News & Resources News Releases Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 56 January 20, 2026 Read More Breakfast Fundraisers at Colusa Farm Show and World Ag Expo Set for February 2026 December 09, 2025 Read More California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award & Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients September 03, 2025 Read More Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 56 January 20, 2026 Applications are now open for Class 56 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a transformative leadership experience for individuals shaping the future of California agriculture. The program invites mid-career individuals from across the agricultural industry to apply. Led by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), the Ag Leadership Program has spent more than five decades developing leaders who drive positive change. With more than 1,500 alumni, program graduates serve as trusted leaders and engaged citizens across agriculture, business, government, and communities throughout California and across the globe. “Ag Leadership pushed me to look inward and grow not just as a better farmer, but as a more intentional leader grounded in purpose,” said Jake Barcellos (Class 54), a fourth-generation farmer with A-Bar Ag Enterprises. “It shaped how I show up for my community and my family, reinforcing that leadership is lived every day through the example we set. If you’re ready to grow personally and professionally, Ag Leadership is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.” The immersive program is designed to stretch perspectives, strengthen leadership capacity, and deepen understanding of the complex systems that influence agriculture. Fellows engage in a dynamic curriculum focused on leadership development, effective communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and navigating change. Through individualized coaching, experiential learning, and facilitated dialogue, participants gain the confidence and clarity needed to lead with purpose in an evolving global landscape. Each class is limited to 24 fellows, creating a highly selective and personalized leadership experience. “For more than 56 years, the Ag Leadership Program has focused on developing leaders who are prepared to make a meaningful impact across California agriculture and their communities,” said Lesa Eidman (Class 49), president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. “We are seeking individuals who are curious, committed, and ready to invest in their own growth while helping shape the future of our industry.” The program includes approximately 55 days of formal programming delivered over 17-months through an integrated curriculum supported by CALF’s five partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, Chico State, and UC Davis. Fellows learn from distinguished educators and thought leaders and participate in national and international travel seminars that broaden global awareness, explore public policy, and examine the cultural and economic forces shaping agriculture. CALF invests more than $70,000 per fellow to deliver this life-changing experience, made possible through the generosity of alumni, individual donors, and industry partners. Prospective applicants are encouraged to connect with program alumni and attend a prospective applicant event to learn more about the Ag Leadership journey. More information and the application forms are available at https://www.agleaders.org/class56apply/ Phase One of the three-phase application process must be completed by March 27, 2026. Early applications are encouraged. About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State. Media Contact: Jessica Lara CALF Marketing and Communications Manager jlara@agleaders.org Breakfast Fundraisers at Colusa Farm Show and World Ag Expo Set for February 2026 December 09, 2025 MONTEREY, Calif. — December 9, 2025, The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the upcoming Ag Leadership breakfast fundraisers at the Colusa Farm Show and World Ag Expo. These long-standing events bring together alumni, industry partners and friends of agriculture for meaningful connection, inspiration and community. More than just gatherings, these breakfasts are significant fundraisers that directly support CALF’s mission of growing leaders who make a difference across California agriculture. Attendees will enjoy engaging keynote speakers, celebrate industry leadership and contribute to the continued growth of the Ag Leadership Program. 24th Annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast — Feb. 4, 2026 The 2026 Colusa Farm Show Breakfast will be held at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Saint Bernadette’s Hall, Colusa. Keynote Speaker: Don Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Cameron is General Manager of Terranova Ranch and a recognized pioneer in groundwater recharge in the San Joaquin Valley. Farming 25 diverse crops in a district with no surface water rights, he has led innovative groundwater sustainability efforts while serving in leadership roles with the California Tomato Growers Association, California Cotton Alliance, Western Growers Association and the McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency. 32nd Annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast — Feb. 12, 2026 The 2026 breakfast will take place at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 in the VIP Tent South, International Agri-Center, Tulare. Keynote Speaker: David Carr, former Fresno State star, No. 1 NFL Draft pick and Super Bowl champion. Carr led Fresno State to an 11–3 season, earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy, and became the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Over his NFL career, he played for the Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants — winning a Super Bowl title in 2011. Today, he is a lead analyst for the NFL Network, hosts a weekly iHeart Media program and co-hosts the Home-Grown podcast. These signature events not only fuel CALF’s leadership development programs but also strengthen the network of alumni and supporters who power the future of California agriculture. We invite our Ag Leadership community and industry partners to join us, reconnect and invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape our fields, businesses and communities. Tickets are available now at: www.agleaders.org/events/ About the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,500 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State. Media Contact: Jessica Lara Marketing and Communications Manager California Agricultural Leadership Foundation California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award & Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients September 03, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE California Ag Leadership Foundation to Honor 2025 Lifetime Leadership Award & Profiles in Leadership Award Recipients September 3, 2025 – Monterey, California — The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious leadership awards. These awards recognize Ag Leadership Program alumni for leadership actions that have had an impact on our industry, communities, and the Foundation. “We are honored to celebrate Dr. Peggy Perry, Bart Fisher, Mike Boeger, and Dino Giacomazzi for their outstanding leadership and service,” said Lesa Eidman, President & CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. “Each of these honorees exemplifies servant leadership. Through their vision, integrity, and commitment, they have advanced California agriculture, enriched the lives of others, and set a powerful example for future leaders. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.” Lifetime Leadership Award The Lifetime Leadership Award celebrates alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lives, making significant and lasting contributions to California agriculture, their industries, and their communities. Dr. Peggy Sears Perry (Class 9) Professor Emeritus at Cal Poly Pomona, Dr. Perry has dedicated nearly four decades to teaching plant science and leadership. A longtime member of the CALF Education Team, she has advanced agricultural literacy and leadership development for generations of California leaders. Bart Fisher (Class 5) A third-generation farmer from Blythe, Bart Fisher has led on Colorado River water issues for more than 30 years, serving on agricultural boards and negotiating landmark agreements. Under his leadership, Fisher Farms successfully transitioned to its second century while he mentored countless leaders and served his community. Profiles in Leadership Award Established in 1995, the Profiles in Leadership Award honors alumni whose purposeful and impactful actions have benefited industry, community, government, education, or the environment. Mike Boeger (Class 7) A rice farmer and education advocate, Mike Boeger transformed Butte Community College as board president and strengthened the rice industry through his leadership on the California Rice Research Board. His service reflects integrity, innovation, and commitment to future generations. Dino Giacomazzi (Class 36) A fourth-generation farmer from Hanford, Dino Giacomazzi is known for innovation and advocacy. He founded organizations to address water, education, and dairy issues, and has been a pioneer in ag-tech and digital outreach, connecting and inspiring California agriculture. This year’s recipients will be recognized during the Class 55 Inauguration & Awards Dinner on October 3, 2025, in Fresno, California. The evening will begin with a welcome reception hosted by the Alumni Council at 5:45 p.m., followed by the awards presentation and the inauguration of Class 55. Ticket and RSVP information is available at agleaders.org/events. About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,400 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State. Media Contact: Jessica Lara CALF Marketing & Communications Manager jlara@agleaders.org 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. Upcoming Events Jun 25 Region 1 Reconnect Social & Dinner Join us for the Region 1 Reconnect Social and Dinner! Learn More Jul 16 Ag Leadership Social at the Salinas Rodeo Join Ag Leadership Alumni at the Salinas Rodeo! Learn More Jul 16 Ag Leadership Social at the Stanislaus County Fair Join Ag Leadership Alumni at the Stanislaus County Fair! Learn More More Ag Leadership Events