NALC 2006

California Delta hosts successful conference

With more than 150 people attending the awards banquet on March 18, judging the success of the National Agricultural Leadership Conference became easy.    

Despite pricy flights into San Luis Obispo, Calif., students flew in from places such as Raleigh, Chicago, Columbus, Newark and Phoenix. Attendance was on par with last year's NALC and Conclave in Ames, Iowa.     

Once in San Luis Obispo, attendees were treated to outstanding weather, beautiful scenery and a world-class leadership conference. The conference kicked off Thursday, March 16, with a dinner and reception sponsored by Tanimura and Antle and hosted at the Sands Suites and Motel. Owner and California Delta alumnus Jesse Norris provided dinner which afforded attendees a chance to get acquainted.    

After dinner, California Delta student members led participants on a scavenger hunt through San Luis Obispo's downtown Farmer's Market.    

On Friday morning the group split up for the AgTours. Although the day was a little wet, participants experienced the diversity of California's agriculture.    

The North County group traveled north from San Luis Obispo to livestock facilities: Rancho San Miguel, a thoroughbred ranch, and Old Creek Ranch, a grass-fed beef ranch using sustainable agriculture practices.

The South County Tour headed south to explore California's nursery and produce industry at Speedling Nursery and Bonipak, a produce packing and distribution facility. Curtis Fry (Illinois Beta, '04) said the AgTours were very interesting and informative.

Both tours included visits to wineries - one of Central California's most notable agricultural products. The North tour visited Wild Horse Winery, a 20-year-old winery with vineyards throughout the Central Coast. The South tour visited Laetitia Winery, located in the Arroyo Grande Valley south of San Luis Obispo. Both wineries are noted for their Pinot Noir, but participants were able to sample a wide variety of wines produced in California's Central Coast region.     

"The AgTours were nice because you were able to see agricultural operations unlike those in your home state," said Russell Sturtz (Cornell, '04). "It gave me more appreciation for agriculture as a whole and different types of production agriculture."    

Although rain fell part of the day, it took a break in the evening as Alpha Zeta gathered on Pismo Beach for dinner, games and fun.

"The best part of the conference was the bonfire at the beach," said Marie Ussrey (California Eta, '05). "It was a great chance to meet everybody and the team building activities were fun."    

Saturday's programs included leadership, professional development and chapter building workshops; industry speakers and a career and internship fair.    

"Leading from Any Chair," a seminar developed and sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, was included due to its popularity at the NALC and Conclave in 2005. The 90-minute workshop identifies individual leadership style, discusses strengths and weaknesses of those styles and how to most effectively work with different types of leaders.     

In 2005 the workshop was led by Pioneer's sales staff. This time eight Alpha Zeta members, trained by Pioneer, presented the seminar.    

Also presented was Collegiate Life Knowledge, a joint project between FFA and several collegiate agricultural groups including Alpha Zeta. CLK is a compilation of personal, organizational, career and community skills training. Collegiate FFA program manager Jill Casten presented several workshops for participants.    

Other workshops included time management, microphone manners, Generation Y Trends, natural history of the central coast and a panel presented by AgCareers.com on how to succeed in your first week on the job. Students also had the opportunity to tour Cal Poly's dairy unit and its irrigation field, two of the university's hallmark agricultural programs.    

Saturday's featured speaker included a keynote address by California Farm Bureau Administrator George Gomes (California Delta, '66).    

Afterwards Students, alumni and guests mingled and were treated to wine, cheese and strawberries from the Central Coast during the Alumni Reception and Awards Banquet March 18.    

Four honorary members were also inducted that evening: A.G. Kawamura, secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture; Eric Spell, president, AgCareers.com; Manuel Cuhna, president, Nisei Farmers League and Alan Krob, executive director, Alpha Zeta.    

Secretary Kawamura delivered the keynote address at the banquet. His speech hit on a variety of topics including the need for a global perspective on agriculture and the importance of sustainable land management practices.    

Following Secretary Kawamura's address, Alpha Zeta presented several awards recognizing scholarship recipients, officer award winners, chapter award recipients and conference awards.     

The North Carolina Chapter, with 15 members in attendance, was the big winner of the night. April Madison was recognized as an AZ Scholar, John Small was named Chancellor of the Year, the chapter received the Founders' Cup for Chapter of the Year and took home the AgCareers.com Travel Award, a $1,000 grant to offset the chapter's travel costs. The Florida Chapter prevented a North Carolina sweep by winning the Annual NALC Banner Contest.    

Overall, attendees were pleased with the opportunity for fellowship with other members, networking with alumni and industry and leadership development.    

"I am impressed by the high quality of people involved in AZ nationwide," said Dusti Vanderwende (Delaware, '05). "I was able to trade ideas with other chapters, make friends and increase my motivation to improve my chapter. I will return with ideas and enthusiasm to improve and increase quantity and quality of our activities."