News & Resources News Releases California Ag Leadership Program Class 54 Applications Due April 17 April 04, 2024 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members February 15, 2024 Read More Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 54 January 16, 2024 Read More California Ag Leadership Program Class 54 Applications Due April 17 April 04, 2024 MONTEREY – Applications are due on April 17 for Class 54 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry. For links to the application, informational resources and upcoming prospective applicant events, visit www.agleaders.org/class54apply/. The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Through the program, fellows learn leadership skills that help them expand their impact. More than 1,400 individuals have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, communities, government, business and other areas. Over the course of the intensive 17-month program, fellows are immersed in numerous topics, including leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and other skills and tools that contribute to improved performance. Along with individualized leadership development coaching, fellows engage in situations and discussions focused on complex social and cultural issues. They are provided with opportunities to build enhanced critical thinking skills that, combined with a broader perspective, help graduates guide creative solutions throughout their lives. The program includes approximately 55 days of formal program activities. Four partner universities — Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis — deliver integrated, comprehensive and diverse curriculum at the seminars. Fellows learn from first-rate educators and subject authorities from many professions and backgrounds. As a valuable extension to the monthly seminars, fellows participate in national and international travel seminars that provide further opportunities to understand interconnected systems and governments, dialogue with policy leaders and compare and contrast cultural dynamics. CONTACT CALF Programs Manager Judy Sparacino at jsparacino@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 — California Ag Leadership Foundation Welcomes Two New Board Members February 15, 2024 MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has named Nikki Cossio and Sal Parra Jr. to its board of directors. Cossio is the founder and CEO of Measure to Improve LLC, which supports fresh produce industry producers and processors in measuring, improving and building credible sustainability programs that generate environmental, social and financial benefits. Part of a multigenerational California farming family, she has served on boards and committees for organizations such as International Fresh Produce Association, Specialty Crops Coordinating Council, the former Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Center for Global Produce Sustainability. Cossio founded the Monterey County Sustainability Working Group in 2011 and was recognized in the 2019 Packer 25, an annual tribute highlighting leaders in the fresh produce industry. "For years, I have admired the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” said Cossio. “Serving on the board allows me to directly participate in shaping the future of California agriculture. We can empower the next generation of farmers to thrive and ensure a vibrant agricultural legacy for our state.” Parra Jr. (46) is the director of farming for Burford Ranch, a multigenerational family operation that grows nuts, vegetables and row crops. He is also an owner and partner of Coyula Farms, a family-owned operation that grows almonds, pistachios, wheat, alfalfa, corn and Angus beef cattle. Parra serves on boards for the Fresno County Farm Bureau and James Groundwater Sustainability Agency. He is a member of Class VII of the Western Growers Future Volunteer Leaders Program. Parra Jr. earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business in 2008 and MBA in 2015, both from Fresno State. He is a member of Class 46 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program and previously served as a CALF Education Team liaison on the Ag Leadership Alumni Council. “I am truly honored to be selected and serve on the foundation board,” said Parra Jr. “The program and this foundation have impacted my life in profound ways and I look to paying that forward with my service.” Said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35), “I am excited and honored that Nikki and Sal have graciously accepted our invitation to join the board of directors. Their rich background in production agriculture, coupled with their thought leadership and industry influence, will make them invaluable in supporting our vision of leaders united to strengthen California agriculture and sustainably supply the world. I look forward to their deep insights and strategic perspectives that they will bring to propel our foundation forward and steer us to creating greater impact in our industry and world.” Parra Jr. and Cossio join 11 CALF board members, including Mike Young, Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell, J.G. Boswell, vice chair; Emily Rooney, Agricultural Council of California, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas, Reiter Affiliated Companies; Correen Davis, The Gorrill Ranch; Rob Goff, Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen, Wells Fargo; Roger Isom, California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association and Western Agricultural Processors Association; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, Land IQ; Paul Parreira, Parreira Almond Processing Co., and Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz, Cal Poly Pomona. — Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 54 January 16, 2024 MONTEREY – Applications are now being accepted for Class 54 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry. The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Through the program, fellows learn leadership skills that help them expand their impact. More than 1,400 individuals have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, communities, government, business and other areas. Over the course of the intensive 17-month program, fellows are immersed in numerous topics, including leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and other skills and tools that contribute to improved performance. Along with individualized leadership development coaching, fellows engage in situations and discussions focused on complex social and cultural issues. They are provided with opportunities to build enhanced critical thinking skills that, combined with a broader perspective, help graduates guide creative solutions throughout their lives. “As we open the application process for Class 54, our selection committees are focused on choosing a group of fellows who have the capacity to grow and lead as well as share a commitment to California agriculture,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Our experienced-based curriculum, personalized coaching and emphasis on lifelong learning enables the development of leaders who make a difference in their families, communities, companies and ultimately our great industry as a whole.” The program includes approximately 55 days of formal program activities. Four partner universities — Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis — deliver integrated, comprehensive and diverse curriculum at the seminars. Fellows learn from first-rate educators and subject authorities from many professions and backgrounds. As a valuable extension to the monthly seminars, fellows participate in national and international travel seminars that provide further opportunities to understand interconnected systems and governments, dialogue with policy leaders and compare and contrast cultural dynamics. CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program, thanks in large part to donations made by individuals and industry organizations and companies. Candidates are strongly encouraged to talk with Ag Leadership alumni about the program and to attend an informational event. More information and the application are available at www.agleaders.org/class54apply/. Phase one of the three-phrase application process is due no later than April 17, 2024. Individuals are encouraged to complete the application as soon as possible. CONTACT CALF Programs Manager Judy Sparacino / jsparacino@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 — View All PUBLICATIONS Horizons / Impact Report Horizons magazine is published three times per year by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation for alumni, donors, supporters and friends. The foundation also publishes an annual Impact Report and monthly e-newsletter. View All TESTIMONIALS Videos Many of our alumni have shared positive and inspirational stories about their participation in the Ag Leadership Program. View All Upcoming Events May 10 Prospective Applicant & Alumni BBQ in Region 7 Enjoy gathering with alumni, Class 53 fellows, foundation staff and Cal Poly leadership! Learn More May 23 2024 Cultivating the Future An event to support the development of future leaders in California agriculture. Learn More Jun 25 2024 Alumni Conference Save the dates! We’re excited to gather our alumni for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! Learn More More Ag Leadership Events