JULY 2026

/ PRESIDENT AND CEO MESSAGE

Looking Ahead, Together

One of the things I enjoy most about strategic planning is that it gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect on how far we've come, and think boldly about where we're headed next.

In my recent blog post, I shared a behind-the-scenes look at the work our SEED Team, Board, staff, and stakeholders have been doing to shape the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation's next five-year strategic plan. It's been exciting to see so many different perspectives come together around one common goal: ensuring Ag Leadership continues to grow leaders who make a difference for California agriculture.

As we prepare to present the plan to our Board next month, one thing has become abundantly clear—we can only achieve our vision because of this incredible community. Fellows, alumni, donors, university partners, volunteers, and industry leaders all play a role in strengthening Ag Leadership. Our strategic plan isn't simply a roadmap for our organization; it's a reflection of what we can accomplish together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, engagement, and belief in our mission continue to shape the future of Ag Leadership. I can't wait to share our new strategic plan with you in the coming months and continue building that future together.

With gratitude,

Lesa Eidman (Class 49)

President & CEO

Strategic Plan Blog Post

Following Board approval, we'll officially unveil the plan at September First Friday, where we'll share the vision, walk through each strategic pillar, and talk about what it means for our fellows, alumni, and the future of California agriculture.

Read the full blog post

/ PROGRAM NEWS

Welcome Dr. Natalie Baumgartner- Campus Coordinator, Fresno State

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Natalie Baumgartner to the Education Team as the new Campus Coordinator representing Fresno State.

Dr. Baumgartner grew up in Gustine and Lemoore, CA, where her involvement in FFA and a background on a dairy farm sparked her passion for agricultural education. She earned her Ph.D. in education from Oregon State University in 2024, a master's in agricultural education from Cal Poly in 2018, and a bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Fresno State in 2013.

Prior to joining the university faculty, she taught high school agriculture at Kingsburg and Vintage High Schools. Dr. Baumgartner now serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education at Fresno State.

We look forward to the perspective, expertise, and enthusiasm Dr. Baumgartner will bring to Ag Leadership.

When Strangers Become Neighbors

A World Cup story about a small town in Kansas and why it's really a story about leadership.

In his latest blog, Dr. Dane White, reflects on how this story illustrates xenia the ancient practice of hospitality and the power of building connections across differences.

These are the same leadership skills our fellows develop throughout the California Agricultural Leadership Program and the same skills California agriculture will need in the years ahead: the willingness to reach across differences, build trust, and create meaningful relationships.

Read the Full Blog

Class 55 Blog

Missed any of the class 55 blogs? Catch up here and dive into firsthand reflections from our fellows as they reflect on their Ag Leadership journey.

Read the Full Blog

Upcoming Class 55 Seminar

This year, our San Rafael seminar is shifting focus to include a renewed exploration of ethics and leadership. Using our fellows' experiences with California's criminal justice system and San Quentin State Rehabilitation Center as a focal point, we're inviting fellows into a curious, academic look at how ethical decisions form and ripple through society. The intent is to study these experiences: to understand how principles take shape in real circumstances and what that might teach us about leadership within our own communities.

/ FOUNDATION NEWS

CALF Welcomes New Board Members

Erin O'Donnell (Class 50)

Erin O'Donnell is founder and CEO of Sustainable Ag Advisors, a consulting firm helping California growers and processors capture more value from their sustainability efforts. She previously spent over a decade at Sun Valley Rice, most recently as vice president of sales. A Certified Sustainability Practitioner and Class 50 graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, O'Donnell completed the Chief Sustainability Officer program through MIT Professional Education and holds a master's degree in physics from Brandeis University.

Michael Frantz (Class 36)

Michael Frantz is president of Frantz Wholesale Nursery, a second-generation family-owned nursery serving retail and landscape customers across the western United States. A Class 36 graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, he is a respected voice in California agriculture and water policy, chairing the Turlock Irrigation District board and holding leadership roles with AmericanHort, Sustainable Conservation, the San Joaquin River Tributaries Authority, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Nursery Advisory Board.

Read the Full Press Release

DC Exchange

This year, the DC Exchange Cohort, composed of 11 fellows, will visit Regions 1 and 2 from September 16 through September 23. If you live or work in these areas and are open to hosting the group at your farm/business or providing a homestay for a fellow, please reach out to Anna Nicholson.

Help Shape the 2027 Ag Government & Leaders Reception

We're looking for alumni to join the planning committee for the 2027 Ag Government & Leaders Reception, one of Ag Leadership's signature events connecting California agriculture with state government leaders. Committee members will help plan the event, secure California agricultural commodities that showcase our industry, and identify and invite legislators and key government leaders. If you're passionate about strengthening relationships between agriculture and public policy while giving back to CALF, we'd love to have you involved. Join us in making the 2027 reception another outstanding success. If you are interested in being on the committee, contact Anna Nicholson.

Become a Mentor

Help shape the next generation of California Agricultural Leadership Program participants by serving as a mentor for prospective applicants and reapplicants. As a mentor, you'll share your experience, answer questions, and provide encouragement to individuals exploring the program. It's a meaningful way to give back, strengthen our alumni community, and support future leaders in California agriculture.

Interested in serving as a mentor? Contact Anna Nicholson.

/ ALUMNI EVENTS

Region 1 Reconnect Dinner

Thank you to the Region 1 alumni who joined us for the Farm Tour and Reconnect Dinner in Chico! The afternoon began with a tour of M&T Chico Ranch, led by Les Heringer (Class 13), where attendees learned how the ranch combines agricultural production with conservation and habitat restoration through innovative practices. Following the tour, alumni gathered for a social hour and dinner. Guests heard updates from Dr. Kasey DeAtley (Class 52) on the first year of the program at Chico State, met Dr. Kevin Patton, the new Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture at Chico State and received foundation and strategic plan updates from Lesa Eidman (Class 49). Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of reconnecting, learning, and celebrating our CALF community!

/ ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Sara Neagu-Reed (49) comments on specialty crop labor fixes. Read more here: Specialty Crop Labor Fixes - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST

Hillari Bynum (53) was promoted to senior director, growth and innovation at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance. Read more here: Hillari Bynum Promoted at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance - Quality Assurance & Food Safety

Mike Vereschagin (20) seated as Vice Chair of the California Prune Board. Read more here: California Prune Board Seats New Leadership to Guide Industry Priorities and Investments - Perishable News

Joe Pozzi (28) reflects on 50-years of Sonoma County’s Running Fence. Read more here: 50 years later, Running Fence keeps running through Sonoma County

Jeff Bitter (32) talks survival, wine trends, and California’s future. Read more here: Allied Grape Growers Marks 75 Years Amid Industry Challenges - AgNet West

Ian LeMay (48) Discusses California Table Grape Commission's Organic Produce Summit Debut. Read more here: Ian LeMay Discusses California Table Grape Commission's Organic Produce Summit Debut | AndNowUKnow

Jonalee Dunn (39) talks about getting started on producing almonds. Listen here: How a Farmer Get's Started on Producing Almonds - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST

James Ontiveros (31) and his vineyard Ranchos de Ontiveros was featured as one of the top wineries in the Santa Barbara region. Read more here: Santa Barbara Wine Country: Where to Sip, Eat, and Stay

Interested in spotlighting an Ag Leadership alum in your community? Contact Anna Nicholson, Alumni Engagement and Events Manager

/ CALF COMMUNITY JOB OPENINGS

Development Manager

CALF is currently seeking a Development Manager to help strengthen the future of Ag Leadership. If you know someone with development and fundraising experience who is passionate about California agriculture, leadership, and relationship-building, we encourage you to share this opportunity and review the full job description here.

Feature an Open Position

Do you have a position you'd like to share with the Ag Leadership network? Contact Anna Nicholson, Alumni Engagement and Events Manager