News & Resources News Releases California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New President and CEO January 22, 2025 Read More Breakfast Fundraisers at Colusa Farm Show, World Ag Expo in February 2025 December 03, 2024 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients October 01, 2024 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New President and CEO January 22, 2025 MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announced that Lesa Eidman has been selected as its new president and CEO, effective Feb. 18. Eidman will succeed Dwight Ferguson, who has served in the position since October 2020. “We are thrilled to welcome Lesa to the Ag Leadership team as our new president and CEO,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young. “Lesa brings to the role a deep connection to Ag Leadership, as a graduate of Class 49 and an actively engaged alum, as well as an inspiring vision for the future of Ag Leadership and California agriculture as a whole. Her passion and expertise will build on the strong foundation laid by Dwight and propel CALF to even greater heights.” Young also expressed his gratitude for Ferguson’s contributions over the past four and a half years. “Dwight has been instrumental in professionalizing our organization, leading our last strategic plan and positioning the foundation for long-term success and sustainability,” said Young. “His leadership has set the stage for an exciting future, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and service. On a personal note, Dwight has become a close friend and mentor, and I am truly sad to see him go.” Eidman has extensive experience with agricultural producers and associations over the past 20 years. Since 2015, she has worked for Superior Farms – North America’s top processor and marketer of lamb – first as director of producer resources and sustainability and for the past five years as vice president of sales. From 2003 to 2015, Eidman was the executive director of the California Wool Growers Association and California Pork Producers Association. Eidman is a third-generation agriculturalist with a family heritage rooted in education and production agriculture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and management from Fresno State and a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from UC Davis. “I am honored and excited to be the 10th president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” said Eidman. “CALF has a strong mission of growing leaders who make a difference, and I am eager to build on that foundation. My vision is to elevate the organization’s trajectory, expanding its reach and impact to address the challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture. Together with our dedicated team and alumni network, we will continue to empower transformative leadership and shape a brighter future for the agricultural industry.” 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. — Breakfast Fundraisers at Colusa Farm Show, World Ag Expo in February 2025 December 03, 2024 MONTEREY – Tickets are available for the Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 5 and the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 13. Over the past three decades, the annual events – which draw several hundred attendees at each venue – have raised more than $2.6 million collectively to help support California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) mission of growing leaders who make a difference, plus other educational efforts. 23rd Annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, owner and principal soil and agricultural scientist of Land IQ, is the keynote speaker at the 23rd annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 5. The event begins at 7 a.m. at Saint Bernadette’s Hall at 745 Ware St. in Colusa. Kimmelshue has more than 27 years of consulting experience focusing on practical and applied solutions for development and management of agricultural-based systems, especially irrigated systems. Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and remote sensing firm, has worked extensively with numerous agricultural, urban and environmental partners. Kimmelshue was raised and worked on a diversified tree and row crop farming operation in Durham and still maintains an ownership and management interest in the family farming operation. He is a member of Class 37 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. Hosted by alumni of the Chico State College of Agriculture, CALF and Alpha Gamma Rho, the breakfast has raised more than $600,000 for scholarships and leadership programs in its history. Sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased for $75 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. Contact: Mackenzie Bressler / 530-898-3737 / mbbressler@csuchico.edu 31st Annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast Hans Kabat, president of Cargill’s North American protein business, is the keynote speaker at the 31st annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 13. The event begins at 6:30 a.m. at the International Agri-Center (VIP Tent South) at 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare. Kabat leads a team of over 30,000 individuals who produce enough protein to feed 90 million people every single day. Having led protein teams in Thailand and China before his current role, Kabat delivers strategic leadership, a bold vision and a global perspective. He navigates through complex challenges to lead the protein industry to new, better and more efficient solutions. Kabat also has deep roots in agriculture having grown up on his family’s farm. He gained firsthand experience and a profound understanding of farming life that sparked his passion for the industry. Those values continue to shape his vision and leadership today. The breakfast is hosted by CALF alumni with support from Gallagher and sponsored by insurance company partners, including diamond sponsor The Zenith. It has raised more than $2 million for CALF since 1995. Tables of eight for $900 and individual tickets for $125 can be purchased via the event page. Contact: Jodi Litz / 831-585-1030 / jlitz@agleaders.org — California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients October 01, 2024 MONTEREY – The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council will honor Carlos Castañeda (36) and Steve McShane (33) with the 2024 Profiles in Leadership Award on Oct. 11 in Fresno. The award recognizes Ag Leadership Program alumni for leadership actions that result in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment. "I am delighted to watch our alumni making the kind of generational impact that agriculture and our communities need today,” said CALF Board Chairman Mike Young (35). “Carlos and Steve exemplify true servant leadership, and I commend their dedication to creating innovative solutions and partnerships that will leave a lasting mark on our industry and our state.” This year’s recipients will be recognized during a ceremony on Oct. 11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center in conjunction with the Class 54 inauguration. A welcome reception will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by the award ceremony, inauguration and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $40 per person. For event details and to purchase tickets, visit the event page. ABOUT THE AWARD RECIPIENTS Carlos Castañeda (Class 36) was selected as an awardee for his dedication to providing opportunities to farmworker communities. He has shown a commitment to giving farmworkers a pathway to work in the U.S. and build a life for themselves and their families. He lives in San Luis Obispo County and is the owner and president of Castañeda & Sons Inc. “To make a difference you don’t have to have a huge impact on a large number of people, or in a very pronounced and public way,” said Castañeda. “I’ve learned that the most impactful changes we’ve been able to make are on an individual level. The people we help are great parts of our communities who are raising phenomenal kids. What a feeling to make a difference in this way.” Through a partnership with the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples in Mexico, Castañeda has helped individuals find jobs in the U.S. through the H-2A program. His work has helped transform families and villages in rural Mexico. He has also donated vans in his parents’ home region in Mexico to provide transportation to students who would not otherwise have transportation to school. He hires 1,100 individuals annually to work in the U.S., with more than 95% of his workforce returning year after year. In the U.S., Castañeda has developed and partnered with others to provide housing for thousands of farmworkers. Steve McShane (33) was selected as an awardee for his leadership in public service. He has demonstrated continued commitment to improving his community through volunteerism and his work as a city council member. He lives in Monterey County and is the director of development and community relations at The Bridge Restoration Ministries. "Leaders in agriculture need to be bold and step out of their comfort zones,” said McShane. "I'm so grateful for the education and connections made thanks to Ag Leadership. The program propelled me to serve an elected office and taught me self-reliance and the importance of thinking long-term for our industry and communities.” McShane’s public service began in college when former Gov. Pete Wilson appointed him to the California Postsecondary Education Commission. He later worked for former State Sen. Bruce McPherson, served on the Salinas City Council for 14 years and as CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce for two years. As a city council member, he helped secure more than $200 million in capital improvements for the city and helped establish a community garden, an adopt-a-tree program and $100,000 in annual funding for public art. During many years of his public service, McShane operated McShane’s Nursery & Landscape Supply in Salinas. 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. — 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 Feb 06 Prospective Applicant & Alumni Gathering Join us in Clovis! Alumni are encouraged to bring a prospective applicant. Learn More Feb 08 Class 53 Commencement Celebrate Class 53 fellows as they commence from their 17-month journey. Learn More Feb 12 Breakfast Sponsor Reception Join the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast Committee to honor the generous sponsors. Learn More More Ag Leadership Events