The journey doesn’t end at commencement. Congratulations to Class 54 ! We’re excited to watch your continued impact as leaders across California agriculture. #LeadersGrowHere
We had a great time last Friday at the Talley BBQ! Thank you to @talleyvineyards for hosting such a wonderful evening. It was great connecting with alumni, fellows, supporters, and friends of Ag Leadership while enjoying great food and fun conversations! We’re grateful for everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable.
The most important leadership work often happens in rooms where no one is keeping score. In his new blog, Dr. Dane White reflects on how real leadership is built. Not in boardrooms or behind podiums, but on school boards, local committees, and the volunteer tables of our communities.
For those in agriculture, these are the rooms that shape trust, build coalitions, and ultimately strengthen the places we call home.
A thoughtful read on service, presence, and why showing up still matters.
Read the full blog linked in bio.
Meet Class 55 Fellow Josh Enos from Glenn, California.
From family orchards to global markets, Josh serves as Director of Sales and Business Development at @carrierefamilyfarms , helping lead grower relations, company strategy, and sales and marketing operations across approximately 40 countries worldwide. As a fifth-generation member of the family business, Josh is passionate about connecting California agriculture to markets around the world while helping growers remain competitive in an evolving global industry.
Josh is looking forward to gaining new perspectives, growing as a leader, and building relationships with others who are committed to the future of California agriculture through the Ag Leadership Program. Interested in learning more about the program visit agleaders.org
The 4th Annual Cultivating the Future Dinner is almost here! Join us on May 14 in the Imperial Valley as we come together to support CALF with special guest CDFA Secretary Karen Ross offering remarks.
Hosted by Region 11 Alumni, with dinner and entertainment generously underwritten by Vessey & Company, 100% of proceeds directly benefit CALF and its mission to develop future leaders in California agriculture.
We look forward to celebrating community, leadership, and the future of California agriculture with you!
May 14, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Link in bio to register!
CALF Social & Talley BBQ is almost here! Join us for an evening with Ag Leadership alumni, Class 55 fellows, foundation staff, and Cal Poly leadership. Curious about the program? You’re invited too! Registration is FREE visit agleaders.org/events.
On the menu: Santa Maria-style BBQ, wine tasting & beer!
Hosted by Brian Talley (30), Rosemary Talley (19), and Elizabeth Talley.
Special thanks to our Alumni BBQ Team, led by Chris Darway (25) and Tom Ikeda (26).
We have great events coming up! Whether you’re an alum, a current fellow, or someone interested in joining the program, we want to see you at one (or all!) of these gatherings:
April 30: Ag Leadership Social at the Spring Fair (Los Banos)
May 8: CALF Social & Talley BBQ (Arroyo Grande)
May 14: Cultivating the Future Dinner (Holtville)
Check the link in our bio for full event details and RSVPs. Let’s connect and grow the future of CA agriculture together!
Meet the Fellow: Claire Aicken
Claire is a Supervising Inspector with the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. With more than a decade in local government, she leads a team focused on preventing invasive pests, supporting agricultural trade, and protecting the health of California’s vineyards, nurseries, and communities.
From safeguarding crops to strengthening systems that keep agriculture moving, Claire’s work reflects a deep commitment to service and impact across the state.
Follow along as we introduce more of the leaders of Class 55.
We’re excited to be hiring a Development Manager at CALF. As we enter a new phase of growth, we’re investing in a more intentional and sustainable approach to development in support of our mission: growing leaders who make a difference.
This role is a great fit for someone who loves building relationships and bringing ideas to life—someone who enjoys connecting with donors and partners, strengthening engagement, and helping turn ideas into action through thoughtful fundraising.
If you’re passionate about agriculture, leadership, and making an impact, learn more at: /careers/
Class 55 just wrapped their national seminar in Chicago & Washington, D.C.
From Chicago’s neighborhoods to the monuments of the National Mall, 24 ag leaders documented every lesson, every shift in perspective, and every loose thread worth pulling.
Read their blogs /news-resources/blog-articles/
#AgLeadership #Class55 #GrowingLeadersWhoMakeaDifference #leadersgrowhere
