Springtime in Autumn

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and fresh starts, not to mention renewal and rejuvenation. At Ag Leadership, autumn can make similar claims. Examples of new beginnings are Class 54’s inauguration and first seminar last week in Fresno. The Oct. 12 L4 workshop, designed to equip leaders with essential strategies for effectively managing and leading through change, provided some great rejuvenation. Those who attended gained practical tools to foster adaptability, enhance communication and build team resilience.

I suspect similar renewal, and then some, to be realized by Class 53 fellows as they embark upon their much-anticipated international seminar to Southeast Asia (see news below). Lastly, many new relationships will take root at this year’s D.C. Exchange, which kicks off on Sunday in Southern California when 20-plus Washington, D.C.-based regulators connect with many southern state alumni next week. I could go on, but if you scroll down further, you will see other examples of springtime-type impact during fall at CALF.

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

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 share in this transformative experience! To preserve the uniqueness of current programs, Scott's itineraries will be based on trips from two or more years ago. Contact Scott Allen to start planning!

Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients Honored

The 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award was presented to Carlos Castañeda (36) and Steve McShane (33) on Oct. 11. Congratulations!

Read articles about both in Horizons (pages 12-13).

It’s Your Time to Step Up and 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. We’re excited to invite class liaisons to the Alumni Council retreat on Nov. 14 in San Luis Obispo.

Jim Manassero Fellowship Luncheon

Nov. 1 / 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Pisoni Vineyards, Soledad

Pisoni Vineyards is welcoming guests with the exclusive opportunity to gather and enjoy lunch and wine at its beautiful vineyard in the foothills of Soledad. The luncheon will honor Jim Manassero (1) and fellow alumni from Region 5 who passed away in the last year, including Ed Boutonnet (3) and Ruben Rueda (3). Family, friends, colleagues and prospective Ag Leadership applicants are welcome! All proceeds benefit CALF.​​​

Fall Issue of Horizons Online

Read the latest issue of Horizons, featuring foundation, program and alumni news, articles, photos and more!

Leadership Insights

Read our September Leadership Insights column (Collaboration is a Superpower), written by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross (HF).

• All columns (April to September): Click here

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

Nuffield Applications Due Oct. 31

Nuffield Farming Scholars provides young farmers and agriculturists a $25,000 scholarship dedicated to a global agriculture experience. Leaders travel overseas to learn from others, build personal capacity and help create solutions for a growing world.

>Application

For additional details and questions about the application process, contact:

• Tom Merwin (44), Nuffield scholar
• John Chandler (44), Nuffield USA board member

Tom wrote a commentary in Horizons magazine (page 27) reflecting on his first year as a scholar.

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.

Annual Appeal Coming Soon!

Our annual appeal mailing hits mailboxes this month. Following the success of Mission 750 in 2023-24 and Go for 500 in 2022-23, we are excited to launch this year's campaign: Preserve–Strengthen–Advance Ag Leadership.

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.