Many of the most pressing issues we face in the Central Valley—from the need to capture, store and maximize the water we have, to the need for further innovation and sustainability efforts—will require sustained work for generations to come.
All around us are examples of businesses, water agencies and individual leaders that are making great strides, but we know that it is critical that we prepare the next generation to continue the progress that is being made today.
Last week, the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors were proud to once again host a cohort from California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), an advanced leadership development program that I consider one of the premier opportunities for rising leaders in the agricultural industry.
We spent two days touring crucial infrastructure projects that demonstrate both the current challenges and the innovative solutions being implemented in water management. Joe Del Bosque and Case and Darcy Vlot shared creative on-farm solutions and leadership lessons learned.
Sites like the Los Banos Detention Dam, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and Mendota Dam provided concrete examples of our strategies for water conservation and habitat restoration—essential for sustainable agricultural practices.
At Mendota Dam, we discussed the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, both in terms of the collaboration that has led to this point and the ongoing challenges that exist. The use of modern technology to protect fish populations while ensuring that farms continue to receive the water they need served as a great example of a win-win solution.
At the same time, we know that ongoing regulatory and funding challenges will need to be addressed moving forward. However, it is a clear demonstration of how we’re working to balance ecological health with agricultural sustainability.
On the second day, we explored broader infrastructure efforts including the C.W. Bill Jones Pumping Plant and the Tracy Fish Facility, which are integral to managing the region’s water and protecting endangered species.
The tour included a detailed look at the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir Project, which our organization is proud to be involved in along with our partner agency, Del Puerto Water District. Once finished, the project will store up to 82,000 acre-feet of water in the 800-acre reservoir, improving water reliability and flood management in the area.
The tour concluded at San Luis Reservoir, where we revisited the remarks delivered by President Kennedy at the dedication of the facility and learned about modernization efforts, including a seismic retrofit of the Sisk Dam and a dam raise for more needed storage and secure water supplies.
We were particularly excited to be joined by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, and Merced County Supervisors Daron McDaniel and Scott Silveira. We appreciate them sharing valuable insights about the role of government in these important projects and initiatives and for taking the time to engage with the fellows. Their participation highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing these large-scale initiatives.
The challenges we face in the Central Valley are numerous, from water scarcity to the balance of ecological and agricultural needs, but they are not insurmountable. By guiding the next generation through the intricacies of these challenges, showcasing real-world solutions and fostering direct dialogues with leaders and policymakers, we do more than just prepare them. We inspire confidence and readiness to take the reins.
After getting to spend time with this next generation of agricultural leaders, I am more optimistic than ever about the future of our industry and the Central Valley.
