History

In 1969 a small group of Michigan farmers had the opportunity to visit California as part of an agricultural leadership program. During their tour, they met and learned from various growers about our state's agriculture. Upon their departure, a few of those California growers realized that a program of that nature did not exist here, and thus, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation was born. The Foundation initiated the California Agricultural Leadership Program, a two-year fellowship program that provides individuals with a transformational leadership experience.

The first Ag Leadership class was seated in 1970 and included farmers, ranchers and growers from across the state. The mission then, as it is today, was to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership. To accomplish this, the program provides individuals with a leadership development experience through training, personal reflection and introspection. This includes an extensive curriculum in the areas of economics, government, sociology, education, communications, and fine arts. In addition, participants explore the impacts of these subjects on a national and international scale, visiting various regions of the country and developing nations around the world.

The success of Ag Leadership has been remarkable, in part because of the vision of its founders, most notably Mr. J.G. Boswell and Mr. Dean Brown. Not only did these gentlemen define our organizational objectives and secure long-term funding, but they established relationships with our four partner universities: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, Pomona, C.S.U. Fresno, and U.C. Davis. These men also laid the foundation for the expansion and exploration of other leadership opportunities within agriculture.

Graduates of this program, using the skill set developed over their two years, have gone on to see tremendous industry, community and familial success. Our alumni have developed numerous programs that educate and advocate on behalf of our industry, such as the Washington D. C. and California Educational Fellowship Programs. They have instituted a Lifelong Learning Series, exemplifying their commitment to continued education. Graduates have embraced the role of philanthropy, and subsequently recognize each other's accomplishments through the Profiles in Leadership Awards, as well as the overwhelming dedication of women in agriculture with the Common Threads Awards. Each of these opportunities demonstrates the passion and enthusiasm of Ag Leadership alumni to live our organizational mission of enhancing the long-term viability of California agriculture through leadership development.

As the organization moves forward, new and exciting opportunities are unfolding. The California Agricultural Leadership Program continues to motivate industry leaders, while alumni take what they have learned and inspire new advocates. We invite you to join us in these times of development and growth; embark on this journey of enlightenment. As Ag Leadership grows, so does the entire industry and together we will continue our years of success.