Seeing and Influencing the Systems That Shape Agriculture

One of the most meaningful takeaways from our time in Washington, D.C. was learning to focus on the systems that shape outcomes in agriculture. Policy, research, agency implementation, and congressional relationships are deeply interconnected. As leaders, our influence depends on understanding how those systems function and how values‑driven leadership can shape them over time.

Starting With the Question

Our visit to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) offered an important window into systems‑level thinking. CSIS is a bipartisan American think tank focused on global policy, security, and strategic analysis. We heard from Caitlin Welsh, director of the Global Food and Water Security Program and an alumna of the CALF Washington, D.C. Educational Exchange Program (D.C. Exchange). Her experience working with small‑ and mid‑scale farmers in developing countries, alongside advanced agricultural systems such as those in California, grounded her perspective in both policy and practice.

One statement stayed with us:

“We start with the question, not the answer.”

That deceptively simple approach reflects integrity in analysis and respect for complexity. In a policy environment often driven by predetermined conclusions, CSIS’s commitment to nonpartisan and bipartisan inquiry underscores the role of excellence in leadership. Ms. Welsh shared her belief that food and water systems are inseparable from national security, and she described a portfolio spanning water security, animal disease threats such as avian influenza and screwworm, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence in crop breeding, and early detection systems.

These are not isolated issues. They are interconnected parts of a global system in which agriculture, security, and innovation rise or fall together. As we prepared for international travel, Ms. Welsh encouraged us to remain curious and open, reminding us that understanding how people live day to day in different cultures is foundational to effective leadership.

Learning From a System Built to Last

Our systems lens continued in our meeting with Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Formed in response to the Dust Bowl, NRCS recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The agency is a powerful reminder of how government institutions can serve the long‑term needs of agriculture.

Ms. Bettencourt spoke clearly about NRCS’s commitment to:

“Keeping working lands in working hands.”

That principle reflects respect for producers and a long‑term view of stewardship. She outlined NRCS priorities that function together as a system of support, including protecting agricultural lands, investing in infrastructure improvements, providing strong field‑based technical assistance, strengthening accountability, simplifying processes, and advancing outcomes‑based approaches.

Drawing on her experience with the Almond Alliance and her upbringing in agriculture, Ms. Bettencourt emphasized the importance of providing growers with clear, practical, and no‑nonsense information. She highlighted transparency as an essential leadership value and shared that NRCS is actively soliciting feedback on practice standards. Systems improve, she reminded us, when those most impacted are invited into the conversation.

Influence Happens Through Relationships

Our congressional visits reinforced that influencing systems requires persistence, clarity, and relationships built over time. Staff from the House Majority Agriculture Committee emphasized that the most effective way to shape policy is for producers to tell their own stories directly through district meetings, correspondence, and sustained engagement.

They consistently returned to three principles of effective advocacy:

• Building coalitions
• Working across the aisle
• Grounding stories in credible data

Together, these practices reflect excellence in leadership and respect for the democratic process, reminding us that systems respond best to consistent, informed, and collaborative engagement.

Several Members of Congress brought these principles to life in distinct ways. Congressman David Valadao spoke openly about the resilience required to represent one of the nation’s most contested districts marked by  consistently close elections. He emphasized staying focused on the issues rather than ideology and maintaining a willingness to listen to perspectives different from his own. His reflections underscored how durable systems depend on leaders who are steady, pragmatic, and responsive to those they represent.

Congressman Adam Gray described himself as an independent thinker, unafraid to take positions that may be unpopular when he believes they are right. He referenced a quote attributed to General George S. Patton Jr. that captured both leadership courage and intellectual honesty:

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

His reflection highlighted the integrity required to challenge consensus and the responsibility leaders carry to think critically within complex systems, even when doing so brings discomfort.

Staff from Congressman Ami Bera’s office shared a quieter but equally powerful leadership lesson focused on kindness. They reflected on how the way an office treats one another directly influences how well they serve the public. Their perspective was a reminder that strong systems are built not only on policy and process, but on trust, respect, and healthy internal culture.

Congressman Josh Harder spoke about the importance of truly listening to the people he represents, a value he carried with him from his time in the business community and the classroom into public service. His remarks were a reminder that effective representation begins with understanding the voices behind the issues, and that leadership rooted in listening is what allows elected officials to speak with credibility on behalf of the communities they serve.

Congressman Jim Costa centered his remarks on three defining issues for California agriculture: labor, water, and trade. He spoke about these challenges through the lens of long‑term stewardship and service, emphasizing his deep sense of responsibility to the people he represents. His focus underscored how systems leadership requires holding immediate pressures alongside long‑range consequences.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta reflected on his commitment to bipartisan collaboration, noting that meaningful progress often comes from identifying shared goals rather than amplifying differences. His approach reinforced the idea that systems move forward when leaders actively seek common ground and remain committed to respectful dialogue.

As Fellows, these conversations challenged us to carefully consider where and how we invest our time and voice as leaders.

Leadership Within Systems

Together, these experiences clarified an essential leadership lesson. Systems are shaped by people, values, and sustained engagement. They evolve slowly and require leaders who show up consistently with integrity, pursue excellence in thought and action, and demonstrate respect for differing perspectives.

As California Agricultural Leadership Fellows, our responsibility is not only to understand these systems, but to engage them thoughtfully and constructively. Real influence comes from asking better questions, building durable relationships, and leading in ways that strengthen the systems we rely on to support agriculture for generations to come.

With Gratitude

We are especially grateful to the Members of Congress and their staff who took time to engage with us. We thank Congressman David Valadao, Congressman Adam Gray, Congressman Jim Costa, Congressman Josh Harder, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta for sharing their perspectives on leadership, public service, and the systems shaping California agriculture. We also appreciate the staff of Congressman Ami Bera’s office and the House Majority Agriculture Committee for their thoughtful guidance on effective advocacy, coalition building, and bipartisan engagement.

We extend our sincere thanks to Caitlin Welsh and the team at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and to Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, for their leadership and insight into the systems that influence policy, stewardship, and agricultural resilience.

Finally, we are deeply thankful to the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation donors, supporters, and staff whose generosity and commitment make these transformational learning opportunities possible. Their investment in leadership grounded in integrity, excellence, and respect continues to shape leaders who are prepared to engage and strengthen the systems that support California agriculture.

With gratitude,

Kelly, Jordon, Sadie, and Class 55