A premier leadership

development program.

The most respected and

longest running of its kind.

Mission: We grow leaders who make a difference.

Vision: California agricultural leaders united as a catalyst for a vibrant industry.

Farmers and ranchers in our highly urbanized state depend on skilled and passionate leaders who can

be effective advocates for issues facing agriculture, our communities, the state and nation. For over 40 years, the California Agricultural Leadership

Program (CALP) has provided an advanced leadership development experience for emerging

agricultural leaders.

We grow leaders who make a difference.

Wha

t we a

re.

California’s Premier Leadership Program

“People with goals succeed because they know

where they are going”-Earl Nightingale

California Agricultural Leadership Program

P.O. BOX 479 • SALINAS, CA 93902

Discover how you can achieve an advanced level of leadership to benefit…• California Agriculture

• Your Company

• Your Organization

• Your Community

• and You W W W. A G L E A D E R S . O R G

Become a Stronger and Better Leader With New Skills and Strategic Focus

Seminars/Partner Universities Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Ag Leadership Program is based on a more than 40-year alliance with four

California universities: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California

Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State University, Fresno;

and the University of California, Davis. Monthly seminars rotate between these

four partner universities. Additional segments are provided by Santa Clara

University and the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed

Forces in Washington, D.C.

With a different program focus at each university, the seminars provide an

integrated and comprehensive curriculum. Fellows are presented timely and

relevant subject matter from skilled educators, subject matter experts, and leaders

from organizations and businesses.

What to ExpectAg Leadership fellows can expect to gain important skills and awareness to

enhance their leadership capabilities and effectiveness. With a strong skill set

and strategic focus, they will be better prepared to assess and deal with the

complex challenges affecting their business, agricultural associations, community,

family and government.

During the 16-month program, ongoing interaction with core faculty and peers

shapes the individual experience and intentionally introduces fellows to some

unfamiliar, and at times uncomfortable, situations. As a result, fellows develop

a close camaraderie, learn to approach issues with an open and critical mind,

and enhance their ability to listen and to learn from others and their environments.

You Can Make a Difference Apply online at www.agleaders.org

Q &

ATh

e pro

gram

.

Over the course of an intensive 16-month program, you will be immersed in numerous topics, including: • Leadership theory• Strategic agility• Effective communication• Motivation• Critical thinking• Change management• Emotional intelligence and other skills that contribute to improved performance• Immersion into complex social and cultural issues

Through a balance of dynamic classroom presentations, case studies, experiential learning opportunities, individualized coaching and selected readings, you will acquire tools to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to the long-term success of your farms, ranches, allied businesses and organizations.

Become an influential agricultural professional.Program graduates are part of an influential network of agricultural professionals who help their companies, organizations and communities meet the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. Better communication and enhanced critical thinking skills, combined with a broader perspective, help graduates guide others to creative solutions. Having the confidence to step up and engage diverse groups in discussions about critical issues facing agriculture is one of many outputs of the Ag Leadership Program.

As one of the almost 1,200 alumni – growers, farmers, ranchers and other individuals working in allied businesses – you will be part of a powerful network that serves to keep farming and ranching a viable and important part of our state’s economy.

What are the requirements to participate in the program? * A resident of California for at least one

year.

* Written consent from employer (if ap-plicable) to take off the required time.

* If individuals are self-employed, they must demonstrate the ability to be on leave from their enterprises for the required time.

* Remain in an agricultural profession during the program.

* Have the full support of his/her family to participate in the program.

What is the application and selection process? * Applications are typically available

beginning in January.

* The application process has three phases: - The first phase is a brief written application to determine a candidate’s eligibility for the program. - The second phase requires a more detailed written application from a candidate. - The final phase is a face-to-face interview with a screening committee.

* In addition to applications, four letters of recommendation and other consent forms are required.

* Face-to-face interviews of qualified applicants with regional screening com-mittees are held in the summer.

* Applicants are notified of the selection outcome in early fall.

Is there an application fee? * There is no fee for applying to the

program. How much time do fellows need to commit? * Fellows must commit to approximately

60 seminar days over a 16-month period: - First year: Monthly seminars from October to May typically last two and a half to three days, and a national travel seminar in March lasts approximately 10 days. - Second year: Monthly seminars from October to February typically last two and a half to three days, and an inter-national travel seminar in November lasts approximately 15-17 days.

* Fellows will also have additional travel time to and from each seminar loca-tion, and that travel time may amount to several extra days depending on where a fellow lives.

* Fellows are expected to devote extra time to the individualized coaching process, and to group and individual assignments outside of the seminars.

* Fellows are expected to assume leadership responsibilities immediately, participate in post-graduate leadership activities, and to contribute to the sustainability of CALP.

Is there a tuition or cost for participating in the program? * The foundation, through individual

and industry donations, funds the approximately $45,000 cost for each participant. Fellows are expected to pay the following:

* $750 fee to offset costs of materials.

* Incidental expenses.

* Miscellaneous expenses (tips, gifts, donations, personal items, etc.).

* Transportation to and from in-state seminars.

* Transportation to and from departure airports for national and international travel seminars.

What do employers pay for? * Employer costs vary depending on how

they support their employee during the program (e.g., employee time off and other expenses).

What is the return on investment for employers? * Turn “soloists” into “conductors.” * Identify and train leaders for the

business or organization. * Develop talent to keep companies on

the cutting edge of change and growth. * Identify and train potential successors. * Develop key individuals as colleagues

and team leaders.

What is the return on investment for fellows? * Develop essential tools to enhance your

leadership skills and strengths.

* Through individualized coaching, focus on specific learning activities to enhance your ability to motivate and lead.

* Acquire strong communication skills.

* Understand the difference between leadership and management.

* Deal effectively, competently and confidently with complicated issues and challenges that affect California agriculture.

* Understand, articulate and confront different perspectives of an issue or challenge.

* Respond more proactively to challenges that affect organizations, businesses and communities.

* Develop the ability to convert a vision into action through effective and appropriate planning, communication and motivation.

* Develop the ability to more effectively organize and utilize teams.

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