California Agricultural Leadership Program

Somehow we find ourselves at the last full day of our indescribable National Trip. Words feels like they do little justice to how we are feeling, what we have been learning, and how we will be integrating these experiences back into our everyday lives; But, we’re going to do our best. The theme of the day was Learn By Doing (what’s up Cal Poly fam!).

We got an early start to the morning traveling to the National Defense University where we meet with Lt. Col. Eric Burger, Lt. Col. Adam Christenson and the Director of the Center for Applied Strategic Learning Ken Kligge. Mr. Kligge introduced the fellows to the concept of a Senior Service College; which are 6 colleges, one for each branch of the military (army, navy, marines, coast guard, air force, and space force) and a combined forces school where a mix of academics and military personal provide instruction to the elite of the elite. The school trains the best of the best of our military, civilian government agencies and our international allies. The intensive 10 month program is a prerequisite to be a top level military official in the US, and it trains many of the very apex military commanders of our friends and allies around the world.

One of our fellows led with curiosity and asked the strategic reason to open up our military training program to foreign actors, however well intentioned. One of the Colonels explained using many of the themes that we have heard throughout our trip about leveraging the value of strategic relationships. He also emphasized the theme of our blog; explaining that time and time again; mid-career professionals learn by doing and by making mistakes.

The Colonel then began out training in earnest with BLUF. Bottom Line Up Front. The Colonels lead the fellows through a series of thought exercises designed to challenge our mindsets on strategic change. We were asked to envision some future scenarios around political turmoil and environmental catastrophe and imagine what the best and worst possible outcomes could be. The Colonels then walked us through some thought exercises to expand our strategic thinking. We learned about first and second order thinking, and Charlston’s Fence. Lt. Col Burger even went on a fun tangent talking about 0, 1^st and 2^nd order civilization and Fermi’s Paradox that pleased the science fiction crowd.

We then grounded it back in the US and got a chance to ask the Colonel for insights on the US and strategic challenges around the world. We learned even more acronyms! ASIP, PGII, DIME, LTIV, FDO, and JPIW. We also heard some insights on current events; such as islands in the South China Seas and why we let those spy ballons fly all over the place.

The class then ended by discussing ways that we could improve our strategic position in the world. It was amazing how many of the lessons we have been learning on leadership apply to this as well. The fellows identified volunteerisim, community engagement, shared experiences, positive leadership models, holding others accountable, speaking your voice and having a seat at the table as being things that will enable us to shepherd our country and community on a positive path in the future.

Next, class 52 traveled to the Whitten Building and met with California Agriculture Leadership alumna Jenny Lester-Moffitt (Class 47), the USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

Continuing with our theme of learn by doing, Mrs. Lester-Moffitt shared her personal story, getting vulnerable with class 52, sharing her upbringing on a family farm where she was first introduced to agriculture and the importance of taking care of the land and preserving it. Mrs. Lester-Moffitt focused a portion of her talk with class 52 on (taking advantage of opportunities). Mrs. Lester-Moffitt made a bold leap in her career and transitioned from the family business of Walnuts and processing plant, to the California Department of Food and Agriculture as Deputy Secretary seizing an opportunity at hand. After being appointed by Governor Jerry Brown and then confirmed by Gavin Newsome Mrs. Lester-Moffitt joined the United States Department of Agriculture as an appointee by president Joe Biden in 2021, where she still holds her position helping to transform the food system, workin on climate smart agriculture: including nutrition security and a science based approach to promoting trade. This leadership journey by Mrs. Lester Moffitt was especially inspiring, as class 52 is on its own path to find where we can continue to lead and give back to California Agriculture.

As the last formal speaker of the trip, Mrs. Lester-Moffitt gave class 52 insight on how the California Agriculture Leadership Program taught her how to be patient in an industry with so many aspects. At the family farm, Jenny was one of 3 main people in charge, compared to the transition into state and local government, where she has to use different tools such as the TKI (Thomas Kilmann Index) learned in AG Leadership, which helps her resolve conflict. The ability to better understand her style, gave Mrs. Lester-Moffitt an upper hand in finding resolution. As we closed the meeting with Mrs. Lester-Moffitt, this example hit close to home with class 52, as we exhibit patience dealing with conflict, and waiting for our next opportunities.

After our time with Mrs. Lester-Moffit, we moved into our final synthesis. Our class took this time to reflect on the past two weeks, and really reflect on this incredible opportunity that we have been presented. These last two weeks were not easy. We were challenged physically (who needs sleep, anyways?), emotionally, and mentally. Nothing is black and white. Decisions that face leaders require deep thought, collaboration, sacrifice, and a willingness to change and maintain accountability. Our Class 52 Family came away from our final synthesis feeling hopeful, inspired, and ready to be the change-makers that we need in our communities.

We finished the day with our Grand Finale dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. Prior to leaving Sacramento, we gave our class a little peek into our Finale Dinner activity. Our class Leads with Heart, and we wanted each fellow to think of one thing they appreciate about each of their fellows, and we would randomly pick names at the dinner for each fellow to present. Our hope was that this would be a nice way for each fellow to continually seek the good within each of us throughout our trip. As always, Class 52 delivered, and shared our uplifting messages to our fellow leaders. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip.

We continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude and the most sincere appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the California Ag Leadership family. The love and support from our fellows and the experiences over the past two weeks have truly been life changing. We are leaving Washington DC tomorrow morning feeling inspired, open minded, and ready to make change happen. Get ready California, we’re coming for ya!

Produced by Sean Landberg, Reid Robinson, Jeannette McClure