California Ag TODAY: CALIF. AGRICULTURAL LEADERS WIN AWARDS

Announced TODAY, California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) and the Ag Leadership Alumni Council honored four individuals with the 2013 Ag Leadership Awards. The awards were presented on Oct. 17 at Fresno State.

Stephen Patricio and Ron Macedo received the 2013 Profiles in Leadership Award, which recognizes Ag Leadership Program alumni for their leadership in improving the industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.

Patricio is a Class 19 alumnus and president and CEO of Firebaugh-based Westside Produce, a major grower/packer/shipper of cantaloupe and honeydew melons that he co-founded in 1993. He is regarded as a passionate and visionary leader in the produce industry. He has been an active and important voice for food safety for the past 20 years.

Macedo is a Class 32 alumnus and the owner and manager of R.A.M. Farms, Inc., a custom farming and farm management business in Turlock. He has made a powerful impact in the agriculture industry and in his community through leadership roles, volunteer and outreach efforts, and his businesses. The Turlock Chamber of Commerce recognized him as its 2013 Agricultural Leader of the Year.

David Wehner and Rob Yraceburu received the 2013 Honorary Fellow Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated consistent commitment and uncommon excellence in the furtherance of education and leadership in California agriculture. Recipients are also dedicated and longtime supporters of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.

Wehner is interim vice president of strategic initiatives at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and former dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. In his role as a CALF partner university dean for 11 years, he provided valuable expertise, insight and support to Ag Leadership. He has also served on the California State Board of Food and Agriculture

Yraceburu, the executive vice president and division manager of Wells Fargo’s National Food & Agribusiness Division, has worked with the company in several financial capacities for over 25 years. He has brought his business perspective and breadth of experiences to the CALF board since 2009.

Both honorees have also participated on CALF Ag Leadership candidate screening committees.

“We are extremely pleased to recognize these four distinguished individuals,” said CALF President and CEO Bob Gray. “They are all exemplary leaders and role models who have made a difference in countless ways, and we are proud that they are affiliated with Ag Leadership.”

CALF operates the Ag Leadership Program, which is considered to be one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States. Since it was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,200 men and women have participated in the program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in agriculture, government, communities, business and education. The organization’s motto is, “We grow leaders who make a difference.”