April Means Applications

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Here at Ag Leadership, April coincides with program applications. Every year at this time, we’re impressed by the quality of California agriculturalists wanting to be one of the next cohort’s fellows. We’re also grateful for the quantity. It’s a testament to our always improving curriculum – arguably the best in the leadership development business – and our world class CALF Education Team, who year after year delivers it so effectively. It’s also a credit to the 50-plus years of program alumni who identify, encourage and select so many still developing leaders who apply for our fellowships and advance their skills even further. These skills include self-awareness and empathy, not to mention growth mindsets and a passion for lifelong learning. We’re humbled that so many want to improve, change and grow. We’re inspired by their commitment to making positive differences in their families, communities, businesses and ultimately, California agriculture. These differences are needed now more than ever.

As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 54 Applications Due April 17

If you know someone who has an application in progress or is interested in applying, please remind them that the phase one application deadline is 11:59 p.m. TODAY (April 17).

The phase two deadline is May 15.

Early Bird Rates End April 19!

REGISTER TODAY!

Register by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 19, and you'll enjoy a savings of $100 off the full conference registration or $200 off the Family & Farm Package. Don't delay – take advantage of these great discounts!

EVENT DETAILS

Click the event page button below for details about registration, schedule, speakers and lodging.

SPONSORSHIPS

Numerous opportunities are available for all budgets! Visit the event page (then see sponsorship opportunities) or view some options in the giving section below.

VOLUNTEER

Please contact Jodi Litz at 831-585-1030 if you are interested in volunteering.

NEW! GOLF TOURNAMENT

Scroll down to read about the California Country Ag Leaders Golf Tournament on June 25 in Salinas.

CALF Job Opportunity

Join our team! If you or someone you know may be interested in applying for the full-time alumni engagement manager position, click the button for the job description.

Lifetime Leadership Award Nominations Due April 26

The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. Our next group of honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024. Numerous alumni may be recognized in a hall-of-fame-style presentation. The focus is on alumni from Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes. If you know of an alum who may be worthy of recognition, please click the button below.

While the Lifetime Leadership Award nominations are always open, if you would like your nominee to be considered for recognition at the 2024 Alumni Conference, please submit nominations by April 26, 2024.

2024 Profiles in Leadership Award Nominations Due April 26

The foundation has celebrated and honored Profiles in Leadership among 120 alumni over the last 29 years. This award honors these alumni through recognition of specific leadership stories that demonstrate leadership in action.

Do you have a classmate or alum in your region or industry circles who may be worthy of recognition? Please submit the nomination form below and an essay by April 26. The recipient(s) will be presented with awards during the Class 54 inaugural ceremony in October.

AC Directors: Nominations Open for Regions 3, 8 and 9

The Alumni Council (AC) is seeking nominations for directors for Regions 3, 8 and 9. This is an amazing leadership role through which you can be more engaged in alumni activities and support the foundation with your time and talent! If you or someone you know is interested, click the button below for the nomination form and job description.

NOMINATIONS DUE

Friday, May 31

QUESTIONS?

Abby Taylor-Silva (45) / 831-585-1030

Horizons – Spring Issue

The latest issue of Horizons is available online.

Class Reunions Featured in Horizons

We love class reunions! Three were featured in the latest Horizons and we would like to keep the trend going. If your class is having a reunion, please let us know. We will share a brief recap and photo of your special gathering in the magazine.

Share your reunions with us! Email Liza Robertson.

Prospective Applicant & Alumni BBQ in Region 7

DATE – TIME – LOCATION

May 10 / 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Talley Vineyards, 3031 Lopez Dr., Arroyo Grande

Come enjoy gathering with alumni, Class 53 fellows, foundation staff and Cal Poly leadership! The event is also to welcome those interested in the application process and who would like to learn more about the Ag Leadership Program. Enjoy a hearty Santa Maria-style BBQ, wine tasting and beer! No cost.

Cultivating the Future Fundraiser Dinner

DATE – TIME – LOCATION

May 23 / 6:30 - 9 p.m.

373 E. Aten Road, Imperial

To support the Ag Leadership Program, Region 11 is hosting its second annual fundraiser dinner to support the development of future leaders from the desert region in California agriculture. It will be a wonderful evening with friends and delicious food, all for the benefit of agriculture. CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35) will serve as the keynote speaker.

California Country Ag Leaders Golf Tournament

DATE – LOCATION

June 25

The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch

475 San Juan Grade Rd., Salinas

Hit the links with us! We are excited about a fun day of golf at this beautiful 18-hole golf course in Monterey County. The tournament serves a dual purpose: Gather for an outing before the CALF Alumni Conference and honor alum Steve Dodge (49), who was full of energy and life – and championed the idea of a golf tournament in the region of CALF’s office.

Uncovering Your Hidden Potential

On April 5, we unveiled a new educational experience that reinforces our alumni community's continued growth as leaders in agriculture. Click the button below to view the self-guided learning module.

The next learning modules will be released on May 3 and June 7 (we will send notices).

Leaders are Readers Book Club

The spring book club selection is "Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things" by Adam Grant. The book

offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Grant weaves together evidence, insights and storytelling to show that growth is not about your genius but the character you develop. Grant explores how to build the character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems which create opportunities. For more information about the book club, contact Mia Mirassou at 831-585-1030.

Update Your Alumni Directory Listing

FIRST TIME on the alumni directory: Use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

RETURNING: To log in, use your username, NOT your email address. For assistance, contact Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030.

Class Challenge Still Underway!

Mission 750 is “in orbit” – and your class can still take the lead!

To make giving even easier and give your class a “boost,” we have created the option to become a sustaining donor through recurring giving. It’s a great way to give and ANY amount is welcome! Signing up is easy, and you can cancel at any time. 

Further, the Alumni Conference is soon approaching and will provide myriad ways to contribute, such as:

• The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner: The committee is seeking commodity donations for an unforgettable meal for our national and international guests.
• Gather your classmates to provide a sponsorship.
• Provide donations for the silent auction.
• Click here for more information.

This fun and friendly competition will soon end, and the victors will be announced at the Alumni Conference in June. So rally your class and challenge the current frontrunners, Classes 50 and 51, for the win!