2014 Ag Leadership Award Recipients

h o r i z o n sCalifornia Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

WINTER 2015

2014 Ag Leadership Award Recipients

We grow leaders who make a difference.

EXEMPLARY LEADERS

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine

WINTER 2015 • www.agleaders.org

COVER STORY4 2014 Ag Leadership Award Recipients

FEATURES7 Get to Know Class 45 Fellows

10 Class 44 International Travel Seminar

14 Leadership Focus: Recruiting

DEPARTMENTS2 Foundation Message

2 Calendar of Events

3 Foundation News

16 Alumni Council & Events

17 Alumni & Fellows News

18 Donor Recognition

CALENDARFEBRUARY4 13th annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast 5 Region 6 recruitment event, Sun-Maid, Kingsburg5-7 Class 45 seminar, Fresno State6-7 Class 44 seminar, Fresno State6 CALF board of directors meeting, Fresno7 Class 44 commencement, Fresno State12 21st annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast

MARCH 3 Agricultural and Government Leaders Reception, Sacramento2-12 Class 45 national travel seminar9-11 D.C. Exchange selection committee trip26 Common Threads Award, luncheon/ceremony, Fresno State

APRIL13-15 Class 45 seminar, Cal Poly Pomona16 Common Threads North Award, luncheon/ceremony, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico22 Life-Long Leadership Learning Seminar, Dr. Peter Senge, Cal Poly Pomona

MAY14-16 Class 45 seminar, Cal Poly SLO15 Region 7 recruitment event/BBQ, Talley Vineyards, Arroyo Grande15 CALF board meeting, Talley Vineyards

CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORSChair/ Loren Booth

Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder Secretary - Treasurer/ Pierre Tada

Karm BainsBarbara Boswell

Edwin CampBob Cherenson

John ColbertA.G. Kawamura

Ejnar KnudsenJoe MacIlvaine

Jim MaxwellRod Stark

Mary-Ann WarmerdamMike Young

Rob Yraceburu

CALF STAFF President and CEO / Bob Gray

Director of Education / Dr. Michael ThomasLeadership Program Manager / Dr. Jim Ulrich

Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb Finance & Human Resources / Teresa Straub

Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Lazzerini

WRITER/EDITORMeredith Rehrman Ritchie

Liza Teixeira

DESIGNERTMDcreative

For staff email addresses, visit www.agleaders.org/about/foundation_staff

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SEMINAR

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THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2014The year opened with commencement in Pomona, a January event for the first time. After re-evaluating the demands of the new, intense, shorter program, two schedule changes were made: (1) a month was added back, to give fellows a break after their November international travel seminar and due to the November and December holidays, and (2) commence-ment was rescheduled to February, on a Saturday instead of a Wednesday, and relocated to the middle of the state. The program now begins and ends in Fresno. We hope that families, friends, employers, prospective applicants, alumni, donors and other stakeholders will find the loca-tion and timing more convenient for this event.

We saw a generous offer of financial sup-port from our board chair, Loren Booth (27), who acted to stimulate new or increased giving with a $1 million, dollar-for-dollar matching challenge grant. At the end of 2014, we matched about 25% of this total. Fortunately, Loren will al-low her challenge to remain open until it is met. Her own gift is designated for the endowment, in memory of her late father, but gifts for any purpose will be matched.

This was a timely move, because by mid-year the annual operating support from the James G. Boswell Foundation was reduced so that the Boswell Foundation could pursue other philanthropic endeav-ors. The Boswell Foundation’s support is still significant and very important, but two-thirds is now aimed at the partner universities (previously, two-thirds of a larger grant was aimed at Ag Leadership). So we have our work cut out for us to replace this generous philanthropy.

Our progress towards financial independ-ence continues, with further gains in our endowment (the restricted fund group). Our longer-term future has never been better. Since the endowment was created in 2004, it now stands at almost $16 million when all outstanding pledges are paid, after starting from a low base of some $3.3 million following the economic crisis of 2008-2009. Our challenge is to grow this endowment to $25 million and to cover short-term operating needs until the endowment matures. Again, we have our work cut out for us.

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FOUNDATION MESSAGE

HORIZONS MAGAZINE WINTER 2015

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Our message is not all about financial matters. Nothing could have been done effectively during 2014 without the support of dozens upon dozens of volunteers. We sincerely thank the Alumni Council and all the volunteers who made events and fundraisers and screening com-mittees and everything else we do happen. Nothing gets accomplished without willing and able persons like these, whose services often go unheralded because their names are not listed somewhere, the way cash contributors are listed. For all of you who gave your talent or time or both in 2014, we cannot thank you enough. And we cannot say this enough: thank you.

We also give thanks for talent spotting. For the past four years, the numbers of applicants have been at levels not seen for over a decade. This is largely due to your efforts to identify, cultivate and persuade qualified mid-career professionals to take a serious look at this pro-gram. We call it “leadership from the inside out” and we believe it addresses some fundamental developmental needs for effective leaders. To quote Dr. Pat Lattore, Ag Leadership has become once again “the best program in the country.” Thanks for spreading the word.

We added four new CALF board members: two alum and two non-alum, who have already brought energy and ideas to the table. The board now has a more recent graduate: Karm Bains (40). We are now in the third generation of alumni and need to include our newer alumni, espe-cially as the curriculum evolves to address the needs of the millennial generation.

We are preparing for some staff changes and a few have already oc-curred. CALF Program Advisor Dr. Charlie Crabb announced his intention to retire and we sought his replacement twice in 2014. We believe we have now found the person with the talent and background needed to function in Charlie’s position and to provide strong sup-port to CALF Director of Education Dr. Michael Thomas. Dr. Jim Ulrich will join us in early February. We lost the services of two of our part-time regional development officers – Lauren Grizzle (23) and John Weiler (22) – in August and December, respectively. Lauren accepted full-time employment in her hometown without a travel require-ment. John needed to focus on his job and the local hospital board. In December 2014, we hired Liza Teixeira as our new writer/editor. She will understudy Meredith Ritchie (28), our writer/editor for the past 12 years, who is taking a self-described “sabbatical” (more likely perma-nent break) starting in March 2015.

With change comes progress, but change is almost always a little bit painful. We hate to lose such good and wonderful people, but we know we have a duty to perpetuate the program and to persevere. So we carry on with enthusiasm, with optimism and with thanks to all of you for making everything that we do possible.

Dr. Jim Ulrich assists CALF’s director of education in managing and advancing the foundation’s educational programs and mission. In this role, he manages the recruitment process for Ag Leadership Program fellows and supports curricula development, delivery, evaluation and improvement in partnership with the director of education and core faculty members. Over the span of his career as an adult educator, Ulrich has written study guides on world food security, served as an advisor to an agricultural extension project in Kenya, and managed leadership development and succession planning programs for Fortune 500 corporations. From 2002 until January 2015, Ulrich and his wife lived in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was on the faculty of Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement, serving as team leader of the leadership faculty. Ulrich earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy of science from Brown University and a Ph.D. in adult and continuing education from Michigan State University.

Liza Teixeira works in a freelance writing and editing role for the foundation. Her responsibilities will include writing and editing Horizons magazine, In Touch e-newsletter, annual reports, news releases, website content and other projects; managing social media; and handling media relations. Her previous work experience includes director of communications for the International Agri-Center in Tulare, public relations specialist for the California Strawberry Commission and program coordinator for the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Teixeira was raised on a small farm in Hanford and has always had a passion for agriculture. She studied agricultural communications at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with a degree in agricultural science and a minor in agricultural business. While in college, she served as president of Cal Poly’s Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and editor for the Brock Center’s Ag Circle magazine. Teixeira also owns and operates The Flower Farm in Hanford. In her free time, she grows fresh cut flowers for farmers markets, weddings, special events and deliveries.

CALF Introduces NEW STAFF MEMBERSDr. Jim Ulrich joins the CALF team in early February as the new leadership program manager. To ensure a smooth transition process, Dr. Charlie Crabb will continue in a limited capacity as program advisor to support Ulrich and Dr. Michael Thomas. Liza Teixeira came on board in an assistant writer/editor capacity in December 2014. She will take over the position in March 2015, when Meredith Ritchie departs.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

DR. JIM ULRICH Leadership Program Manager

LIZA TEIXEIRA Writer/Editor

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Loren Booth, Chair Board of Directors

Bob Gray, President & CEO

FOUNDATION NEWS

WINTER 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE

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The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council bestowed the 2014 Ag Leadership Awards to three exemplary leaders – Nat DiBuduo, Mary Kimball and Lester Young. The award ceremony was held on Oct. 16 at Fresno State, in conjunction with the Class 45 inauguration.

DiBuduo (6) and Kimball (32) received the 2014 Profiles in Leadership Award, which recognizes Ag Leadership Program alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.

Young received the 2014 Honorary Fellow Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture. Honorary Fellows are also dedicated and longtime supporters of the Ag Leadership Program.

“We are proud to shine the spotlight on these deserving individuals for exhibiting outstanding leadership in work and volunteer endeavors,” said CALF President and CEO Bob Gray. “Nat, Mary and Lester are dedicated leaders who have made positive and significant contributions to the agriculture industry, communities and beyond. We thank them for their efforts and for making a difference.”

The award ceremony presentations are published on the following pages.

2 0 1 4 A g L e a d e rs h i p Awa r d s

- Written by Meredith RitchieCover and inside photos by Vannesa Wright

COVER STORY


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Mary is the executive director of the Center for Land-Based Learning, a nonprofit dedicated to creating the next generation of farmers and teaching California’s youth about the importance of agriculture and natural resource conservation.

She started with the center in 1998 as its first employee and with only one program and 30 high school students. She now oversees six programs in 18 counties: the FARMS Leadership Program, SLEWS Program, Growing Green Internship Program, Caring for our Watersheds, The Farm on Putah Creek, and California Farm Academy.

Through these programs, students learn key lessons on leadership and personal growth. Mary has demonstrated incredible dedication to educating and training students to understand agriculture and land stewardship and to also be active ambassadors for and participants in the industry.

Prior to working for the center, Mary was manager for the Yolo County Resource Conservation District Hedgerow Project. She helped farmers install native-plant hedgerows as buffers and to harbor beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science and management from UC Davis and a master’s degree in human and community development from The Ohio State University. She is a Class 15 alumnus of the American Leadership Forum Mountain Valley chapter.

Mary loves agriculture – and she has a long history of dedication to agriculture starting with her upbringing on the family farm in Yolo County. She has given her time, energy and enthusiasm to many local and regional groups.

She is immediate past chair of the Yolo County Planning Commission and co-chair of Sacramento Metro Chamber’s “Cap-to-Cap” Ag and Food Team. She served on the Yolo Land Trust board for eight years – three as chair. She is a member of the Yolo Community Foundation Advisory Circle and a founding member of the Yolo County Ag and Food Alliance. Mary was recently named to the State Environmental Literacy Task Force.

Mary’s commitment to the mission of the Ag Leadership Foundation has been exemplary. She served as Region 3 director for the Alumni Council for six years, has participated on the D.C. Exchange selection committee, helped organize the D.C. Exchange program in her region, and helped recruit several fellows for the Ag Leadership Program. I’m sure her classmates would agree that she has represented Class 32 well.

On behalf of the Center for Land-Based Learning, Mary received the U.S. Department of Interior’s 2013 Partners in Conservation Award and the 2003 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award. In 2004, she was honored with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Award of Distinction for Outstanding Young Alumna.

N at D i B u d u o Class 6

M a ry K i m ba ll Class 32

Nat is the president and CEO of Allied Grape Growers, a winegrape marketing cooperative representing nearly 600 members in California and producing 275,000 tons annually. He joined the organization in May 2000.

Nat’s former work experience ranged from being an independent consultant to managing 22,000 acres of several commodities in California and Arizona. In addition, he has developed, grown, harvested and marketed more than 40 varieties of grapes.

Nat was born and raised in the Fresno/Clovis area and grew up in agriculture. His family was among the first to plant varietal wine grapes in the San Joaquin Valley in the early 1970s. He earned his bachelor’s degree in plant science and viticulture and a minor in business administration from Fresno State.

Simply put, Nat is a workhorse when it comes to volunteerism. With his years of active involvement with numerous local and agricultural industry groups, he has shown true leadership, passion and commitment. He is also a well-known voice and strong advocate for the winegrape industry, speaking at events and frequently quoted in industry and mainstream news.

Nat has generously given his time to his alma mater. He is a member of the Fresno State Viticulture & Enology Industry Advisory Board and the Fresno State Foundation Board of Governors. He was also

a founding board member of the university’s Ag One Foundation.

Locally, Nat is on the board of directors for Friends of the Big Fresno Fair. He previously served on the board of the 21st District Agricultural Association–Big Fresno Fair. He spent 16 years on the Fresno City Planning Commission, including chair from 1995 to 1999. Last year, he became involved in the Creating Prosperity initiative for the city of Fresno and Fresno County.

And while that seems like a lot, there are still his ag industry endeavors. Nat is a board member for the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers, California Association of Winegrape Growers, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Ag Council of California, National Wine & Grape Initiative, and Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.

He is a past board member of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League. He is also a member of the California Farm Bureau’s Grape Advisory Committee. From 1983 to 1991, we were privileged to have Nat serve on the Ag Leadership Foundation board of directors.

We are not the only group to recognize Nat for his excellent leadership: He was named 2012 Leader of the Year by the California Association of Winegrape Growers, 2008 Distinguished Alumni of the Year by Fresno State, and 2007 Agriculturalist of the Year by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce.

COVER STORY


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D r. Lester Yo u n g

Dr. Young retired in September 2014 as dean of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Agriculture, a position he held since January 2009.

His remarkable 36-year career at Cal Poly included several other positions – interim dean, associate dean, associate vice president of student affairs, and professor and lecturer of agricultural biology.

Lester received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from California State University-Los Angeles, a master’s degree in bioscience from California State University-East Bay and his Ph.D. in entomology from U.C. Berkeley.

Lester was passionate about carrying out the mission and goals of the College of Agriculture, and he remained optimistic despite significant budget cuts. He provided faculty leadership and staff support to achieve excellence in teaching, research and professional development. He encouraged faculty to pursue grants and get involved in the industry.

He also provided oversight and management of 2,000 acres of field crops, vineyards and livestock. Prior to Lester’s move to the dean’s office, he coordinated the ag biology program and the college’s successful faculty-student mentoring program.

Student success was very important to Lester. According to Peggy Perry in an article, his strength was his focus on students. She said, “Les has been able to contribute in many different aspects of the university – teaching, advising and mentoring, being a university-level administrator, and guiding a college. Not everyone has the skills to be active at so many levels.”

Lester volunteered for various committees and groups, including the California State University Agricultural Advisory Committee and Academic Affairs Division Budget Advisory Committee. He served 12 years on the Cal Poly Pomona Asian-Pacific Faculty Staff Student Association.

He also served on the boards of the American Association of Schools and Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources and LEAD21, a leadership and professional development training program for faculty and professionals in the land-grant system.

Recognizing his achievements and leadership, Lester was a recipient of the College of Agriculture Adviser of the Year Award and the university’s Champion of Diversity Award. In his capacity as dean, Lester served on the California Ag Leadership Foundation board, the Dean’s Council and on Ag Leadership candidate screening committees.

We are immensely grateful for Lester’s service, insight and leadership. He was always a friendly and welcoming host for Ag Leadership at Cal Poly. He will be missed as one of our outstanding partner university deans, and we wish him the best in retirement.

Honorary Fellow Award

Photo by Deanna Stewart, Cal Poly Pomona

COVER STORY


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CLASS 45

Derek is a colleague for The Morning Star Company, the world’s largest tomato processor that offers a full line of tomato ingredients. He is involved in all aspects of the tomato supply chain, and is responsible for pack planning, price negotiation and managing supplier relationships. For two affiliate companies, he oversees transplant/harvest scheduling and markets hay and silage.

Correen is the managing partner and chair of Gorrill Ranch, her fam-ily’s fourth generation farm in Butte County that grows rice, almonds, pecans, prunes and walnuts. She is involved in the day-to-day aspects of running the farm – from monthly budgeting, capital expenditure deci-sions and human resources to family board meetings, strategic planning and marketing the crops.

Matt is a fifth generation grower and manager of his family’s 125-year-old farm near Fresno. He and his father own and operate Double E Farms, a 1,250-acre diversified farming operation consisting of almonds, walnuts, wine grapes and raisins. Matt also owns and operates Efird Ag Enterprises, a commercial harvesting, trucking and brush shredding company.

Lucas is a senior loan officer for Farm Credit West, a member-owned financial services cooperative that is one of California’s leading agricultural lenders. He grew up working on his family’s farm in Wasco, where his father is a first generation farmer who grows 240 acres of almonds, pistachios and table grapes, and operates a custom pistachio, cotton and wheat harvesting company.

Rob is vice president of West Valley Farming for Paramount Farming Company, the world’s largest grower and processor of almonds and pistachios. He manages farming operations on more than 17,000 acres of almonds and pistachios, as well as the harvest of 30,000 acres of pistachios.

Stephanie is the shipping manager for Sierra Valley Almonds, an almond grower, processor and huller/sheller that provides kernels and in-shell products globally. She works with production and marketing to create a timely, cost-effective export supply chain. She manages all aspects of the company’s shipping operations, including oversight of compliance and regulations, international logistics and documentation.

Tou is the assistant general manager of water resources for the Turlock Irrigation District, which provides water and power to farms, businesses and homes. He is responsible for multiple aspects of the district’s business, including water operations, construction and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, engineering, dam safety, fleet, facilities, and the recreation agency.

Tyson is a production specialist for DuPont Pioneer, the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics providing high-quality seeds. He specializes in sunflower oil seed production. Tyson advises growers in achieving optimal yields, high seed quality, and works at ensuring genetic purity. He also farms on his own, producing various row crops and alfalfa/grass hay.

Derek AzevedoGustine

Rob Goff Bakersfield

Correen DavisDurham

Stephanie GonzalesFirebaugh

Matthew EfirdCaruthers

Tou HerMerced

Lucas EspericuetaBakersfield

Tyson HeusserGridley

GET TO KNOW 4545


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Chris is the assistant general manager for Nichols Farms, a family-owned operation that grows, processes, packs, ships and markets pistachios. He helps manage the manufacturing process from the silo until they are shipped to the customer.

Stanley is a senior vice president with Pearson Realty, an agricultural and commercial real estate firm. He is a licensed California real estate broker and specializes in the representation of clients, buying or selling farm properties in the greater Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare County areas.

Brad is a national product manager working in the deli division headquarters of Taylor Farms, North America’s largest value-added produce supplier. His role includes sales, new product development, and overseeing pricing for all products made at the company’s Tracy plant. Brad is a sixth-generation Californian whose family started farming in the San Joaquin Valley in the early 1900s.

Cameron is a sixth generation grape grower and partner/vineyard manager of Mauritson Farms. His family has been growing grapes in Sonoma County for more than 140 years and still farms on their original homestead. Cameron manages more than 400 acres of wine grapes in Sonoma and Lake counties. He is involved in all aspects of vineyard operations and winery relations.

Jeff is the vice president and a partner with his father of Central California Raisin Packing Company, his family’s business that grows, sorts, packs and ships raisins. He focuses on the daily operations of the business, as well as all governmental affairs. Jeff also manages operations and coordinates logistics with the company’s partner, Mariani Packing.

Justin is a vice president and relationship manager for Wells Fargo Bank, the nation’s largest commercial bank agricultural lender. He works alongside agricultural companies by providing customized financial solutions. His client base includes growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors and exporters in Fresno and Madera counties.

Brian is the chief operations officer of AgriCare, Inc., a full service farm management company that manages 8,500 acres of conventionally and organically grown citrus, mandarins, blueberries, table grapes and olives. He oversees the daily farm management operations in Kern, Tulare and Fresno counties. Brian grew up working in cotton farming operations.

Lauren is a fourth generation dairy farmer and assistant operations manager for Fred Rau Dairy, Inc. She assists with the management of the family’s dairy and farming operations, which has a Holstein herd and grows alfalfa, corn, wheat, almonds and grapes. Her main responsibilities include safety compliance, human resources management, support stock management, and crop planning.

Chris JensenVisalia

Jeff MilinovichFresno

Stanley Kjar, Jr.Fresno

Justin MoreheadFresno

Brad LindemannLivermore

Brian NeufeldExeter

Cameron MauritsonHealdsburg

Lauren ReidCaruthers

CLASS 45

GET TO KNOW 4545


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Justin is an agronomist and pest control advisor for the J.G. Boswell Company, one of the largest cotton and tomato producers in California. He is involved in all aspects of crop production and his responsibilities include ground work, pest control, fertilization and irrigation for cotton and tomatoes. He also evaluates new methods to improve crop fertility, soil health and irrigation efficiency.

Abby is the vice president of policy and communications for the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, a 340-member agricultural trade association spanning the coastal region encompassing Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties. She oversees its environmental policy programs, including water and food safety.

Ravi is a second generation farmer and managing partner for Thiara Orchards. His family grows peaches, prunes, almonds, walnuts and persimmons. The family also operates two prune dehydrators. Ravi is involved in the day-to-day management of the ranches and management of the dehydrator at harvest. He oversees all aspects of budgets, tax reporting and expansion.

Devon is a third generation farmer and partner in Yurosek Farms, a 1,500-acre family business that specializes in growing pistachios, pomegranates and cherries. The business also harvests, roasts and bags pistachios under its own label. Devon manages the farming operations with his brother and dad and is involved in purchasing, budgeting and long-term planning related to the ranches.

Rick is the senior vice president of strategy and administration for The Sun Valley Rice Company, which processes and distributes sushi rice worldwide. He works with the management team on strategic planning and business development opportunities. Rick is also a partner in a rice farming operation in Colusa and Sutter counties.

Jane is the office administrator and bookkeeper for Roberti Ranch, her family-owned and operated beef cattle and alfalfa hay ranch in the Sierra Valley. The ranch is comprised of 6,000 acres of rangeland, alfalfa and irrigated meadows, with about 400 head of cattle and 10,000 tons of hay produced annually.

Yvonne is the senior manager in ag transportation for G3 Enterprises, Inc., a Gallo family company that offers labels, closures, logistics services, full-service bottling and technical services for the wine industry. She manages the largest wine grape transportation business, operating several locations in California. She moves over 55,000 loads a season and up to 28,000 tons on a peak day.

Jason is an agricultural inspector for the San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. He provides regulatory guidance to growers and pest control businesses regarding pesticides and monitors pesticide use. He has worked in pest prevention, inspecting nursery plant shipments for invasive pests and providing outreach to growers regarding treatments for the Asian citrus psyllid.

Rick RhodyYuba City

Justin SpellmanCorcoran

Jane RobertiLoyalton

Abby Taylor-SilvaSalinas

Yvonne SamsOakdale

Ravi ThiaraYuba City

Jason SchwartzeOceanside

Devon YurosekBakersfield

CLASS 45

Photos by Vannesa Wright


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“In judging our progress as individuals, we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one’s social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education…but internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one’s development as a human being: honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, purity, generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve your fellow men – qualities within the reach of every human soul.” —Nelson Mandela, in a 1975 letter to Winnie Mandela

Each day of Class 44’s international travel seminar was highlighted with a poignant Nelson Mandela quote. The quotes were used as themes to frame the fellows’ experiences with and understanding about the people, cultures, histories, changes and leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Fellows began their journey in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and then embarked on a captivating exploration of Southern Africa. They witnessed the full spectrum of existences: an affluent metropolis, growing urban areas, small village farms and large vineyards, wildlife conservation areas, townships and slums.

“Africa was a near perfect region for an Ag Leadership international experience because the leadership examples – good or bad – were right there in front of us at every stop,” said CALF Director of Education Dr. Michael Thomas. “Along with the leadership lessons, the fellows had strong emotional connections. They really responded to the variety of learning experiences and I think they all changed in some way.”

The main lessons studied before and during the seminar were Nelson Mandela’s leadership and legacy; the disparate leadership styles of Mandela and Robert Mugabe; differences between Zambia and Zimbabwe; and South Africa as a completely different example of history, progress and leadership.

Lessons Learned in Southern Africa



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UNITED ARAB EMIRATESLanding in Dubai, the city served as a way for the fellows to acclimate to the Arabic world and learn more about the Muslim culture and Islamic faith. Once a small fishing village, Dubai has grown into an opulent cosmopolitan city featuring engineering and architectural accomplishments. The fellows also visited sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Two days later, they began to see the stark contrasts between UAE and the African countries.

ZAMBIAZambia was far from UAE – in distance, geogra-phy, people, culture and wealth. It may be one of Africa’s most urbanized countries and fastest grow-ing economies, but much of the country remains underdeveloped and wild. Many citizens survive on subsistence agriculture; however, the Zambian agriculture industry has the greatest growth poten-tial. The government has made conservation a top priority by devoting land to conservation projects and national parks.

In Lusaka, fellows had insightful meetings with U.S. Embassy officials, Indaba Ag Policy Research Insti-tute, and University of Lusaka veterinary students. On their way out of town they visited Chikumbuso, a small orphanage/school in a poor area of Lusaka operated by women who are widows as a result of AIDS. Many of the children are considered AIDS orphans. “We were impressed with the industry of the women,” said Dr. Thomas. “They were raising funds to feed and educate children by making bags, tablet covers and jewelry. They did not have their hands out; instead they were becoming self sufficient while expressing gratitude for their blessings. Their gratitude and happiness were impressive.”

Fellows also explored conservation efforts on the Lower Zambezi and in Livingstone. At small vil-lages, they assisted with deworming goats and met with women supporting their village by growing vegetables for locals.

“Inspired by the hope of the women and children at Chikumbuso school. The majority of the children at the school have lost their parents to AIDS and the surviving mothers are HIV positive. Powerful leadership lessons. Perspective, hope and empower-ment.” —Heather Mulholland

“Seeing the U.S. Embassy, schools, orphan-age, and banana and mango farms, the country is alive and vibrant with people smiling and waving. Their love for life and resilience through so much adversity is a true wealth beyond anything a city like Dubai can ever construct.” —Gabe Cooper

“An elephant feeding on the banks of the Zambe-zi…this is only possible with the efforts to create the conservation areas throughout Africa. To have this opportunity to see, hear and enjoy the natural Africa is a testimony to leadership against so much corrup-tion and other hurdles, that perhaps with a similar will, other struggles like poverty and violence can be overcome.” —John Chandler

“We visited the small village of Nsongwe, where we met with 18 women who set up a small farm to provide food for the village as well as generate income by selling produce to local hotels in the Livingstone area. Women in this part of the world are rarely empowered; this is one bright spot of lead-ership and determination to make a better future.” —Justin Perino

“We met some remarkable vegetable farmers. These women live in a remote village with few amenities. But they grow beautiful vegetables for local hotels and grocery stores. They are part of a partnership that values local foods, empowering the community, educating children, eating healthy and respecting the environment. Here, local businesses are leaders, contributing funds and buying the pro-duce from these local growers so that the growers can afford to send their children to school. Could more great social change come from the corporate sector? In some ways, Zambia is showing me that U.S. ag markets, while robust and profitable, may have a lot of room for improvement.” —Julie Rentner

“Chris and Anabelle are an amazing example of resilience and vision. Their respective farms taken from them in 2002 in Zimbabwe, they fled the coun-try under fear and threat of death. Several years later they connected in Zambia. Together they have faced struggles of developing and operating a new farm. Their story is one that strikes fear in your heart as we face the political and social issues in California. They have succeeded against all odds, as will we.” —Paul Parreira

“One of the many cool things Class 44 has done on this trip was to bring soccer balls to give to chil-dren in villages and schools. Seeing the joy in their eyes and the smiles on their faces quickly erased the fact that we spoke different languages. How cool to share a moment with the village children playing a game that transcends borders.” —Steve Garland



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ZIMBABWEFellows crossed the border from serene Zambia into turbulent Zimbabwe, a country that has been ruled by Robert Mugabe for the past three decades. The class spent limited time here – sharing meals with families in their homes in the Chinotimba Township, visiting and making a donation at a senior living home, and visiting the Savanna Wood Factory – but they were able to see the vast differences with its neighbor Zambia. The class heard first-hand experiences from those who had been directly affected by the Mugabe regime, which left a lasting impression of leadership gone awry and the destructive affect one egocentric leader can have on a country.

“We visited Sue and Richard, who run a furniture business. Under Mugabe’s rule of tyranny and seizure, they have gone bankrupt and are striving to keep some semblance of their business. When asked how he maintains his morals and ethics when those in power are morally corrupt, Richard said, ‘We are Zimbabweans, this is home. We are fighting the good fight and making a difference for the vast majority of people who are good here. It is satisfying.’ To me, it’s the same deep love of the land and dedication to serving others that I’ve seen in my favorite people back home.” —Megan Foster

“The Chinotimba Old People’s Home is a place where elderly ‘refugees’ from neighboring countries who cannot afford to go home are cared for. They accept anyone who needs help. When we asked Rebecca, the head staff, why she chose this job, she said she just felt like she needed to help. I’m more inspired than ever to be a leader in my community, to help those in need.” —Julie Rentner

“For the last 10 days, our experiences in Zambia and Zimbabwe have challenged us to think in new ways about poverty, the resilience of the human spirit, food aid, democracy and more.” —Megan Foster

“Class 18 went to Zimbabwe to learn about its thriving agriculture industry. Since then, Zimbabwe has gone from being the breadbasket of Africa and a net exporter of food to a situation of food insecurity. The case of Zimbabwe is a prime example of leadership gone awry.” —Heather Mulholland

SOUTH AFRICASouth Africa has a contentious history of racial inequality, but has made progress since the end of apartheid in 1994. The population is nearly 80% black African. The country could be described as a modern democracy with elements of a third world country. HIV/AIDS is widespread. The fellows started in Pretoria, the official capital, where they visited the U.S. Embassy and heard first-hand Mandela experiences from a newscaster who reported on Mandela while he was in office.

They toured the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. In Soweto, fellows toured Mandela’s home, which is now a museum. Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived one block apart – the only place in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize recipients are from the same street. Kliptown is a shanty town on the outskirts of Soweto. There, in the midst of the most extreme poverty imaginable, fellows discussed and witnessed hope through education by programs started by an individual who was a 2012 CNN Hero.

The final destination, Cape Town, included time at the University of Cape Town, Robben Island and large agricultural operations.

“A larger than life statue for the larger than life Mandela! Looking out over Pretoria, it’s easy to see the challenges that he faced. The large divide between the haves and have nots is apparent everywhere. That stance of Mandela’s statue exemplifies how he welcomed all of the diversity and challenges with open arms.” —Luke Wilson

“We had an inspiring visit to the Kliptown Youth Project. Here, in a shanty town in Soweto, 460 school children are fed two meals every day, families find assistance with the costs of sending children to school, community members learn how to use computers, and young people are trained in job searching and interviewing. We participated in the afternoon lunch program, making sandwiches and washing dishes – it felt good to do a service project! How could more programs like this be encouraged? What are the qualities that this leader possesses to run such a phenomenal program? How do you continue to have hope in the face of seemingly unattainable ideals?” —Travel journal

“Each experience along this journey begs us to explore the complex issues of South Africa. Much like home, there are many different perspectives for the future. The issues are so complicated that most of our speakers struggle to give a complete explanation. The country is struggling to reconcile its tumultuous past while dealing with the reality of the present situation. Through this struggle, leadership lessons are plenty and thoughtful quotes are abundant. Our leadership theme for the day was to get better, not bitter; choose collaboration, not retaliation.” —Travel journal

“The sun sets in Cape Town on our final night. It has been a phenomenal experience being a part of and traveling with Class 44. Our final synthesis indicated that everyone has found something here in Africa to bring back with them. The main takeaway leadership qualities for me were hope, resilience, selflessness and gratitude. I have a new found appreciation for how blessed we are to have the freedom and opportunities at home. We are all motivated to go home and give back, to serve our community, and in turn, humanity.” —Gabe Cooper

—Written and compiled by Meredith Ritchie and Dr. Michael Thomas

REFERENCES

Travel Journal: http://calf44intl.tumblr.comInstagram: #calf44intlChikumbuso: www.chikumbuso.comKliptown Youth Program: www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.zaThulani Madondo: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/2012.heroes/thulani.madondo.html

“Kliptown is home to thousands of impoverished families. Just as we were leaving, a small child raced toward Tom (Merwin), grabbed his hand and wouldn’t let go. I think if we would have let him, he’d have come back with us. And honestly, it was hard to leave him behind.” —Brandon Souza



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Alumni Are Key to Recruiting and Mentoring CandidatesBy Dr. Michael W. Thomas, CALF Director of Education

You are planning to sit down with a work colleague or friend (“Karen”) whom you know well. You think she would be an excellent prospect for Ag Leadership. Karen has already looked carefully at the CALF website and read about the program. Now that you are finally having a formal meeting, what do you talk about? What can you do to find out if she is ready for Ag Leadership?

As you prepare for this meeting – and the next few meetings you may have with Karen – you are thinking a bit more deeply about what makes an excellent candidate. You realize the most important activity for alumni is the recruitment and mentoring of properly prepared recruits for potential admission into the program. The future of Ag Leadership depends on the quality of those who are selected.

During these discussions, you are trying to figure out the “why” for Karen. Why does she want to invest time in leadership development? If she emphasizes the importance of networking or how her operation could benefit from all the great Ag Leadership contacts, then Karen is not the right person. On the other hand, if she realizes that now is the time to get more involved in community and professional organizations, to take leadership (not just passive) roles, to give back, to help others in a more meaningful way than she has previously done in her limited community service, and she indicates some self-awareness and sincere desire to learn what it takes to help others, then she is likely a fitting candidate.

Some alumni are very good at finding new talent; they really seem to know who is ready for Ag Leadership. Sometimes they see potential, but know the prospect is not quite ready and needs more mentoring. This “green” candidate still needs to learn a few things about themselves, and the astute alumnus realizes that the candidate needs to spend a few years preparing. Mentoring a candidate may take several years. The wise alumnus also realizes those who are not the right fit.

We have noticed that well-prepared new fellows – those who are ready to hit the road running at inaugural and throughout the program – are those who have been mentored by a thoughtful alumnus for a period of time until the applicant is ready for the program. Only those who have been through the Ag Leadership Program know how to advise them and help determine when they are ready.

What are the characteristics of a qualified applicant? Most important is an open mind and one who has looked beyond themselves to serve others. The ideal candidate has that deep inner feeling that it is time to get more involved in an active leadership role – one who is starting to search for the new opportunity to make a difference.

Guidelines for Mentoring a Candidate

LEADERSHIP FOCUS

Identify a colleague or friend in agriculture with leadership potential. The person must live in California, with strong ties to California agriculture, and is committed to stay in the state.

Discuss the program with the candidate. Find out their level of interest. Discuss the commitment of time and of making a difference to California agriculture. Do they have the support of their employer and family?

As you speak to them and continue mentoring them, determine their open-mindedness, creative problem solving abilities, life experiences and overall interest in keeping agriculture alive in California. Determine why they want to be in Ag Leadership.

Help them to determine the right time for committing so much time away from work and family.

Help them with the application process.

Enlist the help of others. Take them to events and introduce them to alumni.

If this is just not right for them, don’t be afraid to tell them. Recommend other programs that are a better fit.

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Ag Leadership is not for everyone. A candidate who is not self-aware or open minded will not measure up. It doesn’t serve the candidate to find this out at the interview.

Besides the leadership potential you first saw in Karen, she must also have emotional maturity, be willing to look deeply and honestly at herself, and be willing to make the changes necessary for improvement. If she has these inner qualities, she is likely an excellent candidate and we need her and many others like her from all sectors of agriculture. Our future depends on it.


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There is no secret or magic touch to recruiting. To borrow a cliché, it is more about perspiration than inspiration.

I have had numerous alumni tell me that “they just don’t know anybody who would be a good candidate.” In my opinion, that is not a good excuse. My suggestion is to put a little more effort into it. I am constantly mentally screening people as potential candidates. Industry events, meetings and shows are good places to scout. But so are soccer games, church services, non-industry meetings, golf tournaments and other local events.

I enjoy talking with potential candidates and raising their awareness of the benefits of Ag Leadership. At the same time, I am gauging their interest, evaluating and re-evaluating them as potential candidates. I look for maturity and intelligence, but I also look for passion. To be a leader you have to have some degree of enthusiasm.

In identifying potential candidates, I first look at their track record. What have they done? Have they ever been president or chairman of anything? If I don’t see a track record, I look for potential. Some people don’t really develop as leaders until a little later and with a little encouragement and training.

I maintain a list of local potential candidates. It is a dynamic list that changes all the time. People are removed from the list when they are accepted into the program or when they fail to demonstrate interest. People are added to the list all the time. I share the list with fellow local alumni. If they know someone on the list better than I do, I try to get them involved in the recruiting process.

Finally, I organize a couple events every year. We have an annual social get together around the holidays. Alumni, family, friends and potential candidates are all welcome to attend. It is very informal and is mostly about reconnecting with other alumni.

The second event is an informational reception that has a more structured format. We try to have different alumni speakers with a variety of experiences. We usually have a recent graduate, an older participant, a spouse, and possibly an alumni with political experience. In recent years, Bob Gray has provided more of the details regarding the mechanics of the process. We then field questions in a group setting and individually.

After the reception I try to follow up with individuals who have indicated an interest in applying. Sometimes they need a nudge to get started on the application. The process can be somewhat intimidating, so a little encouragement can make a difference between procrastination and a completed application.

If a person is accepted for the phase three face-to-face interview, I try to organize a lunch with him/her and a couple of alumni. The purpose it to give the candidate an idea of what to expect and reduce some of the anxiety they might be experiencing.

John has perhaps the best track record in recent years for recruiting candidates.

By Joel Kimmelshue (37)

LEADERSHIP FOCUS

Washington, D.C.

Recruiting: Worth the Extra Effort

First and foremost, our business has made the Ag Leadership Program an external focal point for our staff for many reasons. I know of no other professional development and personal training program that provides what Ag Leadership does. As a result, we have had a few people go through the program* and we are grooming candidates for future classes.

Our process isn’t an exact science, but we’ve developed a fairly consistent and successful approach:

SELECTION: We first carefully identify individuals with leadership characteristics, openness to other perspectives and a desire for personal development.

EDUCATION: We educate staff as to what Ag Leadership is and introduce them to the program (usually over more than one year) through recruitment events and other functions.

INVESTMENT: All along, we let the potential candidate know that if they decide to apply for the program, our firm will fully support their time away from work and necessary expenses.

ACTION: Once they say “yes, I really want to do this,” we sit down with each potential candidate and walk through the application and overall process in detail. We identify gaps and develop a plan (which usually takes more than a year) for that individual to achieve.

APPLICATION: Lastly, our staff member applies, we provide recommendations (and yes, a few pointers), and everyone keeps their fingers crossed.

It is important to note that once the person has completed the program, our firm continues to support involvement throughout their career. Why? We are convinced

that supporting preparation for, attendance in, and follow up with everything that is Ag Leadership results in increased staff retention, improved morale and performance, and simply a much better person and community-focused individual.

*Joel (37), Mica Heilmann (40) and Stephanie Tillman (41) are the three Land IQ staff members who have gone through the program.

By John Weiler (22)


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VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION-THANK YOUREGION 9 GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 24th annual tournament, held on Sept. 8 at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo, raised $35,000 for CALF. The event was dedicated to the memory of Tom McGrath (4).

Yissel Barajas (40)Art Bliss (8)Jason Cole (42)Jim Finch (28)Susan Josue (43)Scott Klittich (43)Leslie Leavens (34)Ed McFadden (25)Helen McGrath (43)Mike Nuñez (29)Tom Pecht (18)Richard Pidduck (21)Larry Rose (17)

DEAN BROWN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT AND AUCTION

The tournament celebrated a milestone 25th anniversary in 2014. Held on Nov. 7 at the Santa Maria Country Club, the tournament raised $35,000 for CALF.

Lino Bozzano (38)Carson Britz (43)Carlos Castaneda (36)Chris Darway (25)Brenda Farias (42)Lon Fletcher Dale Hampton (11)Tom Ikeda (26)Karen KingJeff Koligian (18)Jim McGarry (43)Michelle McGarry Nicholas Miller (36)James Ontiveros (31)Brenda Ouwerkerk (28)Jim Stollberg (35)Rosemary Talley (19)Michael Testa (42)

CLASS 3 CELEBRATIONGiven that Class 3 has reunited (almost) annually since graduation, they may have a lock on being the best Ag Leadership class ever. In November 2014, 23 alumni, wives and widows gathered for a wonderful weekend in Carpinteria, where one of the classmates has a home. Among their activities were an educational tour of an orchid breeding facility, lunch at the Nugget Food and Sports Bar in Summerland, an evening barbecue and a Sunday brunch. All meals were organized and prepared by Lynne Sill, Pam Colgate and Johannah Bradley. Class 3 graduated in 1975, and they are looking forward to planning and celebrating their big 40th reunion in 2015.

Those in attendance were Johannah Bradley (partner of the late Ernie Righetti), Mike Campbell, Gus and Barbara Collin, Ron and Nancy Enomoto, Mike and Jeanette Fitch, Richard and Kay Greer, Adin Hester, Myron and Marilyn Holdenreid, Dan and Joan Hollingsworth, Pam Colgate (wife of the late Bill Colgate), Ruben and Nancy Rueda, Lynne Sill (wife of the late Michael Sill), Jeff and Elaine Thomson (hosts) and Bob and Carolyn Wilbur.

In 1974, Class 3 visited Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. In 1975, they traveled to Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Interesting note: only 20 of the fellows were allowed to enter China, so they had to draw straws!

ATTENDSpend time with fellow alumni, current fellows, prospective candidates and friends at various events.

LEARNTake advantage of educational opportunities featuring prominent speakers.

SPONSOR/DONATEShow support by contributing money or items for an event.

VOLUNTEERGet engaged and give back by serving as a volunteer for an alumni event.

Feb. 4 / Colusa13th annual Colusa Farm Show BreakfastSpeaker: George Soares (4)

Feb. 5 / KingsburgRegion 6 recruitment event at Sun-Maid

Feb. 7 / Fresno StateClass 44 commencement, reception and dinner

Feb. 12 / Tulare21st annual World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni BreakfastSpeaker: Patrick Moore

March 3 / SacramentoAgricultural and Government Leaders Reception

March 9-11 / Washington, D.C.D.C. Exchange selection committee interview trip

March 26 / FresnoCommon Threads Fresno luncheon and ceremony

April 16 / ChicoCommon Threads North luncheon and ceremony

April 22 / Cal Poly PomonaLife-Long Leadership Learning (L4) SeminarSpeaker: Dr. Peter Senge

Winter/Spring Regional recruitment events

Summer / Chico, Davis, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, PomonaClass 46 selection committees

UPCOMING EVENTSWe Want YOU to Get Engaged!

ALUMNI EVENTS


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CLASSES 1-9

Jim Nielsen (5) was re-elected in November to California’s 4th State Senate District, which includes Sacramento, Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Colusa, Butte, Tehama and Glenn counties. He was first elected to the state Senate in 1978 and served until 1990. After serving on the Board of Parole and Prison Terms, he returned to the state Assembly in 2008, then was elected to the Senate in 2013.

Stan Nader (8) was re-elected to the Lincoln City Council in November. He will serve a four-year term.

CLASSES 10-19

Dave Serrano (12) and his wife, Rose Ann, were recognized at the 40th annual Farm-City Banquet with the 2014 Award of Excellence (trees and vines). Dave is a third generation farmer in the Le Grand area. Both are very active in the community and have served in various leadership positions in both ag and non-ag organizations.

Cal Dooley (13), a lobbyist for the American Chemistry Council, was named one of the top lobbyists of 2014 by The Hill, a newspaper for and about Congress, Capitol Hill, K Street and the White House. Wrote the paper, “The face of the chemicals industry, Dooley leads a team that is pushing to reform the nation’s decades-old chemical laws.”

Ralph Lucchetti (15) was re-elected to the Waterloo-Morada Rural Fire Protection District in November.

Mark Chandler (18) was elected to the Lodi City Council in November and elected vice mayor in December.

CLASSES 20-29

Craig Pedersen (23) was elected in November to the Kings County Board of Supervisors District 4.

Ed McFadden (25) was elected in November to the board of directors for the United Water Conservation District.

Devin Nunes (29) was re-elected in November to California’s 22nd Congressional District, which is centered on Tulare and Fresno counties. This is his seventh term; he was first elected to the House in 2002.

CLASSES 30-39

Frank Hilliker (32), a third generation egg farmer, was prominently featured in a front page article in the Dec. 7 issue of Christian Science Monitor and a Dec. 29 business section article in the Los Angeles Times. The articles focused on compliance with California’s Proposition 2.

Mary Kimball (32) was appointed to the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and reappointed to the advisory committee for the California Community Colleges’ “Doing What Matters for Jobs and the Economy” as a representative for agriculture, water and environmental technology. Kimball is also a new member of the California Community Colleges Agriculture & Natural Resources Statewide Advisory Committee.

Steve McShane (33) was re-elected in November to a second term on the Salinas City Council.

Jack Vessey (34) was named to the Western Growers Association board of directors in November.

Jeff Rasmussen (37) was honored with the 2014 CAPCA Member of the Year Award. The award is given to a member who is a licensed pest control advisor, excels in their contribution to the profession through CAPCA activities, and demonstrates leadership above and beyond the norm.

CLASSES 40-45

Scott Beylik (40) was elected to school board of the Fillmore Unified School District. He will serve a four-year term.

MULTIPLE CLASSES

Jason Peltier (16) and John Garner (17) were among the water leaders who participated on a water issues panel at the 2014 Western Plant Health Association annual meeting in November.

Steve Patricio (19) and Vernon Crowder (22) were re-elected to the 2014-15 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) board. Jorge Suarez (41) was re-elected to the 2014-15 PMA Foundation for Industry Talent board.

Emily Ayala (35) and Scott Deardorff (26) were among the nominees for the 2014 Ventura County Excellence in Agricultural Stewardship and Sustainability Awards, presented on Nov. 12 by the Resource Conservation District of Ventura County.

IN MEMORIAM

James J. Coelho (1)Sept. 25, 1935 – Nov. 6, 2014Jim Coelho was born in San Jose and raised on a small ranch in the Bay Area. He attended UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and California State University, Hayward, studying administration and agricultural education. At a young age he began his 65+ year passion and career of cattle ranching. Coelho was also the director of agriculture at Livermore Valley School District for 25 years and the founder and teacher of the agriculture business management program at Chabot College. He was a board member of the Alameda County Fair and the National Cattlemen’s Association, serving on the research and education committee. He also belonged to Cattlefax. Among other leadership roles, Coelho served on the boards of the Alameda County Farm Bureau, the Sierra Bay Farm Credit Association and the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, and on the California Cattlemen’s Association convention and legislative action committees. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances in his name to the donor’s local FFA chapter or 4-H club. Coelho is survived by his wife, three daughters, three stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN YOUR LIFE?

PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

OR NEWS TO:

[email protected]

ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS


17

THANK YOU

Pledge Payments ReceivedBoswell Family Foundation: $25,000John and Sheila Lake: $15,000D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California: $5,000

Jeff and Mori Elder: $5,000Paul and Yvonne Murai: $2,500John and Edyth Ledbetter: $2,000Rick and Evelyn Vorpe: $2,000Stephen Kritscher: $1,000Beth Brookhart Pandol: $1,000Soapy Mulholland: $500Michael Kelly: $300Jim Storm: $250Brian and Kellie Neufeld: $200

$35,000Dean Brown Leadership FoundationRegion 9 Golf Tournament

$27,000Estate of Katherine Brown

$25,000The Borba FamiliesDriscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.Thomas Mulholland

$20,000Loren Booth

$15,000The Norton Foundation (John and Lil Norton)

Wegis & Young Property Management (Greg Wegis, Rick Wegis, Mike Young)

$10,000Bowles Farming CompanyFarm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit West

Greenleaf Farms, Inc. (John Colbert, Bob Kolberg and Nick Hill)

John and Betsy GretherLadera FoundationSyngentaWells Fargo Bank

$8,500AGR Partners

$5,000Doug and Jan CircleJohn and Nan Colbert

Peggy Sears PerryPeter Peterson and Jim PetersonJanette Smith

$3,600T.M. Bunn Trust

$3,000King & Gardiner Farms

$2,500AnonymousRose Marie BurroughsC.H. Robinson Co.Gary and Diana CusumanoJ. Link and Sally LeavensThe McClarty FoundationBenina and Heriberto MontesThe Philip E. & Jamie N. Bowles Fund

Rolling Ridge RanchRod and Carol StarkJeffrey Stone

$2,000George and Janice Higashi (The Higashi Revocable Living Trust)

Larry and Jeana HultquistKimberly Clauss JorritsmaStanley J. Kjar., Inc.Link Leavens and Leslie LeavensCraig and Sara Jane UnderwoodVina Quest (Dan Rodrigues)John Weiler

$1,500AnonymousGail GraySierra Valley Legacy of Ag Foundation

$1,000Agriland Farming Co, Inc. (Jim Maxwell)

Kevin AndrewAnonymousJames BeecherBlazer Wilkinson LP (John Wilkinson)

Carson and Natalie BritzBrokaw Nursery LLCMark and Mona BurrellRon CairdBen and Denise CarterJohn Chandler

Chino Valley Ranchers (Chris Nichols)

Jim ClareRichard ClaussWilliam CoitConant Orchards (Mat Conant)Costa Family FarmsRichard CosynsCreek Rock Ventures, LLC (Ed Kuykendall)

Sandy CreightonDoug and Alison DeGroffDanielle DupreeElkhorn Packing Co. (Pete Colburn)Russel EfirdJames FinchRoberta FirovedFive Crowns Marketing (Joe Colace)Fresno Equipment Company (Marsha Vucovich)

John GarnerJohn and Jane GibsonJim HansenBernell HarlanMica HeilmannKevin and Diane HermanGary HesterJ.D. Heiskell Holdings, LLCKenneth KaplanHilda KleinBob and Jennifer KolbergCharles KosmontStan LesterMeyers Farms Family Trust (Trevor Meyers)

Justin and Candice MicheliMixtec GroupStephen and Wendy MurrillNelson Irrigation CorporationThe Nunes Company, Inc. (Tom Nunes)

Oji Bros. Farm, Inc.Ty and Sheri ParkinsonJoe Pezzini / Valley PrideJonathan PinkertonJohn PucheuSherman RailsbackRoberti Ranch, Inc.Gerry and Elaine RomingerLeland RuizRichard and Ronnie RussellSanta Paula Creek Ranch (Richard Pidduck)

Stasi SeayGary Simleness

Richard and Claudia SmithVictor SmithSteward Ag Services (Kevin Steward)Brian TalleyRosemary TalleyThe Thornhill Companies (Nicholas Miller)

Val-Mar Farming, LLC (Catarino Martinez)

Ivor Van WingerdenWestern Precooling Systems

(Craig Miller)

$850-$899Mary-Ann Warmerdam

$750Calamco (Bob Brown)Bill and Carol ChandlerMark and Megan McKeanRay Gene Veldhuis

$500Bill and Chris AdamsJames and Carol AhlemDennis and Beth AlbianiArt BarrientosHugh BelloTom ChandlerJim CunninghamStephen DannaScott and Leslie DeardorffJohn DeRuiterEfird Ag Enterprises (Matthew Efird)

Efird Farming, Inc. (Jack Efird)Ralph and Sylvia EvansJoey and Tawni FernandesJoseph FerraraKay FiliceMike and Jeanette FitchRobert FloresMichael and Kristy FrantzMark GillesGranite Peak Partners, Inc. (Pierre Tada)

Jody and Susan GravesHenry Avocado CorporationFrank HillikerHuntington FarmsDale and Mary Jane HussMark JacobsA.G. KawamuraPatrick LattoreChris and Christy McKenzie

DONOR SUPPORT November 1 - December 31, 2014


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Kathryn and Kent McKenzieEd McLaughlinLaura and Ted MillsJonathan MungerPaul NewtonParsons HomeGrown (Tom and Kelley Parsons)

Garrett PatricioJean PhillimoreReynolds Farms (Sarah Reynolds)Rick and Fritzie RhodyBarry and Karen RossStorm Land & Cattle

(Terrell Storm)T&P Farms (Sarah Reynolds)The Growers Company, Inc. Triple C Farms (Darrell and Norma Cordova)

Raymond and Katherine Van BeekScott and Susan Van Der KarVan Ruiten Bros.Bob and Carolyn WilburHerman and Bobbie WilsonNorm Yenni

$400Gregg AvillaMeredith Rehrman Ritchie

$300-$350Bob LilleyNoelle CremersDoug DicksonRobert GoodwinCathie JoughinJeff StephensLance and Audrey TennisAnn ThruppDavid Warter

$250-$299Arnold BarcellosWilliam BennettKaren CaplanBill and Carol ChandlerRobert and Lisa CherensonCircle “G” Farms (Chris Hurd)Edwin and Valerie CoeVernon CrowderPeter DeGrootSteven DennisDutchman Farms (Clay Groefsema)Ferguson Farms, Inc. (Bob Ferguson)

Robin Flournoy

Four Little Devils Farms, Inc. (Troy Edwards)

Freeman Farms (Loren Freeman)Chris and Elizabeth GianniniJohn GiovannettiGeorge GoughGrimmway Farms (Jeff Meger)The Gualco Group, Inc. (Jack Gualco)

Henry Hibino Farms LLCStephen and Donna HeringerDebbie HurleyTracy Kahn and Norman EllstrandNomie KautzChristine LongMark Sorensen FarmsCraig and Julie McNamaraKenneth MonroeDina and Mark MooreJames NeeleyNew Hope Dairy, LLC (Arlan Van Leeuwen)

Peter OrrLane and Joyce ParkerSteven and Mary PastorJoseph and Jeanette PetersenDoug and Ann PhillipsTodd and Andrea RehrmanRickert Agricultural Services, Inc. (James Rickert)

Don RobertsHal Robertson Farms, LLC (Hal Robertson)

Doug and Laura RuddGerald SchwartzCharles SherrillHerb and Dale SimmonsJohn SlinkardJulie SpeziaJoe TurkovichRoger Wood

$200-$249Jose BaerLewis BairJohn BoyesRobert CadenazziDarlene Din Ali ElhassanFred and Susan FerroLori FrommerLauren GrizzleJeff KoliganNeil JohannessenArnold and Jan Johansen

Vic Lanini Larry and Kathleen LemkeMitch MillweeOro Del Norte, LLCLynnel and Herb PollockVictor SahatdjianRick SchellenbergJerry and Anne SpencerStuart YamamotoVictor Yamamoto

$150-$199Rachelle AntinettiPierre and Kathie CamsuzouPete and Sandra DinklerSue DiTomasoGary and Kris KaprielianEd and Tisha KurtzDan and Nancy NelsonBob and Pat RathboneCliff SadoianKaren SchottPaul and Michele Violett

$100-$149Nina and David AmesLinda Hildebrand BallentineLisa BodrogiBill and Jen CarriereNorman ClarkSarah DeForestRia de GrassiRalph DeLeonMark and Lorraine EdsallJohn EisenhutPaul HainJoeProduce.comMary KimballAnthony LaneyAllison and Douglas LarsenDennis and Kathleen LeonardiKandi ManhartDexter McDonaldRoz McGrathSteve McShaneAnthony MendesNicholas MillerJulie and Joe MorrisStephen OlsonLibby OuelletteJane RobertiSanta Paula Creek Ranch (Richard Pidduck)

Joe RussAbby and Paul Silva

David SilvaBob SteinhauerEtaferahu TakeleMark TurulaMelissa Varcak

Up to $100Cathy HaasRob HarrisBart HillLynn KuoDan MarcumMegan McGrathJonathan MerriamDon NelsonSam NevisRick RhodyWilliam Scott

In Honor of Al and Helen BritzMarin and Debbie Britz: $10,000

In Honor of Abby-Taylor Silva (45)Joanne Nissen: $100

In Memory of Hank Stone (1)Woody and Jane Barnes: $250

In Memory of Tom McGrath (4)Richard and Frances Bozzano: $1,000

Dempel Farming Co. (Bob Dempel): $100

In Memory of Bill TaylorRincon Farms, Inc.: $100

In Recognition of Steve (21) and Kim McIntyre

Tim and Maureen Treichelt: $250

In-Kind Darlene Din: $22,050TMD Creative: $3,500Matthew Fisher: $894.18

THANK YOU


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