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All Class Reunion
Save the Date: April 20-21-22, 2012
horizons
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
J U LY 2011
THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Effective Leaders
in Business
Sun-Maid’s President Writes
About Value of Ag Leadership
We grow leaders who make a difference.
FOUNDATION CHAIR MESSAGE
>>
Award-Winning
Magazine
When Bob Gray was being interviewed for the
position of president/CEO in the summer of
2009, he was not impressed with the state of our
communications at CALF and (at the risk of not
being hired) told the search committee it had
to change and it had to improve. The first eight
months of Bob’s tenure were focused on a lot of
things other than communications, but by April
2010 we were in a position to give it the time and
attention it needed.
After a process of soliciting proposals and screening a wide variety of firms, the board selected Salinas-based TMD Creative – owned by CALP alumnus Nick Pasculli (27) – to carry
out this “communications overhaul” project, some of the results of which you are holding
and reading now. The first issue of the new, small magazine format adopted for Horizons
was published in October 2010 — this is only the fourth regular issue (the fifth overall,
including the All Class Reunion special edition). We are very happy with the progress of
this continually evolving publication and believe that this month’s issue more closely reflects
what we are trying to achieve than our earlier excellent efforts. And we know it will continue to evolve and improve with every subsequent issue, as well.
I am happy to announce that Horizons has received an award in its first
year of publication in this new format. In May, TMD was informed
that the International Academy of Visual Arts had awarded the 2011
Communicator Award of Distinction to the magazine. Nick Pasculli
and his creative staff at TMD deserve most of the credit for this award,
but I also want to thank Meredith Ritchie (28), our writer and editor, for
providing the bulk of the copy that contributed to this achievement.
And thanks to Bob, for pushing us to be better. We hope you enjoy the range
of articles and topics we present here, and we promise that we will strive for
continuing excellence in this and all that we do.
PAGE >> 2
With best regards,
Loren Booth (27),
Chair, CALF Board of Directors
Class 41 National Travel
Seminar: D.C. and AZ.
CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair/ Loren Booth
Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder
Secretary - Treasurer/ Mary-Ann Warmerdam
John Colbert
David Krause
Chris Nelson
Rod Stark
Pierre Tada
Dr. Neal Van Alfen
Deanna van Klaveren
Rob Yraceburu
CALF STAFF
President and CEO / Bob Gray
| bob.gray@agleaders.org
Director of Education / Dr. Michael Thomas
| mthomas@agleaders.org
Director of Development / Rick Vorpe
| rick.vorpe@agleaders.org
Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb
| ccrabb@agleaders.org
Finance & Human Resources / Teresa Straub
| tstraub@agleaders.org
Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino
| jsparacino@agleaders.org
Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Clark
| eclark@agleaders.org
WRITER/EDITOR
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie
mritchie@agleaders.org
DESIGNER
TMDcreative
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
July 2011 • www.agleaders.org
COVER STORY
4
Ag Leadership’s Importance to
Sun-Maid Leadership Development
FEATURES
6
8
9
12
14
Leadership Lessons: Dr. Pat Lattore
Influencing Fellows: Dr. Michael Thomas
Class 40 Commencement,
featuring A.G. Kawamura (20)
Class 41 National Travel Seminar
Class Project: Oakland Students
Explore Ag
16
Alumni Spotlight: Julie Spezia (26)
DEPARTMENTS
2
2
3
17
18
19
Chair Message
Calendar of Events
Foundation News
Alumni Council Events
Alumni/Fellows Notes
Donor Recognition
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
3-4
6-13
Class 42 Screening Committee, Pomona
Washington, D.C. Educational
Fellowship Program, regions 1 and 2
SEPTEMBER
Class 42 announced
14-15 Alumni Council and Board Meetings, Salinas
OCTOBER
5
Class 41 seminars begin
NOVEMBER
3
Class 42 inaugural, Fresno State
AG LEADERSHIP
fellowship fund
established to
jim manassero
Tributes from family, friends, colleagues and alumni about Jim Manassero, who passed away on Nov. 20,
2010, have been heartwarming and
full of admiration.
“Jim was such a universally respected
and loved member of our Class 1,”
said classmate Tom Dungan. “He was
indeed a special guy in every regard. He was always a gentleman,
with a twinkle in his eye, but he
was tough when he had to be. I
had the privilege to nominate Jim
as the first president of Ag Leadership Alumni.”
During his lifetime, Jim mentored,
coached and befriended hundreds
of people. A true ambassador of
Salinas Valley agriculture, he was
a well-respected, knowledgeable
and honored leader who generously
volunteered his time for dozens of
boards, organizations and committees.
“Often a central figure in many meetings, Jim could be counted on to
say what needed saying, whether to
politicians, government regulators,
researchers or his fellow industry
leaders,” said Mary Zischke, CEO of
the California Leafy Greens Research
Program. “His remarks were to the
point and based on his broad-based
knowledge of California agriculture.
And they were usually delivered in
a constructive manner with great
charm and a good dose of humor.”
“IT SEEMED NATURAL TO HONOR
HIM THROUGH AG LEADERSHIP, A
PROGRAM NEAR AND DEAR TO HIS
HEART.”
-Vic Lanini
In addition to his industry work, Jim
was extremely proud of his involvement with Ag Leadership. As the only
member of the first Ag Leadership
class to hail from Salinas, he paved the
way for future Salinas Valley participants. From his inauguration in 1970
>> Foundation News
until his final days, he was a passionate
supporter of Ag Leadership. In fact,
just a few months before his passing,
Jim participated in CALF’s formal
program review as a member of the
industry leaders group.
“For four decades he showed enthusiasm and appreciation for Ag Leadership,” said CALF President and CEO
Bob Gray. “He was a trusted and wise
advisor and friend.”
Fellowship Fund
In the months following Jim’s passing, there was a collective desire to do
something to honor him. This past
April, friends and industry colleagues
partnered with CALF to establish the
Jim Manassero Fellowship Fund.
“Jim made many important contributions to Salinas Valley agriculture, so
we were looking for a way to honor
him from an ag industry standpoint,”
said Vic Lanini, co-chair of the fellowship fund and retired vice president
of ag operations for Fresh Express. “It
seemed natural to honor him through
Ag Leadership, a program near and
dear to his heart.”
CALF received an immediate and
enthusiastic response. As of June 30,
there had been 61 contributions totaling $36,350.
The fund will be part of CALF’s
permanent, restricted endowment
as one of its “special purpose” funds.
The value of a two-year fellowship is
approximately $45,000, so the fund
is not expected to support a full fellowship. However, it will be able to
contribute to the program experience
for all Ag Leadership fellows as a consistent contributor, year after year.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
United States
of America
Congressional Record
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
112th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
IN HONOR OF JIM MANASSERO, MARCH 22, 2011
>> Jim was entered into
the Congressional Record
by Congressman Sam Farr
on March 22, 2011.
The Honorable Sam Farr
of California
Mr. Speaker, I come to the House floor today to raise a glass of scotch in memory of Jim Manassero,
who died late last year following a brief illness. Jim was a giant among giants in the Salinas Valley’s $4
billion produce industry. He was involved for decades in vegetable production at all levels and was
admired as a true leader by colleagues and competitors alike. So while you may have never heard of
Jim Manassero, I can guarantee that every member of Congress has eaten something that Jim helped to
grow.
Those fortunate enough to know Jim will remember his gravely voice – a voice that he never hesitated to
use to tell it as he saw it. Jim was always free with his opinions and observations, but he never let those
opinions stray from his own deep knowledge and wisdom. When Jim spoke, you always knew that
there was thought behind his words, even if those words came with a kick in the pants. He never left
you in doubt about where you stood with him. But Jim’s leadership and authority didn’t come from
being loud or pushy, it came from unfailing honesty and deep integrity. So while you may not have
agreed with Jim, you always trusted him. Jim’s friends will also remember his sense of style, with one
pant leg tucked into his boot and accessorized whenever he could with a glass of scotch.
Jim worked for D’Arrigo Bros. of California for thirty two years, serving as Vice President of California
Operations for the last 25. He was a member of Class I of the prestigious California Ag Leadership
Program. He was the current Chairman of the Monterey County Agriculture Advisory Group which
counsels the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on issues facing the agricultural industry. He was a
founding member, and past President, of the Salinas River Coalition, where he worked with other
Salinas Valley land owners to reduce the flood risk to Salinas Valley Communities and the surrounding
farmland. Since 1979, Jim served as a member of the California Lettuce Research Board, serving as
the organization’s Chairman from 1997 to 1999. Jim served as Chairman of the Board of the GrowerShipper Association in 1985 - 1986. Just last year he was the recipient of the Association’s highest
honor, the E.E. “Gene” Harden Award for Lifetime Achievement in Central Coast Agriculture. The
additional boards, commissions, organizations and committees on which Jim served are too numerous to
mention, but it is enough to say that Jim did the work of a dozen people. The United States is a better
place for Jim’s efforts.
Mr. Speaker, Jim leaves behind his wife, Ginny, his two children, Victoria and Paul, and one grandson,
Julian. I know that I speak for the whole House in extending to them and to Jim's friends and colleagues
our deepest condolences.
PAGE >> 3
We invite you to honor Jim and help make it possible for future generations to participate in Ag Leadership. As a donor to the fund, you will
receive CALF’s annual report and be able to monitor the yearly performance of the fund. To contribute, please visit www.agleaders.org or call
831-585-1030.
House of Representatives
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Cover Story
shines IN THE EYES OF
Sun-Maid
How Ag Leadership
Ag Leadership Essential to the Future of California Agriculture
By Barry F. Kriebel, President, Sun-Maid Growers of California
PAGE >> 4
Sun-Maid Growers of California is nearing
its 100th anniversary, and a key element of
our success is a strong link between understanding our global customer demands and
the issues of production agriculture.
Since Sun-Maid markets its raisins to 50
countries, we need a management team that
looks outward to the global marketplace,
and then effectively communicates our customers’ needs back to our board of directors
and to our 800 cooperative members. Most
importantly, we need a senior management
team which continuously develops its leadership skills and understandings that are
outside California agriculture.
The California Agricultural Leadership Program has served these needs well. We are
very fortunate to have three key people who
are graduates of the program – Vaughn Koligian (12), director of corporate sustainability; John Slinkard (27), vice president of customer and supply chain services; and Rick
Stark (39), manager of grower relations.
While Vaughn participated in the program
before coming to Sun-Maid, both John and
Rick participated at critical times in their
careers when each were being handed more
responsibilities.
While personally, I missed the opportunity
to participate in the program, I have seen
firsthand the positive changes and value
of the program with these key members of
our senior staff. The single most important
AG LEADERSHIP
improvement is an improved “openness”
to the viewpoints, constraints and needs of
others. To effectively lead and continuously
improve, leaders need to respect the points
of view of others and be willing to accept the
social, moral and economic framework of
other competing stakeholders.
The Ag Leadership Program offers each class
the opportunity to touch people, places and
experiences – and to learn about people and
issues in a unique way – and then encourages
fellows to apply their experiences and knowledge to their businesses and communities.
People don’t learn if they stay within their
comfort zone. You learn best by getting out,
away from your day-to-day activities, and
seeing and experiencing firsthand people
and environments that are challenging.
Not every employee is cut out to benefit
from a program that is as challenging as the
Ag Leadership Program. You need to be
open-minded and willing to put in the time
and effort. For those who do, the program
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape
your vision and skills. Also, this experience
creates a lifelong bond and network between
graduates that is keenly valuable in solving
issues and problems.
The Ag Leadership Program is essential to
the future of California agriculture because
it works to keep the industry leaders progressive, open-minded and in touch with global
stakeholders.
>> Cover Story
About Barry Kriebel
Mr. Kriebel has been president of Sun-Maid
Growers of California since 1986. He was
previously the vice president and general
counsel of Sun-Maid from 1980 to 1985.
Mr. Kriebel has served on numerous industry boards and committees in California,
and on a national and international level. He
has a bachelor’s degree in economics from
Stanford University (1972) and a law degree
from Georgetown University (1975).
.......................................................................
About Sun-Maid
Founded in 1912, Sun-Maid Growers of
California is the world’s largest producer
and processor of raisins and other premium
quality dried fruits including prunes, dried
apricots, dates, dried peaches, and dried apples. The “Sun-Maid Girl” was trademarked
in 1916 and is the leading consumer brand
of raisins and dried fruits in the United
States and is distributed to 50 countries
worldwide. As a farmers’ cooperative, SunMaid is owned by 800 family farmers.
www.sunmaid.com.
.......................................................................
Recruiting at Raisin Headquarters
“My two-year tenure in
the Ag Leadership Program provided me with
countless experiences
that have benefited me in
ways I never imagined.
The program has you
participating in team
dynamics and leadership,
public speaking, time
management, alternative
solutions, mentoring others and personal challenges, just to name a
few. Ag Leadership made
me a better ag industry
participant, a better SunMaid employee, and just
a better person overall.
I’m very thankful for the
experience.”
−John Slinkard (27)
“Ag Leadership exposed
me to a broad range of
viewpoints and made
me realize that to be successful, you must listen
to people’s needs and
concerns before you can
build solutions. I have
also found that I draw
upon my Ag Leadership
experiences nearly every
day.”
−Rick Stark (39)
PAGE >> 5
“I feel so fortunate to
have participated in the
program. It exposed me
to people, issues and
opportunities that helped
me develop as a person.
Beyond that, it provided
a fellowship of friends
that have enhanced my
life and my family.”
−Vaughn Koligian (12)
For the past few years, Sun-Maid has generously opened its doors to Ag Leadership for
an annual recruitment event. The reception
and dinner has become a popular event for
alumni and prospective candidates.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Leadership Lessons
PAGE >> 6
Leadership & Influence
BECOMING
If we were
to look at
definitions
of leadership- there
are over
300- we
would
find that
the word
influence is
the most
common
word used
in most of
them.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Leadership Lessons
PEOPLE of
How many of us think about being a person of influence?
But influence is or should be a desired skill and
outcome when we contemplate things we want to
see changed, improved, realized or accomplished.
In other words, wishing for something is not
the same as having a significant influence on the
outcome of something that you want.
INFLUENCE
Being a person of influence allows us to increase our capacity to be more effective at getting what we want or need in many different
contexts. And yet for most of us we have given
very little thought about aspiring to the outcome of being a person of influence.
If we were to look at definitions of leadership
- there are over 300 - we would find that the
word influence is the most common word used
in most of them. The act of leading is the act of
effectively using influence to move something
from its current state to a new desired state or
future. Influence then is the currency and necessary action that turns intention into reality.
Unfortunately, our understanding of leadership
often gets confused or distorted. Some see it
as positional, with the leader’s actions more of
directing or controlling from a hierarchical perspective. To better understand the essence of
effective leadership we need to reflect on our
understanding of influence. With such a view
we could begin to think of leadership as a skill
based practice (teachable) whose core competency is the ability to influence.
With our traditional view of leadership we
would not recognize women in their roles as
mothers, as leaders. And yet when we think
about their influence in the lives of their children we begin to understand leadership from
a broader perspective. One that shapes and
influences their children to desired outcomes.
So to better understand the heart of leadership we need to think about a person or group
which uses influence effectively to determine if
they are leading.
Interestingly, there is a full field of research
that has been done and continues on the topic
of what are the skills of influence. What allows
for the process to be successful? In a recently
published book— “Influencer: The Power to
Change Anything”— Kerry Patterson and the
other authors review the research and give us
encouragement by suggesting that with the
proper use of influence skills we have “the
power to change anything.”
They suggest this process requires six strategies to be deployed for successful outcomes.
The uses of the six strategies in this process
focus on motivation and ability.
As an example, think about the influence process required to put us through a significant
change in the use of a new seed for a disease
resistant and high yield crop of corn. First, it
would be important to recognize that using
By Dr. Pat Lattore
the influence process requires us to engage the
individual to activate a motivation to change
(want to, is it worth it) and second, we would
need to help the person know how to change
(how to, be able). Our first step would be to
discover the “vital behaviors” present in successful agricultural practices when tradition
and risk is difficult to overcome. No matter the
change goal the process can be learned and
used to allow us to become effective leaders.
My purpose here is not to lead you to understand the change steps required in farming
corn. I simply wanted to help reframe leadership by using influence as a core competency
that can and should be taught in Ag Leadership. It is about creating people of influence
who will lead the community of agriculture in
California to new heights and a new vision for
viability and sustainability.
Our leadership program grows leadership capacity and allows our graduates to become
people of influence. As our mission says so
well, “We grow leaders who make a difference.”
Dr. Lattore presented a version of these remarks
on April 1 at the All Class Reunion.
PAGE >> 7
Do we see ourselves as the chief influencer at
work or even perhaps at home? Do we aspire to
the role when we think about what we would like
to accomplish or attain? The answer is probably
not. Most folks never see themselves as seeking to
influence.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Program News
WE FEEL STRONGLY THAT
WE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETELY INCORPORATE THE
PREVIOUSLY MISSING COMPONENTS INTO OUR CURRICULUM, AND AT A LEVEL
SUITABLE TO ANY CIRCUMSTANCE IN LIFE: A BOARD
ROOM, A PUBLIC SERVANT’S
OFFICE, AT HOME, IN THE
COMMUNITY AND OTHER
PLACES. THE CONTENT WILL
BE CURRENT, CONTEMPORARY AND RELEVANT.
Influencing Fellows
Powerful New Components Will
Enhance Program
By Dr. Michael Thomas
David Maxfield, one of the authors of “Influencer: The Power to Change Anything,” stated: “…the most important capacity people
possess is their ability to influence behavior
– their own behavior and that of others.”
Dr. Pat Lattore reminded us in his presentation
at the All-Class Reunion that one of the core
objectives of leadership – and specifically of
the California Ag Leadership Program – is that
we are to make the transformational changes
necessary to become “people of influence.”
As I discussed his presentation with my wife,
Terri, on the way home that night, we discovered truth in the statement. We realized that
we really had no control over our children; we
could not coerce them into being good, we
could not force them to meet our objectives,
but we could (and did) influence them.
Our intent with the educational program is to
do a better job of influencing the fellows in
the program.
The Return of Dr. Lattore
PAGE >> 8
We are fortunate to have Dr. Lattore return
to Ag Leadership as leadership curriculum developer, teacher and coach – near the end of
his very successful career in academia, philanthropy, curriculum development, and lately in
professional training, coaching and mentoring. Welcome back!
Dr. Lattore had a major impact on Ag Leadership classes for more than a decade (19942007). After a short respite to focus on regional and Fortune 500 clients, Dr. Lattore agreed
to return to teach his methods of influencing
people to us – and in a bit different way than
his previous work with the foundation.
Important Program Enhancements
The key components we plan to add are mentoring and coaching. In addition, we will be
able to strengthen the teamwork component
of our seminars. These are three important
program enhancements that will produce
concrete and visible outcomes. For the past
10 months, we have been challenged to incorporate the goals of the strategic program
review into our seminars without losing what
we do well. As we worked through this, we
were a bit frustrated by these three content
areas. We could not seem to find the right
partner to help us include these elements in
a meaningful way.
Now, after re-engaging Dr. Lattore, and based
on our preliminary discussions with him, we
feel strongly that we will be able to completely incorporate the previously missing components into our curriculum, and at a level
suitable to any circumstance in life: a board
room, a public servant’s office, at home, in the
community and other places. The content will
be current, contemporary and relevant.
We have a lot of work to do to get the details
of our curriculum just right during the Education Team retreat this summer, but we are
excited that we can take a very strong step
forward and add some powerful components
that will make our program like no other program in the country.
The best is
getting better.
Dr. Thomas is CALF’s director of education
and a CALP core faculty member representing
Fresno State.
AG LEADERSHIP
Congratulations
Class 40!
>> Program News
Erik Jertberg
Class 40 commencement was held June 8 at
Cal Poly, Pomona.
Randy Asadoor
Matt Jones
Karm Bains
Kandi Manhart
WE APPLAUD OUR EXCEPTIONAL FELLOWS FOR COMPLETING A
Yissel Barajas
Jim Peterson
CHALLENGING AND EXCITING 20-MONTH AG LEADERSHIP JOURNEY.
Jaime Bayona
Doug Phillips
WE KNOW THESE 24 LEADERS WILL CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GROW,
Scott Beylik
Mike Poindexter
EFFECTIVELY TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES AND ISSUES, AND APPLY
Jeff Boldt
Sarah Reynolds
THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO MYRIAD WORTHWHILE ENDEAVORS.
Missy Borel
Mike Richardson
Melissa Duflock
Jim Shattuck
Kyle Goehring
Dan Sutton
Bill Hammond
Melissa Varcak
Mica Heilmann
David Warter
Dr. Michael
Thomas addresses
the audience
during
commencement.
PAGE >> 9
Chris Amble
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Program News
YOUR FUTURE PATHS
AS LEADERS WHO WILL
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
COMES AT A TIME WHEN
WE NEED, MORE THAN
EVER, STRONG MINDS
WITH VISIONARY
THINKING ABOUT WHAT
CAN BE IN THIS NEW
MILLENNIUM.
We Need Strong Minds
With Visionary Thinking
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS BY A.G. KAWAMURA (20)
Greetings to Class 40 and to your families, friends and
guests. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be with you today at
your graduation from the Ag Leadership Program.
PAGE >> 10
I find it a little sobering to think that it was just 20 years ago
in 1991 that Class 20 finished up our two-year adventure of
learning and discovery. The observation that two years or
two decades can fly by so quickly makes this graduation all
the more important as a starting point of reference for what
lies ahead for all of us.
As you toured the ancient cities of Harran and Jerusalem, I
can’t help but think that you were astounded by the thousands of years of human history laid out in front of you like
a worn book. The hard-learned lessons of civilizations that
come and go, and the arguing and fighting that continues
generation after generation between nations and tribes,
makes us wonder whether we can ever move beyond this
under-achieving notion of humanity. And at a time when
we hear about doomsday predictions and prophecies of
cataclysmic challenges, the future path of mankind becomes
something of a quandary. It becomes something predictably
unpredictable – especially when you view it through the lens
of agriculture. These days, I am often forced to ask the question: “Are we looking forward or backwards?”
Almost 100 years ago, the poet Gelett Burgess said:
“IF IN THE LAST FEW YEARS YOU HAVEN’T
DISCARDED A MAJOR OPINION OR ACQUIRED A NEW ONE, CHECK YOUR
PULSE. YOU MAY BE DEAD.” AG LEADERSHIP
The Ag Leadership experience
has always been designed to
shake up and challenge our
way of looking at things, of
seeing ourselves as agriculturists and as citizens in a complex
and exciting world. The graduates of the
Ag Leadership Program have been asked to step up and
step into their lives and careers with a renewed sense of
purpose and a greater capacity for creativity and compassion. Your future paths as leaders who will make a difference comes at a time when we need, more than ever,
strong minds with visionary thinking about what can be
in this new millennium.
Mark Twain said:
“YOU CAN’T DEPEND ON YOUR
JUDGMENT WHEN YOUR IMAGINATION IS OUT OF FOCUS.”
In the last few decades, I have been inspired to believe
that we are living during the early years of a great renaissance and a new awakening for agriculture. What makes
me think this? Just look around at the Agriscapes project
here at Cal Poly! I’m sure you were all shown amazing
applications of technology and ingenuity on your trip to
Israel. And I know that many of you in your own companies are adapting and adopting new thinking throughout
the food chain. In fact, the recent project out of USDA
called “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” needs to
make sure we include one more component: “Know Your
Century.”
>> Program News
renewed commitment to energy
and food security in our communities - rural or urban. There
can only be one viable strategy
for a world of 9 billion souls –
and that will be in a world of
agricultural abundance created
through enlightened, sustainable systems big and small.
Anything less would be a tragic
repeat of history. Anything less
would mean that we failed to
believe in a new age for humanity.
The California Ag Leadership Program is all about a future of living, not a lesson in survival. And so,
“TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS,
WE MUST NOT ONLY ACT, BUT ALSO
DREAM; NOT ONLY PLAN, BUT ALSO
BELIEVE.”
--Anatoly France
Congratulations to Class 40 on this day of beginnings.
Believe in yourselves and the things you hold dear. Let us
dream together of a remarkable era for agriculture. And
thank you for being willing to plan for this amazing experience at this time in your busy lives. May you all accomplish
great things!
We will need to embrace the potentiality of agriculture to deliver more than just food. We will
need eco-system benefits and a
PAGE >> 11
My point here is that we are all witnesses and participants,
willing or not, in an unprecedented explosion of technology, knowledge, communication and design that has the
wonderful potential to create solutions to the many challenges that have plagued mankind over the millennia.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Program News
Class 41 National Travel Seminar
D.C. and Arizona
“It was amazing to see how a lack of
communication and intelligence on
the battlefield dramatically affected
not only the war, but our course as a
nation,” said Matt Toste. “The experience really underscored the importance of effective communication and
context in our businesses, industry
and communities.”
Class 41 Journal: Reliving Leadership Success
and Failure Lessons at Gettysburg
“We started the day with
Col. Stephen Randolph, who
gave us an overview of events
leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg. We traveled by bus…
to the Gettysburg National
Military Park. As we climbed
the Longstreet View–East
View Tower, Col. Randolph
pointed out where the Confederate and Union soldiers
were, and how and why they
got there prior to the beginning of the battle.
Focus: Gettysburg Battlefield
The American Civil War was a wrenching, bloody conflict that
presented numerous leadership challenges to military and civilian leaders. It also represented the “second birth” of our nation.
As such, many leadership lessons can be gleaned from the 1863
Battle of Gettysburg, which was a turning point in the war and in
American history. This engagement has the distinction of being
the largest land battle ever fought in the western hemisphere.
Dr. Stephen Randolph, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and current associate dean at National Defense University’s Industrial
College of the Armed Forces, has offered Ag Leadership fellows an
in-depth overview and tour of Gettysburg for the past five years.
PAGE >> 12
In a moving historical presentation, Dr. Randolph uses the battle
to expose fellows to: differing leadership and decision-making
styles, organizational design issues, decision-making under pressure, ego and emotion, the importance of intelligence (of an
accurate understanding of your context), strategic thinking, and
both failed and effective communication. A recurring theme of
his remarks, which added so much import to the outcome of the
battle, was “What if it had turned out differently? What would
that have meant for our nation’s history?”
Many modern theories on leadership were developed from work
done by the military. With the pace of change faced by business
today, the leadership lessons learned in battle can serve as a guide
and an example to future leaders.
“He then took us to specific
points where the battle took
place during the three days
to get an actual feel and understanding of the leadership principles and decisionmaking strategies that each
side implemented. Especially
moving was Little Round
Top, where Col. Chamberlain made his heroic stand
against an overwhelming
Confederate force. Another
humbling experience was
the visit to Gettysburg Na-
tional Cemetery, where we
had the opportunity to stand
where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg address.
“Our final activity…was a
walk across the field where
the famous Pickett’s Charge
took place. We were all overwhelmed by the feeling those
Confederate soldiers must
have had while marching
across open terrain and being
bombarded by Union artillery,
then advancing toward prepared and fortified infantry
and cannons. The place this
battlefield holds in our hearts
and history is evidenced by
the hundreds of monuments
scattered throughout this hallowed ground.”
Other D.C.
Educational Experiences
-Meeting with the National Association of Counties
about the importance of local politics.
-Immigration reform briefing from key staffers and
advocates.
-Meetings with Congressman Devin Nunes
(Class 29) and several other congressional
representatives and staffers; visit to the House of
Representatives’ chamber and floor; visit to the
Speaker’s office.
-Briefing on climate change policy by the White
House Council on Environmental Quality.
-Meeting with key USDA staff for a Farm Bill
briefing and USDA overview.
-Meeting with Animal Agricultural Alliance.
-Meeting with The Humane Society of the United
States.
-Briefing on U.S. trade policy’s impact on
agriculture by the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative.
-A look at the science behind climate change with
a briefing from the Geological Society of America.
-Briefing on labor, economics and immigration at
the Brookings Institute.
AG LEADERSHIP
Illegal immigration and border security are among the
most contentious issues in Arizona. During three days
there, Class 41 gained valuable insight into these significant issues and how they have an impact on the state, its
citizens and the agricultural industry.
Six Arizona legislators from both parties gave in-depth
briefings about political realities of illegal immigration,
immigration reform and border security. They actively
engaged the fellows in one of the best Q&A exchanges
of the trip. Later, fellows were exposed to different perspectives from a panel of ag industry representatives and
learned about the challenges farmers face regarding border
security, protection and farm labor.
Fellows met with a family whose home is near a look-out
point for traffickers, and discovered how they and other locals are negatively affected by drug and human trafficking
across the border. They also heard the perspective of the
sheriff of Pinal County, who discussed his 10-point border
security plan. Fellows later visited the Tohono O’odhman
Nation – which has 75 miles of international border crossing through their ancestral lands – and learned from tribal
members how illegal immigration and drug trafficking
impact their way of life.
Other stops included visits with ranchers who have
thousands of acres of land on the U.S./Mexico border
and deal with numerous border challenges that affect
their operations. And in Nogales, fellows met with border
patrol officers and with local business owners, all of whom
weighed in with their views of illegal immigration and
border security.
“When seeking solutions to important
issues, it is necessary to actively listen
to all sides,” said Christine Ivory. “In
Arizona, I learned that the immigration
issue is far more complex and involved
than just ensuring a solid workforce for
our industry.”
Class 41 Journal: Understanding More About
Immigration and Border Issues
“Three intense days of learning
about Arizona border issues culminated in our synthesis session.
We shared how our previous ideas,
perceptions and assumptions were
challenged by what we experienced.
We also explored how, considering
contrasting views from many sides
of these issues, we can ‘enhance our
common voice’ – the theme of our
class.
“Many of us expressed the shock of
realizing that our fellow citizens do
not feel safe on their own land. We
also recognized that polarization
weakens our nation and prevents us
from solving problems. Our challenge is to rise above the need to
always take sides. While we came
to an understanding that border
security is somewhat a separate issue from immigration, we struggled
with how to keep them separate
without leaving out important
voices. Our views ranged from confusion about whether our common
voice exists to hope that we will find
ours in all certainty.
“We realized that this issue is much
deeper than it appears on the surface, and many of us expressed the
desire to investigate it further. This
experience has challenged our perceptions and has started a dialogue
amongst the fellows that will continue for many months.”
PAGE >> 13
Focus: Illegal Immigration
>> Program News
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Class Project
Making a difference
Class 40 Making A Difference For Oakland Students
Many inner-city Oakland children don’t know much about agriculture. On the other hand, many who work in agriculture don’t
know what it’s like to grow up in inner-city Oakland.
Class 40 fellows, whose theme is “Finding Common Ground,”
wanted to change that. So they organized and funded an
agricultural field trip to the Central Valley for 35 children from
Oakland’s Roosevelt Middle School and Roots Academy.
“THE FIELD TRIP WAS AN INCREDIBLE AND SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO EXPOSE THESE CHILDREN TO THINGS
THEY’VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE IN PERSON, SUCH AS
COWS BEING MILKED, CHEESE BEING MADE AND
PAGE >> 14
CROPS BEING GROWN,” said Dan Sutton (40). “IT WAS
ALSO A CHANCE FOR OUR CLASS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW THEY TACKLE THE CHALLENGES AND ISSUES THEY FACE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES.”
The students were chosen because they’re participants in REAL
(Reaching Expanding Adolescent Lives) Choices, a youth intervention program. The program is led by Vernell Crittendon,
who worked at San Quentin State Prison for nearly 30 years as a
correctional officer and public information officer and has spoken to many Ag Leadership classes during San Quentin visits.
Crittendon and two San Quentin inmates started REAL
Choices in 2001 with a primary purpose: use intervention
methods to make a difference with at-risk youth so they will
lead successful lives. Through educational workshops and counseling, community outreach facilitators work with the students
and address the challenges they face – drugs, alcohol, gangs,
criminal behavior, stealing, and lack of communication with
parents.
For the sixth and seventh grade students, the field trip was a fun
adventure away from those negative influences.
The first stop was Hilmar Cheese Company, where the students
took part in an educational tour. They dressed up as cheesemakers with lab coats and hard hats, made cheese and explored
hands-on interactive exhibits.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Class Project
“WE SEE AT LEAST 15,000 KIDS EACH YEAR
AND THE BULK OF THEM ARE FROM NEARBY
AREAS,” said Denise Skidmore of Hilmar Cheese
Company. “WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS
GROUP IS THAT THEY’RE FROM THE BAY AREA,
AND IN SOME CASES GETTING THEIR VERY
FIRST EXPOSURE TO AGRICULTURE.”
Said C.J., one of the students, “Hilmar Cheese was different and fun because we got to make the cheese and learn
where the cheese comes from.”
The group then traveled to Clauss Dairy Farms to tour a
working dairy. They met dairy farmers, viewed the milking
process, and got face-to-face with cows. Upon arriving, one
of the students declared, “It stinks!” By the end of the tour,
fascinated by what he had experienced, the student wanted
to know if the dairy would hire him some day.
“I asked some boys about what they‘d seen in the Central
Valley that was most different from their neighborhoods in
Oakland,” said Missy Borel (40). “They told me about the
striking differences in the noises, smells and sights around
the agricultural lands. Most notable to one student was the
lack of street noise and police helicopters.”
 The students created a 4-foot by 8-foot mural (with the “Finding Common
Ground” theme) to illustrate what they saw and learned on the field trip.
 Some Class 40 fellows attended the students’ graduation from REAL
Choices on May 27 at San Quentin, where they were presented with the mural.
Class 40 plans to continue this class project/field trip for the next few years.
PAGE >> 15
Post-Field Trip Notes
Crittendon said the day was a valuable learning experience.
“I want these kids to do really well in life. Part of that is
through good nutrition and eating right, and then exposure
to new and different surroundings is very significant to
these kids.”
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni Spotlight
“Be a leader where you can be
most effective and happiest.“
Julie Spezia
Building Dreams
Create hope, change lives and
make a difference.
That’s exactly what Julie Spezia (26) has been
doing by helping build decent, affordable homes
through Habitat for Humanity.
Julie has been a dedicated Habitat volunteer for
more than 15 years. She initially worked on local
projects in the Sacramento area, and then turned
her attention to international work after reading
about a Global Village trip to Northern Ireland.
The overseas project seemed like the perfect volunteer adventure: Julie enjoyed Habitat work,
loved to travel and she had been studying Irish
dance (she discovered the joys of dance while on
her Class 26 international travel seminar). The
trip became the first of five that Julie would take
to Northern Ireland.
PAGE >> 16
“Every 18 to 24 months, I’d go back to do a
build,” said Julie, who has worked on housing
issues as executive director of Housing California
since 2004. “We were able to meet so many
different people and work alongside people that
actually live there.”
The Global Village trips were in some ways similar to Ag Leadership experiences, said Julie. “The
local Habitat affiliate really wanted us to understand the troubles and challenges there from different perspectives. We spent time with government and religious leaders at the same time we
were building homes. We got a fuller picture of
the country, the people and the culture. I began
to really deepen my understanding of Northern
Ireland.”
Julie later took on additional duties when she led
two future build trips. “There were a lot of responsibilities as a leader,” she said. “I interviewed
and selected the teams, handled money, created
agendas, coordinated meals, worked on logistics
and planned extracurricular activities. But it was
great to have that challenge. It was like being an
(Ag Leadership) presiding fellow for two weeks!
Then I’d have to decompress upon returning to
the states.”
After the five trips to Northern Ireland, Julie
decided to volunteer in a different country. She
read about Habitat’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter
Work Project – an annual, internationally-recognized weeklong build held at a different location
each year with volunteers from around the world
– and wanted to get involved. In 2009, the location was the Mekong region, so Julie traveled to
a village in Cambodia ready to pick up a hammer
and build homes.
“Cambodia was a much different experience
than Northern Ireland,” said Julie. “I was really
stretched, with the tropical heat, different building materials, and language challenges. Our
house team spoke five different languages.”
A seasoned pro with six Habitat trips under
her belt, Julie led her third Global Village build
trip to a new destination – New Zealand – in
October 2010. Her team of 11 volunteers from
the United States and Canada spent two weeks
building a home in Poirura on the North Island.
Julie said that her experiences with Habitat reaffirm the great satisfaction in doing physical labor
– working with your hands to build something.
“It’s a reconnection to our working roots, and
something very different from my desk job!” she
said. “That’s the part I’ve really enjoyed.”
She admits that volunteering is not always pleasant and can sometimes be thankless, “but it’s so
enriching and rewarding. I can’t imagine my life
without it. People need to really embrace it and
feel good about it. Be a leader where you can
be most effective and happiest. Don’t compare
yourself to other leaders.”
While Julie’s humanitarian leadership has helped
families realize their dreams with Habitat homes,
she is now pursuing a dream of her own to live
abroad. This August, Julie will head back to New
Zealand to live full time. “I got to a point in my
life where I thought, ‘I can do this now.’ My children are grown and I look at this as a second act
in my life.”
Julie plans to maintain her Habitat connection,
helping with fundraising and special projects in
her new home away from home.
On Ag Leadership:
I learned to always keep growing and challenging myself. Ag
Leadership helped me continually ask myself how I can keep
improving and keep sharpening my saw.
You really start to think of yourself as a true leader and you
put yourself forward. It’s as though you’ve been “tapped”
to be a leader. You really own it after going through the
program.
It is a huge time commitment, but it’s such a great return
on investment. With businesses, they see results almost immediately with their employees that are going through the
program – the improvement in their lives and work, and
actively providing leadership in organizations.
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni Events
Regional Recruitment
A half dozen regional recruitment events were held throughout the state
during the spring months. These were worthwhile and enjoyable gatherings
for prospective candidates to meet with Ag Leadership alumni, CALF board
members and staff. Thanks to all of the organizers, hosts and supporters of
these events.
REGION 3
UC Davis
REGION 7
Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande
REGION 10
Additional Regional Recruitment Events:
Region 1: Montna Farms, Yuba City
Region 2: Kendall Jackson Wine Center, Fulton
Region 6: Sun-Maid Growers, Kingsburg
Stay tuned!
Class 42 will be
announced in September.
PAGE >> 17
Home of Sue and Tony
Godfrey, Fallbrook
AG LEADERSHIP
>> Alumni & Fellows News
CLASSES 1-9
Bob Dempel (4) was the sub-
ject of a feature story in the March
6 edition of the Ukiah Daily Journal (“Dempel Ranch Vineyards:
Grapevine nursery”).
CLASSES 10-19
John Crossland (10) was se-
lected as a grower representative
of the 2011 Paso Robles Wine
Country Alliance board of directors.
Paul Martin (10) was ap-
pointed as a 2011-2012 member
of the Agricultural Air Quality
Task Force by USDA Secretary
Tom Vilsack on April 1.
David Viviani (13) was hon-
ored as the first recipient of the
California Cheese and Butter Association Lifetime Achievement
Award and the first inductee into
the CCBA Hall of Fame. He was
recognized for his extensive and
longtime involvement in the dairy
industry as a food professional
and volunteer. David has been involved with CCBA for more than
30 years, served on the board for
the past 15 years, and was president from 2007–2010.
Jim Rickert (16) and James
Rickert (39) were mentioned
in the book “Ravenous,” written by Dayna Macy of Berkeley.
The Rickert’s operation, Prather
Ranch, is featured in one chapter
of the book highlighting the author’s visit to the ranch.
Cathy Haas (16) has retired
from Monterey Peninsula College’s (MPC) ornamental horticulture department as a full-time
instructor and department chair.
She taught for 35 years in total,
with 21 years at MPC. She plans
to return to teach part-time starting in spring semester of 2012. An
article about Cathy was published
in the June 4 edition of the Monterey Herald (Living section).
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
(17) is a research fellow in the
global stewardship and innovation division of The Clorox Company. Previously, she spent seven
years as the director of the California Department of Pesticide
Regulation.
CLASSES 20-29
teer work with the Children’s Institute, an organization that works
with children traumatized by violence. She sponsors children from
inner-city Los Angeles to visit her
family ranch for a weekend retreat that offers a glimpse of life
outside of their urban setting.
tor. Steve returned to the area after more than 10 years away from
the agricultural region he calls
home. Before taking the new position, he worked for the International Agri-Center in Tulare.
John Duarte (28) announced
IN MEMORIAM
that he is running for the Modesto
Irrigation District board of directors.
Joe Pozzi (28) was named
president of the Sonoma County
Farm Bureau in January 2011.
He previously served as first vice
president and second vice president. He will serve a two-year
term.
CLASSES 30-39
George Radanovich (21)
has authored a 162-page book
entitled “The New World Order
is the Old World Order.” It is the
culmination of his 30-year effort
to develop a new social contract
based on cultural reform.
Cynthia Cory (23) was appointed as a 2011-2012 member
of the Agricultural Air Quality
Task Force by USDA Secretary
Tom Vilsack on April 1.
Loren Booth (27) was honored as the 29th Assembly District
Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Linda Halderman. A presentation was held on March 21
in the Assembly Chamber in the
State Capitol Building. Loren was
recognized, in part, for her volun-
Rose Marie Burroughs
(30) and Burroughs Family
Farms took a best of class in the
category of open class semi-soft
cheeses in the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in Green
Bay, Wis., with its Benina Crema.
There were 1,602 contest entries,
making it the largest dairy product competition in U.S. history.
Rose Marie became an apprentice
cheese maker and learned to make
artisan cheese in 2009.
CURRENT FELLOWS
Steve Knudsen (41) was
hired by the Sonoma County
Farm Bureau as its communications and development coordina-
PAGE >> 18
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE?
PLEASE SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS TO:
mritchie@agleaders.org
Mary Tognazzini (9)
July 16, 1942 – March 12, 2011.
Mary passed away March 12 at
her home in Cameron Park, Calif., after a courageous fight with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
She was an alum of Cal Poly,
San Luis Obispo and of the California Agricultural Leadership
Program, which inspired her to
become a founding officer of
California Women for Agriculture. She advanced from home
economics teacher to Santa Maria
Joint Union School District Board
trustee in 1981 and was re-elected
to a second term. She was proud
to be the first woman to receive
TMC Communication’s 1989
“Man of the Year” award. Mary
retired with 20 years experience
in customer service management
and call center consulting for Fortune-500 companies. She was a
nurturing mother and dear friend
who will be remembered for her
high energy, intelligence, creativity and leadership.
AG LEADERSHIP
$75,000 and above
World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast
$50,000 and above
Loren Booth
$25,000 and above
Anonymous
$12,500 and above
Azzule Systems (Matt Regusci)
$10,000 and above
Farm Credit West
Wegis and Young (Rick and Greg Wegis, Mike
Young)
$7,500 and above
Reiter Affiliated Companies (Garland Reiter)
$5,000 and above
Bank of the West ( Jeff Burch and Robin Flournoy)
$2,500 and above
NewFields Companies, LLC (Ginger Hicks)
Granite Peak Partners Inc. (Pierre Tada)
Raymond Tonella
$2,000 and above
E. Victor Quattrin*
$1,500 and above
D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California ( John D’Arrigo)*
Mike Poindexter
R.C. Farms, LLC*
$1,000 and above
C.H. Robinson, Inc. (Gary York)*
Clauss Dairy Farms (Richard Clauss)*
Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. (Miles Reiter)
Bob Gray*
March 1 — May 31, 2011: thank you
Bob and Pat Gray
King City Nursery ( Jeff Pereira)
Edward and Patricia Kurtz*
Norman and Cynthia Martella*
Ocean Mist Farms, Inc. (Ed Boutonnet)*
$150 and above
Judith Jameson
Carl Lindgren*
Rancho Buena de Esperanza (Allan Jensen)*
Jeff Stephens
$500 and above
Anthony Costa & Sons (David Costa)*
Henri Ardantz*
California Poultry Federation (Bill Mattos)
Jim Conn*
Steve de Lorimier*
Huntington Farms*
Hilda Klein
Vic Lanini*
Martella Farming Company, Inc. (David Martella
Family)*
Ottone Leach Olsen & Ray LLP (Anne Leach)*
River Ranch Fresh Foods (Ted Mills)*
Royal Oaks Farms (Clint Miller)*
Sea Mist Farms (Dale Huss)*
The Nunes Company, Inc. (Tom Nunes)*
Mary Zischke*
$100 and above
American Takii, Inc. (Rick Falconer)*
Jim and Janice Bogart*
Dean and Judi Buchinger*
Chula Vina Vineyard (Henry Carrasco)*
Darlene Din*
Lynn Knudson
Ron Landseadal
Larry Lemke*
Marlene Miyasaki
Arvid and Ann Myhre*
Claudia Pizarro-Villalobos*
Rincon Farms, Inc. (Wayne Gularte)*
Robert Rodoni*
Krishna Subbarao*
Sunsation Farms, Inc. (David Adrian)*
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Wineland Consulting, LLC (Robert Steinhauer)*
$250 and above
Carol Gorter
Higashi Farms, Inc. (Ken Higashi)*
Fidela Irigoyen
Sharan Lanini*
Patrick Maloney*
Mission Produce, Inc. (Steve Barnard)
Roxie Moradian
OSR Enterprises ( James Rice)*
Elio Rodoni*
Kim Rogina
Jim Storm*
Grady and Marla Van Cleve*
Rick Vorpe
$200 and above
Pacific Gold Farms Inc. (Peter Orr)*
Up to $100
Louise Bidegain
Debbie Jacobsen
Shirley Kirkpatrick
Sally Magneson
Manzanita Ranch (Woody Barnes)*
Kathleen Nielsen*
Joseph and Karen Russ*
Edward Ryder*
Deanna van Klaveren
*Contributor to the Jim Manassero Fellowship
Fund
PAGE >> 19
Donor Support
>> Thank You