With Gratitude This Holiday Season

As the year winds down, the holiday season gives us a welcome reason to slow things down and focus on what matters most. For many of us, that means time with family and friends, favorite traditions, and a few good conversations that don’t always make it onto our busy calendars. It’s also a great time to look back on the year, appreciate the people who made it meaningful, and get excited about what’s ahead.

Here at the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, I’m feeling incredibly grateful—for our fellows who show up with curiosity and courage, for our alumni who strengthen this community through their leadership across California, and for our amazing staff and Board of Directors whose dedication and guidance bring this mission to life every day. And of course, I’m thankful for our donors and supporters who make it all possible, in ways both big and small.

Quite simply, your support keeps our roots strong.

As we continue our Annual Appeal, I hope you’ll consider making a gift to Ag Leadership. Your support helps grow leaders who make a difference across California agriculture. Whether you’re giving for the first time, giving again, or choosing to give monthly, your gift is an investment in people and in the future of our industry and communities.

If Ag Leadership has played a role in your journey, inspired you, or connected you to this incredible community, I invite you to pay it forward. Together, we can make sure the next generation of leaders has the opportunity to grow here.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season, meaningful time with those you love, and a bright start to the new year.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Lesa Eidman (49)

President & CEO

Class 54 Message: Lessons from the Journey

By: Tony Shelton (Class 54)

Our international seminar took us through four countries over 16 days, and while each day brought something new, the biggest takeaway for me was how this experience reshaped my view of leadership, agriculture, and community. You can prepare for a trip like this, but you can’t fully understand it until you’re standing in the middle of it, from the busy streets of Johannesburg to the quiet mornings in Hwange, from Victoria Falls to the farms of Botswana and Zambia.

What stood out most was the resilience and hospitality of the people we met. Whether it was farmers introducing new crops, teams restoring degraded land, or youth programs helping the next generation find their path, everyone we encountered showed a level of commitment that made me reflect on how we approach challenges back home. Many of these communities face limited resources, inconsistent electricity, and tough economic realities, yet they continue to push forward with optimism and purpose. It reminded me how often we take stability for granted — and how easily we overlook what truly matters.

Class 55 Message: Who are we?

“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.” -Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness: The Question for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone



Leadership isn’t about having the right answers, it begins with the curiosity to ask good questions. Key questions Class 55 explored with genuine curiosity in this seminar were, “Who are we?” and “What does it mean to belong?”.

During our November seminar, Class 55 investigated how authentic storytelling, the concept of belonging, curiosity, and asking good questions shape effective leadership.

Together, we painstakingly practiced turning our lived experiences into compelling stories, approaching life with a sense of child-like curiosity, and transforming vulnerability into a sense of connection and belonging.



Join us as we dive into the latest edition of Class 55’s story.

Still Time to Give to Our Annual Campaign

Before the year ends, you can help strengthen the roots of Ag Leadership. Your tax-deductible year-end gift supports leadership development that grows impact across California agriculture.

2024-2025 Impact Report

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s 2024–25 Impact Report will be arriving soon, showcasing program outcomes, leadership growth, and the impact of donor support throughout the year.

Common Threads Central Valley

Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets for the 2026 Common Threads Award Luncheon are now available. Sponsors and guests are invited to join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of this year’s honorees and supporting leadership and philanthropy in California agriculture.

The luncheon will also feature special guest Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, who will open the program.

Ag Leadership Social at the Almond Conference:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Ag Leadership Social at the 2025 Almond Conference! It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and welcome prospective applicants alongside our amazing alumni. Special thanks to Dennis Albiani and the California Advocates Team for generously hosting us in your space. We’re also grateful to our sponsors: Pearl Crop, Great Valley Farm Water Partnership, Nitty’s Cider, and Silt Wine Company.

Region 2 Wine Dinner

January 17 / 5:00 - 8:00pm

Colusa Farm Show Breakfast

February 4 / 7:00 - 9:00am

Class 54 Commencement

February 7 / 11:00am - 1:30pm

World Ag Expo Breakfast

February 12 / 6:30 - 9:00am