Leading Means Changing

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

In his incomparable book “How We Grow Leaders,” Dr. Pat Lattore (Honorary Fellow) defines leadership (paraphrased here) as “an art form, a teaching and serving process that envisions, shapes and enhances; ultimately enabling leaders and those led to realize their goals for change within community.” 

Change is a key word in this definition – perhaps the most important. Change is inherent to leadership. It’s also inherent to the foundation today, where we’re always on the lookout for ways to change (i.e. improve) the ways we’re growing leaders who make a difference, while still remaining true to our founders’ purpose, vision and values. 

This month’s Alumni Conference in Monterey provides a great and timely example of this. Co-chairs James Ewart (49) and Yvonne Sams (45) and their very dedicated Alumni Conference committee have assembled a program that has changed from previous conferences. Many accomplished change-makers, including our very distinguished 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award recipients will be joining us. The conference will also provide opportunities for leadership learning, socializing and business networking, which as we know, often cultivates potential (our conference theme!) for change. There’s still time to register by clicking on the links below. You can also scroll down to learn about other Ag Leadership news and upcoming events.



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

Alumni Conference in Two Weeks

We're excited to see you in Monterey! Don't miss out on this unique learning experience and enjoyable social event!

Online registration ends on June 21. Register today!

EVENT DETAILS

Click the event page button below.

LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

Please join us to celebrate our outstanding honorees: Mike Campbell (3), Paul Martin (10), Ed McLaughlin (11) and John Muller (8). They will be recognized during The Farmer's Table –Celebration Dinner on Thursday, June 27. To attend, click the event page button.

VOLUNTEER

Contact Jodi Litz at 831-585-1030 if you are able to volunteer.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

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

CALF Leadership Column in Morning Ag Clips – A New Partnership

CALF recently launched a monthly column – Leadership Insights – in partnership with Morning Ag Clips (California Clips). The online publication provides local and national ag news daily through its eblasts, website and app. The audience is farmers, ranchers and ag industry leaders. In the series, we delve into important facets of leadership that apply to the agricultural sector, with academic and agricultural leaders offering valuable perspectives and strategies. 

• April article by Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (9) – view here
• May article by Dr. Louise Ferguson (30) – view here

If you wish to subscribe to California Clips, click here and click the California box.

Horizons Summer Issue

The issue will hit mailboxes later this month. Highlights include:

• Class 53 national seminar
• Class 52 commencement
• California Exchange
• Leadership Focus by Dr. Amanda Crump
• Photo gallery of alumni events
• Leadership in Dairy Production
• Spotlight on the CALF / Center for Land-Based Learning connection
• Commentary by Dr. Erin Gorter (50) on Drs. Joe Sabol and Robert Flores

California Country Ag Leaders Golf Tournament

June 25 / 9:30 a.m.

The Club at Crazy Horse Ranch

475 San Juan Grade Rd., Salinas

We are excited about a fun day of golf! 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.

Region 4 Summer Social

July 11 / 6 - 8 p.m.

900 N. Broadway, Turlock

Network, socialize and enjoy a fun evening with Ag Leadership alumni, fellows and friends at the Stanislaus County Fair. The first drink is on us!

Sporting Clay Shoot to Benefit CALF

Aug. 3 / 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Quail Point Hunt Club, Zamora

Register today – and spread the word – for this great event! We're also seeking sponsors, raffle donations and volunteers. The event flyer, registration/sponsor form and other details are available on the event page.

QUESTIONS?

Steve Garland (44) / 916-801-2715

Jodi Litz / 831-585-1030

Recent and Upcoming First Fridays

LEARNING MODULES

Part three of our learning modules (Systems of Opportunity) will be available in early July. The modules are a new educational experience for alumni as part of our Lifelong Leadership Learning opportunities. Part one (Uncovering Your Hidden Potential) and part two (Sustaining Long-Term Motivation) are available via the button below. 

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.

Mission 750: Coming in for a Landing!

We’re in the final stretch of this year's Mission 750, and we still need your help in making the mission a true success! Please consider giving before June 30!

The Class Challenge is also wrapping up and we will be announcing the winners at this year's Alumni Conference during the State of the Foundation Luncheon. We look forward to recognizing the winning classes and thanking you all for your continued support.

Remember, it’s not about how much is raised, but how many in each class participate. Every gift counts: financial, time volunteered or in-kind.

Thank you to all who have supported in 2023-24!