Professional Development Training Program

The California Farm Bureau Professional Development training program is a comprehensive learning initiative designed to strengthen the capabilities of Farm Bureau member leaders, County Farm Bureau staff, and California Farm Bureau staff.

The program delivers two targeted trainings per month, combining strategic leadership development with practical, operational skill-building. Topics span governance, financial oversight, advocacy, membership engagement, communications, and strategic planning, while also incorporating critical training in human resources, people management, nonprofit compliance (including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(5) structures), and organizational risk management.

This dual-track approach ensures participants not only understand Farm Bureau’s mission and structure, but also gain the tools to effectively manage teams, market and promote Farm Bureau membership and engagement, navigate complex compliance requirements, and operate high-performing Farm Bureau organizations.

Trainings are designed with specific audiences in mind, including county staff, board members, and statewide staff, allowing for both shared learning and role-specific development.

By the end of the program, participants will be better equipped to:

Strengthen membership growth and engagement
Advocate for agriculture at the local, state, and national levels
Ensure compliance and reduce organizational risk
Lead with confidence and accountability
Manage staff and volunteers effectively

This program represents a strategic investment in building a stronger, more aligned, and more effective Farm Bureau at every level.

2026/27 Schedule:

October 2026

Rules & Governance in Farm Bureau

October 20th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Emotional Intelligence

October 27th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

November 2026

HR Fundamentals: Hiring, Onboarding & Termination

November 4th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

New County Board Member Orientation

November 10th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

December 2026

Beyond The Ask: Turning Ag Relationships into Opportunity

December 5th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Good People, Great Operation: Practical Skills for Managing Your Team

December 6th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

January 2027

Building Better Boards

January 19th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Compliance and Risk Management

January 28th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

February 2027

Nonprofit Structure: 501c3 vs 501c5

February 11th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Governance & Compliance for Nonprofits

February 24th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

March 2027

HR Risk Management & Organizational Sustainability

March 10th, 10:00 am - 11:15 am

Financial Oversight in Tax Exempt Organizations

March 18th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

April 2027

Strategic Planning for County and State Impact

April 6th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

HR Performance Management & Conflict Resolution

April 27th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

May 2027

Marketing and Communications in Agriculture

May 5th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Managing Up: Working Effectively with Leadership

May 12th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

June 2027

Leadership Mindset for Agricultural Leaders

June 16, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Management Essentials: Leading Teams & Culture

June 23, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

July 2027

Membership Sales & Retention: Membership Engagement

July 6th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Crucial Conversations & Advocacy Communication

July 14, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

August 2027

Advocacy & Agricultural Policy at the County Level

August 3rd, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Grant Writing for Ag Education Foundation Programs

August 11th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

September 2027

Coalition Building in Agriculture

September 14th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Operational Management Skills & Prioritization

September 21st, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Questions about the Professional Development Series?

Contact Sam Adams at sadams@cfbf.com or 916-561-4502

Contact

Phone: (916) 561-5500
Email: cfbf@cfbf.com
2600 River Plaza Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95833