Scott Beylik, class of '87 and Mike Richardson, class of '91 have been selected to participate in the California Ag. Leadership Program (CALP), one of the premier agricultural leadership opportunities in the United States.  Their class, the 40th selected in the program's history, was recently inaugurated in

Sacramento.

     The priorities for CALP are to create leaders who can make change for the long-term viability of California agriculture, are able to engage and positively influence society, and can participate in communication networks that enhance California agriculture.  It has been in operation since 1969 and has more than 1,000 alumni from all over California.

     Scott is the third generation farmer of Beylik Family Farms, established in 1971.  He is co-owner with his father, who retired from the farm in 2005.  Beylik Family Farms markets 100 percent of its produce at local farmers markets--20 markets weekly, year-round--serving Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.  The main production of the 21 acre farm is greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers.  Squash, peppers, melons, artichokes, basil and avocados are produced seasonally.  Scott was active in the Fillmore FFA, earning many awards, served as President, was also on the Jr. Fair Board, and graduated in 1987.  He attended Ventura College, then Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, graduating in 1991.

     Mike is the CEO of a citrus and avocado ranch management corporation in Fillmore that he co-owns with his wife, Heather.   Quality Ag. was started 10 years ago as a citrus ranch management operation.  As commodities began shifting toward avocado production, so did Quality Ag.  His operation manages 300 acres of citrus and avocados, including about 100 acres that he owns or leases.  Mike has diversified and Quality Ag. now has 45 employees in four divisions including ranch management, irrigation installation, weed abatement and agricultural construction.  Mike graduated from Fillmore High in 1991, after many accomplishments in the FFA program, and enrolled at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as an Agricultural Business Management major with a minor in Plant Protection, graduating in 1996.

     This program will include seminars, leadership skills, communications and public speaking.  They will participate in a 10-day national seminar during their first year and a 15-day international seminar during the second year.

     This is a tremendous honor for these two successful agricultural businessmen.