California Ag Network

Tag: CALF

  • Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 54

    Applications are now being accepted for Class 54 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers, horticulturalists, foresters and/or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry.

    The Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Through the program, fellows learn leadership skills that help them expand their impact. More than 1,400 individuals have participated in the program and are influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, communities, government, business and other areas.

    Over the course of the intensive 17-month program, fellows are immersed in numerous topics, including leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical thinking, change management, emotional intelligence and other skills and tools that contribute to improved performance. Along with individualized leadership development coaching, fellows engage in situations and discussions focused on complex social and cultural issues. They are provided with opportunities to build enhanced critical thinking skills that, combined with a broader perspective, help graduates guide creative solutions throughout their lives.

    “As we open the application process for Class 54, our selection committees are focused on choosing a group of fellows who have the capacity to grow and lead as well as share a commitment to California agriculture,” said CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson. “Our experienced-based curriculum, personalized coaching and emphasis on lifelong learning enables the development of leaders who make a difference in their families, communities, companies and ultimately our great industry as a whole.”

    The program includes approximately 55 days of formal program activities. Four partner universities — Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State and UC Davis — deliver integrated, comprehensive and diverse curriculum at the seminars. Fellows learn from first-rate educators and subject authorities from many professions and backgrounds. As a valuable extension to the monthly seminars, fellows participate in national and international travel seminars that provide further opportunities to understand interconnected systems and governments, dialogue with policy leaders and compare and contrast cultural dynamics.

    CALF invests more than $50,000 per fellow to participate in the Ag Leadership Program, thanks in large part to donations made by individuals and industry organizations and companies. Candidates are strongly encouraged to talk with Ag Leadership alumni about the program and to attend an informational event.

    More information and the application are available at www.agleaders.org/class54apply/. Phase one of the three-phrase application process is due no later than April 17, 2024. Individuals are encouraged to complete the application as soon as possible.

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces New Director of Education

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) has announced the hiring of Dane White as its new director of education (DOE), effective Nov. 1.

    White will be responsible for the California Agricultural Leadership Program’s curriculum – in coordination with the four partner university deans – and for delivery of the leadership content presented in the campus and travel seminars. He will work closely with the core faculty from the four campuses, as well as the foundation president and CEO. He will also support other CALF educational programs.

    The DOE is responsible for carrying out the mission of the foundation to continue to deliver innovative and transformational leadership content. Through the program’s exceptional curriculum, fellows become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families.

    “As an alumna of the program, I am acutely aware of how important it is that we have a director of education that has a passion for education and leadership, who will be committed to growing leaders who make a difference,” said CALF Board Programs Committee Chair Correen Davis (Class 45). “I look forward to supporting Mr. White as he thoughtfully stewards our program into the future.”

    White has a background in empowering leadership, learning design and instructional practice. A former high school agriculture teacher, he developed curricula that are used in more than 200 schools in California. He previously consulted to the California Department of Education and most recently worked for Vivayic, Inc., a learning solutions company. White earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education from California State University, Chico.

    White is a self-described student of learning philosophy, leadership principles and educational theory who seeks to learn from and leverage unique experiences in order to do good in the world.

    “I love nothing more than developing people, and to do so as part of this program is a dream,” said White. “I’m eager to join the team, meet our fellows and alumni, and get immersed in the good work to come!”

    Following a comprehensive transition period that ensures program continuity, White will succeed Dr. Peggy Perry (Class 9) and Dr. Robert Flores (Honorary Fellow), who have served as co-interim directors of education since May 2021.

    CALF operates the California Agricultural Leadership Program, which is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Since it was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,300 agriculturalists have participated in the program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, government, communities, business and education.

  • CA Ag Leadership Foundation Announces Brand Refresh

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), a nonprofit that operates the 52-year-old California Agricultural Leadership Program, today announced a comprehensive brand refresh and new logo.

    “Ag Leadership prepares, inspires, serves and connects effective leaders with a committed passion for California agriculture,” CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson said. “We believe our brand refresh strongly reflects our mission of ‘Growing leaders who make a difference,’ along with our values of integrity, excellence and respect.”

    The new logo preserves some key elements of the foundation’s two previous logos, such as the diamond shape and agricultural imagery. It also features new elements – color palette, typography, outlined diamond, extended row, and nickname and formal name – that give it a fresh, bold and modern look.

    With the brand refresh, the foundation aims to raise the profile of its distinguished Ag Leadership Program, enhance alumni pride and engagement, inspire potential candidates to apply, engage and inspire sponsors and donors to invest, and increase media coverage.

    “We are proud to have a new brand identity that underscores the long-standing reputation of Ag Leadership – dignified, enduring, respected, scholarly, exceptional, leading edge and trustworthy,” CALF Marketing and Communications Coordinator Meredith Rehrman Ritchie said. “Same powerful program and alumni network with a powerful refreshed brand.”

    Foundation materials and digital platforms, including a redesigned website, will be updated in the coming weeks and months.

    About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

    CALF operates the California Agricultural Leadership Program, an advanced leadership development experience for mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers or individuals working in other areas of California’s diverse agriculture industry. Ag Leadership is considered to be one of the premier leadership development programs in the United States. Since the program was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,300 men and women have participated in Ag Leadership. They have gone on to become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, government, communities, business and education. The powerful connections and relationships forged among alumni serve to keep agriculture a viable and important part of our state’s economy.

  • California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Launches New Website

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) recently launched its new website. The redesigned site includes easy access to the foundation’s latest news, upcoming events, alumni testimonials, information about current classes and ways to support Ag Leadership.

    The website is also home to resources for alumni, current fellows and their families, potential candidates and Ag Leadership supporters. Resources include a way to connect with fellow alumni, a CALF merchandise shop, online giving options and information about applying to the program.

    “Our goal for the redeveloped website is to make it easier for alumni, fellows and supporters to efficiently access all the information they need about Ag Leadership in one place,” said CALF President Barry Bedwell (Class 13).

    Additional features include alumni spotlights and national and international seminar travel journals. The foundation’s quarterly magazine, Horizons and monthly eblast, InTouch, are also available for viewing on the website. The family portal makes important resources regarding Ag Leadership’s programs, staff and FAQs easily accessible.

    “We’re excited to launch our new site and hope it will help us share all the good news and accomplishments of Ag Leadership’s alumni and fellows,” said Bedwell.