A Strong Community Driving Ag Leadership Forward

One of the things I appreciate most about Ag Leadership is that the Program and Foundation has always been bigger than any one class, seminar, or generation of fellows. Its strength comes from the people who choose to invest in others and help move the Foundation forward. 

As I was thinking about this issue of InTouch, I found myself reflecting on Dr. Perry and the impact she has had on Ag Leadership. Like many alumni, I have my own memories of Dr. Perry from my time in Class 49. She had a way of asking questions that made you think a little deeper, see a situation from a different perspective, or challenge assumptions you didn't even realize you were making. 

What makes Dr. Perry's story so remarkable is that my experience is not unique. Over the last 40 years, she has impacted more than 1,000 Fellows through her many roles with Ag Leadership. Think about that for a moment. More than 1,000 leaders across California agriculture have been influenced by her willingness to share her time, expertise, and passion for helping others grow. 

In many ways, Dr. Perry represents what makes this organization special. Ag Leadership has always benefited from alumni, faculty, volunteers, board members, and supporters who choose to give back and invest in the next generation. 

As we celebrate Dr. Perry's contributions, I hope we also take a moment to consider how each of us can continue that tradition. Whether it's mentoring a prospective applicant, attending an alumni event, serving in a volunteer role, sharing your expertise, or supporting the Foundation, every contribution helps strengthen the future of Ag Leadership. 

Thank you, Dr. Perry, for setting such a wonderful example of service and commitment. Your impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. 

With gratitude,

Lesa Eidman (49)

President & CEO

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Peggy Perry

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation is honored to recognize and thank Dr. Peggy Perry for her four decades of service and leadership. 

First as a member of Class 9, she then later joined the Ag Leadership education team in 1986 as the campus coordinator for Cal Poly Pomona. What followed was an extraordinary commitment to the foundation and its mission. Throughout her tenure, she served as campus coordinator, core faculty member, Co-Director of Education, CALF board member, and executive coach, helping shape the Ag Leadership experience for generations of Ag Leadership fellows. 

Over the course of 40 years, she influenced the development of more than 1,000 Fellows. Her thoughtful facilitation, unwavering encouragement, and ability to challenge individuals to grow made her a trusted mentor and respected leader.  

As Dr. Perry retires from her role as core faculty for Cal Poly Pomona, we celebrate not only her years of service but also the tremendous legacy she leaves behind. The impact of her work will continue to be felt through the leaders she helped develop and the lives they, in turn, influence. 



Thank you, Dr. Perry, for your leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to Ag Leadership. 

Welcome Dr. Julie Lee – Campus Coordinator, Cal Poly Pomona 

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Julie Lee to the Education Team as the new Campus Coordinator representing Cal Poly Pomona. 

Dr. Lee joined Cal Poly Pomona in 2024 and brings a strong background in agricultural economics, research, and teaching. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Prior to joining Cal Poly Pomona, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Doane University and as a researcher with the Korean Rural Economic Institute in Seoul. 

Her teaching focuses on agribusiness economics, food and agricultural policy, and data management.  



We look forward to the perspective, expertise, and enthusiasm Dr. Lee will bring to Ag Leadership as she helps support and develop future Fellows. 

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.

Class 55 Blog

Agriculture has a story worth telling. Class 55 spent Session 8 in San Luis Obispo learning how to tell it and learning how to tell it well. Read what they took home from the Central Coast.

Read the Full Blog

Help Us Finish the Year Strong 

As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June 30, we're asking alumni and friends of Ag Leadership to help us finish the year strong. 

Your support helps develop, sustain, and activate leaders who are making a difference across California agriculture every day. There's still time to make your annual gift and participate in the Class Challenge. 

Thank you to everyone who has already given this year. We are grateful for your partnership and commitment to Ag Leadership. 

Alumni Awards

Don’t miss your chance to nominate! Submissions are due June 26.  Leadership shows up in many forms, and our alumni exemplify it every day. Help us shine a spotlight on those who inspire action and create lasting impact by nominating a fellow alum for one of our 2026 Alumni Awards. Submit a nomination for the Profiles in Leadership Award or the Lifetime Leadership Award by Friday, June 26.

 All award recipients will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 2 in conjunction with the Class 56 inauguration. 

June First Friday: The Power of Habits with Dr.Nessie Early

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us on Friday, June 5! Dr. Nessie Early shared a thought-provoking presentation on how habits form, what the habit loop looks like, the role of cravings, and how value-driven systems shape our daily lives. We are grateful to Dr. Early for sharing her time and expertise with our Ag Leadership Alumni! Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Ag Leadership Blog for the July and August Friday blog posts.

Register Now for the September Virtual First Friday, which will be a Foundation and Program update with Lesa Eidman and Dr. Dane White.

Jonnalee Dunn (39) was interviewed by Patrick Cavanaugh with the California Tree Nut Report. Vertical Intergration Helps in Lean Times - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST

Silt Winery, part-owned by David Ogilvie (52) and Tom Merwin (44), hosted it’s 4^th Annual Fellow Fest on June 13. Fellow Fest | FOX40 News

Emily Rooney (39), President of Ag Council of California, was interviewed about plastic packaging regulations at the Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues summit. Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Karen Ross on California agriculture, water, MAHA, Prop 12 | Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

Steve Murray (27), Owner of Murray Family Farms, was interviewed about this years cherry crop. County files for cherry crop disaster designation | News | bakersfield.com

Chris Carpenter (34) won the highest bid with his wine at the Napa’s Barrel Auction. The Napa Valley Barrel Auction Shows the Region at Its Best | Observer

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

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

Jun 25 - Region 1 Reconnect Farm Tour, Social, and Dinner 

June 25 / 5:00 - 8:30pm

Social at the Salinas Rodeo  

July 16 / 5:30 - 7:30pm

Social at the Stanislaus County Fair 

July 16 / 5:30 - 10:00pm

NorCal Ag Leadership Clay Shoot & BBQ-Registration Open! 

August 29 / 8:00 - 1:00pm