Program Grooms Farm Bureau Leaders

» December 6, 2004 «

Following a yearlong series of seminars, tours and training sessions, 11 leaders graduated today from the Leadership Farm Bureau program coordinated by the California Farm Bureau Federation. Members of the 2004 class were honored at a breakfast during the Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nev. Participants in the Leadership Farm Bureau program take part in activities to enhance their knowledge of California agriculture and government issues. The program also stresses personal development and aims to increase participants' potential for leadership in Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations.

Among other activities, the 2004 class visited Mexico to learn about that nation's role as both customer and competitor for California farm goods. Members toured water facilities in the Central Valley, participated in a Habitat for Humanity home-building project in the Bay Area and visited with members of the state Legislature and Congress during visits to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

The Leadership Farm Bureau class included Lau Ackerman, Butte County; Carrie Bassett, Amador County; Marc Brekenridge, Yolo County; Frank Devine, Monterey County; Dino Giacomazzi, Kings County; Melissa Heinrich, Monterey County; Jesse Lopez, Monterey County; Mitzi Lucas, Stanislaus County; Tom Orvis, Stanislaus County; Ron Peterson, Stanislaus County; and Shawn Rommel, Fresno County.

Participants in the Leadership Farm Bureau program must be members of a county Farm Bureau, derive their primary livelihood from agriculture, agree to 100 percent attendance and to complete reports and evaluations of program activities.

The 2004 class is the fifth group of leaders to complete the Leadership Farm Bureau program since its inauguration in 2000.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.