2016-2017 ANNUAL REPORT - Ag Leaders

Transcription

2016-2017ANNUAL REPORTCONNECTINTERACTLEAD

CALF LeadershipBOARD OF DIRECTORSKarm Bains (40), Karmdeep S. Bains / Bains RanchesLoren Booth (27), [Immediate Past Chair] Booth Ranches, LLCRick Burnes (41), Agriculture CapitalEdwin Camp (15), D.M. Camp & SonsKaren Caplan, Frieda’s, Inc.Robert Cherenson (29), Lander Veterinary ClinicDr. Helene Dillard, University of California, DavisJeff Elder (35), [Chair] J.G. Boswell CompanyMichael Hollister, Driscoll’sEjnar Knudsen, AGR PartnersDavid Martella (22), Martella Farming CompanyJames R. Maxwell, [Vice Chair] Agriland Farming Company, Inc.Eugene Peterson, [Secretary-Treasurer] Wells FargoMike Young (35), Wegis & YoungCORE FACULTY MEMBERSDr. Michael Thomas, California State University, FresnoDr. Robert Flores, California Polytechnic State University,San Luis ObispoDr. Peggy Sears Perry (9), California State Polytechnic University,PomonaDr. Annie King (30), University of California, DavisDr. Louise Ferguson (30), University of California, DavisUNIVERSITY DEANSDr. Sandra Witte, California State University, FresnoDr. Andrew Thulin, California Polytechnic State University,San Luis ObispoDr. Mary Holz-Clause, California State Polytechnic University,Pomona (Effective Jun. 6, 2017)Dr. Lisa Kessler, California State Polytechnic University, PomonaDr. Helene Dillard, University of California, DavisMission:ALUMNI COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEBill Van Skike (32), [Chair]Deanna van Klaveren (32), [Secretary-Treasurer]Mike Young (35), [Board Liaison]Matt Fisher (41), [Board Liaison]Noelle Cremers (35), [Education Team Liaison]Mica Heilmann (40), [Education Team Liaison]Melissa Duflock (40), [D.C. Exchange Chair]Chase Hurley (35), [D.C. Exchange Chair]Darlene Din (35), [Staff Support: Exchange Programs]Danielle Dupree McShane (43), [California Exchange Chair]AT-LARGE DIRECTORSChase Hurley (35), [External Activities]Mica Heilmann (40), [Regional Director Support]Corrinne Davis (45), [Education Team Liaison] (Effective Mar. 2017)Domenick Buck (46), [Education Team Liaison] (Effective Mar. 2017)REGIONAL DIRECTORSRegion 1: Christine Ivory (41)Region 2: Glenn Proctor (29)Region 3: Manpreet Bains (43)Region 4: Rachelle Antinetti (42)Region 5: Erik Jertberg (40)Region 6: Vernon Peterson (41)Region 7: Dan Sutton (40)Region 8: Bill Van Skike (32)Region 9: Jason Cole (42)Region 10: Jose Arriaga (44)Region 11: VacantCALF STAFFBob Gray, [President & CEO] (Through July 2016)Barry Bedwell, [President & CEO] (Effective Aug. 2016)Dr. Michael Thomas, [Director of Education]Dr. Charlie Crabb, [Program Advisor]Judy Sparacino, [Program Coordinator]Emily Lazzerini, [Enterprise Coordinator]Teresa Straub, [Finance & Human Resources] (Through Dec. 2016)Sharon Harney, [Finance & Human Resources] (Effective Jan. 2017)Liza Teixeira Robertson, [Writer / Editor]We Grow LeadersWho Make a Difference.Annual report designed by TMD Creative www.tmdcreative.com2What’s InsideJoint rsities.14Financials.15Donors.22

Joint MessageAg Leadership continuesupward trajectoryBy Jeff Elder (35), CALF Board Chairman and Barry Bedwell (13), CALF PresidentThe results for our fiscal year ending June30, 2017 were, by all measurements,positive. Thanks in large part to theleadership and stewardship exhibited bythe board of directors and our previouspresident, Bob Gray, who retired Aug.1, 2016, the California AgriculturalLeadership Foundation began the yearon solid footing, looking to build on thevery encouraging trends that had beenestablished in curriculum development,university interactions, alumni relationsand fundraising. And while the yearbegan with investment markets aroundthe world generally languishing or flat,that too was soon to change late in thecalendar year to become upbeat as well.The Ag Leadership alumni, throughthe leadership of the Alumni Council,led exemplary efforts in recruiting. Theprogram had an exceptional numberof applicants for Class 48—the mostin many years—if not on record. Theperception and appeal of the programremain at a very high-level thanks to thework of the faculty and the curriculumthat was delivered. The foundation enjoysfinancial constancy thanks in large partto the continued support of the Boswelland Booth foundations, in addition toincreased commitments from suchnames as the Resnick Foundation, TaylorFarms, the California Almond Board, TheZenith, Driscoll’s and HMC Farms. Inaddition, alumni donations connected withsuch special events as the Ag LeadershipAlumni World Ag Expo Breakfast, golftournaments and clay shoots continue togrow.Comprehensive financial informationis contained later in this report and weencourage you to review it in detail.Our auditors once again issued anunqualified or “clean” opinion in that thestatements present a fair representation,in all material aspects, the financialposition of the foundation. In addition,there were no issues uncovered duringthe audit and there was no need toissue a management letter to addressdeficiencies. Total net assets increased,year to year, approximately 11.6% whiletotal revenue and other gains grew at a12.5% rate. Total expenses decreased22.3% and net investment incomeincreased to almost 1.8 million.With this financial stability, we have hadthe ability to remain focused as to whythis program was created almost fivedecades ago. The theme for this year’sannual report, Connect – Interact – Lead,was thoughtfully selected because inmultiple ways, it is a representation andsummary for both our mission as wellas our vision for Ag Leadership. Wecommunicate that our mission is: “Wegrow leaders who make a difference” andthat our vision is “To be a catalyst for avibrant agricultural community.”To truly accomplish the aforementionedobjectives, we understand that theapproximate 1,300 alumni must beTOTAL NET ASSETSINCREASEDprovided facilitated opportunities totake what they have learned, throughthe coordination by the foundation, soas to remain engaged where they caninterrelate and eventually become betterleaders and influencers on behalf ofCalifornia agriculture.We look forward to 2018 with continuingenthusiasm knowing that challengesclearly remain with each of the four pillarsof Ag Leadership: faculty and planningfor succession; curriculum with theneed to remain fresh, productive andrelevant; alumni and the necessity forgreater interaction and engagement andresources/fundraising with the challengeto cover operating expenses and allow theendowments to grow to the goal of 25million. Nevertheless, especially after thevery productive strategic planning sessionthat was held by the board in Nov. 2017,we are confident that together, we will beable to meet these challenges head-onand with successful results.This is particularly true given ourupcoming 50th anniversary in 2020 andthe opportunities that milestone presentsover the next two years. Please keep youreyes and ears open for chances to be apart of that once-in-a-lifetime event. Inclosing, please know that we sincerelythank each and every one of you for yoursupport of Ag Leadership, whether itbe time, talent or treasure and we aredeeply appreciative to be a part of this lifechanging program.11.6%TOTAL OTHERREVENUE AND GAINSGREW AT A12.5%RATENET INVESTMENTINCOMEINCREASED TO1.8 MILLION3

Highlights142635July2016 Screening committees interviewed dozens of Class 47 candidates in Pomona, Fresno,Chico, Davis and San Luis Obispo. The regional committees included alumni, boardmembers, industry representatives and CALF staff. (photo 1) The NorCal Ag Leadership Dinner was held at Fat’s Catering in Old Sacramento. Theevening featured a silent auction fundraiser and a tribute honoring outgoing CALF president/CEO, Bob Gray and his contributions to the foundation. Sen. Jim Nielsen (5) presented Graywith a California Senate Resolution for his service to the industry and to Ag Leadership. Theevent raised more than 4,500 for CALF. (photos 2, 3) After 16 years of service, Dr. Annie King (30), a professor in the UC Davis Animal SciencesDepartment, stepped down from the Education Team and as the core faculty memberrepresenting UC Davis. (photo 4) Dr. Louise Ferguson (30) began her role as the newest member of the core faculty andEducation Team. She has worked as an extension specialist at UC Davis for more than 32years. (photo 5)478Aug2016 Barry Bedwell (13) assumed his role as president of the California AgLeadership Foundation. As president, Bedwell became responsible fordirecting all foundation activities and guiding the leadership program to ahalf-century of excellence and beyond. (photo 6) The Alumni Council held a two-day on-boarding retreat in Pasadena todiscuss the group’s goals. In attendance were newly elected regionaldirectors, CALF Board Chairman Jeff Elder (35), CALF President BarryBedwell (13), Alumni Council liaison to the board, Mike Young (35) andvarious members of the Alumni Council. (photos 7, 8)

Highlights159131810111216141719Sep2016 The 24 fellows of Class 47 were announced. (photo 9) The NorCal Sporting Clay Shoot was held at Quail Point,Zamora/Dunnigan Hills. The event raised more than 8,400for CALF. (photos 10,11) The fellows of the Washington, D.C. Educational FellowshipProgram came together to learn about current issues andcomplex challenges facing California’s farmers and ranchers.The 26 fellows spent eight days together in Regions 3, 4and 5. During the program, fellows were led by variousCalifornia Ag Leadership Program alumni through Monterey,San Benito, Merced, Stanislaus and Sacramento counties.(photos 12,13,14)LOREN BOOTH ANDBOB GRAY LUNCHEONRAISED MORETHAN The 26th annual Region 9 Golf Tournament was held atthe Los Posas Country Club in Camarillo. The event raised 50,000 for CALF. (photos15,16) A luncheon was held in Carmel to honor Loren Booth (27)and Bob Gray. Jim Boswell and Jeff Elder (35) acknowledgedGray and Booth for their service to CALF. Approximately 85people attended the event and more than 100,000 wasraised for the foundation. (photo 17) Class 46 fellows hosted “The Ultimate Pig Roast” at FowlerNurseries in Newcastle to raise funds to deliver medicalsupplies to Jordan during their international seminar.(photos 18,19) 100KFOR THEFOUNDATIONREGION 9: 50KRAISEDAT 26TH ANNUALGOLF TOURNAMENT5

Highlights20302629212231252748232324 The 2016 Profiles in Leadership Award waspresented to Deanna van Klaveren (32).(photo 22) Class 45 held an unveiling and ribboncutting ceremony for the Poverello HouseMobile Cafe. The food truck, which was madepossible through the fundraising efforts ofClass 45, provides hot meals, fresh produceand nutrition education to rural communities inthe San Joaquin Valley. (photo 23)632Nov2016Oct2016 Class 47 inauguration and the 2016 AgLeadership Awards ceremony were held atFresno State. Alumni hosted a reception whichwas followed by dinner and ceremonies.(photos 20, 21)28 Fellows of the California EducationalFellowship Program (CA Exchange)participated in an experiential learning andleadership development opportunity thatbrings together representatives from Californiaregulatory organizations with Californiaagriculturalists. (photos 24, 25) Approximately 120 alumni, industrymembers and Cal Poly faculty and studentsattended the Life-Long Leadership Learning(L4) seminar at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo withguest speaker Mark Goulston, MD, author of“Just Listen: Discover the Secret to GettingThrough to Absolutely Anyone.”(photos 26, 27) Class 46 traveled to Jordan, Israel andGreece for its international seminar.(photos 28, 29, 30, 31) The 27th annual Dean Brown Golf Tournamentwas held at the Santa Maria Country Club. Theevent raised 37,000 for CALF. The sixth annual Jim Manassero MemorialLuncheon was held at The Grower’s Pub inSalinas. Manassero was a member of Class1 and a longtime leader in Salinas Valleyagriculture. (photo 32)33DEAN BROWN GOLFTOURNAMENTRAISED 37KDec2016 The Region 4 alumni social was held at the home of John (35) and Becky Arellano in Turlock. The application process began for Class 48. A press release was emailed toagricultural and mainstream news outlets to announce that applications were beingaccepted for Class 48. (photo 33)

17 The Region 4 recruitment event was held at theStanislaus County Farm Bureau in Modesto. The Region 6 recruitment event and learning forum was held atSun-Maid Growers of California in Kingsburg. (photos 34, 35, 36) Class 46 commencement was held at Fresno State. Fresno StatePresident Dr. Joseph Castro spoke at the event. (photos 37, 38)AG LEADERSRECEPTION DONATED The 15th annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast was held at theColusa Fairgrounds. The event raised 26,000 for CALF. (photo 39)1200LB A wine and cheese reception—honoring the insurance sponsorsof the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast—was heldat the Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia.TO RIVER CITY FOODBANK The 23rd annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfastwas held in Tulare. The event raised more than 94,000 for CALF.(photos 40, 41)PRODUCE46COLUSA FARM SHOWBREAKFASTRAISED 26K The annual Agricultural & Government Leaders Reception was heldat the Sutter Club in Sacramento. California Department of Food andAgriculture Secretary Karen Ross was in attendance and addressedthe group about current ag issues. As part of the event, 1,200pounds of fresh California produce was donated to the River CityFood Bank. (photos 42, 43, 44) Following a two-day seminar at UC Davis, Class 47 fellows arrivedon the East Coast to begin their national travel seminar to Maryland,Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. (photos 45, 46)7

Highlights475052484951Mar20175453Apr2017WORLD AG EXPOBREAKFAST BECOMES The Region 10 recruitment event was held at the home ofBob and Anne Atkins in Fallbrook. (photo 47) CALF co-sponsored the Common Threads Fresno Awardhonoring women in agriculture. A luncheon and ceremonywere held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare. Theevent raised 12,000 for CALF. (photo 48) The Region 8 recruitment event was held at The CampFamily Ag Museum in Bakersfield. (photos 49, 50) The Region 9 recruitment event was held at the SantaPaula Agricultural Museum. (photo 51)#1FUNDRAISER The Region 3 recruitment event was held atthe home of Mike Campbell (3) in Clarksburg.(photo 52) The Region 5 recruitment event was heldat the home of Danielle (43) and Steve (33)McShane in Salinas. (photos 53, 54) The Region 1 recruitment event was held atMontna Farms in Yuba City.WITH ALMOST 100KRAISED FOR CALFCOMMON THREADSFRESNORAISED 12KFOR CALF8

Highlights5558565760May2017 Ag Leadership alumni from Regions 6 and 8 gathered atthe home of Loren Booth (27) in Orange Cove to honor thoseindividuals who made the Ag Leadership Alumni World AgExpo Breakfast the No. 1 fundraising event for CALF.(photo 55) The Region 2 recruitment event was held at Francis FordCoppola Winery in Geyserville. (photos 56, 57) CALF co-sponsored the Common Threads North Awardhonoring women in agriculture. A luncheon and ceremonywere held in Chico. (photo 58)626159 The Region 7 recruitment event was held atTalley Vineyards in Arroyo Grande.(photos 59, 60, 61) The Alumni Council met and discussed alumniconnectivity. The regional directors discussedthe planning of events and development of newideas. (photo 62)Jun2017 The core faculty met for a two-day retreatin Santa Barbara at the home of Loren Booth(27). The annual retreat provides an opportunityfor faculty to review the seminars and ensureall objectives are fulfilled. A key componentof the retreat is ensuring the seminars fit inan appropriate and logical sequence and toplan events that take the cooperation of allthe faculty, such as the inaugural seminar,commencement and travel seminars. The Region 8 alumni social was held in KernCounty in conjunction with a Fresno Statealumni mixer.9

FellowsINAUGURATION:OCTOBER 2015CLASS46Erin AmaralShannon Douglass Beau HowardSalvador Parra Zach BagleyMelissa Heinrich Jorge InestrozaShaun Ramirez Drew BeckerJohnna Hepner Dominic BrunoGayle HolmanHeather JacksonAdam Secondo Marc MetzerBlake Vann Domenick BuckRandy Hopkins Denise MooreChristian Vellanoweth Josh DavySarah Hovinga Tony OrtizAshley ZellmerGRADUATION:FEBRUARY 2017Lessons Learned in Jordan, Israel and GreeceClass 46 fellows returned from their international seminar in earlyNovember with feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunityto participate in a once in a lifetime international leadership experience toJordan, Israel and Greece.The journey began with a trip to the Jordan River. The class walked in thesteps of Jesus and John the Baptist to see the location of Jesus’ baptism.They also walked to the River Jordan on the border of Jordan and Israel andstopped at the Dead Sea, the lowest land point on Earth.“We witnessed not only people completing a very personal spiritual journeywith their baptism, but saw this happening alongside the armed borderguards from both nations. There was a significant difference in the sidesof the location with the Jordanian site being simple and rather humble innature.”-Class 46 International Seminar BlogPart of the seminar included delivering 250,000 worth of medicalequipment and supplies to a Jordanian hospital in need of help. The projectwas made possible through a partnership with Community Medical Centers(CMC), Tim Joslin, CEO and president of CMC and Dr. Berj Apkarian, CMC’svice president of physician relations. Dr. Apkarian—who travelled with theclass on their mission to deliver the supplies—is also the First HonoraryCounsel of the Republic of Armenia in the United States.After the class crossed the border into Israel, they traveled into theWest Bank and visited the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The school isChristian-based with a Muslim and Christian student population. The classparticipated in small group discussions with eleventh grade students andheard about their struggles. The students openly shared about living in anarea under occupation.While in Israel, the class stopped at the Alrowwad Cultural and TheaterSociety situated on the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, Palestine where6,000 refugees reside. The needs are vast in the camp where two-thirds ofthe population are under the age of 24.10In Jerusalem, the class learned about the historical significance of the cityto many faiths. The class visited the Wailing Wall where they witnessedpeople presenting their prayers to the wall. The fellows of Class 46 alsovisited the Muslim side of the Old City, where they viewed the exteriorof the Dome of the Rock and learned about the significance of the site toMuslims.The class met with two representatives from the U.S. Consulate inJerusalem regarding Israeli/Palestinian relations. Topics included the aidpackages given to both regions from the U.S., refugees, farming, economicstatus and the future.On their way to Athens, the fellows stopped at the Sorek Desalination Plantsouth of Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean. This facility is the largest sea waterreverse osmosis plant in the world and provides 28% of the potable waterfor Israel’s municipalities. In 2014, Israel had its most historic drought inrecorded history. Because the Sorek plant came online in 2013, the impactsof the drought were not felt by most of Israel’s population.On their first day in Athens, Class 46 fellows found themselves focused onthe rich history of the beautiful, ancient city. They visited the Roman Arch;the Temple of Zeus; Acropolis Hill; the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Atthe U.S. Embassy, the group learned about migration and refugee issuesand the Greek economy.For more lessons about the Greek financial crisis, the fellows met withmacroeconomist, Yannis Palaiologos. His insight and expertise into theevents leading up to the Greek financial crisis gave the group a localperspective of the situation. Fellows also met with a panel of professorsand students at the Agricultural University of Athens to discuss a variety ofagricultural topics, political influences and water resources.“While our international seminar has concluded, there is a great amount ofemotional processing that will continue to take place amongst all fellows.The relationships that we have built between classmates and internationalconnections will be life-long and unforgettable. We are incredibly fortunateto have had this profound experience. Each Class 46 fellow is overwhelmedwith immense feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the experiencesthat we have had. We must remind ourselves of the lessons that werelearned and continue towards a process of life-long learning.” -Class 46International Seminar Blog

FellowsINAUGURATION:OCTOBER 2016CLASS47Kevin Antongiovanni Tom Barrios Jared Britschgi Casey Creamer Chris Drew Ted GretherRandi Gwilliam John Hay Hans Herkert Stuart Hoetger Nadav Ichaki Tucker Knutz Brad KoehnJenny Lester-Moffitt Hunter Lindemann John McKeon Jason Miller Darrin MonteiroMathew Patton Brad Reinhart Jill Scofield Matt Stornetta Douglas Thomas Kiran ToorGRADUATION:FEBRUARY 2018Lessons Learned in Washington, D.C. and BaltimoreIn early March 2017, Class 47 fellows traveled to the East Coast fortheir national seminar. The experience included meetings with top-levelgovernment, business and community leaders who provided a valuableextension to the study of state and national issues. The national seminar wasalso an opportunity for the fellows to study leadership throughout the historyof our country and to promote engagement at community, state and nationallevels.The seminar began in Maryland with a visit to Intersection of Change inBaltimore. The fellows met with Elder CW Harris, pastor and founder ofNewborn Community of Faith Church. Intersection of Change is a nonprofitthat provides support and leadership to the socially and economicallydisadvantaged Baltimore communities of Sandtown-Winchester and Upton.In Gettysburg, fellows learned about the history of the area by discussing howdecisions made under the stress of conflict test team dynamics and personalconviction. With the help of a licensed battlefield guide, fellows learned aboutone of the most contentious times in our nation’s history and the influentialleaders involved in the conflict. The guide led fellows through several criticaldecisions and interpersonal interactions that were key to the outcome of theBattle of Gettysburg.The seminar continued with discussions about how trust and compromiseare critical components to progress. During their meetings with experts onimmigration law, the class learned about how labor issues differ from the EastCoast to the West Coast.In Washington, D.C., the fellows met with three White House Fellow alumniwho served in the White House over the past few presidencies—two inthe vice president’s office and the third in the Department of Defense. Atthe National Defense University, fellows discussed global food security,technology, innovation, research, human capital challenges, globalization,regulation and trade with students at the Eisenhower School.Meetings in Washington, D.C. continued with American Chemistry CouncilCEO Cal Dooley (13) and Congressmen Jimmy Panetta, Devin Nunes (29),Jim Costa, Jeff Denham and David Valadao. The topics of discussion includedpolicy making, immigration, water, the farm bill and trade. Fellows alsomet with Sen. Dianne Feinstein and her staff to discuss water issues andbipartisanship.The national seminar concluded with the D.C. Exchange reception at theUSDA. Fellows met with CALP alumni, D.C. Exchange applicants andmembers of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program.The fellows also discussed the impact our nation’s leaders have during timesof conflict.“The strongest personality guiding the nation during this difficult timewas Abraham Lincoln. President Lincoln addressed the nation on severaloccasions attempting to unite and heal a divided nation. Class 47 reviewedand analyzed, line by line, a few of the most impactful public addresses to theUnited States of America—Lincoln’s two inaugural addresses as well as hisGettysburg Address. The exercise and day culminated reviewing the inauguralspeech of our nation’s newest president.”-Class 47 National Seminar Blog11

ReflectionsREFLECTIONS12EXCERPTS TAKEN FROM HORIZONSSUMMER 2016 - SUMMER 2017

ReflectionsChristian Vellanoweth, Class 46Dr. Louise Ferguson, Class 30Vernon Peterson, Class 41Johnna Hepner, Class 46Nick Pasculli, Class 27The national trip is one that I willremember and cherish forever.Personally, the highlight came whenwe had an hour spent with JusticeKennedy in the Supreme Court. Theoverall experience was amazing.I credit Ag Leadership with helpingme develop a much more effectiveleadership style and approach toproblem solving—both in terms ofdealing with people and projects.I’m looking forward to this chance togive back to and in participating in thedevelopment of the people who arecoming after me in the program.I would rank my Ag Leadershipexperience as one of the top five in mylife. I want to see the organization growever stronger, influencing agriculturalleaders for generations to come.The program gave me a chance tofind out where I was and to grow asa person and a leader. I grew in a waythat I never could have imagined. Ourjourney as leaders is just beginning.Dan Sutton, Class 40Denise Moore, Class 46I have been fortunate to be able toassume leadership positions on manylevels. I attribute this to my experienceand the residual benefit that the AgLeadership program has provided me. Iwould like to stay involved to continuemy learning and to play whateverpart I can to sustain this wonderfulexperience and opportunities for othersin the future.We had to create bonds, listenand trust our classmates which isimperative through the Ag Leadershipprocess. Becoming a support team foreach other aids in the ability to have asafe place, be vulnerable, get outsideof our box and ultimately grow intorespected leaders.CALP has impacted me in somany ways. It made me realize theimportance of interconnectedness andthe interdependence we have on eachother in our industry and on the humanfamily as a whole. It has given me apassion for making a real differencein my community every day and ineverything I am involved in.Bill Van Skike, Class 32Learning how to trust each other earlyhelps a fellow find ways to becomingmore open in the process. Trusting mycolleagues is what allowed me to openup to the process of learning aboutmyself. When the process got difficultin some of the seminars, I could counton them to help get me through.Rod Stark, Class 29The L4 Seminar has further educatedus, provoked our thoughts andchallenged us to do more to makea difference. The essential value ofqualified leaders discussed here todayserves to reinforce the incredible valueof leadership training like that providedby the California Agricultural LeadershipProgram.Jeff Elder, Class 35I have had the good fortune to learnmuch during my association with CALF.That hasn’t slowed down with mytransition from being in the program toserving on the board.Barry Bedwell, Class 13As a graduate of Class 13, like almostall other former participants, I looked atthe time I spent with Ag Leadership asone that was not only educational butalso a transformational life experience.Even with the passage of over threedecades in time, there weren’t manydays that went by that I didn’t feelsome connection to the program,either through classmates, otheralumni or simply taking what I hadlearned to address the challenges inmy career and life.Dr. Annie King, Class 30In Class 30, I began to reflect onhow my background, cultural normsand interactions with people of othercultures shaped me into the personthat I am. Over the years, I havecontinued to reflect—as the programhas changed—to provide moreintrospection for the core faculty andfor the fellows.Deanna van Klaveren, Class 32What you get initially are the teachingsand the self-growth and selfawareness. Secondary to that are therelationships and the opportunities tomeet people and interact with peopleon a deeper level that allows youaccess to resources and great friends.You get to learn from all these amazingpeople and create really deep friendsas well—I don’t think you can get thatanywhere else.Chase Hurley, Class 35It was very evident to me within thefirst couple of days of this year’s D.C.Exchange Program that California’sagricultural leaders in Regions 3,4 and 5 made a sound investmentin educating the hard working andknowledgeable people working on theirbehalf back in Washington, D.C. Kudosto everyone involved in making thisevent an annual success and promotingits benefits into the future.Christine Ivory, Class 41As regional director, I hope to bringthe alumni from Region 1 together toremember the impact Ag Leadershiphad upon them and to call upon themnow to make their impact.Erik Jertberg, Class 40I feel the call to give back to thisprogram that has given me so much.The California Agricultural LeadershipProgram was instrumental in helpingme develop my potential as a husband,father, community leader and industryprofessional.Zach Bagley, Class 46Erin Amaral, Class 46This is a commencement—somebodymust think we have attainedsomething. The use of this word,commencement, signals that the samegroup that believes we have attainedsomething believes that something forus is just beginning.Maxwell Norton, Class 12Shannon Douglass, Class 46Ken Oneto, Class 25It’s hard to describe the ‘what’ we did.It was such a profound experience thatit’s hard to articulate our experience.The life experiences of my classmatesadded to the depth of my experienceand it has made me a better wife,mom, businesswoman and a betterperson. The program is of a caliber thatyou will not find anywhere else.Ag

CEO, Bob Gray and his contributions to the foundation. Sen. Jim Nielsen (5) presented Gray with a California Senate Resolution for his service to the industry and to Ag Leadership. The event raised more than 4,500 for CALF. (photos 2, 3) After 16 years of service, Dr. Annie King (30), a professor in the UC Davis Animal Sciences