Session 1 - Off to a great start
By Samantha Piehoff and Harley Ramirez
In late February, eight emerging leaders came together to begin their 10-month journey as this year's Leadership Farm Bureau class. Representing a diverse range of professionals dedicated to the well-being of California agriculture, we are honored to participate in this premier leadership program within the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 26,000 farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals across the state.
Throughout the program, we will engage in 200 hours of education and professional development, honing our public speaking and advocacy skills while addressing critical issues affecting agriculture at the local, state and national levels. Additionally, we will deepen our understanding of regional agriculture, government, legislation, media and communications. These experiences will strengthen our ability to represent our counties and the California Farm Bureau, ensuring a bright future for agriculture. More than just acquiring knowledge, this journey will challenge us to grow as individuals, step outside our comfort zones and embrace new perspectives on leadership.
Our first session focused on collaboration, self-discovery and leadership development. We explored our individual identities, uncovered our personal "why” and shared our diverse backgrounds and experiences. This process helped us understand our unique strengths while refining how we present ourselves as leaders. It also allowed us to recognize the value of different leadership styles: Some of us lead with quiet confidence and others with bold vision, but all approaches have their place in agriculture and advocacy.
As part of our team building, we tackled an escape room challenge, testing our problem solving, quick thinking and teamwork. Our success depended on trust, adaptability and leveraging each other's strengths. With time running out, we worked seamlessly to escape with six minutes and 18 seconds to spare! The experience reinforced the power of collaboration under pressure and the importance of clear communication—skills that will support us throughout our Leadership Farm Bureau journey. This fun, fast-paced activity also set the tone for tackling challenges together, thinking strategically and trusting in our team.
Beyond the escape room, we participated in role-playing exercises to sharpen decision-making and self-awareness. These activities helped us understand our temperaments, communication styles and the impact of our choices on others. Most importantly, we strengthened our bonds as teammates, growing more confident in navigating challenges together and building a strong foundation for the months ahead.
A key part of our learning experience was exploring various leadership theories, reinforcing that there is no single "right" way to lead. We researched and presented different leadership models, sparking insightful discussions about their real-world applications in agriculture and beyond. From servant leadership, which prioritizes the needs of others, to transformational leadership, which focuses on inspiring and motivating change, we saw how different approaches can be practical depending on the situation. These conversations challenged us to reflect on our leadership styles, consider new strategies and appreciate how leaders can inspire, influence and drive change.
We also learned about each other's connections to agriculture, uncovering the diverse experiences that shape our perspectives. Our group includes producers, agribusiness professionals and county Farm Bureau staff, each bringing a unique lens to the conversation. Some grew up on multi-generational farms, while others entered agriculture through different career paths. These varied experiences enriched our discussions and reminded us that the strength of California agriculture lies in its diversity. The stories we shared highlighted how agriculture impacts our lives and reinforced the value of learning from one another. This diversity creates a rich opportunity for growth, allowing us to broaden our understanding, challenge our assumptions and support each other in new ways throughout this journey.
We also heard from California Farm Bureau staff across various departments, gaining a deeper appreciation for their roles in supporting agriculture. Each department plays a vital role in helping farmers and ranchers succeed, from policy advocacy to member services. Building these connections was invaluable, and we look forward to collaborating with CAFB staff, leveraging their expertise and advocating for California agriculture.
Our team had meaningful discussions with California Farm Bureau's senior leadership, including President Shannon Douglass, First Vice President Shaun Crook and Chief Operating Officer Dan Durheim. They shared insights into their leadership journeys and contributions to the organization, demonstrating their dedication to California agriculture. Their guidance and willingness to mentor us were inspiring and motivating as we embark on our leadership paths.
Looking ahead, we are eager to continue learning, growing and strengthening our leadership skills. The foundation laid during this first session has already shown us the power of collaboration, the importance of adaptability and the value of strong leadership. As we progress through this program, we are excited to deepen our knowledge, build lasting relationships and contribute to the future of California agriculture.
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