Fantastic February

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Checking out our most recent and upcoming events, it’s easy to see why February is a favorite month at CALF. Highlights include a class commencement (53’s was truly inspiring!), two highly-attended alumni-supported breakfast fundraisers, plus a number of regional Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings. There are many great opportunities to connect with foundation friends and contacts that share our commitment to growing leaders who benefit California agriculture — a commitment that’s needed more today than ever! There will be more opportunities in March, too, including the always popular Ag and Government Leaders Reception in Sacramento. Check out the full list of upcoming events below and better yet, please do all you can to attend at least one.

On a personal note, these will be my last opening comments in an In Touch e-newsletter. I’ve appreciated this monthly opportunity to connect with you, and could not be happier with the foundation’s choice for my very capable successor, Lesa Eidman (49). It has been a true privilege to be part of this very special purpose-driven staff team, and I will be forever grateful for the guidance, support and great times all of you as stakeholders have shared with me. I know you’ll do the same for Lesa and I look forward to following all of CALF’s future success.

CALF Welcomes New President and CEO

Lesa Eidman (49) begins her role as CALF's president and CEO on Feb. 18. Over the past 20 years, Eidman has had extensive experience with agricultural producers and associations. Since 2015, she has worked for Superior Farms – North America’s top processor and marketer of lamb – first as director of producer resources and sustainability and for the past five years as vice president of sales. Prior to that, Eidman was the executive director of the California Wool Growers Association and California Pork Producers Association.

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.

Read the full eblast announcement here.

Class Challenge

Thank you to everyone who has given to our annual appeal so far! Every contribution – regardless of size – strengthens Ag Leadership and cultivates the next generation of agricultural leaders who will shape our industry.

This year's Class Challenge is well underway, with Class 48 still in the lead! It's going to be an exciting race to see which class takes home the trophy this year!

If you are interested in seeing where your class ranks, please reach out to your class liaison or email Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org.

Congratulations, Class 53!

Congratulations to members of Class 53 on their recent commencement! Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated and welcomed them into the alumni community.

The next issue of Horizons will feature more on Class 53's commencement.

Thank you to Wells Fargo for its generous sponsorship of the event.

Class 55 Applications Open Feb. 14!

Applications for those interested in being part of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program will be available Feb. 14 on the CALF website.

Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry who are emerging leaders with a passion for California agriculture. They should also demonstrate a high propensity to lead and exemplify CALF's values of integrity, excellence and respect. Alumni may find informational resources here to assist in acting as ambassadors to potential candidates. Alumni interested in assisting in informational events or prospective applicants should contact their regional directors or Judy Sparacino (HF).

PHASE ONE APPLICATION DEADLINE

April 1

Partner University News

CALF congratulates Dr. Brian Horgan on his appointment as dean of the Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, effective July 1. Horgan currently serves as a professor and associate dean for faculty affairs and development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.

Read the press release here.

2025 DCX: Apply Now!

Applications are available for the 2025 Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange), which will tour Regions 1 and 2 in summer 2025. 

We will be conducting in-person interviews in D.C. and surrounding areas March 3-5. For applicants who can only meet virtually, we will have some availability the week before to hold a limited number of interviews.  

Partial list of topics to be covered on the 2025 D.C. Exchange include: water, labor/immigration, food safety, pest exclusion and management, animal husbandry, crop protection, trade, urban agricultural interface, conservation resources and environmental issues.

Alumni Council Executive Team Elected

The Alumni Council recently elected a new executive team: Ian LeMay (48) is chair and Yvonne Sams (45) is vice chair. Thank you to Heather Mulholland (44) for her leadership and contributions as chair the past two years.

Class Liaisons Needed

We are still in need of liaisons to represent classes 1, 4, 5, 6, 11, 15, 17, 20, 23 and 39. Join us in being a part of the grassroots effort to strengthen our alumni community! Contact Jodi Litz at jlitz@agleaders.org for more information.

Upcoming Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gatherings

Join us to socialize, network and share about the program. We invite you to bring a guest who would like to learn more about Ag Leadership.

Region 3 / Clarksburg

Feb. 23 / 2 - 4 p.m.

>More information

Region 1 / Yuba City / Dingville

March 6 / 5:30 - 7 p.m.

>More information



Region 5 / Salinas

March 20 / 5 - 7 p.m.

>More information

Ag & Government Leaders Reception

Feb. 24 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Senator Office Building / 1121 L St., Sacramento

RSVP by Feb. 18

Click here or the event page button.

NEEDED: AG PRODUCT DONATIONS FOR DISPLAY

We are continuing the tradition of featuring a beautiful and large display of California agricultural products at the reception, so the event committee is seeking product donations. Please click the event page button for the form. Thank you for your help!

Celebrate Common Threads Honorees

COMMON THREADS

March 19 / 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Fresno

TICKETS >Purchase

Early bird pricing ends Feb. 28

$60 / person

$600 / table of eight

COMMON THREADS NORTH

April 2 / 5 - 8:30 p.m.

Davis

TICKETS >Purchase

$85 / person

International Travel Opportunity

Exciting news for Ag Leadership alumni and community members! Scott Allen, CALF's trusted travel agent, is offering a unique opportunity to curate your own international leadership experience. Drawing inspiration from recent Ag Leadership class travels, Scott will craft personalized journeys that blend impactful leadership education, awe-inspiring destinations and cultural immersion. You choose your ideal trip duration, preferred budget and the leadership teachings that resonate with you. Bring family and friends! To preserve the uniqueness of current programs, Scott's itineraries will be based on trips from two or more years ago. Contact Scott Allen.