Shaping What Comes Next
August marks the beginning of harvest for many across California agriculture—a season filled with long days, hard work and the promise of seeing months of preparation come to fruition.
It is also a season of new beginnings and harvest for Ag Leadership.
This week, we announced the members of Class 56, who will soon begin their 17-month journey through the California Agricultural Leadership Program. This cohort reflects the breadth of California agriculture, with strong representation from production agriculture and, notably, the first class in our history to be majority women. I am excited to see how these 24 individuals will grow, and ultimately how they will positively shape the future of California agriculture.
We are also celebrating another important milestone: the CALF Board of Directors has approved our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. I am deeply grateful to the SEED team and to every individual who shared their ideas and perspectives throughout the process. After months of listening, discussion and thoughtful work, we now have a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future of Ag Leadership.
During our recent staff retreat, the CALF team spent an afternoon working with clay. As we attempted to mold, shape, and in some cases rescue our pottery, I couldn’t help but see a connection to the work ahead. Creating something meaningful requires vision, patience and a willingness to keep refining along the way. The clay may not always take the shape you first imagined, but with intention and care, something strong and lasting can emerge.
That is the spirit we are carrying forward. We are building on a strong foundation while continuing to shape a program and alumni community, so that the California ag industry is ready to meet the future.
There is much work ahead, but even more to be excited about. I look forward to sharing our strategic plan with you during our September First Friday—and to shaping the next chapter of Ag Leadership together.
With gratitude,
Lesa Eidman (Class 49)
President & CEO
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