Category: News Releases

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 

—

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. 

—

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 

—

Tables and tickets are available for the Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 7 and the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 15. Over the past three decades, the annual events – which draw several hundred attendees at each venue – have raised more than $2.5 million collectively to help support California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) mission of growing leaders who make a difference and other educational efforts.

22nd Annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
Enloe Health President and CEO Mike Wiltermood is the keynote speaker at the 22nd annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 7. The event begins at 7 a.m. at Saint Bernadette’s Hall at 745 Ware St. in Colusa.

Wiltermood will provide insight to the role Enloe Health plays in Northern California as well as its connection to providing for the agriculture industry in local communities. His leadership, passion and commitment are evident as his team continues to work towards opening the new Comprehensive Cancer Center set for 2025.

Hosted by alumni of the California State University, Chico College of Agriculture, CALF and Alpha Gamma Rho, the breakfast has raised more than $500,000 for scholarships and leadership programs in its history.

Sponsorships are still available. Tickets can be purchased for $50 by contacting the College of Agriculture at 530-898-3737 or via the event page. All proceeds go to the Chico State College of Agriculture and CALF.

• Media contact: Mackenzie Bressler / 530-898-3737 / mbbressler@csuchico.edu.

30th Annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast
David Horsager, a leading global expert in building high-trust leaders and organizations, is the keynote speaker at the 30th annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 15. The event begins at 6:30 a.m. at the International Agri-Center (VIP Tent South) at 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare.

Horsager is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, trust expert in residence at High Point University and bestselling author of “The Trust Edge.” He is also a podcaster, creator of the Enterprise Trust Index™ and director of one of the nation’s foremost trust studies, The Trust Outlook®. Horsager has advised leaders and delivered life-changing presentations on six continents, with audiences ranging from Delta, FedEx and Toyota to the New York Yankees, MIT and Department of Homeland Security.

Hosted by alumni of CALF and sponsored by insurance company partners, the breakfast has raised nearly $2 million for CALF.

Tables of eight are $850 and individual tickets are $125. Both can be purchased via the event page.

• Media contact: Meredith Ritchie / 916-708-3364 / mritchie@agleaders.org

—

Roger A. Isom, president and CEO of the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA) and Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), has joined the board of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF).

Isom has worked for CCGGA since 1992 and WAPA since 2009. He has 31 years of regulatory and legislative advocacy experience, specializing in environmental and safety matters. Isom’s responsibilities include the management of staff and day-to-day operations of CCGGA and WAPA. During his career, he has served on numerous boards and committees; he currently serves as president of the Ag Energy Consumers Association and manages the Navel Orangeworm Action Committee. In July 2023, Isom was named president of the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.

“Roger will be a strong addition to our dedicated board,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “His insight, plus decades of experience and leadership in California agriculture, will benefit the foundation’s success. His staff includes an Ag Leadership Program alum and a Class 52 fellow, so he understands the value of the program and fully supports the foundation’s mission, vision and values.”

Said Isom, “Having worked the past three decades in the regulatory and legislative arena on agricultural issues, I know how important it is to have strong up and coming leaders in our industry. With so many colleagues, members, board members and staff participate in Ag Leadership, I have seen firsthand the effectiveness of the program. I am thrilled to be considered for this position, and I look forward to helping the foundation develop the leaders who will fight for our industry for years to come.”

Isom joins 11 CALF board members, including Michael Young, Wegis & Young, chair; Cameron Boswell, J.G. Boswell Company, vice chair; Emily Rooney, Agricultural Council of California, secretary/treasurer; Yissel Barajas, Reiter Affiliated Companies; Jason Cole, Cole Limited; Correen Davis, Gorrill Ranch; Rob Goff, Wonderful Orchards; Fidela Irigoyen, Wells Fargo; Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, Land IQ; Paul Parreira, RPAC; and Dr. Martin Sancho-Madriz, Cal Poly Pomona.

—

Twenty-four individuals have been selected for Class 53 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, an advanced leadership development experience for emerging, mid-career leaders in agriculture. The new fellows will be inaugurated into the program on Oct. 5 at Fresno State.

Through dynamic seminars during an 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. 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 will participate in approximately 55 seminar days, including a 10-day national travel seminar and a 14-day international travel seminar.

“The California Ag Leadership Foundation (CALF) grows leaders who make a difference and go on to make a positive impact in their families, businesses, communities and ultimately, California agriculture,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Participating program alumni assemble a diverse and inclusive class of fellows who represent a broad cross section of our ag industry and the state’s population. We’re excited for the fellows to kick off their Ag Leadership journey next month.”

CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the program, which is underwritten by individual and industry donations. Ag Leadership is considered one of the premier leadership programs in the United States. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community. For more information about the program, visit agleaders.org.

Class 53 Fellows

• Hillari Bynum, Safe Food Alliance, Sacramento
• Jeana Cadby, Western Growers, Atascadero
• Tomas Aguilar Campos, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mecca
• Kyle Collins, Allied Grape Growers, Lodi
• Bob Donnelly, Central California Almond Growers Association, Fresno
• Nick Edsall, Bullseye Farms, Woodland
• Manny Gaitan, Rain for Rent, Indio
• Miguel Gomez, Driscoll’s, Watsonville
• Deissy Ibarra, Toor Farming / Custom Almonds, Earlimart
• Krystal Jenkins, Nufarm Americas, Escondido
• Ariana Joven, The Wonderful Company, Bakersfield
• Scott McArthur, McArthur Ranches, Durham
• Kurt Metheny, Limoneira Company, Santa Paula
• Jack Norton, Terpene Belt Farms, Valley Springs
• Daniel O’Connell, O’Connell Cattle Co., Sacramento
• Katie Panici, Kern Machinery, Bakersfield
• Michelle Paul, AgWest Farm Credit, Rocklin
• Kristi Robinson, K. Robinson Farms, Clovis
• Taj Samran, Hilltop Ranch, Inc., Turlock
• Joe Sequenzia, Zenith Agribusiness Solutions, Roseville
• Bryce Spycher, Almond Board of California, Turlock
• Jodi Switzer, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, Ventura
• Amanpreet Virk, Gallo Vineyards, Fresno
• Trent Voss, Blue Diamond Growers, Denair

—
Media Contact:
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)
CALF Marketing and Communications Manager
mritchie@agleaders.org
916-708-3364