The Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program would like to recognize these CALP Alumnus that exemplify leadership in agriculture through their community, their industry and/ or their company.
2021 recipient
Brant Harrison - CARL/ CALP class 8
Palisade, CO
Brant Harrison was nominated for the 2021 Excellence in CALP award by his Class 8 cohorts in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the peach industry and across Colorado. Growing peaches was a childhood dream and he is now one of the largest organic peach producers in Colorado.
As Class 8 went through the program and started working on their projects, Brant presented that his would be to eradicate the Japanese beetle in Palisade to protect the orchards, gardens, and lawns of every citizen. He formed a working group, sourced funding to cover costs and achieved his goal of destroying the infestation that was affecting crop production. Now that is CALP leadership at its best!
Brant was involved in a few local boards at the time, and has evolved into a leader that would be impactful for agriculture across Colorado. Not only is he a CALP alum, but he has also completed the Farm Bureau Elite Leadership Academy and is serving his second term on Colorado’s Ag Commission.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Brant is a strong advocate for agriculture, leadership, and family. He knows that people and advocacy are the most valuable assets in rural Colorado and encourages agriculture advocates to join CALP to collaborate to support the industry and lifestyle we know and love. He is a true leader in agriculture and is deserving of the second annual Excellence in CALP award.
As Class 8 went through the program and started working on their projects, Brant presented that his would be to eradicate the Japanese beetle in Palisade to protect the orchards, gardens, and lawns of every citizen. He formed a working group, sourced funding to cover costs and achieved his goal of destroying the infestation that was affecting crop production. Now that is CALP leadership at its best!
Brant was involved in a few local boards at the time, and has evolved into a leader that would be impactful for agriculture across Colorado. Not only is he a CALP alum, but he has also completed the Farm Bureau Elite Leadership Academy and is serving his second term on Colorado’s Ag Commission.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Brant is a strong advocate for agriculture, leadership, and family. He knows that people and advocacy are the most valuable assets in rural Colorado and encourages agriculture advocates to join CALP to collaborate to support the industry and lifestyle we know and love. He is a true leader in agriculture and is deserving of the second annual Excellence in CALP award.
2020 recipients
Mary Kraft - CALP/CARL Class 7
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Jerry Sonnenberg - CALP (CARL) Class 8
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Mary and her husband Chris own and operate Kraft Family Dairies with assistance from their son Stratton. Mary was in CALP class 7 and Chris was in Class 4. Mary has served on the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation Board, the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Association Foundation Board, the School for the Performing Arts and the Adult Basic Literacy Education Board in her local area. She recently completed her term as the first female President of the Colorado Livestock Association. Mary currently serves on the Western Dairy Association's Milk Promotions Board and the PERA Advisory Council.
Mary has written a variety of articles for leading dairy magazines and speaks extensively across the country to agriculture groups. She has given keynote addresses, served on panels and spoken in breakout sessions on topics that include women in agriculture, building middle management as well as how to develop a productive and safe work environment and work culture. Mary has had the opportunity to testify before legislation on good animal husbandry and immigration issues. Kraft Family Dairies are open for tours to individuals, legislators, school, civic and social groups. Mary loves to share and show how their dairy operation is a good steward of resources, a respected neighbor, innovative in the dairy industry and how the animals are cared for. |
Jerry has inspired and educated countless people about leadership in agriculture. His ability to motivate and organize others has had a lasting effect on his classmates, peers, family and friends.
As a long-time leader in the state house and senate, Jerry deeply understands what agriculture is at its best. He knows that people are the most valuable assets in rural Colorado and encourages agriculture advocates to join CALP to collaborate to support the industry and lifestyle we know and love. In addition to his notable achievements as a legislator, educator, farmer and rancher, Jerry's years of legislative service have achieved spectacular results: numerous bills on water, transportation, education, rural development, and so many more that impact agriculture and quality of life. Jerry served on the steering committee to strategize the reinvention and long-term sustainability of Colorado's premier ag leadership program (CALP) after it was discontinued in 2006. After several meetings in 2011, Jerry and Ag Commissioner/ CALP Alum John Salazar established the current 501c.3 stand-alone Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program. The efforts of one person can be so staggering and can truly make a difference, and Jerry has made a difference! He is a true leader in agriculture and is deserving of the first inaugural Excellence in CALP award. |