Leadership Farm Bureau is a 17-month program designed to develop Farm Bureau leaders as they grow in county, state, and national roles. This unique program offers invaluable training and personal development, agricultural advocacy, and California agricultural issues to members as they expand their leadership skills and knowledge in the agricultural industry and California Farm Bureau.
Tasha Ardalan – San Diego County
Tasha Ardalan is an agricultural compliance professional, community leader, and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience supporting agriculture and food systems. As Program Coordinator for the San Diego Region Irrigated Lands Group, she oversees compliance and education for more than 900 farmers. Tasha serves as Vice President of the San Diego County Parks Society and Farmers Market Coalition and on agricultural leadership committees. She has managed farmers’ markets, expanded food access, and mentored veterans and youth. She is also the founder of Foxy Treats and owner of Healthy Hound, supporting local agriculture through innovative, San Diego Grown-certified products.
Alyssa Drake – San Joaquin County
Alyssa Drake is an agricultural finance and accounting professional with over a decade of experience in the wine industry, specializing in financial analysis, budgeting, and viticulture operations. Raised on her family’s dairy farm in Los Banos, Alyssa earned a B.S. in Agricultural Business from CSU, Fresno. Alyssa and her husband own and operate their vineyard in Lodi and are involved in his family’s cherry operation. Alyssa serves on her local Farm Bureau Board, Foundation Board, and multiple Farm Bureau committees. She also serves as a Director for the San Joaquin Resource Conservation District and is involved with California Women for Agriculture.
Leah Groves – Trinity County
Leah Groves is the Program Manager of Agriculture and Innovations at the Siskiyou Economic Development Council, where she works with farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs through training, innovation, and advising. She also serves as Marketing and Hospitality Coordinator for her family’s multigenerational winery, Alpen Cellars, leading marketing, hospitality, and agritourism efforts. She is passionate about rural economic development, mentorship, and helping Northern California agricultural communities thrive. Leah serves on her local Farm Bureau board and is a past California YF&R Chair.
Kristina Knobloch – Napa County
Kristina Knobloch serves as Membership Director for Napa County Farm Bureau, where she builds relationships with members and strengthens Napa County’s agricultural community. During her tenure she has worked on compliance, events, and operations, to develop an understanding of the members’ needs. A UC Riverside graduate, Kristina is also a licensed California Real Estate Broker. Her connection to agriculture began through her family’s flower shop and continued through her family’s work in agriculture. Kristina is passionate about advocacy, collaboration, and preserving agriculture for future generations.
Louise Lampara – Ventura County
Louise Lampara is Chief Executive Officer of Ventura County Farm Bureau, where she leads advocacy, strategic initiatives, and member engagement. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business, leading efforts on land use, economic development, regulatory policy, and permitting reform. A graduate of UC Davis, Louise has built her career at the intersection of agriculture, public policy, and organizational leadership. She is committed to strengthening agriculture through sound policy, partnerships, and effective advocacy.
Ashley McWilliams – Colusa County
Ashley McWilliams works as a Pest Control Advisor for Wilbur-Ellis where she works closely with farmers across Colusa, Sutter, and Yolo counties, providing expertise and practical guidance across a variety of crops. She earned a B.S. in Crops and Horticulture from CSU, Chico. She went on to obtain her PCA license where she works with research and development and senior pest control advisor teams. She is an active member of Colusa County Farm Bureau and sits on the board of directors for the county.
Jill Miller – Sacramento County
Jill Miller is a nonprofit leader, program strategist, and agricultural literacy advocate. As Program Director for the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, she leads statewide programs that help educators and students understand the importance of California agriculture. Jill brings extensive experience in program development, partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement, with a focus on creating meaningful educational experiences. She is passionate about advancing agricultural literacy and strengthening connections between agriculture, educators, students, and communities.
Lillian Smith – Yuba-Sutter County
Lillian Smith is a second-generation rice and almond farmer in Sutter County. She farms alongside her family and has started her own operation where she manages compliance, office management, equipment operation, and employee relations. Lillian also oversees crop production, including pest control and irrigation. She began her Farm Bureau involvement through Young Farmers & Ranchers and currently serves on the Yuba-Sutter County Farm Bureau’s Agricultural Crimes and Land Use committees. Her hands-on farming experience and involvement in Farm Bureau reflect her commitment to agriculture and her community.
Kurt Sheppard – Butte County
Kurt Sheppard is a Relationship Manager at AgWest Farm Credit, where he manages a diverse loan portfolio in the Yuba-Sutter Counties area. He works with farmers and ranchers to provide financing to help support and grow their operations. Kurt is also a fourth-generation farmer producing rice and walnuts. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Business from CSU, Chico. Kurt is actively involved in his local agricultural community, serving as 2nd Vice President of the Butte County Farm Bureau and sits currently as the District V representative for the California Crop Improvement Association.
Adriana Toste – Sacramento County
Adriana Toste works at Cogent Consulting & Communications, providing strategic communications, public affairs, media relations, content development, and digital marketing services. Through this role she has supported organizations including California FFA, the Almond Board of California, Golden State Farm Credit, to name a few. Adriana holds a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University and associate degrees from Modesto Junior College. She has taken on leadership in Farm Bureau serving as the YF&R Chair. A native of Gustine, Adriana was raised on her family’s dairy farm, inspiring her passion for the agriculture industry.
.svg.png?cacheid=0.9616018850896426)
