Category: News Releases

MONTEREY – Twenty-four individuals have been selected for Class 54 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. 11 in Fresno.

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 go on to make a positive difference in their families, businesses, communities and ultimately, California agriculture,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Participating program alumni assemble a class of fellows that represents a broad cross section of the state’s ag industry and demonstrates the capacity to make real impact. 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 54 Fellows

• Marisa Alcorta, Center for Land-Based Learning, Winters
• Jake Barcellos, A-Bar Ag Enterprises, Los Banos
• Megan Bell, Margins Wine, Santa Cruz
• Hunter Berry, Yosemite Farm Credit ACA, Turlock
• Kelly Bishop, Imperial Irrigation District, El Centro
• Cameron Boomgaarden, Vann Brothers, Yuba City
• Hillary DeCarl, Del Rey Avocado Company, Fallbrook
• Allison Dericco, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg
• Will Dyt, Dyt Dairy, Nuevo
• Jarred Greene, Nickel Family, Firebaugh
• Rachael Laenen, Kimball Ranches – El Hogar, Santa Paula
• Lizandro Magana, California Olive Ranch, Red Bluff
• Patty Martinez, Marz Family Farms Inc., Somis
• Timothy “Boomer” Murray, Murray Ag Real Estate Team, Visalia
• Consuelo Fernandez Noguera, Brokaw Nursery, Ventura
• Carson Pettit, RPAC LLC, El Dorado Hills
• Janeth Quintero, Naturipe Berry Growers Inc., Salinas
• Jenny Scheer, Water and Land Solutions, Chico
• Theresa Schneider, A&J Family Farms Inc., Chico
• Tony Shelton, The Wonderful Company, Bakersfield
• Andrew Smith, County of Sonoma, Santa Rosa
• Trevor Tauzer, Tauzer Apiaries, Davis
• Linda Torres, Constellation Brands Inc., Healdsburg
• Jamie Valdovinos, USDA-Risk Management Agency, Windsor

 

Media Contact:
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)
CALF Marketing and Communications Coordinator
mritchie@agleaders.org

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MONTEREY — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is hosting the Dean Brown Winemaker Dinner to celebrate agriculture, winemaking, education and community. The dinner fundraiser will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 at the Paris Valley Road Estate Winery in Paso Robles, owned by California Agricultural Leadership Program alumnus Craig Stoller. 

The menu, featured below, includes award-winning wines along with an exquisite multi-course meal prepared by chef Joe White, trained at Le Cordon Bleu and certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.  

• Cocktail hour: Cheese and charcuterie with 2020 Sparkling. 
• First course: Burrata salad with 2021 Chenin Blanc. 
• Second course: Short ribs and scallops with 2019 Le Rendez-Vous. Vegetarian option available. 
• Dessert: Panna cotta with 2020 Fleur D’Orange. 

 The cost is $400 per person or $3,200 for a table of eight. Proceeds benefit CALF and its mission of “Growing leaders who make a difference.” For tickets, sponsorships and a detailed menu, visit the event page.  

About Dean Brown and CALF
Dean Brown was a co-founder of CALF, a nonprofit dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. 

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MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has hired Raven Mariani (formerly Castro) as its new alumni engagement manager, effective July 22.

Mariani’s primary responsibilities include the advancement of the foundation through the development and implementation of alumni relations programs and outreach strategies. The position promotes a culture of service volunteerism among the alumni in a supportive and background role.

“We are delighted to welcome Raven to CALF’s dedicated team of professionals, and she will be a key partner in our continued engagement with alumni leaders throughout the state and beyond,” CALF Executive Vice President Abby Taylor-Silva (Class 45) said. “Raven’s background as an educator and her work experience supporting and positively impacting California agriculture complements our mission, vision and values and will positively influence CALF’s alumni community today and into the future.”

Mariani joins the foundation after eight years as an agriculture instructor and FFA program coordinator in Northern California. Prior to teaching, she served as the member relations and marketing coordinator at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. Mariani is deeply rooted in the agriculture industry, drawing from her family’s six-generation farming heritage in Yolo County. Growing up, her family tended to diverse crops – from rice ranches to walnut orchards – instilling in her a profound commitment to land preservation and sustainable farming practices. Mariani earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and her master’s degree in agriculture education from UC Davis. She is involved with Young Farmers & Ranchers and the Yolo Food Bank.

“As a steadfast advocate for agriculture, I am very excited to embrace a new opportunity as the alumni engagement manager for the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” Mariani said. “I look forward to leveraging my skills and passion to connect with and inspire alumni, fostering a vibrant community dedicated to advancing agriculture.”

ABOUT CALF
CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. 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 and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.

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MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council will present the 2024 Lifetime Leadership Award to Mike Campbell, Paul Martin, Ed McLaughlin and John Muller on June 27 in Monterey. The award honors California Agricultural Leadership Program alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. 

“We are proud to honor these four incredible individuals who embody servant leadership,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (35). “As lifelong leaders and role models, they have selflessly served the agriculture industry and their communities to make lasting and meaningful impacts. We applaud them for their dedication, passion and valuable contributions over many decades.”  

This year’s recipients will be recognized during the CALF Alumni Conference on June 27 at the Monterey Conference Center. A reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by The Farmer’s Table – Celebration Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the award ceremony. The cost to attend is $175 per person. For event and RSVP information, visit agleaders.org/events. 

 

ABOUT THE AWARD RECIPIENTS 

Mike Campbell (Class 3), of Clarksburg, has provided outstanding leadership to agriculture, higher education, his community and CALF. Following military service, he farmed in the Sacramento Delta during the 1970s and early 1980s and began his volunteer service. In 1982, he was chosen to serve as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C., the second farmer selected in the 70-year history of the program. His service to UC Davis includes leadership roles in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Cal Aggie Alumni Association. The university and college have recognized him for his service and leadership. Campbell also played an instrumental role in the creation of UC Merced. He has generously given back to his community through his leadership of organizations supporting youth and community enhancement, the latest being his leadership to restore the community’s landmark 1883 Schoolhouse as a Delta Welcome, History and Education Center. He is respected for his extensive work on Delta projects that benefit the region, including as president and co-founder of the Delta Leadership Foundation. His dedicated leadership with CALF includes campus coordinator for 13 years, Alumni Council director and host of numerous CALF recruitment events, dinners for the new classes and Class 3 reunions in his home. 

“The Ag Leadership Program has been a wonderful gift in my life since 1972,” said Campbell. “I am very grateful to my nominators, the Alumni Council and the foundation for this wonderful recognition. Receiving this prestigious award from an organization that has done so much to enrich my life makes me feel extremely proud and humbled.” 

Paul Martin (Class 10), of Petaluma, has been a prominent leader in agriculture with a focus on the dairy industry and his county. He grew up on the family dairy in Petaluma and after graduating from UC Davis in 1965, volunteered for the U.S. Army. Upon his return from Vietnam in the early 1970s, Martin and his wife, Jill, operated the dairy. In the late 1990s, he joined Western United Dairymen (WUD) as the local field representative and within a few years became its director of environmental services. With his dairy background, career at WUD, work with federal and state agencies and service on many industry boards, Martin was known as a collaborator and trailblazer that made a positive difference for dairy farmers. He also mentored countless industry professionals about environmental law, regulatory prowess and leadership lessons. In 2012, he was appointed as a deputy director in the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. After two years, he retired to Two Rock Valley, the family’s 105-year-old ranch, where they run a small herd of beef cattle. Additionally, Martin has dedicated his time to UC Davis programs, community activities and volunteer firefighting. He has been honored by UC Davis and organizations for his leadership. 

“This is a wonderful award and I am absolutely honored that you felt I am worthy of receiving it,” said Martin. “To say I was surprised is an understatement at best. Recognition by Ag Leadership and its alumni – who have themselves done so much for agriculture – is very touching! A special thanks goes to my friends and colleagues who submitted my nomination. It means a lot to me.”  

Ed McLaughlin (Class 11), of Durham, has been an exceptional leader in the agriculture industry, his county and community. A longtime almond and walnut farmer, he has held leadership roles for myriad industry organizations, including the Butte County Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau and the Butte County Farm City Celebration. He served on the Silver Dollar Fair – Third District Agricultural Association for more than 25 years, including several terms as president. McLaughlin has also focused his time and efforts on groundwater as a founding member of the Butte County Tuscan Water District and Ag Groundwater Users of Butte County. His commitment to local schools and youth is reflected in volunteerism for the Chico High School Friends of Agriculture, Durham Unified School District board, Little League and FFA. McLaughlin also demonstrated his leadership and tireless work on important issues while serving on the Butte County Board of Supervisors from 1984-1996, including several terms as chair. He is known for his hard work, enthusiasm, positive attitude and dedication. He has been honored by the Butte County Farm Bureau and Farm City Celebration for his leadership and service. 

“I was very surprised and humbled to be receiving this award since there are so many other deserving alumni who work tirelessly to protect and promote California’s most important industry,” said McLaughlin. “I would like to thank my family, friends and all the Ag Leadership alumni for this very humbling award. Also, thank you to Ag Leadership staff, volunteers and donors who deserve the credit for the program’s success.” 

John Muller (Class 8), of Half Moon Bay, has been an exemplary leader at the local, regional, state and national level. For decades, “Farmer John” and his wife, Eda, owned and operated a pumpkin and flower farm, through which they welcomed thousands of visitors annually and took the farm experience to urban schools. Deeply connected to his community, he served on the Half Moon Bay City Council and as mayor, volunteers for many local events and donates seeds to various groups. His service to agriculture and water issues includes the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board, Coastside County Water District board and the Association of California Water Agencies – Region 5. He also served on the American Florists Government Relations Committee, the U.S. EPA Local Government Advisory Committee and a USDA trade advisory committee. Since 2007, he has been a member of the FBI Citizens Academy in the San Francisco Bay region. A steadfast supporter of Ag Leadership since commencing from the program, Muller served on the Ag Leadership Alumni board, CALF board and the Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program committee. A U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran, Muller has been honored with several awards for his leadership and volunteerism, including the 2008 President’s Volunteer Service Award. 

“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by Ag Leadership, an organization that so deeply shaped my life and gave me the tools to become a leader,” said Muller. “Thank you to Ag Leadership for accepting me into Class 8, to alumni for the friendship and support over these 45 years, to the amazing founders of this program, to the four partner universities and to those who have chosen me for this award.” 

 

ABOUT
CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. 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 and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. 

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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 

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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. 

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