Class 45 National Travel Seminar

Day 5, the final day of our Cambodian adventures, began early in the morning and en route to the Siem Reap rice lands. By way of Ox carts, Class 45 fellows were driven through rice fields surrounding the village of Chrev. During this experience fellows were able to walk through the village, watch the process of mechanical small batch rice wine production and take part in the process of manual rice milling. This experience/tour was developed from within the community and was an excellent example of entrepreneurship and innovation. Using what they had, these families are increasing their income by showcasing their farming practices. We learned that funds from the tours help to support education within the village and preserved the use of the oz cart, a legacy transportation tool that is slowly fading away. This eco-tour was developed for tourists, but as we thought about our experience afterwards we realized the greatness in what was occurring. Yes, this was as example of entrepreneurship, but also of social enterprise and a triple bottom line business plan. Here in this developing country entrepreneurs are executing a business model that is on-trend and also being spotlighted and debated within the United States. Later in the day, amidst the pouring rain, we toured a silk farm. An industry that had been desecrated by the Khmer Rouge is beginning to find its way again and produce a highly sought after product. Through the production of silk goods another great Eco-tourism business is thriving, expanding employment opportunities and economic stability in the community outside of Siem Reap through the sale of goods and tours. Our class was able to see that despite a lack of infrastructure and stability, economic opportunities are possible and that developing resources and skills that are particular to your location and market can only enhance your ability to be successful. Our class was continuously enthralled with the kindness and humility of the people of Cambodia. We were able to see firsthand that when people feel empowered to try and add new value to centuries old business models, coupled with naturally gracious and thoughtful ways, they can begin to change their villages and country for the better. Next stop, Hanoi, Vietnam. Justin S., Lauren and Yvonne

The last full day of the National Seminar took Class 45 Fellows to U.S.A Rice Federation, USDA, and to the DC Exchange Reception hosted by the CALP Alumni Council. Venturing out on the Metro for the first time since arriving from the airport, we boarded the orange-line during rush hour to head out to Arlington for our meeting with USA Rice. Besides a couple mishaps with the metro cards not working, the class maneuvered the Metro fairly well and we arrived for our meeting with USA Rice on time. We had the opportunity to meet with USA Rice CEO and President, Betsy Ward; COO, Bob Cummings; and Director of International Promotion, Sara Moran. The Federation shared their message of working with industry groups in Trade Agreements—reinforcing the theme of collaborative advocacy that we’ve heard throughout the trip. They also shared the challenges of negotiating Trade with a subsidized commodity since other countries inflate their prices via Government assistance which makes it difficult for equal market access. We also had the opportunity to ask about the rice industry in Vietnam and Thailand (two of the countries we will visit for our international trip) and heard about the challenges the rice industry has with unfair trade barriers in those countries they believe are in violation of WTO. After a quick lunch in Arlington, we navigated the Metro back to the USDA building for our afternoon session hearing from the following 5 different USDA departments representatives: Dr. Catherine Woteki, the Under Secretary of Research, Education and Economics; Ed Avalos the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Jason Hafemeister, from Farm and Foreign Ag Services; Kirk Hanlin, from NRCS; and Irene Lin from Rural Development. We were welcomed into the Williamsburg Room that houses a table built in 1983 by Ronald Reagan for the summit of industrial nations. The table is so big that our entire class fit around it. A former DC Exchange Fellow hosted us, Ven Neralla, Director of Congressional Affairs, Research, Education & Economics. Ven shared with the class his sincere appreciation of the DC exchange program and how the program gave him the opportunity to learn about Indian-American families in CA ag who are multi-generation farmers and an integral part of California Ag. Before the reception, the fellows had the opportunity to sit around the massive Reagan table together and reflect on our experiences. Though we there was no way we could completely synthesize the entire experience of this National Seminar, we were able to recognize the importance of engaging in our political process in order to represent our industry, our environment, our families, and our future. We were told over and over again that it’s all about building and maintaining relationships. However, one of the things we realized is that Leadership comes in to play AFTER we’ve built those relationships. Being an effective leader is about having the maturity not to compromise those relationships as we maneuver through controversial issues and advocate for our cause. We were also impressed with the patience of those in politics and were told several times that politics is a chess match. Fellow Jeff Millinovich closed with the thought: “Yes, it’s a chess match, and because of that, I realize we can’t NOT play the game because we feel we’re on a moral high ground. The message is clear: Engage early and engage often.” By: Corrie Davis, Rob Goff and Rick Rhody

This is the biggest table I have ever seen. This is president Reagan's table and now resides in the USDA building. Great way to cap off our national trip. #calf45 #calf45natl #agleaders

Presiding Fellows (PF) for March 11th included Correen Davis, Rob Goff and Rick Rhody||These three were charged with the tasks of getting Class 45 on the metro and to the US Rice Federation (two of which are rice growers in Northern California) and back in the metro and over to the USDA for a series of talks with the various missions. #calf45 #calfnatl45 #agleadership #agriculture #leadership #california #farmsmatter #dc #rice #paramount #herdingcats

Class 45 at the USDA on their last day of the national seminar. We were able to learn about several missions of the USDA including Rural Development||Research, Education and Economics||Foreign Agriculture Services|| Fellows had several questions for each speaker and really enjoyed the thorough introduction of the department. Fellows were please to learn that the USDA is working to find a better be balance between large and small farming programs and also, developing plans to ensure younger generations have reasons to return to the farm. {{Look for the "Know your farmer, know your food" initiative that is in the process of being rolled out after being developed by Secretary Vilsack. #calf45 #calfnatl45 #california #leadership #agleadership #farmsmatter #usda #agriculture #dc

||US RICE FEDERATION|| Fellows met with the CEO, COO and Western Hemisphere Director to learn about the US rice industry and export markets globally. Fellows were able to ask questions regarding the industry and about the importance of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Our speakers spoke at length about the importance of developing relationships with other agricultural industries which are stakeholders in the TPP negotiations. The importance of working together as a coalition through the process to ensure none of the various industries are left out of the deal at the point of agreement. This message of collaboration and communication has been a key point in many speaker presentations and was very appreciated by fellows today||have a rice day! #calf45 #calfnatl45 #agriculture #california #us #rice #leadership #agleadership

Today Class 45 charged the Hill. Entering the Capitol early this morning, fellows took to the halls of the U.S. House of Representatives. First up on the agenda was a section chief from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Fellows not only learned the importance of I-9 record keeping, but also became familiar with ICE inspection protocols. We were intrigued by the stories of investigations, but definitely on edge in regards to ICE and their impact on labor in our state. We then heard from Kyle Lombardi, Legislative Director for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. The fellows had an open dialogue regarding a number of issues facing their counties, communities, and businesses. Fellows were curious about how to get involved within their districts and also, how to promote agriculture beyond their agriculture districts. We have become increasingly aware of how the negative impacts of the drought on our industries are not understood by many constituents and therefore, are not being regarded as needing immediate action within certain Congressional districts. His suggestion to Class 45, was to think beyond the farm and share the message of impact. Be vocal in sharing how production land going fallow equates to increased food costs, threat to food safety and loss of jobs through the supply chain. Fellows continued the discussion with Congresswoman Lisa Sanchez's Legislative Assistant about getting the story of agriculture out to the representatives and constituents who are not in agricultural communities. Congresswoman Sanchez's district is located in Los Angeles and Orange counties. This district is a great example of who we can educate on the importance of water to farms amongst all Californians and their representatives. The afternoon was spent talking to committee staff about their roles and the research involved in educating members of the committee. Committees represented during the sessions included Agriculture, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, Natural Resources and the Intelligence. Each speaker provided a different insight to fellows. As we walked across the Capitol to our last meeting of the day, we were each in awe of the knowledge that had been shared with us and the opportunity to interact and have dialogue with each one of them. Our day ended with a brief discussion with Senator Feinstein's office regarding the water situation in our State. Fellows were able to discuss the impact of the issue on their businesses. Although the discussion had its tough moments, the Senator appears to have high hopes and a positive outlook on the future of water in California. Following a picture with Senator Feinstein, fellows were off to celebrate the success of the national trip at the finale dinner. Fellows made it through a day that included a number of tough subjects and some very dense material. At the end of the day we were excited to begin the process of reaching out to non-agriculture communities and their representatives. After our day at the Capitol, we are now very aware of the importance of developing relationships across political and ideological lines. As a class of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, we feel the responsibility to initiate these conversations with our fellow Californians and share our stories, commonalities and passions to ensure the future success of California agriculture. By: Jeff Milinivech, Justin Morehead and Lauren Reid

Senior staffer Kiel Weaver from the Natural Resources Committee briefing Class 45 in the Speaker's dining room. Kiel gave the class a detailed description of water issues in the committee and advice on how to impact the process as much as possible.

A caption that resonated with class 45. After our day on the hill we understood there is a clear need to express a positive and unified message about California agriculture.

Class 45 had the opportunity to meet with and discuss water issues in the state of CA with Senator Dianne Feinstein. Fellows were able to voice concerns based on their own farm experiences and appreciated the Senator's efforts to work on fixing the water crisis. Through all of our water discussions today, it is clear those on Capitol Hill are aware of the need for action. #calf45 #calf45natl #californiaagriculture #farms #farmsmatter

By: Matt Efird, Stephanie Gonzales and Brad Lindemann

Col. Stephen Randolph, The Historian of the State Dept., speaking to Class 45 and sharing the Dept.'s library that contains historical records of U.S. Foreign Relations since 1861.#calf45 #calf45natl #californiaagriculture #farmsmatter #farms

Class 45 at the State Dept with Col. Stephen Randolph, The Historian of the State Dept. He provided the class invaluable nuggets of wisdom through Leadership lessons. Col. Randolph wrote a book on communication during the Vietnam War, leaving the class with this quote: "You really have to do Leadership your own way. Leadership is not a collection of techniques, but manifestations of character." #calf45 #calf45natl #farmsmatter #agleaders #californiaagriculture

Once in a lifetime opportunity for a face to face interaction with Laura Ingraham. A true inspiration! Thank you Brad for inviting Laura.

By: Chris Jensen, Cameron Mauritson and Jason Schwartze

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"A Time For Reflection". Corrie, Jason, Chris, and Rob took an early morning run through the Washington DC mall and took time to look at the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. As we stared at the names on the wall, we spent some quiet moments reflecting on these individuals and the ultimate price they paid. We are looking forward to our trip to Vietnam towards the end of the year with an eye towards leadership decisions and how they affect people and society in such profound ways. #calf45 #calf45natl #californiaagriculture