge with recovery. The most effective stretch zone seekers build deliberate rhythms that include:

• Physical recovery through adequate sleep, nutrition and exercise.

• Mental recovery through reflection and synthesis.

• Emotional recovery through social connection.

• Purpose recovery through reconnecting with core values and mission.

Without these recovery practices, stretch zone seeking quickly leads to burnout rather than growth.

5. Create Feedback-Rich Environments

Growth mindset thrives on timely, specific feedback. Enhance your feedback ecosystem by:

• Establishing peer coaching relationships with trusted colleagues.

• Implementing regular after-action reviews following key initiatives.

• Creating psychological safety that encourages constructive challenge.

• Seeking diverse perspectives, especially from those with complementary skills.

“When people experience the tangible benefits of stretch zone learning — seeing their capabilities expand in ways they hadn’t thought possible — resistance transforms into enthusiasm.”

—Dane White

CASE STUDIES: STRETCH ZONE LEADERSHIP IN CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURE

Generational Transition and Knowledge Integration

A multigenerational family operation in the Central Valley faced challenges as third-generation leadership prepared to transition management to the fourth generation. The emerging leaders possessed advanced degrees and technological expertise but lacked the experiential knowledge of their predecessors.

Rather than defaulting to either traditional approaches (comfort zone for senior leadership) or wholesale technological transformation (comfort zone for incoming leadership), they created deliberate stretch experiences for both generations:

• Senior leaders participated in technology bootcamps and digital strategy sessions.

• Younger leaders undertook intensive field rotations with seasoned managers.

• Both generations jointly led experimental pilot projects combining traditional wisdom with emerging technologies.

This stretch-oriented approach produced more sophisticated transition strategies than either generation could have developed independently, while building cross-generational respect and collaboration.

REGULATORY ENGAGEMENT EVOLUTION

A specialty crop association historically operated in either passive compliance or reactive opposition to regulatory

changes. Both approaches — while comfortable and familiar — had produced suboptimal outcomes.

Their stretch zone strategy involved developing entirely new capabilities:

• They built a scientific research program to generate data informing policy development.

• They trained producer-ambassadors to engage effectively with regulatory staff.

• They developed collaborative relationships with environmental organizations.

By deliberately stretching beyond both compliance and opposition, they developed the capacity to shape rather than merely respond to regulatory frameworks.

CREATING A STRETCH-ORIENTED ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

Individual stretch zone seeking becomes transformative when embedded in organizational culture. Agricultural leaders can foster organizational growth mindset by:

Redefining Success: Expand definitions of success beyond outcomes to include learning, capability development and innovation attempts.

Rewarding Stretch: Create recognition systems that celebrate deliberate challenge-seeking, not just achievement. Acknowledge the courage required for stretch zone learning.

Role Modeling: Visibly engage in your own stretch experiences, discuss your learning process and share both successes and setbacks.

Refreshing Challenges: Regularly rotate responsibilities to prevent extended comfort zone operation. Create crossfunctional projects that push people beyond specialized expertise.

These cultural elements transform individual growth orientation into collective capability development.

CONCLUSION: LEADING AT THE EDGE OF POSSIBILITY

The future of California agriculture will be shaped by leaders who deliberately operate at the edge of their capabilities, strategically extending into stretch without recklessly pushing into panic. This approach requires courage but offers extraordinary rewards.

Leaders who seek the stretch zone develop greater adaptability, more innovative responses to challenges and deeper resilience through transitions. They build organizations capable of continuous evolution rather than episodic change.

Most importantly, they model a fundamental truth: our capabilities are not fixed, but continuously expandable through deliberate practice and productive challenge. In doing so, they advance not only their operations but agriculture’s broader evolution toward innovation and sustainability.

The choice is clear. We can lead from comfort and face obsolescence or seek the stretch zone and discover capabilities we never knew we had. The future belongs to those with the courage to choose the latter. ◆

Community

Alumni Council

By Ian LeMay (48) Alumni Council Chair

As the newly appointed chair of the Alumni Council (AC) and a proud member of Class 48, I am honored to serve our esteemed alumni network and further Ag Leadership’s mission. Our alumni play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture through leadership, advocacy and mentorship. With that in mind, I want to share some exciting updates and opportunities within our alumni community.

Success of Regional Prospective Applicant and Alumni Events

Since January, our alumni have been gathering across California to host events designed to introduce prospective applicants to the program and strengthen our alumni network. These events have been a resounding success, providing a space for prospective Class 55 applicants to gain firsthand insights from alumni while reconnecting graduates with one another. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated at these gatherings reaffirms the power of our alumni community in fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Final Call for Alumni Award Nominations

Each year, we have the privilege of recognizing exceptional individuals within our community through the Profiles in Leadership Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors celebrate alumni who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in agriculture and beyond. Nominations for both awards are currently open and the deadline of June 27 is fast approaching. We encourage you to consider those whose contributions deserve

recognition. Your participation in this process helps us acknowledge and celebrate the leaders who continue to make a difference.

Call for Class Liaisons

Class liaisons are instrumental in maintaining connections within our alumni network. We deeply appreciate those who have stepped up to serve in this role, keeping their class informed and engaged. We are working to create new opportunities to involve liaisons in program updates and discussions. If your class currently does not have a liaison*, I invite you to consider stepping into this role. We are happy to discuss the responsibilities further and provide the necessary support to ensure success.

*As of June, classes 1, 5, 15, 20 and 23 do not have liaisons.

Find your class liaison at agleaders.org/alumni/class-rosters

Looking Ahead: Alumni Council Goals

As we embark on this next chapter, my goals are to continue strengthening the bonds within our alumni community and enhance our collective impact on the industry. Together, we have the opportunity to support future leaders, advocate for California agriculture and continue growing as a network of dedicated professionals. I look forward to working with all of you to build upon our program’s rich legacy and ensure its continued success.

Thank you for your commitment to Ag Leadership. I am excited for what we will accomplish together! ◆

Update

By Raven Mariani Former CALF Alumni Engagement Manager

Honoring Heather Mulholland

Thank you to Heather Mulholland (44) for her exceptional service as chair of the Alumni Council (AC) over the past two years. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on our community, strengthening its foundation and inspiring positive change.

Mulholland’s leadership has fostered an environment where ideas flourish, connections deepen and initiatives thrive. With a clear vision for growth and inclusivity, she led critical initiatives, including the realignment of regional groups, the orchestration of the impactful 2024 Alumni Conference and a strategic shift toward a more grassroots approach for the AC.

Thank you, Heather, for your service and leadership. Your contributions have set a standard of excellence and your legacy will remain a cherished part of the Ag Leadership story. ◆

Introducing Alumni Council (AC) Executive Team Members

We are proud to introduce the AC’s new executive team members. Their leadership fosters strong, engaged alumni communities.

Ian LeMay (48) / Chair

Ian LeMay stepped into the role of AC chair with a deep understanding of agricultural advocacy. He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in ag business and is currently president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission. He and his wife, Molly, have three children and are embracing family life, coastal getaways and active community involvement.

“Serving as chair of the Alumni Council is an opportunity to give back to a program that has profoundly shaped my leadership journey,” said LeMay. “Ag Leadership cultivates forward-thinking leaders who drive positive change in our industry and communities. My vision for the Alumni Council is to strengthen connections among alumni, foster lifelong learning opportunities and ensure that future classes continue to benefit from the program’s rich legacy of leadership and service.”

Regional Directors

We welcome Betty Lindeman (49), who will fill Yvonne Sams’ (45) seat as Region 4 director. Lindeman brings valuable leadership and a deep understanding of the agriculture industry and water issues through her work as a water specialist. We look forward to the insight and dedication she will bring to the AC.

Results from the election for Regions 1, 8 and 11 will be announced in early July. We extend a sincere thank you to Kelly Mora (48 / REGION 1), Lucas Espericueta (45 / REGION 8) and Ellen Way (28 / REGION 11) who have each reached the end of their terms of service. They have been instrumental in strengthening the CALF community and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. ◆

Yvonne Sams (45) / Vice Chair

Yvonne Sams has demonstrated her dedication to CALF through her years as a Region 4 director and as a liaison for her class. Sams is currently senior director of business development for JB Critchley. She was the first woman to major in agricultural engineering technology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is actively involved in shaping the future of agricultural education and community development. She balances these commitments while raising three children.

“I chose to serve on the Alumni Council because leadership doesn’t end with graduation, it evolves,” said Sams. “Agriculture thrives on strong, forward-thinking leaders and by staying engaged with this network, I can help cultivate the next generation of innovators and advocates who will shape the future of our industry. It’s about giving back, fostering connections and ensuring that the leadership legacy of this program continues to grow.” ◆

Alumni Reunions

By Bob Atkins (17)

On April 26, 16 (more than half of our 29) members of Class 17, plus six significant others, met at Chris Hurd’s house in Oro Loma for a reunion. Case Van Steyn and Ed Grossi helped organize and Bill Bennett barbecued rib eye and chicken. Pat Arnold won the award for the longest journey; she drove down from Trout Creek, Wash. It was great to catch up with our friends since our last gathering two years ago. Some of the last to leave reviewed the video of our 1988 international seminar to South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. We left with plans to reunite in two years.

By Bob Lilley (22)

Alumni of Class 22 had a wonderful reunion Oct. 25 - 27 in San Luis Obispo County. The reunion started with a dinner boat cruise out of Morro Bay enjoying friendship, a beautiful sunset and fine wine. The second day was a progressive beach house experience with class members hosting the group in Cayucos and Morro Bay. We were fortunate to have Tim LaSalle (the foundation’s president and CEO while we were in the program) return to address our group about his latest professional endeavor in regenerative agriculture. The last day of the reunion involved a fantastic tour of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, hosted by owner Doug Filipponi. Doug took us through the 250-year history of the ranch, including the mission outpost and Asistencia (built in 1774) cattle and vineyard operations and their more recent expansion into agricultural tourism and events. The final evening was capped off by a fine dinner and camaraderie at a class member’s home in Los Osos.

Class 22 members present were: Sherm Railsback, Gail Gray, Bob Lilley, Pierre Tada, John Draxler, John Colbert, Cindy Myers, John Weiler, Jack Efird, Paul Murai, Rob Parreira, Joe Zanger, Terry Fleming, John Moore and Doris Thirup. Many class spouses and guests attended as well as local Ag Leadership graduates from other classes.

By Christopher Greer (52)

Thirteen fellows of Class 52 gathered in Paso Robles for a reunion in April. The weekend included brunch before meeting at Robert Hall Winery where our classmate, Amanda Gorter, is the winemaker. She hosted us for wine tasting and a tour of the winery. It was very interesting and we had lots of laughs while learning and connecting. Afterwards we all headed to Jeannette McClure’s house in Paso Robles and continued to catch up on all of our lives and friendships. We enjoyed time reconnecting and although not everyone was able to attend, we are looking forward to catching up with more of our classmates soon.

“Our time after the program has only strengthened our relationships with each other,” said Jacylyn Stokes. “It’s such a joy to continually see how we’ve evolved. I’m proud of us!”

“While we have all kept in touch over the last two years — celebrating life events or just consulting with one another on professional quandaries — there’s nothing quite like dedicated time to catch up,” said Arima Kozina. “It rekindles the sense of family our class has always shared.” ◆

Class 22 during their international seminar to Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Israel in 1993 and at their 2024 reunion.

Thank you to everyone who attended, planned and supported our alumni events! From annual breakfasts to regional events, alumni have been enjoying the many opportunities to gather.

⇖⇙⇓⇒

AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI

WORLD AG EXPO BREAKFAST / FEBRUARY 2025

⇐⇙⇑⇓

AGRICULTURAL & GOVERNMENT

LEADERS RECEPTION / FEBRUARY 2025

REGION 4 MEMORIAL LUNCHEON & FUNDRAISER / APRIL 2025

COMMON THREADS

REGION 7 TALLEY BBQ / MAY 2025

⇑ REGION 11 CULTIVATING THE FUTURE / MAY 2025

CENTRAL VALLEY

Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

Alumni Events

Thank you to everyone who helped make our events a success!

Region 9 Golf Tournament

Raised $61,340

SEPT. 9 / CAMARILLO

Brean Bettencourt (49)

Cornelio Blanco (52)

Jason Cole (42)

Luis Calderon (49)

Bailey Diioia (43)

Susan Josue (43)

Scott Klittich (43)

Helen McGrath (43), co-chair

Mike Nunez (29), co-chair

Jodi Switzer (53)

Diamond Sponsors: Sunkist/Saticoy Lemon Association

Travis Ag Construction

Platinum Sponsors:

Ag West Farm Credit Calavo

Driscoll’s

Index Fresh

Mission Produce

Reiter Affiliated Companies

Gold Sponsors: Circle Vision LLC

Silver Sponsors: AGRX

Anonymous

Art Bliss (8)

Brokaw Nursery LLC

Camulos Ranch

Fillmore-Piru Citrus

Finch Farms

Flying M Ranch

Grether Farming Co.

Giumarra

Limoneira Company

Otto & Sons Nursery

Bronze Sponsors: Leavens Ranches

In-Kind Donors: Coast Water Solutions

Jason Cole (42)

Mission Oaks Management Group Redox

Sunkist

Tractor Beverage Class 54 Inauguration & Dinner and Profiles in Leadership Award Ceremony

OCT. 11 / FRESNO Event Sponsor: Farm Credit Alumni Sip & Support Social: Fair Fun for a Cause

OCT. 12 / FRESNO

Heather Johnson (46) Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program

OCT. 20 - 27 / REGIONS 9, 10 & 11

Michelle Allen-Ziegler (52)

Cher Watte Angulo (25)

Bob (17) and Anne Atkins

Arlene Ayala

Emily (35) and Tony Ayala

Scott Berndt (51) and Duane Cook

Carolyn and Steve Benson

Moreen Boren

Teresa Buoye

Luis Calderon (49)

Garrett Cooper

Alex Cuevas

Harold Edwards

Jesse Escoto

Jim (28) and Kristen Finch

Bryan (39) and Jerri Foley

Lorraine Garcia

Rachel Garewal

Denise Godfrey (37)

Tony and Sue Godfrey

John (9) and Betsy Grether

John (11) and

Donna Grizzle

Kevin (35) and Kim Grizzle

Mauricio Guardado Jr.

John (13) and Susie Hawk

Frank (32) and Cindy Hilliker

Daniel Jehl

Delia Jiminez

Charng Jen and Ru Yih Jong

Joyce Jong (39)

Albert Keck

John King

Scott (43) and Cindy Klittich

Anna Nakamura

Knight (52)

Bob Knight (36)

Craig Kolodge

Greg Komar

Andrew Leimgruber

Julian (50) and Elena Lopez

Victor (51) and Priscilla Lopez

Christine Lowery

Susan MacFarland

Murray McEachron

Mark and Marilyn

McGregor

Maureen McGuire

Kurt Metheny (53)

Peter Nelson

Chris Nichols (42)

Steve and Kathy Nichols

Kalim Owens and PJ DeMaris

Ben Olson (3)

Paula and David Pangle

Allison and Steve Paap

Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (9)

Bill Plourd

Channah Rock

Rene Romero

Fritz Ruegger (25)

Mark Rye

Jason Schwartze (45)

Dr. Bram Sercu

Tina Shields

Lisa Tate Soury

Margaret and Mike Strahm

Trevor Tagg (50)

Abby Taylor-Silva (45)

Edgar Tuna

Jack Vessey (34)

Mark Wall

Ellen Way (28)

Whitman Ranch

Barbara Wight (35)

Fred Williamson

Tina Ziaei

Amalia

Zimmerman-Lommel

Jim Manassero

Fellowship

Luncheon

Raised $6,700

NOV. 1 / SOLEDAD

James Ewart (49)

Jazmin Lopez (48)

Venue & Wine

Donation: Pisoni Family Vineyards

Region 2

Wine Dinner

Raised $6,800

JAN. 18 / WINDSOR

Rocco Cunningham (50)

Venue & Wine

Donation: La Crema Winery

In-Kind Donors:

Constellation Brands

Flowers Winery

Rodney Strong Vineyards

Sonoma County

Winegrowers

Matt Stornetta (47)

Tom Gore Vineyards (51)

Colusa Farm Show

Breakfast

Raised $50,718

FEB. 5 / COLUSA

Lewis Bair (33)

Mackenzie Bressler

Terry Bressler (30)

Christie Capik

Bill Carriere (27)

Colleen Cecil

Sarah DeForest (39)

Holly Dawley (38)

Seth Fiack (52)

Les Heringer (13), chair

Christine Ivory (41)

Mark Kimmelshue (28)

Tom Martin

Kelly Mora (48)

Justin Nunes

Gennefer Reed

John Weiler (22)

Presenting Sponsors:

AgWest Farm Credit

Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit

Golden State Farm Credit

Breakfast Sponsor:

Sierra Gold Nurseries

Platinum Sponsors:

ADM Rice Inc.

Associated Rice

Marketing Cooperative

Heritage Insurance Agency

Lomo Cold Storage

Rabobank

RPAC Almonds

Shoei Foods USA

Superior Tire Service / Safety Tire Service

Zenith Agribusiness Solutions

Gold Sponsors: 4R Farming Inc.

Agricultural Advisors

Carriere Family Farms

Farmers’ Rice

Cooperative

Land IQ

Liberty Mutual Insurance

M&T Ranch

Mariani Nut Company

Peterson Ranch

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella

Sun Valley Rice

Trical

Silver Sponsors:

A.L. Gilbert — Lockwood

Seed Company

Benden Farms

Bressler Family

Butte County Rice

Growers Association

Butte Creek Farms

California Family Foods

Capay Farms

Chico Electric

Alumni Events

Charlie and Jackie (36)

Crabb

Crain Walnut Shelling

Dave Wilson Nursery

Davis Ranches

Deseret Farms of California

Equitable AgriFinance

First Northern Bank

Foothill Warehouse

Golden Valley Bank

Grange Insurance Agency

Grow West

GSA Farms Inc.

Les (13) and Janet Heringer Morrisons

Nationwide Agribusiness

Nelson Irrigation

North Valley Ag Services

Northern California

Water Association

Omega Walnut

Pacific Gas and Electric

Pinion

Prudential Ag Finance — PGIM

Riverwest Processing Inc.

River Valley Community Bank

Sunsweet Growers

Sutter Land Management

Taylor Brothers Farm

Ultra Gro

Tricia Stever Blattler (34)

Class 53

Commencement

FEB. 8 / FRESNO

Sponsor:

Wells Fargo Bank

Ag Leadership

Alumni World Ag

Expo Breakfast

Raised $123,000

FEB. 13 / TULARE

Tricia Stever Blattler (34)

Adam Dunbar

Cliff Dunbar

Doug DeGroff (29)

Lucas Espericueta (45)

Dino Giacomazzi (36)

Brian Gill (50)

Christopher Greer (52)

Randy Hopkins (46)

Alyssa Houtby (49)

Debbie Hurley (21)

Nomie Kautz (30)

Mark Krebsbach (48)

Fred Lagomarsino (19)

Ian LeMay (48), chair

Soapy Mulholland (25)

Richard Nunes (37)

Laura Pires (49)

Jessica Saltzman (51)

John Schaap (39)

Ray Van Beek (37)

Diamond Sponsor: The Zenith

Gold Sponsor: Nationwide Agribusiness

Silver Sponsors:

CopperPoint Insurance

Rural Community Insurance Services

State Compensation Insurance Fund

Western Growers

Bronze Sponsors: Atlas (RPS)

Berkshire Hathaway

Homestate Companies

Capital Insurance Group

Gallagher

Philadelphia Ag ProAg

Republic Indemnity Travelers

Sponsor Reception

Sponsors:

Community West Bank

Tricia Stever Blattler (34)

Ag & Government Leaders Reception

FEB. 24 / SACRAMENTO

Lesa Eidman (49), chair

Frank Hilliker (32)

Cynthia Noble (32)

Deanna van Klaveren (32)

In Kind Donors:

Butte Basin Farms

California Fresh Fruit Association

California Olive Ranch

Delicato

Driscoll’s

Generation Growers

Hilliker’s Ranch

Fresh Eggs

Kimball Ranches

Margins Wine

RainWater Ranch

Rodney Strong Vineyards

Ronald C. Leimbgruber Farms

RPAC Almonds

Sonoma County

Winegrowers

Superior Farms

Common Threads

Central Valley

Raised $11,957

MARCH 19 / FRESNO

Jane Bedrosian

Shannon Birkner

Carol Chandler

Suzanne Devereaux

Georgene Diener

Alcidia Freitas Gomes

Gayle Holman (46)

Lauri King

Beth Kuhn

Mia Mirassou

Karen Musson

Rebecca Quist

Debbie Raven, chair

Rod Stark (29)

Cristel Tufenkjian

Mai Vang

Marsha Vucovich, co-chair

Betty Young

Ag Leadership Region 4 Memorial Luncheon

Raised $2,753

APRIL 3 / ESCALON

Yvonne Sams (45)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Zinc Farms / Franzia Family

Cultivating the Future

Raised $25,425

MAY 1 / HOLTVILLE

Harvest Sponsors:

Community Valley Bank

Pacific Ag Rentals

Grow Sponsors:

Kevin Grizzle Farms LLC

Jordan Central

Implement Co.

Laurel Ag & Water

Prime Time Produce

Rain for Rent

RDO Equipment Co.

Rockwood Ag Services

Rutherford Farms

Sun Valley Applicators LLC

Vail Ranches LLC

Seed Sponsors:

American AgCredit

Clayton Drainage Inc.

DanCo Farm Management

Elmore Company

Helena Agri-Enterprises

JCSD Farms Inc.

Junior Enterprises LLC

LaBrucherie Irrigation

Supply

Mark Nickerson

Nutrien Ag

Olson Engineering

Ruegger Farms LLC

Western Growers

Insurance Services

Wilbur-Ellis

Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

REGION 3

JAN. 29 / SACRAMENTO

Tom Merwin (44)

REGION 4

FEB. 5 / SNELLING

Yvonne Sams (45)

REGION 6

FEB. 6 / CLOVIS

Heather Johnson (46)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Randy Hopkins (46) / Provost and Pritchard

Yvonne Sams (45)

Sonoma County Winegrowers

REGION 3

FEB. 23 / CLARKSBURG

Mike Campbell (3)

Tom Merwin (44)

REGION 11

MARCH 5 / LA QUINTA

Ellen Way (28)

REGION 1

MARCH 6 / YUBA CITY

John Weiler (22)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Nicole Van Vleck (26) and Jon Munger (36) / Montna Farms

Sponsors:

Heritage Insurance

Pinnacle Rice

REGION 9

MARCH 19 / CAMARILLO

Helen McGrath (43)

Susan Josue (43)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Susan Josue (43) / Mission Oaks Management Group LLC

REGION 10

MARCH 22 / FALLBROOK

Denise Godfrey (37)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Denise Godfrey (37) / Olive Hill Greenhouses

REGIONS 6 & 8

MARCH 27 / KINGSBURG

Lucas Espericueta (45)

Heather Johnson (46)

In Kind Venue Sponsor:

Simon Sihota (36) / Riverland Event Center

REGION 7

APRIL 5 / TEMPLETON

Paul Crout (48)

In Kind Venue Sponsor: Justin Perino (44) / Castoro Cellars

Ellen Way (28)

In Kind Donations:

Vessey & Co.

John D. Moiola Ranches

Consulting Group

In Kind Donors:

Sal Parra Jr. (46)

Vernon Peterson (41)

c Leadership Through Crisis How Ag Leaders are Navigating the Avian Influenza

california ag leadership program (CALP) alumni working in the egg industry have been facing one of the most challenging periods in recent memory. On top of egg shortages and high prices for consumers, farmers have been navigating a multitude of challenges stemming from the ongoing spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Whether running large egg laying operations or small family farms, alumni are leaning on the leadership lessons they gained from the program.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Chris Nichols (42), CEO of Chino Valley Ranchers, said avian influenza (AI) has had a direct impact on his business.

“We lost a farm in Southern California,” said Nichols. “It’s been devastating. There’s no surplus of eggs; everything we have goes out the same day.”

Nichols noted that with one chicken needed for every person in the U.S., the nation is facing a 30-40 million bird deficit. With many flocks having been depopulated, some farmers are having trouble finding replacement pullets.

Mike Sencer (28), senior vice president of Hidden Villa Ranch, has had to tell customers “no” for the first time in his more than 50-year career.

“We have lost supply of about 20-25 truckloads of eggs a week,” said Sencer. “We’ve had to put most of our customers on allocations. Assuming that the AI stops

now — which is not likely — it will take us 9-12 months to get those eggs back.”

Frank Hilliker (32), president and CEO of Hilliker’s Ranch Fresh Eggs, said that even though his flock has not been directly affected, he has still felt the impact of the chaos caused by AI.

“We try to stay relative to the market, but the high price of eggs has made it challenging to get our product sold,” said Hilliker.

Benina Burroughs Montes (36), a partner in Burroughs Family Farms, said one of the hardest parts of the outbreak for her has been seeing people struggle to afford eggs.

“Eggs have always been an affordable protein source and it’s difficult to see the impact that egg pricing is having on our communities.”

ADAPTING THROUGH CRISIS

Despite ongoing disruptions, Ag Leadership alumni are resilient and are finding ways to adapt their operations and meet customer needs.

Although he’s had more customers at his farm’s egg store lately, Hilliker has had to limit how much each person can buy so he can maintain his wholesale customers.

“We’re doing okay at the egg store,” he added. “We can sell eggs down here at the store for $6 a dozen. We’re doing

Four alumni shared insights on how their Ag Leadership experiences are helping them adapt and advocate as they manage through crisis.

By Liza Robertson

the same thing we’ve always done, just working a little bit harder at it.”

By adjusting the diet and lighting his chickens are exposed to, Nichols is able to extend the productivity of his flocks through molting. He also wants to maintain his loyal customer base, even if it means buying eggs in order to satisfy their needs.

“Buyers have a very long memory when it comes to these sorts of things,” said Nichols. “We provide a good quality product at a good price. There’s no reason to raise it, even though it’s tempting.”

VACCINATION AND TRADE POLICY

Nichols, Sencer, Hilliker and Burroughs Montes agree that if a vaccine for AI became available, they would consider vaccinating their flocks. With vaccines available in other countries, many expressed frustration that the tool isn’t yet available in the U.S.

“Because of broiler and beef export concerns, we can’t use the vaccine here,” said Nichols. “The reality is that this is very controversial because this is our livelihood. We depend on the vaccination to happen.”

Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Reimers, a board-certified poultry specialist who works with Hilliker, explained that trade agreements prevent U.S. birds from being vaccinated against AI. Other challenges include matching annual vaccines to the constantly changing virus.

Burroughs Montes says she believes a vaccine is important for U.S. production.

“We need to do what we can to maintain as an industry,” she said. “I’m not opposed to the vaccine. It’s important to me to consider the needs of my customers and I want to be able to provide a safe, affordable food supply.”

BIOSECURITY AND MORE TOOLS

Biosecurity has been a priority and farmers have implemented plans to try to keep their flocks healthy. Reimers explained that procedures being used on farms have proven effective, but with an evolving virus and complex ecosystems involved, adjustments are needed.

“The procedures we’ve had in place are based on a virus that’s here for one season, not based on a virus that comes through with the migrating fowl,” she said. “The virus can go from wild birds and other wild species to multiple species of mammals that move between dairy and poultry facilities.”

Burroughs Montes says she follows her biosecurity plan on her family’s regenerative farm.

“We keep our chickens away from other water sources and wild birds,” she said.

Nichols stressed that sanitation, maintaining permitters between buildings and other farms and worker education can only go so far.

“We’re being told to enhance biosecurity,” he said. “But we’re already doing that to the max. You can’t do it any further.”

Reimers emphasized the solution will be in finding more tools, which could help the industry get back to business as usual in 2-4 years.

“The tools we have right now are not adequate,” she said. “It’ll take some time to implement the solutions — from proving it’s the right solution to raising baby chicks as replacements — the whole pipeline needs time to normalize.”

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Nichols and others have been advocating on behalf of the U.S. egg industry.

“As best we can we’re trying to educate Congress, senators and USDA representatives on a regular basis,” he said. “We’re visiting Capitol Hill, we’re speaking and reiterating how important the vaccination is to our future. All we can do is keep advocating for ourselves and we as a company are joining that fight.”

Hilliker says the industry is always advocating on behalf of the farmers, but he also sees the importance of connecting with his elected officials through personal visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

“A lot of advocating is done through associations like Pacific Egg and Poultry and the Association of California Egg Farmers,” said Hilliker. “But I think it’s best when the farmers ourselves are doing the advocating and we do that as much as we can.”

AG LEADERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE

All four alumni pointed to their Ag Leadership experiences as

ADVICE FOR OTHER LEADERS

“Go at things with a good attitude. If you go at things with a bad attitude, it’s going to make it that much harder to solve the problem. There’s not a problem out there that can’t be solved.”

—Frank Hilliker (32)

instrumental to helping them navigate the current challenges.

Nichols said the program shifted his mindset and gave him the tools he needed to be a bold leader who speaks up for his industry.

“Before Ag Leadership I had the typical farmer mentality — do your job, stay quiet,” he said. “But Ag Leadership helped me realize how important it is to tell our story.”

Hilliker credits the program with helping him communicate more effectively in his business and widen his views on issues.

“Ag Leadership really helped give me the tools I needed when talking to the media, but also to look at things with a different perspective,” he said. “Everything is not black and white and that’s huge.”

Sencer is deeply appreciative of Ag Leadership’s broad impact.

“It helped immensely in almost every area of business,” he said. “I could never repay Ag Leadership for their training.”

Burroughs Montes emphasized the program’s influence on how she approaches change.

“Ag Leadership gave me the ability to question the norm and be open to different solutions,” she said. “Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean we need to continue that. It really opened my eyes.” ◆

“Reach out to your community. Just as a family can solve a crisis together, so can an industry. During times of crisis, it’s amazing how we all come together to solve that problem, even if we are competitors.”

—Chris Nichols (42)

Alumni & Fellows News

John Hawk (13) was selected as chair of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. He is in his second year representing District 5.

Mary-Ann Warmerdam (17) was appointed by Gov. Newsom to the 40th District Agricultural Association Yolo County Fair Board.

Wayne Forsythe (19) was elected to the Mariposa County Unified School District Board of Trustees representing District 4. He previously served four years on the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors.

Donald Norene (20) is part of a group of walnut industry members who launched a new organization, Walnut Alliance of California, with a mission to promote a stable and profitable marketing environment for walnuts from California.

Jeff Stephens (24) and his wife, Cherie, received the 2024 Heart of a Hero Distinguished Service Award from the Early Risers Kiwanis Club of Yuba City. The award recognizes outstanding service and support of youth.

Doug Circle (25) was presented the Shah Family Award for Innovativeness for his approach to using high-tech solutions.

Darren Schmall’s (25) The Pizza Farm Agri-tainment Company was named Madera County’s 2025 Small Business of the Year.

Tom Burchell (26) introduced the first self-compatible almond variety that is universally pollen cross-compatible with any other almond variety. Six years in the

making, the variety is branded by Burchell Nursery as Nonpareil SC+.

Loren Booth’s (27) Booth Ranches and the Otis Booth Foundation donated $1 million to the Marjaree Mason Center for completion of the Isnardi Foundation Building. The center’s 24/7 trauma-informed crisis drop-in center, counseling, legal advocacy, children’s services, early intervention and more will be housed in the new building.

Aaron Albaugh (29) was reelected to the Lassen County Board of Supervisors. He has represented District 4 since 2012.

Dr. Robert Cherenson (29) received the 2024 Merck Animal Health Mentorof-the-Year Award from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The award is given to a member who has been engaged in the field of veterinary medicine for at least 25 years and has served as an advisor and role model to pre-veterinary and/or veterinary students.

Dr. Louise Ferguson (30) co-edited UC Agriculture and Natural Resources’ first manual on U.S. olive oil production: “Olive Production Manual for Oil.” The book uses data directly from people working with olives and is intended as a resource for California olive growers as they compete with lower-cost European products.

Nicholas Miller’s (36) family was named 2025 Grower of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers. The award celebrates the family’s leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing California’s winegrape industry.

Etaferahu Takele (37) was honored by the Committee on Women in Agricultural Economics with the 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for her work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the applied economics profession.

Cannon Michael (39) is president of Bowles Farming Company, which received the 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Christine Ivory (41) was one of the recipients of the 2025 Common Threads North Award, which honors outstanding women in agriculture who are making a difference through their volunteer efforts and philanthropic endeavors.

Abby Taylor-Silva (45) joined Kahn, Soares & Conway as managing director of regulatory affairs. She previously served as executive vice president of the California Ag Leadership Foundation.

Jenny Lester Moffitt (47) joined American Farmland Trust as senior fellow. She previously served as USDA’s undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the USDA.

Adam Borchard (49) became manager of the North Delta Water Agency and executive director of the California Central Valley Flood Control Association in February. He previously spent five years at the California Fresh Fruit Association.

Jared Plumlee (49) started his own company, Capstone Ag Management, which specializes in full-service farm management, including portfolio review and analysis and water strategy and general consulting services.

Taylor Serres’ (49) family was part of the inaugural Century Club celebration in December that honored 22 Sonoma County families that have farmed in the region at least 100 years and now grow winegrapes. Launched by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, the club shines a light on the enduring legacy of families that are the cornerstone of the region’s agricultural community.

Jessica Saltzman (51) started a new position as senior vice president portfolio manager at AgWest Farm Credit. She has worked for the ag lender for more than 20 years.

Chris McGlothlin (52) was appointed in November 2024 to the USDA Agricultural Air Quality Task Force, which promotes USDA research efforts and identifies cost-effective ways the ag industry can improve air quality.

Anne Megaro (52) was named interim director of the UC ANR Policy Institute. She will serve in the part-time role for three years. ◆

Alumni

In Memoriam

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and Alumni Council share condolences on the passing of our alumni.

John Nakamura (1) passed away in February 2025. He was a child of a Japanese American farming family that was interned during World War II. He graduated from college and went on to serve in the Army counter intelligence corp. He later farmed and earned an outstanding young farmer award in California for his pioneering work in integrated pest management and water resource management. He served three terms under two governors as the Washington representative for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. He participated in Christian leadership activities and traveled to more than 140 countries, where he met with people in poor communities and those at the highest levels of government and leadership.

Jon Lindeman (5) passed away in April 2024. Although he spent the second part of his life in Washington, his roots were in Winters, Calif., where he raised his family. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He was wounded in action and awarded a Purple Heart. He earned a degree in horticulture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. When a job with USAID took him to Yemen, he moved his family there and worked closely with local farmers. He later took a job in Chile, where he worked in the grape industry and once again blended his love for adventure and farming.

Charles “Chuck” Pritchard (3) passed away in November 2024. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in farm management. After graduation he worked on his family’s ranch in the Carrisa Plains, where he and his wife, Fran, raised their four children. He later became a dryland grain farmer and eventually started his own cow-calf herd. He was very involved in agricultural organizations and in 2015 was named San Luis Obispo County Cattleman of the Year. He enjoyed family vacations, the San Francisco 49ers and fishing.

Marvin Lynn Wilson (9) passed away in March 2024. He attended UC Davis and served in the military as an airborne officer at Ft. Benning in Georgia. He went on to become a corporate pilot and later owned his own feedlot and farm and worked as an attorney for 20 years. He was a city council member and mayor of Holtville, Calif., president of the Holtville Rotary Club, district

Alumni

In Memoriam

governor of Rotary District 534, president of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Posse and served on the Brawley Cattle Call Rodeo committee. In retirement he and his wife, Marianne, moved to Green Valley, Ariz.

Robert “Bill” Tracy (11) passed away in November 2024. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and later returned to the ranch after being activated in the U.S. Army Reserve. A fourth-generation farmer from Buttonwillow, he was deeply rooted in the agricultural community, serving on several boards. In 1987 he was appointed to serve as CDFA’s undersecretary under Gov. Deukmejian. He enjoyed traveling and explored all seven continents with his wife, Susie. He loved spending time with his eight grandchildren and devoted his time to attending their various sports, dance and piano events.

Pam Giacomini (21) passed away in December 2024. She studied agricultural journalism at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and later earned her master’s degree. She and her husband, Henry, established HP Livestock and grew their beef cattle operation and operated a consumer direct beef sales business. She was an FFA Advisor and judging team coach, high school and college instructor, professional photographer and partner in a real estate business. She worked for the California Farm Bureau for many years as a regional field representative and as director of governmental affairs. She served on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, was elected to represent District 3 on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors and in 2016 received the Common Threads North Award.

Annie King (30) passed away in April 2025. She received her bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees in food science from North Carolina State University. While at UC Davis she served as the university’s core faculty member for the California Ag Leadership Program. As an animal science professor, her research and teaching focused on the nutritional quality of poultry meat, eggs and their products and use of agricultural by-products, containing antioxidants, in poultry feed. She also served as the associate dean of undergraduate academic programs at the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for nearly 11 years. She authored a series of children’s books, the first, “Granny Annie Lives at the Airport,” was published in 2009.

Marcia Wolfe (32) passed away in November 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree in range science and management from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in botany and wildlife ecology from Washington State University. She started Rio Bravo Native Plant and Seed Company and was president and founder of MH Wolfe and Associates Environmental Consulting Inc., which specialized in environmental studies and reclamation and restoration of drastically disturbed lands. For more than 30 years she consulted in many western states, where her love of nature, animals and thoughtful support of the environment were reflected in her work. Her Ag Leadership involvement

after graduation included being a member of the Alumni Council as a Region 8 director.

Lino Bozzano (38) passed away in March 2025. A third-generation California farmer, he was an accomplished agriculturalist. Throughout his career, he worked with various crops, including grapes. He was regarded within the California wine industry for producing the highest-quality grapes from the vineyards under his management. He enjoyed spending time at his home in Pismo Beach, where he indulged his love of surfing. He traveled extensively in search of surf and found a deep connection with the waves that he rode. His greatest passion was his family and loved ones. He was protective and loyal, doing whatever was necessary for those he cared about.

Bradley Reinhart (47) passed away in April 2025. He attended Fresno State, where he completed his degree in accounting. He worked for nearly two decades at the J.G. Boswell Company, where he traveled to more than 28 countries and forged meaningful relationships across the globe while selling Pima cotton. Most recently, he worked as a senior cotton merchant with the Louis Dreyfus Company, continuing his passion for global trade and human connection. Above all, he was a family man. He enjoyed conversations and holidays with loved ones, traveling and summers filled with making homemade ice cream, swimming and time at Pinecrest Lake. He loved fishing, hiking, gardening, reading and music. ◆

The Benefits of Contributing to CALF’s Endowments: A Lasting Legacy

By Jodi Litz CALF Development Manager

tThe California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is honored that alumni and stakeholders have created nearly 50 named endowment funds (see sidebar) over the last five decades to help sustain the foundation.

These endowment funds provide a stable source of funding supporting the foundation’s mission of growing leaders who make a difference. Contributing to any of these is more than just a donation to CALF; it’s an investment in the future of California agriculture.

SUSTAINING AG LEADERSHIP NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why give?” or “Why give to an endowment?” — the answer is simple! Your gift will literally pay dividends.

Endowments are crucial for the longterm sustainability of Ag Leadership. By contributing to these funds, you help ensure that CALF can continue to offer a first-class leadership development experience that addresses the current challenges in the agricultural sector for years to come.

HONORING AND MEMORIALIZING LOVED ONES

Another benefit, perhaps the most heartfelt, of contributing to an endowment is the opportunity to honor or memorialize a special person. Many of CALF’s endowments have been established in memory of loved ones or to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural community. Your gift helps celebrate that person in a way that is/was important to them.

CREATING A LASTING IMPACT

When you contribute to an endowment, you’re not just making a one-time donation; you’re creating a lasting impact. The principal amount of the endowment remains intact, and only the earnings from investments are used to fund the program and operations. This means that your contribution will continue to support CALF’s mission indefinitely. It’s a way to ensure that your legacy, or the legacy of someone you wish to honor, lives on through the foundation’s work.

Contributing to an Ag Leadership endowment is a powerful way to support the future of California agriculture. Whether you’re looking to honor a loved one, create a lasting legacy or pay forward all that Ag Leadership has provided you, your contribution will make a meaningful impact.

NEWLY CREATED ENDOWMENT FUND

Thank you, Class 38, for your generous initiative in starting a class endowment fund. This meaningful gesture, honoring the memory of Lino Bozzano, reflects your unity and compassion. Your contribution will leave a lasting legacy and positively impact Ag Leadership. ◆

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Visit agleaders.org/giving or contact CALF Development Manager Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030.

Endowments

Dean Brown Endowed Founder’s Chair

J.G. Boswell II Endowed Founder’s Chair

Special Purpose Accounts

Board Designated Endowment

Dean & Charles Buchinger Memorial Endowment

Franklin Otis Booth Legacy Fund

Dean Brown Growth and Innovation Fund

J.G. Boswell II Legacy Fund

Stewart And Lynda Resnick Wonderful

Legacy Fund

Alumni Fellowship Fund

Borba Family Endowment

Class 12 Endowment

Class 17 Endowment

Class 23 Endowment

Class 25 Endowment

Class 30 Endowment

Class 33 Endowment

Class 38 Endowment

Class 41 Endowment

Class 43 Endowment

Class 47 Endowment

David C. Martella Memorial Endowment

Dean Brown Fellowship Fund

Dr. George Johannessen Memorial Endowment

Gene Rapp Fellowship Fund

General Endowment

Jess Rhody Class 45 Endowment

Jim & Betsy Hansen Family Fellowship Fund

John & Eda Muller Fellowship Fund

John and Betsy Grether Fellowship

John and Sheila Lake Fellowship Fund

Ladera Foundation Fund

Lagomarsino Family Fellowship

Manassero Fellowship Fund

Michelle Turner Memorial Endowment

Mike and Jakki Sencer Fellowship

Mike Campbell Endowment Fund

Patricio Family Fellowship

Paul and Yvonne Murai Fellowship Fund

Remo L. Matteucci Memorial Endowment

Richard Pidduck Fellowship Fund

Richard R. Smith Memorial Endowment

Robin Flournoy Memorial Endowment

The Bob Gray Endowment Fund

Thomas Mulholland Fellowship Fund

Tim O’Neill/Class 10 Memorial Endowment

Women In Leadership Fellowship

Donor List

September 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025

$200,000 – $250,000

The James G. Boswell

Foundation

The Otis Booth Foundation

$100,000 – $150,000

Taylor Fresh Foods Inc.

The Zenith

$50,000 – $55,000

Almond Board of California

Paul Parreira

$10,000 – $25,000

Circle Vision / Doug and Jan Circle

John and Betsy Grether

Fidela Irigoyen

Fred Lagomarsino / Fred

Lagomarsino Group

Martin Hein Ranch Co. / Hein Ranch Co.

Tom Mulholland

Peggy Sears Perry

The Ladera Foundation / George Myers

Wells Fargo Bank

$2,500 – $9,999

Anonymous

Philip Bowles

Canterbury Consulting

Gary Cusumano

Dwight and Nancy Ferguson

Fresno Equipment

Bob Gray

Gail Gray

Jim and Betsy Hansen

Dennis Icardi

Ed Kuykendall

Land IQ

John and Edyth Ledbetter

Trudy Muller

Paul and Yvonne Murai

Jean and Bill Phillimore

Gary and Karen Robinson

Jan Smith

Mike and Jennifer Young

$1,000 – $2,499

Dennis and Beth Albiani

Yissel Barajas

Carlo Bocardo

Troy Boutonnet

Anthony Bozzano

Carson Britz

Mark and Mona Burrell

Edwin and Kaye Camp

Mike Campbell

Denise and Ben Carter

Jim Clare

Richard Clauss

Bill Coit

John Colbert

Gus Collin

Corrie Davis

Fred A. Douma

Donna Farmer

Roberta Firoved

Five Crowns Marketing

Robert and Sheryl Flores

Michael Frantz

John Garner

Dino Giacomazzi

Daniel and Emi Gonzalez

John and Carol Gorter

Les and Janet Heringer

Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma

Holly King

Bob and Jennifer Kolberg

Charles Kosmont

Link Leavens

Douglas McGeoghegan

Measure to Improve Inc. /

Nikki Cossio

Justin Micheli

Heather Mulholland

Steve Murrill

John Nock

Anne Sabine Nooteboom

Kelley Parsons

R. Gorrill Ranch

Enterprises

Gerry Rominger

Karen Ross

Kevin Steward

Matt Stornetta

Rosemary Talley

Garnett Vann

Darcy and Case Vlot

Mike and Ellen Way

Western Ag Crop

Insurance Services LLC /

Todd Snider

Jarrett Zonneveld

$500 – $999

Anonymous

AgriLand Farming

Company

Jose Aguiar

David Arakelian

Gregg Avilla

Art Barrientos

Bella Vista Farming

Company LLC /

Will Weiss

Karen Caplan

Bill and Jennifer Carriere

Bill Chandler

Lucinda Chipponeri

Bill Cramer

Jim Crecelius

Grant and Gina Cremers

Critchley Family Farms / Mandy Critchley

Dan Souza Family Fund

John Ellis

Joey Fernandes

Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli

Joe Ferrara

Fred and Susan Ferro

Mike and Jeanette Fitch

Lori Frommer

John and Mary Ann Frye

Rob Goff

Tom Gore

Ted Grether

Grossi Farms / Ed Grossi

Harris Farms Inc. / John Harris

Melissa Heinrich

Glenda Humiston

Dale and Mary Jane Huss

Cathie Joughin

Keathley, Maxwell & Antongiovanni LLP

Joel and Lilly Kimmelshue

Bill Lewis

Bob and Susie Lilley

Christine Long

Bill Lyons

Todd Manley

Jeanette McClure

John McKeon

Ed McLaughlin

Jason Miller

Ahna Miller-Vargas

Jon Munger

Steve Olson

Joe and Mary Pezzini

Rodney Radtke

Rick Rhody

Reid Robinson

Schellenberg Farms / Rick Schellenberg

Ryan and Tracy Schohr

Brian Talley

Scott and Susan

Van Der Kar

Richard Vaughan

Donald Warden

Rex Whittle

Ken and Rebecca Wiseman

Roger Wood

Stuart and Pilar Yamamoto

$250 – $499

Juliet Allen

Steven Arnold

Emily and Tony Ayala

Linda Ballentine

Theresa Becchetti

Bill Bennett

Maria de la Paz Carpio Obeso

Ned Coe

Noelle Cremers

Vernon Crowder

Peter DeGroot

Jensen Devaurs

Michael Dimock

Tom Ellis

Terri Fleming

Bryan Foley

Delmar Friedrichsen

Robert Goodwin

George Gough

Rich and Kay Greer

Less and Claudia Guthrie

Stephen Heringer

Betsy and Mike Karle

Nomie Kautz

Michael Kelley

Mary Kimball

Mark Krebsbach

Larry Layne

Eric Limas

Bob Longatti

Leo McGuire

Mark and Megan McKean

Kel Mitchel

Mark and Dina Moore

Brent Morrison

James Neeley

Ken and Florrie Oneto

Libby Oullette

Brenda Ouwerkerk

Lane Parker

Robert Parreira

Matt Patton

Mark Quisenberry

Todd and Andrea Rehrman

Jim and Mary Rickert

Donald Roberts

RRG Capital Management

Gerald Schwartz

Andrew Smith

Audrey Tennis

Ann Thrupp

Paul Violett

Michael Walsh

Chris and Joann White

Woody Yerxa

UP TO $249

Keith Abercrombie

Juliet Allen

Michelle Allen-Ziegler

Nina Ames

Steven Arnold

Ladi Asgill

Karm Bains

Aaron Barcellos

Kristen Bennett

Mike Bennett

Fred and Caroline Berry

Leeann Bettencourt

Daniel Borum

Jeff Borum

Megan Byrne

Bob Cadenazzi

Saul Campos

Tom Chandler

Bob Cherenson

Kirk Clark

Jeff Colombini

Les Crutcher

Lynn Cunningham

Kasey DeAtley

Peter DeGroot

Adriana Delval

Peter Dinkler

Miguel Errea

Brittany Fagundes

Jennifer Fawkes

Andrew Fisher

Tim Fitzgerald

Bryan Foley

Delmar Friedrichsen

Dustin Fuller

Leslie Gardner

Andrew Genasci

Michael George

Erin Gorter

Cathy Haas

Lauren Hajik

Paul Hain

Ron Hardy

Ben Henry

Jim Hogan

Holt Ag Solutions

Huron Orchard Services

Aisha Impey

Tracy Kahn

John Kautz

Deidre Kelsey

Tracy Khachigian

Anna Nakamura Knight

Arima Kozina

Michele Laverty

Melissa Lema

Lisa Leondis

Holly Little

Jazmin Lopez

Adam Lovgren

Ralph Luchetti

Jarrett Martin

Melissa Macfarlane

Lynn Martindale

Dexter McDonald

Anne Megaro

Jeff Merwin

Tom Merwin

Jenny Lester Moffitt

Mark and Dina Moore

Kelly Mora

Barzin Moradi

Soapy Mulholland

Danny Murillo

Taylor Serres Murnig

Daniel Nelson

Joanne Nissen

Maxwell Norton

Justin Nunes

David Ogilvie

Punit Parmar

Matt Patton

Garry Pearson

Rich Peterson

Bob and Patricia Rathbone

Jim and Mary Rickert

Donald Roberts

Carissa Ryström

Jessica Saltzman

Gerald Schwartz

Bill Scott

Julie Spezia

Alejandra Navarrete

Stevens

Joseph Vander Schaaf

David Viviani

Matthew Vosti

Mary-Ann Warmerdam

Will Weiss

John Wiersma

Christopher Wilcox

Deborah Willmann

IN MEMORY OF

CLASS 3 FELLOWS WHO HAVE PASSED

Myron and Marilyn Holdenried

CLASS 4 FELLOWS WHO HAVE PASSED

Larry and Katie Lemke

MARY LU ADREVENO

Al Adreveno

OTIS BOOTH

John Slinkard

LINO BOZZANO ( 38)

John Amarel

Scott Anderson

Stephen Brown

Andrea Card

Maria de la Paz Carpio

Obeso

Denise Carter

Bob Dempel

Steve DeRose

Donna France

Chris Giannini

Nicole Hayden

Jeana Hultquist

Eric Jenks

Garry Pearson

Jon Reelhorn

JUDITH BUCHINGER

Karen Buchinger

RICHARD COSYNS ( 21 )

Lynne Cosyns

Jeff Stone

PAUL DAVY ( 33)

Julie Morris

PAUL DIENER (4)

Clay Groefsema

STEVE DODGE (49)

Adam Borchard

Louise Ferguson

Daryn Miller

TOM FRASER ( 2 )

Richard Vaughan

JOE GARCIA ( 25)

Cher Watte Angulo

Brent Morrison

Ken and Florrie Oneto

Beth Pandol

Rich Peterson

DONALD JOSEPH

GARIBALDI

John and Eda Muller and family

PAM GIACOMINI ( 21 )

Melissa Lema

BRUNO GIUSTI

John and Eda Muller and family

ADIN HESTER ( 3)

Stephanie Cahill

Paul Newton

DAVID HOXSEY ( 21 )

Jeff Stone

SONNY KALKAT ( 33)

Julie Morris

JON LINDEMAN ( 5)

Norman Clark

DAVID MARTELLA ( 22 )

Terry Fleming

John Weiler

ROBBIE MAST

Stuart Mast

RICHARD PIDDUCK ( 21 )

Art Bliss

Jeff Stone

Craig and Sara Jane

Underwood

FRED REHRMAN

Meredith Rehrman Ritchie

KATHIE REPETTO

John and Eda Muller and family

KENNETH J. SMITH

Fred Lagomarsino

RICHARD SMITH ( 7 )

Steve Nation

J. MICHAEL SPARKS

John and Eda Muller and family

BILL TRACY ( 11 )

John and Sheila Lake

CARMELITA YATES

Al Adreveno

IN HONOR OF CLASS 22

John Moore

Paul and Yvonne Murai

CLASS 37

Michele Laverty

CLASS 48

Carissa Ryström

CLASS 51

Marlene Velasquez

LOREN BOOTH ( 27 )

Art Bliss

KRISTI ROBINSON ( 53)

American Pistachio Growers

RECURRING DONATIONS

Bob and Anne Atkins

($100/mo)

Scott Berndt

($50/mo)

David and Dee Bradshaw

($25/mo)

Megan Byrne

($100/mo)

Paul Crout

($100/mo)

Louise Ferguson

($100/mo)

Erin Gorter

($25/mo)

Layci Gragnani

($125/semi-annual)

Christopher Greer

($50/mo)

Heather Johnson

($100/mo)

Ian LeMay

($100/mo)

Holly Little

($25/qtr)

Timothy Murray

($12/mo)

Matt Peyret

($75/mo)

Marlene Velasquez

($6/mo)

80 Garden Court, Suite 270

Monterey, CA 93940

Community Driven. Agriculture Focused.

Our community depends on agriculture and we’re committed to financing each operation, one field at a time.

WE ARE FARM CREDIT

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