Easy to be Grateful

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Before his untimely passing, author and educator Randy Pausch was credited with saying, “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” Those of you familiar with the foundation and our core program curriculum know that showing gratitude is something we regularly do in numerous ways. For us, it’s tradition and part of our culture. It’s also central to leadership and a trait that’s typically associated with those who are most effective at leading. And here at the foundation, it’s easy to do. We’re blessed to be engaged with and supported by so many stakeholders – board, alumni, fellows, university partners and faculty, donors and other ag industry friends – that enable us to advance our mission of growing leaders in so many ways. On behalf of all of us on staff, I’m expressing sincere appreciation and saying thank you for your generous time, talent and treasure, and wishing you and your families an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

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

Give Today!

By donating to Ag Leadership, you are strengthening the fellowship experience, alumni community and California agriculture. Your contribution – regardless of size – strengthens Ag Leadership and cultivates the next generation of agricultural leaders who will navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Our annual appeal campaign mailing recently hit mailboxes. If you did not receive the mailing and would like to, please contact CALF Development Manager Jodi Litz at 831-585-1030 or jlitz@agleaders.org.

Welcome Back, Class 53!

The fellows of Class 53 have returned from their international seminar to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Read all about their travels, lessons learned and reflections on their daily blog.

D.C. Exchange

Last month's D.C. Exchange visited Regions 9, 10 and 11, including Ventura, Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties. This program continues to connect government and agriculture, and allows for experiential learning, open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas within a leadership educational program. Fellows included representatives from USDA, U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Agency for International Development and Library of Congress.

Thank you to all the alumni and friends for hosting fellows, presenting and joining this exchange. Photos and daily recaps are available via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Serve as a Class Liaison

If you're in Classes 1, 4, 5, 6, 11, 15, 17, 20, 23 or 39 – we need you! This is a great opportunity to represent your class and strengthen the CALF alumni community. Class liaisons are essential in keeping your classmates engaged and connected. You will play a key role in sharing foundation updates, encouraging participation in events and ensuring your class remains active within CALF’s mission of leadership development. Through your efforts, you’ll help build a stronger alumni network that supports the growth of future leaders in California agriculture.

Class liaisons are invited to attend the Alumni Council retreat on Nov. 14 in San Luis Obispo.

Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon

More than 80 people gathered on Nov. 1 to remember and honor leaders from Region 5 at the annual Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon. Held at Pisoni Vineyards in Soledad, this event recognized the significant contributions of Manassero (1) as well as two alumni from the region who had passed away in the last year, Ed Boutonnet (3) and Ruben Rueda (3). Remembrances shared by Laura Giudici Mills (29), Mike Campbell (3), Joe Pezzini (28), Bob Gray (HF) and others made the luncheon especially memorable and special for all who attended. Thank you to Jazmin Lopez (48) and James Ewart (49) for co-chairing such a wonderful event.

Tickets on Sale for 2025 Fundraiser Breakfasts

COLUSA FARM SHOW BREAKFAST

Wednesday, Feb. 5 / 7 - 9 a.m.

St. Bernadette's Hall, Colusa

• Speaker: Dale Stern, partner and co-chair of the Food & Ag Group at Downey Brand.
• PURCHASE TICKETS

AG LEADERSHIP ALUMNI WORLD AG EXPO BREAKFAST

Thursday, Feb. 13 / 6:30 - 9 a.m.

International Agri-Center, Tulare

• Speaker: Hans Kabat, president of Cargill’s North American protein business.
• PURCHASE TABLES & TICKETS

Common Threads Nominations Due

Nominations are being accepted for Common Threads. Honorees are selected for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and philanthropic stewardship. We invite you to nominate women who have deep roots in agriculture and have made a significant difference within the agricultural industry and their communities.

NORTH

Nominations due Nov. 15 – click here

CENTRAL VALLEY

Nominations due Dec. 2 – click here

Upcoming First Fridays

All sessions are live via Zoom (12 - 1 p.m.).

DEC. 6: Details coming soon. One of our phenomenal alumni will help us move ourselves and our businesses forward!

• REGISTER

JAN. 3: Class 53 International Seminar Reflections.

• REGISTER

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.

Leadership Insights

Read our October Leadership Insights column (Managing Stress in a Challenging Environment), written by Dr. Alex Alexandrou, CALF core faculty member at Fresno State.

• All columns (April to October): Click here

Subscribe to Morning Ag Clips-California Clips: Click here, then click the California box.

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.