horizons
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
S P R I NG 20 1 5
ENGAGED LEADERS
Leadership in the
California Rice Industry
We grow leaders who make a difference.
CHAIR MESSAGE
Alumni: IMPRESSIVE EXAMPLES
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Magazine
OF LEADERSHIP
Our agricultural
industry is
facing myriad
challenging
issues – at no
time in our
history has
leadership and
advocacy been
more important.
It is paramount
to have the voices of agriculture speak
with clarity, purpose and passion to stem
the tide of negative perceptions. The
disconnect between the public and farm/
food is widening and yet the need for a
safe, bountiful food supply increases.
The cover story of this issue is about
leadership in California’s rice industry. It
is one of many impressive examples of
how our alumni are making a positive
difference in agriculture. There are
dozens upon dozens of industry groups
and efforts where our alumni are actively
engaged.
Throughout the industry, I see proactive
groups trying to bridge the divide
SPRING 2015 • www.agleaders.org
with sound science and passionate
discussions. Whether it involves water,
immigration, urbanization, private
property rights, complex regulations –
the list is long – alumni are standing up
and demonstrating leadership. So often
I see alumni chairing or participating in
committees, water boards, commodity
boards, etc. They are taking the time to
lead the discussions and strategies. Some
alumni are front and center, while others
are behind the scenes. But they are all
leaders and they are doing what needs to
be done.
I want to thank all of you who work
tirelessly for an industry that feeds the
world. Each of you is making a difference!
I offer my congratulations to the fellows
of Class 44! I wish you all the best as
you embark on exciting and fulfilling
leadership endeavors.
Best,
Loren Booth (27)
Chair, CALF Board of Directors
Cover photo: Jim Morris, California Rice Commission
2
LEADERSHIP IN CA RICE INDUSTRY
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
4
Leadership in the California Rice Industry
FEATURES
10
11
12
16
Leadership Focus by Dr. Jim Ulrich
Guest Column: Heidi Harris (43)
Annual Breakfast Traditions
Alumni Spotlight: Beth Brookhart Pandol (25)
DEPARTMENTS
2
2
3
8
14
17
18
Chair Message
Calendar of Events
Foundation News
Program News
Alumni Events
Alumni & Fellows News
Donor Recognition
CALENDAR
CALF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair/ Loren Booth
Vice Chair/ Jeff Elder
Secretary - Treasurer/ Pierre Tada
Karm Bains
Barbara Boswell
Edwin Camp
Bob Cherenson
John Colbert
Ejnar Knudsen
Joe MacIlvaine
Jim Maxwell
Rod Stark
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Mike Young
Rob Yraceburu
MAY
CALF STAFF
President and CEO / Bob Gray
Director of Education / Dr. Michael Thomas
Leadership Program Manager / Dr. Jim Ulrich
Program Advisor / Dr. Charlie Crabb
Finance & Human Resources / Teresa Straub
Program Coordinator / Judy Sparacino
Enterprise Coordinator / Emily Lazzerini
JULY
WRITER/EDITOR
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie
Liza Teixeira
Page 4
COVER STORY
DESIGNER
TMDcreative
For staff email addresses, visit
www.agleaders.org/about/foundation_staff
14-16
15
15
15
Class 45 seminar, Cal Poly SLO
Region 7 recruitment event/BBQ, Talley Vineyards,
Arroyo Grande
CALF board meeting, Talley Vineyards
Alumni Council meeting, San Luis Obispo
JUNE
1-4 17-19 1-2
8-9 13
15-16
22-23
California Educational Fellowship Program
Core faculty retreat and Education Team
meeting, Santa Barbara
Screening committee, Pomona
Screening committee, SLO
Screening committee, Chico
Screening committee, Davis
Screening committee, Fresno
AUGUST
2-9
12
Washington, D.C. Educational Fellowship Program
Final selection committee, Salinas
FOUNDATION NEWS
From the Editor:
THANK YOU FOR
READING
When I was a journalism
student at Cal Poly San Luis
Obispo, I met with Tim
LaSalle, then president and
CEO of the Agricultural
Education Foundation.
As a student associate for
the Brock Center for Ag
Communications, I asked him
if the center could produce
the foundation’s newsletter. It
didn’t happen.
Thirteen years later, the tables
turned. Former foundation
president Steve Forsberg
called me in 2003 to ask if I
could produce a newsletter
for Ag Leadership. I had
previously worked for Steve as
communications manager at an
ag organization; it was during
that time that I went through
the Ag Leadership Program.
His proposal was a two-page,
twice-monthly publication (In
Touch) emailed as a pdf to
alumni and supporters.
I enthusiastically accepted
the offer. The newsletter was
a perfect way for me to stay
engaged as an alumnus, as well
as do some freelance writing in
addition to my other job.
After Steve resigned in 2005,
I worked with interim CEO
Barry Ross, President and
CEO Mike Barr, interim CEO
Charlie Crabb and various
staff members. Despite the
turnover and other changes, I
was fortunate to stay on board
to write the email newsletter.
Over time I was offered
additional writing projects,
including the relaunched
printed newsletter (Horizons,
formerly Achievements).
In fall 2009, Bob Gray was
hired. We now laugh about our
first meeting, during which he
offered a lot of “constructive
criticism” about CALF’s
communication materials.
He said that Ag Leadership
is a high-quality program and
it needs equally high-quality
communication items. A lot of
work needed to be done. Bob
had expectations for excellence
– and I respected that. It was
due to his leadership that
communication resources
greatly improved.
That meeting was the
beginning of CALF’s
communications overhaul.
Several months later, TMD was
hired as the marketing/design
agency to update the logo and
colors, redesign Horizons to a
magazine format, redesign In
Touch email newsletter, create
new outreach materials, and
launch an improved website.
TMD’s team, led by Nick
Pasculli (27), has done an
outstanding job over the past
five years.
Again, I was fortunate that
CALF (and Bob) kept me
on the team. My work has
included writing/editing
Horizons, In Touch, website
content, news releases, annual
reports, print materials, fellows’
bios, social media and other
items.
My job has been enjoyable,
exciting and very rewarding.
There were occasional
challenges, as with any job.
There also were moments
when I didn’t think I could
effectively balance work,
family responsibilities and
volunteer activities. Now, after
12 years as writer/editor for
Ag Leadership, I am taking
time off to focus on my family,
which includes my wonderful
and active children (ages 13
and 10).
I have always been grateful
for the opportunity to be part
of the foundation team. It
has been a privilege to work
with an amazing, thoughtful
and hard-working staff – Bob,
Michael Thomas, Charlie
Crabb, Judy Sparacino, Emily
Lazzerini and Teresa Straub.
The same goes for the core
faculty members – Michael,
Bob Flores, Peggy Perry
and Annie King – who have
contributed to Horizons in
addition to their numerous
other CALF duties. All of
these individuals care about Ag
Leadership and have been key
to its success.
A huge thank you to the board
members, particularly Loren
Booth, for their passion and
dedication to CALF and for
supporting our communication
efforts. I wish the best to
newcomers Liza Teixeira and
Jim Ulrich.
Ag Leadership has been a
special part of my life since
opening that acceptance letter
in 1997. I am extremely proud
to have worn a few hats: fellow,
alumnus and staff member. It
has been a pleasure and honor
to promote Ag Leadership and
to work with, learn about and
write about so many unique
and inspirational fellows and
alumni who are making a
difference. Great people, great
stories.
CALF Update
Since Loren Booth (27) announced
her matching challenge grant in
January 2014, we have been blessed
to have received new or additional
gifts amounting to $778,228 as
of mid-March. Included in this
total is a recent five-year pledge
of $250,000 from the California
Cotton Alliance. We offer special
thanks to Jeff Elder (35) and
Cannon Michael (39) for facilitating
this gift.
We have also been offered a
unique (we believe) vendor support
program from Helena Chemical
Company. This program offers
a small, fractional contribution
of the purchase price of certain
proprietary Helena products
to Ag Leadership, at the end
of 2015. It is a painless way to
support the program for Helena
customers, or others who might be
interested, assuming that all things
are otherwise in order and equal
(that the products meet growers’
needs and are priced right). We
thank CALF board members Jim
Maxwell, John Colbert (22) and
Loren Booth for facilitating and
supporting this innovative program.
As this edition of Horizons
illustrates, there several key
staff changes taking place at Ag
Leadership this year. In preparation
for Dr. Charlie Crabb’s eventual
retirement as program advisor,
we welcomed Dr. Jim WolfordUlrich (Dr. Ulrich for short), a
leadership educator from Duquesne
University, as leadership program
manager. We say farewell to writer/
editor Meredith Ritchie (28) as
she turns over the reins to Liza
Teixeira. Liza contributed greatly
to this issue and will manage
the future editions on her own.
Meredith will return in the fall as a
guest contributor.
—Bob Gray
Thank you for reading,
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie (28)
3
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
COVER STORY
Leadership in the
California Rice Industry
“THE CALIFORNIA RICE INDUSTRY IS
A VERY IMPRESSIVE SUCCESS STORY.”
In presentations and articles – including a 2013 interview for Horizons
– George Soares (4) has praised the rice industry for its leadership,
creativity, stewardship and outreach.
“When you look at the California rice industry, there is enormous
strength,” said Soares, an attorney who has represented the California
Rice Commission (CRC) for 17 years. “It has very effectively and
correctly positioned itself for what it really is – an industry coexisting
with the environment. Growers are working with and enhancing the
environment because of their farming practices.”
The CRC supports the 2,500 growers and handlers of rice in the state.
Soares said that leaders have never wanted the rice industry to be
seen through a negative lens. “To the contrary, they recognized their
strengths and have demonstrated positive accomplishments in multiple
ways and are more successful because of it. It has been a building
process, working with government, communities, environmental groups
and researchers.”
Over the past few decades, California rice has faced myriad
environmental issues and diverse complex challenges – including water
quality, crop protection, air quality, wildlife habitat, strict regulations,
exports and arsenic in rice concerns. It has been essential for the
industry to continually adapt with proactive programs and partnerships
in order to sustain its future and reputation.
Consider the importance of “the environmental crop” to the state’s
economy: it is one of the state’s largest crops with more 550,000
acres, is among the top 10 exports, and provides more than $5 billion
annually and 25,000 jobs. (Fun fact: California grows all of the sushi
rice used in the United States). Beyond the economic contributions,
ricelands provide valuable habitat and food for 230 wildlife species and
millions of waterfowl.
The rice industry’s success story is due, in large part, to the efforts and
vision of the CRC and its leaders, many of whom are Ag Leadership
alumni. Dozens have served in volunteer positions for the CRC
and other industry groups. Five of those alumni who are making a
difference share their insights and experiences on the following pages.
- Written by Meredith Ritchie
4
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
Rice photos: Fred Rehrman
COVER STORY
MARK KIMMELSHUE
Class 28
ROBERTA FIROVED
Class 30
In 2002, Firoved left the California
Department of Pesticide Regulation
(DPR) to become the California Rice
Commission’s industry affairs manager.
She manages programs for pesticide
regulation and water quality.
Leadership
•USA Rice Federation Regulatory Affairs
& Food Safety Committee
•Industry Liaison to the California Farm
Bureau Rice Advisory Committee
In addition... Firoved writes blog
posts and e-coms for CRC. She has
traveled to D.C. several times to
meet with the EPA/Office of Pesticide
Programs (OPP) and legislators. She
has hosted tours for DPR, Central Valley
Regional Water Board, EPA-OPP and
National Marine Fisheries Services.
Leadership lessons
“Leadership is a leap of faith and an
act of courage” – from our session with
Dr. Barry Posner. What I enjoy most
about the CRC is the courage we have
to take unconventional approaches,
resulting in creative solutions. My faith
was tested several times during the
development of the rice-specific waste
discharge requirements (rice WDR)
order. Time, patience and perseverance
were the basis for positive focus on the
end result. We met with stakeholders
to work through areas of disconnect,
with the final decision to approve such
a non-issue as to be anticlimactic. Dr.
Reckmeyer spoke of systemic leadership
as a process that weaves the threads
of what we learn – to use what we
learn unconsciously. Adding to that
concept, emerging leadership is where
we mobilize people to pursue shared
goals. Developing the rice WDR was
a collective process that tested the
limits of our creativity. The rice WDRs
provide less as more in fulfilling a new
regulation for our growers.
Above photo: Brian Baer Photography
How is leadership a factor
in dealing with regulatory
agencies and environmental
groups?
A lesson from years working with
agencies and groups that some would
consider “opposite the table” is that
we often share the same goal. In the
end, it is about the relationships we
form with those outside our immediate
group. The relationship is the basis for
trust, integrity and credibility. We really
cannot ask for more than this.
How would you define good
leadership or a good leader?
Recognizing that leadership takes
many forms and is not necessarily the
loudest voice. A good leader can lead
the charge, and yet switch to leading
from behind. Often, leadership centers
from the reasonable solution. Providing
those in opposition coverage while
moving forward with a solution results
in effective leadership.
How did Ag Leadership benefit
you?
Ag Leadership taught me to identify
various personality types resulting
in acceptance of viewpoints other
than mine. Collaboration toward a
solution often results in opinions and
approaches different from what I would
take. Leadership often requires the faith
to put a mirror in front of your face and
the courage to change what you do not
like. To not be stuck in old behaviors,
yet adaptive to change. To quote Dr.
Patrick Lattore, “The changes we make
in ourselves have the greatest possibility
of changing others.”
Kimmelshue is the partner/owner of
Legacy Associates, Inc., which has a
contract with Associated Rice Marketing
Cooperative (ARMCO) to perform
management and marketing functions.
As general manager and CEO of
ARMCO, he works with rice producers
to effectively market their rice.
Leadership
California Rice Commission
•Board of Directors* (treasurer, 201415; chair, 2007-2010)
•Budget and Finance Committee*
(chair, 2014-15)
•Industry Affairs Committee*
•International Marketing and
Promotion Committee*
•Research and Technology Committee*
USA Rice Federation
•USA Rice Federation Board* (alt.)
•USA Rice Council Board of Directors*
•USA Rice Merchants’ Association
Board of Directors*
*currently serves
In addition... Kimmelshue has
represented rice and Northern
California agriculture as a Butte County
Water Commission member and has
traveled to D.C. and Sacramento several
times as an advocate for rice.
Leadership lessons
For years, CRC has worked to dispel
beliefs that rice uses excessive amounts
of water. We’ve educated the public and
decision makers in D.C. and Sacramento
about water efficiencies that have been
developed for rice and the true amount
of water consumption in a field. We’ve
worked with environmental partners
to explain the environmental benefits
that would be lost if rice fields were
not present in the Sacramento Valley.
The rice industry has been proactive to
counter sensationalistic media reports
about arsenic levels in rice. We are
also working with FDA to develop
scientifically accurate arsenic levels in
rice compared to the levels that would
constitute any human health risks.
What is essential for the future
of California rice?
California rice – and California
agriculture – must continue to tell
positive stories. The vast majority
of the people and decision makers
in California haven’t a clue about
agriculture and all the good things
agriculture does for them. We must
engage, find common ground and
become friends with those who don’t
understand our industry – from urban
decision makers to consumers. We must
be proactive, not reactive, to current
and future issues that could adversely
impact our industry. The rice industry
has done this well in the past with
issues such as rice straw burning, drain
water discharge and environmental
concerns.
How would you define good
leadership or a good leader?
Good leaders must understand that
their personal story and experiences
have instilled them with certain biases
and convictions that aren’t always the
same or even close to those of others
they are working with. Good leaders
must be able to hear and understand
the beliefs and opinions of others
and work to develop common ground
among all stakeholders involved. Easily
said, but sometimes very difficult to do.
How did Ag Leadership benefit
you?
I came from a small town, grew up
in a relatively conservative family and
attended a (then) relatively conservative
college (Cal Poly SLO). Ag Leadership
helped me start understanding that
to be an effective leader, I needed to
understand and be more open and
accepting of beliefs and opinions that
don’t necessarily align with my own.
5
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
CHARLEY MATHEWS
Class 26
Mathews is a fifth generation farmer
who grows 700 acres of rice near
Marysville.
Leadership
California Rice Commission
•Board of Directors* (secretary, 201415; chair, 2011-13)
•International Marketing & Promotion
Committee*
•Research and Technology
Committee*
•Rice Certification Committee*
•California Rice Producers’ Group*
USA Rice Federation
•Board of Directors*
•U.S. Rice Producers’ Group*
•USA Rice Council Board of Directors*
(former chair)
•International Promotion Committee
*currently serves
In addition... Mathews writes blog
posts and is featured in videos on
the CRC website. He is frequently
interviewed for news articles. Mathews
has traveled to D.C. many times and
to six countries on behalf of the rice
industry.
Leadership lessons
Working on a national level with
rice producers and marketers from
other states has been a challenge.
The California rice situation is
comparatively different from other
states in rice types, markets and
regulatory challenges. The value is in
a unified national organization, but
writing a Farm Bill or working with
EPA at that level requires a unique
set of skills to make sure the needs
of the California rice industry are
met. It is one state against five states
in many instances, but the mutual
understanding of each state’s wants
and needs allows for discussions
and compromises on some pretty
significant issues. It requires leadership
6
Above photo: Brian Baer Photography
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
at many levels to accomplish great
things. U.S. rice is small compared to
major crops like sugar, corn, wheat,
etc., but we have placed ourselves
as one of the most well known
and respected ag organizations in
Washington.
Describe the leadership and
collaboration within CRC:
The CRC is a good example of “bottom
up” leadership. The program of work
is generated by various committees
based on their expertise and
knowledge. The program of work is
then vetted by the budget and finance
committee and finally approved by
the board. Once that is approved, it
is implemented by staff and managed
by committees. A great process that
spreads the work over many shoulders
and leaves those with qualified
opinions to work on a consensus basis.
The chair simply runs board meetings,
executive committee meetings and
maintains communication with the
CEO.
How would you define good
leadership or a good leader?
Do not ever try to carry the weight
on your own; delegate work and
challenges to many. Avoid the
temptation to force your ideas and
micromanage, because a “consensus”
is what is needed to accomplish
anything. A great lesson learned from
the Ag Leadership Program.
How did Ag Leadership benefit
you?
Everything was presented and
executed as a group (my class) and
I learned that individual brains were
no match against the brains of the
group. The trick is to understand and
appreciate the thoughts and views
of others while working towards a
common goal as a group.
FRANK REHERMANN
Class 8
Rehermann and his wife, Judy, grow 815
acres of rice in Sutter and Butte counties.
They have grown rice since 1972 in a
general partnership, FJR Farms.
Leadership
California Rice Commission
•Board of Directors (chair, 2004-07)
•Industry Affairs Committee*
•Budget and Finance Committee (former
chair)
•Rice Certification Committee
•California Rice Producers’ Group
(former chair)
USA Rice Federation
•U.S. Rice Producers’ Group* (chair)
•Board of Directors* (former vice chair)
California Rice Industry Association
•Board of Directors* (chair,
2007-present)
*currently serves
In addition... Rehermann has
testified on behalf of the rice industry
before committees of the U.S. House
of Representatives and U.S. Senate. He
chaired the California Rice Producers’
Group and U.S. Rice Producers’ Group
during the early development of the
current Farm Bill.
Leadership lessons
During my tenure as CRC chair, GMO
was found in U.S. rice grown outside
California and it had a major impact on
the industry. The CRC formed a standing
committee, the Rice Certification
Committee. Landmark legislation,
designed to protect California rice from
contamination, was written by our
counsel, George Soares. The actions of
the CRC were not universally popular, but
we did the right thing. People banded
together and took a specific action that
was the right course of action in the long
run.
You have longevity as an ag
leader. Why stay so engaged?
One of my takeaways from Ag Leadership
was to give back to the agriculture
industry. I enjoyed every role in which I
served. I hope my leadership was wellspent, but that is a decision for someone
else to make. I am proud that others
have considered me capable. My level of
engagement is decreasing because there
are many young people in our industry
capable of leadership.
How would you define good
leadership or a good leader?
We are fortunate to have an excellent
staff at CRC, headed by President and
CEO Tim Johnson. They help our industry
find a clear path through an increasingly
burdensome regulatory environment.
Good leaders should be able to
effectively navigate complex situations
with composure. With Tim, whenever he
confronts an issue, he’s always prepared
and never loses control of a situation.
Leaders should be big thinkers and blaze
a trail if necessary.
How did Ag Leadership benefit
you?
Taking part in Class 8 was a truly
beneficial experience. We were
encouraged to consider our role in a
world effectively decreasing in size.
We learned about the importance of
relationships and the consideration of
opinions not always concurrent with
our own. Shortly after graduation from
Ag Leadership, some alumni and I
began organizing the California Wheat
Commission. After considerable effort,
we were successful in 1983. As it relates
to the rice industry, when the CRC was
formed to succeed the Rice Promotion
Board, I was comfortable that it was the
right thing to do.
COVER STORY
NICOLE MONTNA VAN VLECK
Class 26
Van Vleck is a third generation rice grower
and president and CEO of Montna Farms,
a 5,000-acre family farming operation
headquartered in Sutter County.
Leadership
California Rice Commission
•Board of Directors*
•California Rice Producers’ Group* (chair,
2012-present)
•Industry Affairs Committee
•Public Education Committee*
California Rice Industry Association
•Board of Directors*
USA Rice Federation
•U.S. Rice Producers’ Group* (state chair)
•Conservation Committee*
•Communications Committee*
•Government Affairs Committee*
•Rice Quality Task Force* (co-chair, 2011-13)
•USA Rice PAC Board*
•Farm Bill Task Force*
*currently serves
In addition… Van Vleck devotes a lot of
time to water issues for local water boards
and by serving on the Northern California
Water Association (NCWA) board. For NCWA,
she serves on the executive committee and as
communications co-chair. She spends a lot of
time on rice and water meetings with a few
of her Class 26 classmates: Charley Mathews,
David Guy and Steve Danna.
Leadership lessons
The rice industry has been a leader in
agriculture by creating relationships with
environmental groups that value the habitat
that rice fields provide. Collaborating with
partners – such as Ducks Unlimited, The
Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Point Blue
Conservation Science and Natural Resources
Conservation Service – the CRC has been
working on public and private market-based
opportunities to deliver wildlife friendly
practices on working lands.
How critical are positive media
relations and public education?
They are crucial, especially during the drought.
The CRC and NCWA are working hand in
hand to find effective ways to communicate
the exceptional and efficient nature of water
use in the Sacramento Valley. To communicate
about our growers and industry, it’s important
that we reach out to the public through our
website, blogs, Facebook and Twitter, and by
working with reporters, legislators, regulators
and opinion makers.
How would you define good
leadership or a good leader?
Good leadership is dependent on someone
who can cut through difficult issues and drill
down to what is most important for his or her
organization to effect positive change. Good
leaders need good listening, communication
and delegation skills to efficiently chart a
course.
How did Ag Leadership benefit you?
Ag Leadership taught me the value of
collaborating with others to achieve a
common goal. From working with other
rice states and other commodities on Farm
Bill issues, working with environmental
organizations on the benefit of water on
rice fields for waterbird habitat, or working
with both urban and rural stakeholders in
the Sacramento Valley on drought issues,
collaborating with a wider group helps reach
a larger audience and often proves with much
greater success than if one tackles it alone.
About the California Rice Commission
www.calrice.org
OTHER ALUMNI
AND FELLOWS
WHO WORK
IN THE RICE
INDUSTRY
Mike Boeger (7)
Terry Bressler (30)
Correen Davis (45)
Steven Dennis (13)
Jessica Lundberg (33)
Charlie Mathews (6)
Bradley Mattson (33)
Kent McKenzie (29)
Jon Munger (36)
Samuel Nevis (32)
Sarah Reynolds (40)
Rick Rhody (45)
Danny Robinson (27)
Doug Rudd (26)
Ryan Schohr (33)
Tracy Schohr (39)
Paul Squires (37)
Terrell Storm (18)
Joe Struckmeyer (15)
Audrey Tennis (12)
Robert Van Dyke (13)
Rice photos: Fred Rehrman
7
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
CLASS 44
Class 44 Celebrates Commencement with
LIFE-CHANGING REFLECTIONS
On Feb. 7, Class 44 fellows celebrated their
completion of the California Agricultural
Leadership Program. The commencement
was a touching tribute by 24 fellows who were
immersed together in a 17-month educational
experience, described by many as “lifechanging.”
The event, held for the first time on the
Fresno State campus, included a precommencement address by Fresno State
University President Dr. Joseph Castro. He
urged the class to not just wait for the big
leadership opportunities that they have been
preparing for, but to strive to make positive
impacts on their communities on a daily basis.
The commencement ceremony included
remarks from several soon-to-be graduates
about the impact the program had on their
lives.
“Today we are celebrating a moment of
consequence in the lives of the 24 members
of Class 44,” said Heather Mulholland, chief
financial officer for Mulholland Citrus, as
she welcomed guests to the event. “It is an
occasion both to reflect on our leadership
journey, and to assess the future that lies
before us.”
8
The program continued with personal
reflections by Carissa Koopmann Rivers,
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
rangeland manager at Audubon California;
Jose Arriaga, agricultural supervisor for the
County of San Diego and Patrick Hooker,
director of operations at Colorful Harvest.
“This program has been the introduction to
the journey I plan to continue the rest of my
life, which is to persistently shape myself into
this image of a hero or effective leader by
using all the new shiny tools I have acquired
in my growing toolbox during the last 16
months,” said Rivers.
Arriaga spoke positively about what he
had learned. “Ag Leadership has provided
me with a greater level of self-awareness,”
he said. “Now I can use that awareness to
change myself in a way that will radiate
and influence others around me and in my
community. I have learned that my success
as a leader will not be measured by my
accomplishments, rather it will be measured
on the accomplishments of those around me.”
Hooker said that Ag Leadership was the best
program that he had ever gone through. “It
pushes you in ways that you normally would
not be pushed. It challenges the way you
traditionally think. It helps you open up and
look at yourself so you can be the best person
you can be.”
Luke Wilson, ranch manager for Wil-Ker-Son
Ranch, and Matt Altman, chief operating
officer for Altman Plants, gave sage advice to
Class 45 before presenting them with a gift
from the graduating class.
“Be ready to laugh at yourself and not hold
too tightly to your preconceptions,” said
Altman. “Say what is on your mind. Here you
can be honest and expect others to do the
same for you. But say it with heart and tact.
Remember we are all in this together.”
Said Wilson, “You will not have many
experiences like this in your lifetime. It is a
wild ride, embrace it and make the most of it.”
The event closed with comments from Trevor
Meyers, ranch manager at Meyers Farming.
“The leadership journey is a very internal
and personal process, but in an industry
such as agriculture, where there are so many
challenges, leadership and the ability to
collaborate are desperately needed.”
The event was a thoughtful and heartfelt
tribute to what the graduating fellows had
learned together. Class 44’s presentations
captured perfectly the positive, life-changing
outcomes of their experience through the Ag
Leadership Program.
—Liza Teixeira
CLASS 44
Class 44 Helps Build Library in Kliptown
When Paul Parreira and his 23 classmates
stepped off the bus at the outskirts of
Johannesburg, South Africa, he had no idea how
profoundly affected he would be by Class 44’s
international trip.
Back on the bus, Parreira thought back to what
the leaders of the Kliptown Youth Project had
said to him: “One day, we want to build a
library.” So Parreira and his classmates agreed
to help build a library for Kliptown.
Kliptown, which is made up of 10-foot by
10-foot corrugated tin structures that house
six to 10 people each, is referred to as an
informal settlement. There is no running water
and cooking is done outside, over wood and
charcoal fires.
The class has contributed $5,000 to the
Kliptown Youth Project to buy chairs, tables
and bookshelves for the library. Their goal is
to have two 40-foot shipping containers filled
with roughly 176,000 pounds of books sent
to South Africa by this fall. As of early March,
the class had already collected eight pallets of
books, and the donations keep coming. In fact,
a local library is even providing books from their
collection for the cause. “They just called and
they have 70 boxes for me to pick up,” said
Parreira.
“We have no idea what poverty is here, we
really don’t,” said Parreira. “We see a different
type of poverty there than you see here.”
Class 44 fellows spent a half-day experiencing
the impoverished area and learning about
the needs of the community. While there, they
helped serve lunch to 460 schoolchildren at the
Kliptown Youth Project.
Class 44 fellows have wasted no time in
deciding how they’ll make an impact in the
world. Parreira didn’t have to stop and think
when asked why he’s so moved to build a library
more than 10,000 miles away from his farm.
“WHETHER I HELP THE PERSON NEXT
DOOR, OR A PERSON CONTINENTS
AWAY, WE’RE STILL HELPING A HUMAN
BEING, AND WE’RE HELPING SOMEBODY
BETTER THEMSELVES. WE’RE SENDING
OPPORTUNITY. THE OPPORTUNITY TO
LEARN AND TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO
VENTURE OUT OF KLIPTOWN AND TO GET
A MEANINGFUL JOB AND TO HELP THEIR
FAMILY.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Contact a Class 44 fellow or Paul Parreira at
209-988-6956 or paul@rpacalmonds.com.
—Liza Teixeira
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SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
LEADERSHIP FOCUS
Photos: Architect of the Capitol
WHY WASHINGTON?
By Dr. Jim Ulrich
“Why Washington?” This was the title of
a provocative presentation to Class 45 in
preparation for their national travel seminar in
March. Vernon Creviston, a Fresno State history
lecturer, took the fellows back in time to glean
leadership lessons from the past – not about the
Founding Fathers, but about the Founding Father
extraordinaire: George Washington.
In explaining how Washington was the right
person to meet the challenges of the day, Creviston
said that at the time, no other country had a
president. The only role models for national
leaders were monarchs who were despised for
their abuses of power. Washington’s humility and
reticence to exercise power were precisely the
traits the country needed in its first leader.
Creviston pointed out that Washington was not
as learned as other Founding Fathers, nor was
he an eloquent speaker or great writer. In fact,
Washington doubted his own strengths and felt he
was “deficient in many of the essential qualities”
that people of the day expected in a president. In
contrast to Jefferson, Madison and Adams, who
had a higher social standing, Washington came
from roots described as “the middling ranks.”
Considering Washington’s legacy and what he
did as a leader, it is interesting to also recognize
what he did not do: he did not hold on to the
reins of military power. In December 1783,
Washington surrendered his military commission
and told Congress, “Having now finished the
work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre
of Action – and bidding an Affectionate farewell
to this August body under whose orders I have so
long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take
my leave of all the employments of public life.”
Creviston also said that Washington was, in many
ways, a failure as a military leader. His unit was
defeated at Fort Necessity in 1754 when he fought
for the British in the French and Indian War.
At the start of the Revolutionary War in 1776,
Washington had no experience commanding large
numbers of troops. The Continental Army was
defeated in the fall of 1776 at the Battle of White
Plains and at Fort Washington. Supply chain
difficulties and low morale plagued Washington
during the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge.
Even after a decisive win at Yorktown in 1781,
Washington faced the challenge of suppressing a
growing rebellion in the ranks, culminating in the
Newburgh Conspiracy in 1783.
At the start of the Constitutional Convention in
1787, Washington did not ask to be appointed
to a leadership position – although, curiously, he
showed up in military uniform, which was a subtle
reminder to others of his past accomplishments on
behalf of the new republic. The unspoken message
was, “I stand ready to serve” – and serve he did.
10
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
When King George III heard of Washington’s
plan to resign instead of seize political power, he
acknowledged that “if he does that [resign his
commission in the Continental army], he will be
the greatest man in the world.”
Why, then, was Washington the Founding Father?
As Creviston said, it was because he did not fancy
himself another Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar
or Napoleon Bonaparte. Ironically, Napoleon –
whose efforts to succeed as a military and political
leader ultimately proved futile – reflected on his
failure during his exile: “They wanted me to be
another George Washington.”
Looking back on Washington’s legacy from the
vantage point of history, his contribution lay
not in authoring any new ideology, but rather
choosing to work within existing traditions while
embodying high ideals and modeling personal
virtue. A famous eulogy summed up his legacy:
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts
of his countrymen, he was second to none in the
humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious,
just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform,
dignified, and commanding, his example was as
edifying to all around him as were the effects of
that example lasting.”
Creviston’s talk not only helped fellows prepare
for their national seminar, but observations from
Washington’s life served as important reminders
for leading more effectively: Don’t let failure get
you down, but keep your eye on the long view.
Building on the good work of others helps ensure
a lasting legacy. Sometimes the best way to serve
others is to get out of the way to give them an
opportunity to lead. Keep your ideals high, but
also be pragmatic.
WASHINGTON’S HUMILITY AND
RETICENCE TO EXERCISE POWER
WERE PRECISELY THE TRAITS
THE COUNTRY NEEDED IN ITS
FIRST LEADER.
Dr. Ulrich is
CALF’s leadership
program manager.
GUEST COLUMN
A DIFFERENT
NORMAL
By Heidi Harris, Class 43
“Ag Leadership changed my life, changed my perspective and now it is
changing my reality.” This was a text I wrote to my sister from my husband’s
childhood home in Ephesus, Ga., in November 2014.
After 20 years of marriage, it was as if I had met my husband Gary’s family for
the first time. I found myself observing them moving through their normal
and infused in their culture. I was no longer threatened by the vast difference
between us. Had I found peace here, in this very different-than-me place?
What a strange feeling this was. How much more fun this was. Laughing to
myself, I smiled with my memories of past years.
I was raised with a formal holiday dinner table
covered with great-grandma’s handmade table
cloth, the “good dishes” and folks dressed for the
occasion. You may imagine my surprise when the
Thanksgiving table on my husband’s side was set
with plastic cups full of sweet tea, Styrofoam plates
and chicken dressin’ instead of a turkey. Not only was
it a sin for a Californian to eat off of Styrofoam, but
plastic of any kind was not allowed on my mother’s
dining room table, let alone her Thanksgiving table!
For years I was driven with an eternal plan: I was
going to make my husband’s family normal. I was
more than happy to jump square in the middle of
my box and justify every reason under the sun why I
stood in the perfect position to help them. This must
be why God put me in my husband’s life, to help his
family become normal!
them to normal this year. This was unforeseen – I had the grocery list and we
had settled into a routine.
As I stood in line at the Golden Corral, my husband whispers into my ear,
“You’re just out of your box honey, you’re doing good.” Out of the box?!
What box? I can’t even see my box. I stubbornly choose only traditional
Thanksgiving foods for my rainbow colored plastic plates. Watching my
children eat pizza, cotton candy and gummy bears, I realize I clearly have been
beaten. Normal was never coming here, not ever!
MY MIND REELED WITH
NEW UNDERSTANDING
OF THE PEOPLE IN
MY LIFE. JUDGMENT
WAS SHRINKING AND
UNDERSTANDING WAS
GROWING.
So, I became the turkey cooker every year. I even bought the roaster, baster and
the platter. I bought a set of glasses and graduated his family to paper plates
and napkins with leaves to start. I offered to prepare green bean casserole, fruit
salad and pumpkin pie. I made appetizers.
“Why are we going to eat all this food if we are fixin’ to have a big supper?”
they asked. “It is what you do while you wait on the turkey and watch football,”
I proudly explained. Vexing I’m sure, as there was no football on the TV and
historically no turkey in the oven. Normal was happening, slowly, year after
year.
After 18 years of my efforts, I was dealt a serious blow. My mother-in-law
announced that we were going out to dinner for Thanksgiving. What? A few
months into the Ag Leadership Program, I had new tools. I was going to “lead”
I missed Thanksgiving 2013 (I had just returned from
the international trip to Brazil), but we returned to our
holiday routine for Thanksgiving 2014. Pulling into
Granny’s yard, we are greeted by happy people. I watch
as long hugs are exchanged between my husband, my
children and granny. I notice the outside sounds, myriad
bugs and night birds we do not enjoy in my mountains.
My daughter sniffs in the air. “It smells like Georgia,” she
says. She is happy.
The screaming red and orange sunset typical of
Georgia evenings fades to night. So this is it, I realize.
My husband’s home, this place, these people and his
“normal.” For 10 days I watched, listened, ate their food,
went to church, visited on the porch swing, picked turnip
greens and shopped at the Piggly Wiggly. In doing so I
realized something: I’m not normal! Not here anyway.
They do not need my “help.” They are normal; their
normal. I do not have to become them, or they me. We
do not have to understand each other or even agree on everything. I just need
to let my husband be “home” and share his culture with his children.
I credit the Ag Leadership seminar on culture for this new view of my
husband’s homeland and family. The culture seminar reached into
the innermost parts of my soul. Afterward, my mind reeled with new
understanding of the people in my life. Judgment was shrinking and
understanding was growing.
Arriving home late from that seminar, I woke up my poor husband. Crying, I
promised him sweet tea and biscuits. He thought I was insane, as he often does.
When asked how I had changed in the program, he said, “I get sweet tea now.”
I am not perfect, but I try!
Thank you, Ag Leadership, for changing my life, my perspective and my reality.
11
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
FEATURE STORY
Annual Breakfast Traditions
Continue to Grow
A large part of the California Ag Leadership
Foundation’s (CALF) success is a long history
of support by the alumni community across
the state. Included in that tradition of support
are two breakfasts held annually in February –
at the World Ag Expo and Colusa Farm Show.
Each breakfast is organized by a network
of dedicated Ag Leadership alumni in the
area. A new chair is selected each year, and
that individual steps up to prepare for the
upcoming event.
“In this group, everyone has carved out a
role and they do what needs to be done like
clockwork,” said Elizabeth Knudsen (37),
chair of the 21st annual Ag Leadership
Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast. “There
have definitely been bumps along the way –
speakers canceled at the last minute and rain
coming into a tent, but the show has gone on!”
It’s this type of commitment to Ag Leadership
that keeps the program going strong year after
year.
“We have a very solid core that helps put on
the World Ag Expo breakfast every year,” said
Doug Phillips (40), who has chaired the event
for two years. “Local Ag Leadership alumni
are a big part of the event’s success.”
The Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo
Breakfast, which began in 1995, is hosted by
alumni in Region 6. It draws several hundred
attendees and sells out almost annually.
Attendees come from across the state to hear
from top-notch speakers and enjoy a hearty
steak and egg breakfast.
12
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
“People want to be part of the breakfast
every year,” said Phillips. “They enjoy the
camaraderie, the speaker and a nice breakfast
before heading out to the World Ag Expo.”
The breakfast has had keynote addresses
from notable comedians, actors, authors,
sports stars and veterans. Among the list of
speakers are Mike Mullane, retired astronaut
and Air Force colonel; Leon Panetta, former
secretary of defense and CIA director; Patti
Davis, daughter of President Ronald Reagan;
Dave Dravecky, former Major League Baseball
player and Rocky Bleier, four-time Super
Bowl champion. This year featured Dr. Patrick
Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace.
To date, more than $1 million has been raised
at the World Ag Expo Breakfast to benefit
CALF.
Eight years after the breakfast in Tulare began,
the first Colusa Farm Show Breakfast was
held. Ag Leadership alumni in Region 2; the
College of Agriculture at California State
University, Chico and the Alpha Gamma Rho
fraternity work together to make the Colusa
event a success.
“We decided to pattern our breakfast after the
Tulare farm show breakfast,” said Les Heringer
(13). “And why not? It was very successful and
we felt we could be successful as well.”
With the blessing of the Colusa Fair board,
the first breakfasts were held in a tent at the
fairgrounds.
“The first event drew 70 interested farmers
and ag related folks,” said Heringer. “We
outgrew the tent and moved to the sheep barn,
which was nicely set up for our program.
We outgrew that venue and moved to where
we are today – across the street from the
fairgrounds of the longest running farm show
in the state. Now we’re in a very nice hall at
the Catholic school in Colusa.”
Since that first year, attendance has steadily
grown to 500.
“People look forward to the event each year
for a visit with friends and for the opportunity
to support young people in the Ag Leadership
Program and the College of Agriculture at
Chico State,” said Heringer.
A guest speaker is invited each year. In 2013,
Gov. Jerry Brown attended the event and
spoke about agricultural water issues and his
family’s cattle ranch in Colusa County. In
2014, Washington, D.C. attorney Monte Lake
highlighted immigration and agriculture. This
year, George Soares (4) spoke about water
availability, sustainability and the significance
of the Ag Leadership Program.
“The event has grown tremendously in its
13 years from a small gathering in a tent
on the farm show grounds to now a packed
auditorium of 500 people,” said Sarah
DeForest (39). “The breakfast has become an
integral and enjoyable part of the Colusa Farm
Show for many of our attendees.”
Proceeds from the event benefit the Ag
Leadership Program and Chico State
agriculture alumni scholarships. In 13 years,
the Colusa breakfast has successfully raised
more than $200,000.
—Liza Teixeira
FEATURE STORY
13
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
ALUMNI EVENTS
Region 6
Region 6
Region 6
Row
phot
Region 1
Region 3
14
Sacramento
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
Region 1
Region 3
Region 3
Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento
Tulare
ALUMNI EVENTS
Event Volunteer Recognition
January – March
COLUSA FARM SHOW
BREAKFAST
Feb. 4 | Colusa
About 480 people attended
the 13th annual breakfast
at St. Bernadette’s Hall.
The event featured keynote
speaker George Soares (4),
who is considered one of the
premier agricultural lobbyists
in the state.
Region 1
Region 3
Karm Bains (40)
Lewis Bair (33)
Terry Bressler (30)
Christie Capik
Bill Carriere (27)
Colleen Cecil
Jack Coots (27)
Charlie Crabb (CALF staff)
Holly Dawley (38)
Sarah DeForest (39)
Les Heringer (13)
Mark Kimmelshue (28)
Emily Lazzerini (CALF staff)
Tom Martin
Sam Nevis (32)
Justin Nunes
Ryan Schohr (33)
WORLD AG EXPO AG
LEADERSHIP ALUMNI
RECEPTION
AGRICULTURAL
AND GOVERNMENT
LEADERS RECEPTION
Feb. 11 | Chinese Cultural
Center, Visalia
A wine and cheese reception
was hosted by the World Ag
Expo Ag Leadership Alumni
Breakfast committee to honor
the insurance sponsors of the
breakfast.
Sacramento
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
AND VOLUNTEERS
Julie Allen (27)
Gus Collin (3)
Fred Lagomarsino (19)
Soapy Mulholland (25)
WORLD AG EXPO AG
LEADERSHIP ALUMNI
BREAKFAST
Tulare
Washington, D.C.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
AND VOLUNTEERS
Bill Adams (32)
Julie Allen (27)
Russ Bassett (16)
Hugh Bello (31)
Caroline (14) and Fred (20)
Berry
Gus Collin (3)
Mandy Critchley (37)
Adin Hester (3)
Debbie Hurley (21)
Nomie Kautz (30)
Elizabeth Knudsen (37) –
chair
Lynn Knudson (20)
Fred Lagomarsino (19)
Soapy Mulholland (25)
Cindy Myers (22)
Doug Phillips (40)
John Schaap (39)
Todd Snider (41)
Tricia Stever Blattler (34)
Jim Sullins (19)
Ray Van Beek (37)
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
w 1 - Region 6 for the three
tos on this page
from author and scientist
Dr. Patrick Moore, the cofounder of Greenpeace who
calls himself “The Sensible
Environmentalist.”
Feb. 12 | Tulare
A sold-out crowd of more
than 600 gathered at the
21st annual breakfast to hear
March 3 | Sacramento
A crowd of about 150 alumni,
fellows, industry leaders,
legislators and staffers
gathered for a wonderful
evening at The Senator Hotel.
California Department
of Food and Agriculture
Secretary Karen Ross spoke
to the audience about state
agricultural issues, as well as
the value of Ag Leadership.
All of the commodities
donated for the display were
donated to the River City
Food Bank.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
AND VOLUNTEERS
Dennis Albiani (32)
Mike Campbell (3)
Cecilia Chi-Ham (38)
Anne Coates (42)
Noelle Cremers (35)
Sue DiTomaso (32)
Stephanie Etcheverria (43)
Missy Gable (40)
Heidi Harris (43)
Mica Heilmann (40)
Josh Huntsinger (39)
Greg Krzys (44)
Emily Lazzerini (CALF staff)
Elisa Noble (42)
Garry Pearson (38)
Judy Sparacino (CALF staff)
Deanna van Klaveren (32)
Luke Wilson (44)
REGION 6
RECRUITMENT EVENT
Feb. 5 | Sun-Maid, Kingsburg
Jerry DiBuduo (31)
Nat DiBuduo (6)
Gail Gray (22)
Denise Junqueiro (42)
Nomie Kautz (30)
Alex Ott (37)
Vernon Peterson (41)
Rick Stark (39)
Rod Stark (29)
Tim Vaux (31)
Phil Waddell (29)
REGION 3
RECRUITMENT EVENT
AND ALUMNI SOCIAL
Feb. 8 | Home of Mike
Campbell, Clarksburg
Mike Campbell (3)
Mica Heilmann (40)
REGION 1
RECRUITMENT EVENT
Feb. 12 | Montna Farms, Yuba
City
Jon Munger (36)
Jeff (24) and Cherie Stephens
Nicole Montna Van Vleck (26)
John Weiler (22)
REGION 10 ALUMNI
SOCIAL AND
RECRUITMENT EVENT
March 21 | Home of Bob and
Anne Atkins
Bob (17) and Anne Atkins
15
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Outreach and Promotion for Kern County Ag
Growing up in urban Denver with
no agricultural background, Beth
Brookhart Pandol (25) likely
envisioned her future career would
be something other than promoting agriculture 1,000 miles west in
southern San Joaquin Valley.
But a stint as a Bakersfield newspaper reporter led to a 30-year career
in agriculture-related jobs, which
currently includes leading a water association and an up-and-coming nut
festival. Perhaps it was her destiny to
be one of Kern County agriculture’s
most passionate supporters.
“It’s all been a surprise to me, how I
got started in agriculture and my career in agriculture,” said Pandol, who
is married to grape grower Andrew
Pandol.
Pandol got her first taste of California agriculture writing freelance
articles for publications such as Ag
Alert and California Farmer. She
then held communications positions
with KERO-TV (Bakersfield), Griffin
Communications, Kern County Water Agency and Calcot. She also did
freelance work for several agricultural businesses and worked extensively
with the Kern County Farm Bureau
to develop its ag education programs.
For the past three years, Pandol
has been executive director of the
Water Association of Kern County
(WAKC). She works with the board
to develop outreach programs that
educate the public about urban
and agricultural water issues in the
county. “It’s a challenge, since water
is such a complicated subject,” said
Pandol.
16
Over the years, WAKC has provided
information about federal, state and
local water projects; water quality;
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
legislation and regulations; historical water agreements; water supply;
endangered species; water banking
and conservation.
“Our slogan is ‘Every Drop Counts
in Kern,’” said Pandol. “Recently
we wrapped city buses with water
information. We also host several programs each year featuring
water speakers on topics such as the
drought, groundwater regulations
and fracking.”
Pandol lends her outreach and communications expertise to another
agricultural endeavor, albeit a more
entertaining one – the Kern County
Nut Festival. She is the co-founder
and co-chair (one of the “head nuts”).
She has been involved with the event
since 2009, when local leaders first
discussed the idea of a local food
festival similar to the Gilroy Garlic
Festival. Despite the interest and
enthusiasm, the idea was shelved for
a few years due to the economy.
The event was then revived by Pandol
and her co-chair, Sheryl Barbich,
who were board members of the
Kern County Museum Foundation.
The struggling museum needed
money – and they thought the nut
festival would be an ideal fundraiser.
It was a huge venture, but volunteers
embraced the challenge. Pandol
and her co-chairs now lead nearly
80 committee members who meet
throughout the year.
“Our goals are to showcase nuts, one
of Kern’s top commodities; engage
the community in an annual, regional event; and raise funds for the museum,” said Pandol. “We ultimately
hope to draw people from around the
state, much like Gilroy does.”
The inaugural festival in 2013 drew
10,000 people. The 2013 and 2014
festivals raised $275,000 for the museum. Pandol expects those numbers
to keep increasing. “People were
very supportive. It was wonderful
to see the community come out and
enjoy themselves. There are so many
competing events, so we’re trying to
differentiate the nut festival to make
it better and unique. We still have
work to do, but I think we’re on the
right track.”
Pandol said that leadership skills
are important for success, but vary
depending on the project.
For the festival, it’s about teamwork.
“It’s such a big effort that getting the
right people to lead committees and
make sure they follow through is essential,” she said. “Every individual is
different. We need to work with them
in a way that suits them and empowers them to get their job done. They
have to feel good about what they
are doing and be proud to be doing
something for the greater good.”
For WAKC, communication is
paramount. “Water in California is so
complex. We are constantly trying to
convey the seriousness of the issue to
the public. They don’t live in a world
of ‘allocations’ and ‘in-lieu water
banking.’ Being able to pare the issues
down is really important. It’s difficult
to share our messages on a limited,
nonprofit budget.”
Pandol, a graduate of Leadership
Bakersfield, has learned some valuable leadership lessons over the years.
“Leadership can come from unexpected places,” she said. “I’ve worked
with people who were supposedly
very accomplished and found them
to not come through on projects.
Conversely, I’ve seen people who
seemed ill equipped to be leaders
come through wonderfully and do an
excellent job.
“I’ve also learned that being a leader
doesn’t necessarily mean being the
big dog in the room. Leadership can
be done with a phone call, an email
or pat on the back. You don’t have to
be the person getting the big award at
the end of a project to be considered
a good leader.”
—Meredith Ritchie
ON AG LEADERSHIP
“Besides marrying my wonderful
husband and having two great kids,
Ag Leadership was the best thing I
ever did. I learned so much about
life, the commonality among people,
but also the uniqueness of people. I
learned how brave great leaders are.
I made some of the best friends of
my life and we still have a very close
class.”
“I can’t think of anything more
valuable to the ag industry than
to develop leaders who can speak
well, speak passionately and follow
through. Ag has a fainter and fainter
voice in the political and social realm
and it’s important that new leaders
carry the message of agriculture and
keep working for its viability.”
“To fellows and recent graduates:
get out there and do it – whatever
“it” is for you. You don’t spend two
years in the program so you can go
back and sit in your easy chair!”
ALUMNI & FELLOWS NEWS
CLASSES 1-9
Myron Holdenried (3) and his wife, Marilyn –
Craig McNamara (28) was reappointed
owners of Wildhurst Vineyards – were part of a
wine tasting event and three-course winemaker
dinner featuring their Wildhurst wines. The
event was held March 7 at the Lake County
Wine Studio.
member and president of the California State
Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has
served since 2002.
John Muller (8) was a speaker at the 2015
Terry Bressler (30) was reappointed to the
Northwest Flower and Garden Show, held Feb.
11-15 at the Washington State Convention
Center in Seattle. He presented a seminar titled
“Farmer John’s Top Tips for a Garden – From
Seed to Table.”
CLASSES 10-19
Paul Martin (10) returned to Western
United Dairymen (WUD) as interim CEO in
January, while WUD continued its search for
a permanent leader. Martin had retired from
WUD in 2012 after serving as the longtime
director of environmental services.
Jack Pandol (12) was a panel speaker at the
Second International Grape Symposium, held
Feb. 5-6 in Hermosillo, Mexico. His presentation
was titled “How to achieve significant premiums
in the table grape market. WPW flavors drive
premium returns.” Pandol joined panelists from
Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Cuba
and the United States.
CLASSES 20-29
Fred Berry (20) was hired by Homegrown
Organic Farms as a senior account manager. He
most recently worked with Mulholland Citrus as
its director of marketing.
John Diener (20) was featured in an in-depth
article about the drought (“When the Snows
Fail”) in the October 2014 issue of National
Geographic.
A.G. Kawamura (20) was the keynote speaker
at the first Farmers’ Lunch, held on Feb. 12 at the
World Ag Expo. His speech was titled “Food is a
Privilege, Not a Right.”
Jeff Merwin (20) was re-elected to his second
term as Yolo County Farm Bureau president.
He served as first vice president in 2012-13 and
second vice president in 2011. He has been a
director of the local Farm Bureau since 1992.
Glenda Humiston (25) was a speaker at the
2015 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, held
Feb. 19-20 in Arlington, Va. Her presentation
was titled “What Do Scarcity, Alternatives and
Comprehensive Strategies Mean for Today’s
Efforts to Address Water Challenges?”
CLASSES 30-39
44th District Agricultural Association, Colusa
County Fair Board of Directors, where he has
served since 1999.
Jake Blehm (32) was named director of
administration for the Ceres Community
Project, a nonprofit based in Sebastopol that
provides healthy meals for stricken patients and
provides training and experience for up to 450
young volunteers.
Charles Tyson (32) was selected president of
the Yolo Land Trust board of directors.
CLASSES 40-45
Jorge Suarez (41) was named vice president
of labor management at Paramount Farming
Company, LLC. He previously worked for Ocean
Mist as director of strategic planning and human
resources for nearly 12 years.
IN MEMORIAM
The following was not included in a previous
issue of Horizons. We sincerely apologize for the
unintentional omission.
Susan Brown Diefenderfer (10)
Sept. 5, 1955 – July 4, 2014
Susan Brown Diefenderfer passed away on July
4 after a 15-month battle with colon cancer. She
was born to Ernest and Mildred Kuhnle Brown
and grew up on their Cholame ranch. She is
survived by brother Frank Tony Brown and
daughter Sherry Swank. She and her husband,
Jerry Diefenderfer (2), had moved into their new
home on the west side of the Carrisa Plains two
weeks before she was diagnosed with cancer.
Susan was very fond of Jerry’s children, Ray,
Jennie and JC, and their four grandchildren.
Susan had been active in the community as a
school board member in Shandon, a member of
the county grand jury, CattleWomen member,
Trail Ride member and a former director of the
California Mid-State Fair. Memorial donations
may be forwarded to the San Luis Obispo
County CattleWomen Scholarship Fund, Ann
Cochrane, P.O. Box 4653, Paso Robles, CA,
93447.
Megan Foster (44) was hired as a senior
account executive (food and agribusiness)
at the Sacramento office of communications
firm FleishmanHillard. She was previously the
executive director of the Yuba-Sutter Farm
Bureau.
Abby Taylor-Silva (45) was named the
30th District’s 2015 Woman of the Year
by Assemblymember Luis Alejo. She was
recognized for her involvement in and
commitment to the agricultural industry and
her community.
MULTIPLE CLASSES
Chuck Nichols (17), owner of Nichols Farms,
and Dean Thonesen (12), vice president of
SunWest Fruit Company, served as speakers
during an agricultural and economic impact
tour in January to promote the 2015 Fresno
Food Expo (July 22-23). Nichols Farms and
SunWest were among the tour stops for a large
group of elected officials, commodity board
members, Farm Bureau representatives and food
producers. The expo is the largest regional food
show in the nation.
WHAT’S
HAPPENING
IN YOUR
LIFE?
PLEASE SEND
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OR NEWS TO:
mritchie@agleaders.org
17
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
THANK YOU
DONOR SUPPORT
Pledge Payments Received
Otis Booth Foundation: $500,000
California Cotton Alliance: $50,000
Boswell Family Foundation: $25,000
Mission Produce, Inc.: $10,000
Paul Parreira: $6,000
Westside Produce: $5,000
Linda Hildebrand Ballentine: $200
$25,000
Western Growers Association
$15,000
Harden Foundation
$10,000
Farm Credit: American AgCredit,
CoBank, Farm Credit West
(Agricultural and Government
Leaders Reception sponsorship)
Farm Credit: American AgCredit,
CoBank, Farm Credit West, Fresno
Madera Farm Credit (2013-14
annual report underwriter)
18
HORIZONS MAGAZINE SPRING 2015
January 1 - March 31, 2015
$5,000-$5,999
Karm Bains
Hidden Villa Ranch
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
$300
E. & J. Gallo Winery (match for
David Warter)
John and Christine Schaap
$4,500
CH Robinson Company
$250
Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli
John and Mary Ann Frye
Bill Gisvold
John Gorter
Ed Grossi
Mike Richardson
John and Teri Zonneveld
$1,000
Berry Pack, Inc.
Keithly-Williams Seeds
John Muller
Paul Sanguinetti
Paul and Deborah Wenger
$750
Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc
$500-599
Les and Janet Heringer
R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises
Yvonne Sams
$400
Bob and Anne Atkins
$150
Benny and Donna Jefferson
$100
David Arakelian
Woody and Jane Barnes
Joe Produce LLC
Robert Kasavan Marketing
John and Cristel Tufenkjian
Up to $100
Andrea Card
In Memory of Paul Couture
Bob and Patricia Gray: $1,000
Bob and Teresa Keenan: $250
Tom Perez: $200
Eisenhut Properties: $100
Turlock Fruit Company (Don and
Steve Smith): $100
Beverly Winger: $25
In Memory of Jim Coelho (1)
Woody and Jane Barnes: $100
In Memory of Hank Stone (1)
Woody and Jane Barnes: $100
In-Kind
Darlene Din: $22,050
TMD Creative: $4,000
Kelley Parsons: $372
Allied Grape Growers: $328.32
THANK YOU
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
July 1, 2011- March 31, 2015
$1,000,000 and above
James G. Boswell Foundation
Otis Booth Foundation
TMD Creative
Wegis and Young / Mike Young, Rick Wegis,
Greg Wegis
Westside Produce
LEGACY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
THE 1970 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
FOUNDERS’ LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$500,000 and above
Boswell Family Foundation
PIONEER LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$250,000 and above
Justina Borba
California Cotton Alliance
Susan Dulin (in memory of J.G. Boswell II)
CHAIRMAN’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$100,000 and above
John and Betsy Grether
John and Sheila Lake
Mulholland Citrus
Reiter Affiliated Companies
Taylor Farms California
Wells Fargo
Western Growers Association
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$50,000 and above
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
The Borba Families / Mark and Sharon Borba
Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc.
Growers Express
J.F. Maddox Foundation (in memory of J.G.
Boswell II)
Mission Produce, Inc.
Vessey and Company
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$25,000 and above
Azzule Systems
Estate of Katherine Brown
Bowles Farming Company / Philip E. and
Jamie N. Bowles
Capital Insurance Group
C.H. Robinson Worldwide
D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California
Darlene Din
Denise Godfrey Family / Olive Hill
Greenhouses
Farm Credit: American AgCredit, CoBank,
Farm Credit West
Foster Farms
Harden Foundation
Lagomarsino Group
George and Kathleen Myers
The Norton Foundation
Syngenta Corporation
$10,000 and above
AGR Partners
Bank of the West
Booth Ranches
Martin and Debbie Britz
Ed and Rosa Boutonnet
Rose Marie Burroughs
Charles Buchinger Memorial Endowment
Fund
Class 39
Class 43
John and Nan Colbert
Gary Cusumano
Margaret Duflock
Melissa Duflock
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Jeff and Mori Elder
Greenleaf Farms
Jim and Betsy Hansen
Hayashi & Wayland
Hidden Villa Ranch
International Paper Company
The Johannessen Trust
Kevin Grizzle Farms, LLC
The Klassen Corporation
Limoneira Foundation Fund
Charlie and Sheila Mathews
Monsanto Company
Benina Montes
Paul and Yvonne Murai
Mark and Joann Nickerson
Peggy Sears Perry
Vernon and Carol Peterson / Abundant
Harvest Organics
Richard Pidduck
Prime Time
R. Gorrill Ranch Enterprises
Rabobank, N.A.
Rolling Ridge Ranch
Jan Smith
Rod and Carol Stark
Rick Vorpe and Evelyn Matteucci
Sally Hughes Church Foundation
Saticoy Lemon Association
Union Bank of California Foundation
Mary-Ann Warmerdam
Tim York
FELLOWS LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
$5,000 and above
Karm Bains
AGR Partners
Blue Diamond Growers
Edwin and Kaye Camp
Doug and Jan Circle
Class 41
Craton Capital
Errotabere Ranches
Finch Farms
Gail Gray
George and Janice Higashi
Jeana and Larry Hultquist
The James R. Moffett Family Foundation
Kimberly Clauss Jorritsma
King & Gardiner Farms, LLC
Bradford and Randall Lange / LangeTwins
Winery & Vineyards
Leslie Leavens
Link and Sally Leavens
John and Edyth Ledbetter
McClarty Family Foundation
Mann Packing Company
David and Melissa Martella
Tom and Brianne McGrath
Paul Parreira
Craig Pedersen
Person & Son Cattle Co.
Peter Peterson
Prudential Ag Investments
Rain for Rent
Meredith Rehrman Ritchie
Supima Cotton
Pierra Tada
TM Bunn Trust
John Weiler/ Oji Brothers Farm Inc.
FUNDRAISING AND
SPECIAL EVENTS
World Ag Expo Ag Leadership Alumni Breakfast
>>Major sponsors ($15,000 and above):
Zenith Insurance Company/Zenith Ag and
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Dean Brown Golf Tournament
>>Special thanks to Hampton Farming
Company
Region 9 Golf Tournament
>>Major sponsors: Calavo Growers and
Paramount Citrus
Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
Common Threads, Fresno
Life-Long Leadership Learning Seminar/ Dr. Daniel
Goleman
>>Major sponsors ($7,500 each): Agriland
Farming Co., Inc., Bank of the West,
Booth Ranches, Chevron, Greenleaf Farms
& Prudential Agricultural Investments,
Simplot, Wells Fargo Bank, and The Ag One
Foundation & Fresno State.
19
SPRING 2015 HORIZONS MAGAZINE
P.O. BOX 479
SALINAS, CA 93902
Return Service Requested
HORIZONS MAGAZINE
is published by the
California Agricultural
Leadership Foundation for
alumni, donors, supporters
and friends.
Phone: 831-585-1030
www.agleaders.org
THANK YOU, MEREDITH
Meredith is now the longest-serving “employee” (free-lance independent contractor)
at the foundation, and her institutional memory and extensive knowledge of and
acquaintance with the alumni will be greatly missed. She has experienced more than her
share of changes of both board leadership and executive management during her tenure,
yet she stuck with it in true Ag Leadership fashion (she “drank the Kool Aid” during her
program experience, and apparently liked it).
“She has a deep passion for the program, she stayed with it through thick and thin,” said
Loren Booth. “It was her love of CALF that kept her going and we love her for that! Her
unwavering support of the program is so appreciated and we will miss her positive spirit
and editorial talents! Thank you Meredith, your bright light will be missed!”
She was motivated by the current regime (Loren and myself) to elevate and improve our
communications platforms in September of 2009, and she has risen to the challenge and
done so with a flair and a tenacity and a dedication that has helped these publications win
many, many awards (2014 SIAA Award Annual Report, 2013 Summit International Award
Annual Report, 2012 Communicator Award Annual Report, 2011 Communicator Award
Horizons). She is a member of an award-winning team, and we dedicate this issue to her
in grateful thanks for her service to this program, where she has made a difference.
Bob Gray, President & CEO
Loren Booth, Chair, CALF Board of Directors
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