CALF Events Class 56 Inauguration & Ag Leadership Awards 2026 October 21, 2026 By Jessica Lara Share: A Night of Leadership, Legacy and New Beginnings: Celebrating the 2026 Ag Leadership Awards and Class 56 InaugurationOn October 2, 2026, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) brought together alumni, industry leaders, supporters, friends and family in Fresno for an inspiring evening celebrating leadership, service and the future of California agriculture. The annual Ag Leadership Awards Ceremony and Class 56 Inauguration. We honored five distinguished alumni whose contributions have made a lasting impact on agriculture and their communities, while officially welcoming 24 new Fellows into the California Agricultural Leadership Program.The evening was a powerful reminder of the connections, commitment and shared purpose that continue to strengthen the Ag Leadership community across generations.Honoring a Legacy of LeadershipA highlight of the evening was recognizing five exceptional alumni whose leadership extends far beyond their professional accomplishments. Lifetime Leadership Awards were presented to:Alfonso “Al” Guilin (Class 1)Steve Heringer (Class 9)Doug Circle (Class 25)Watch their Videos: Profiles in Leadership Awards were presented to:Correen Davis (Class 45)Brian Talley (Class 30)Watch their Videos: Class Challenge WinnersThe evening also included a special recognition for Class 22, winners of the Ag Leadership Class Challenge!Congratulations to Class 22 for earning this year’s recognition and demonstrating the lasting connections and spirit of giving that make the Ag Leadership alumni network so special. Their commitment is a reminder that the Ag Leadership journey extends well beyond graduation. Welcoming Class 56The evening also marked an exciting new chapter as 24 individuals from across California were officially inaugurated as Class 56 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.Fellows represent a diverse cross-section of California agriculture, including farming, agricultural services, water and natural resources, conservation, government, technology and food production. Explore the Evening’s HighlightsView photos from the 2026 Ag Leadership Awards Ceremony and Class 56 Inauguration, available to download, and watch our event recap video to experience highlights from this special celebration. View the Photo Gallery