California Ag Network

Tag: ag associations

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces Class 55 Fellows

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the selection of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a distinguished group of emerging agricultural leaders who will engage in a 17-month intensive program designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them to lead in California’s dynamic agricultural industry.

    The Ag Leadership Program selects individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to advancing California agriculture. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in immersive experiences, including leadership seminars, national and international travel seminars, and hands-on projects that foster personal growth and drive industry impact.

    “Class 55 will be challenged to broaden their perspectives, expand their influence, and lead with purpose. They embody the very essence of CALF’s mission, to grow leaders who make a difference. This cohort will carry forward a legacy of service-driven leadership that will help ensure California agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (Class 49).

    Class 55 represents a wide range of agricultural sectors, including field crops, forestry, rice, tree crops, winegrapes, berries and water and brings diverse perspectives through their work in associations, government, agricultural services, and production.

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has been cultivating leaders for over 55 years, with alumni contributing to policy development, industry advancement, and community engagement across the state and nation. The Class 55 cohort continues this tradition of leadership excellence.

    Class 55 fellows’ inaugural ceremony will take place on October 3rd in Fresno, California. For more information about the Ag Leadership program or to learn more about the Class 55 Fellows, visit agleaders.org Tickets and additional event information are available at agleaders.org/events

    Class 55 Fellows

    • Claire Aicken – County of San Diego AWM, Oceanside, CA
    • Jordan Albiani – Galt High School, Elk Grove, CA
    • Tommy Bottoms – Tremont Farms, Davis, CA
    • Morgan Campbell – Westside Water Authority, Bakersfield, CA
    • Sam Christopherson – Markon, Sacramento, CA
    • Natalie Collins – California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
    • Drew Crane – Crane Mills, Tehama, CA
    • Kelly Damewood – California Certified Organic Farmers, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Jared Davit – Jarran Ag Services, Yuba City, CA
    • Josh Enos – Carriere Family Farms, Glenn, CA
    • Lauren Fann – Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA
    • Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez – Planasa LLC, Watsonville, CA
    • Lisa Howard – Tolenas Winery, Fairfield, CA
    • Casey Kirchhoff – Kirchhoff Family Wines, Clarksburg, CA
    • Kiaran Locy – California Prune Board, Sacramento, CA
    • Cesar Mendoza – BASF Corporation, Fresno, CA
    • Jordon Navarrot – Reclamation District 108, Grimes, CA
    • Jon Neugebauer – McArthur Farm Supply, McArthur, CA
    • Logan Robertson Huecker – Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Visalia, CA
    • Ryan Scott – Monterey Pacific, Templeton, CA
    • Emma Sertich – Center Safe Ag, Ventura, CA
    • Sadie Strain – Strain Farming Company, Arbuckle, CA
    • Kevin Voorhees – AgWest Farm Credit, San Luis Obispo, CA
    • Jeremy Wagner – County of San Mateo AWM, Redwood City, CA

    Class 55 Video: https://youtu.be/sHQCqXNq4hs

    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.

  • California Fresh Fruit Association Announces New Director of Government Relations

    The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Clayton Smith, as its new Director of Government Relations. He comes to the Association after serving as a Legislative Assistant in the United States House of Representatives.

    CFFA Board Chairwoman Melissa Frank of the Wonderful Company stated, “On behalf of CFFA’s leadership, we are thrilled to welcome Clayton to the Association. His experience working in Washington, DC, along with his background and education will be of great value to our membership.”

    Association President Daniel Hartwig added, “I am delighted to welcome Clayton to the CFFA team. He brings extensive professional experience working on issues such as water, labor and trade and I am confident he will be a strong voice for our membership in Sacramento and Washington, DC. I am confident that Clayton will work collaboratively in conjunction with our current staff to continue to serve the needs of the California fresh fruit industry.“

    Clayton is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. He served as an intern for CFFA the summer following his college graduation. Clayton’s first day at the Association was Monday, July 7.