Nominating Committee - Western

2026-2027 Nominating Committee Candidates

Candidate information includes a brief description of their farming operation, role in that operation, and/or business experience.

WESTERN

CENTRAL REGION

Ali Arshad – Modesto, CA

I have several almond ranches in Stanislaus and San Juaquin Counties. I also grew tomatoes, apricots, and walnuts. I have owned and operated restaurants, retail businesses, and rentals. I have been working with environmental resources for over 30 years dealing with farmers in Stanislaus County. I also volunteer with water leadership seminars and have been mentoring local schools for over 20 years plus much more.

Padma Mariam – Lathrop, CA

I am a proud partner of Ranch 7Hills, a 70-acre farmland with 40-acres vineyard, a sizeable horse barn (16 stalls) and 160X90 closed riding arena in Lodi, CA, responsible for all financial decisions working closely with management company on farm operations, maintenance and strategy for future expansion. I have over two decades of enterprise experience in Silicon Valley, where I developed skills in managing budgets, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and balancing competing priorities. Apart from the farm, I also own an IT managed services consulting company.

Manuel Souza – Cathey’s Valley, CA

My name is Manuel Souza fourth generation US citizen proud to be an American proud to be part of American credit. American AgCredit help me get my first ranch loan 20 years ago. I’m hoping that my family can continue to build and prosper on our Cow Calf operation and a Rodeo business in making sure that my grandkids and great grandkids have the opportunities that I have to live on the land in the farm, the land we love it we love the peace we love the quiet, and yes, we hate the struggles. Sometimes we hate the weather, the wind, the drought, the snow, the freezing cold, but I wouldn’t cherry for anything truly four seasons being a farmer. It’s my background. I’m happy to be an American farmer today and I look forward to the opportunities that tomorrow brings.

HAWAII REGION

Anthony “Britt” Craven – Kailua-Kona, HI

President of our family ranch for the past 13 years. We’re a cow calf operation and retain ownership on our market cattle through the finishing process in TX, CA, and OK. Past President of Palani Ranch Company Inc. I currently serve as First VP for the ranch and sit on the Board of Directors. The ranch is a cow-calf operation. Most of our production is sent to our partner in TX or OK as weaned calves to be finished. I’m also VP of real estate for our sister company Lanihau Properties and oversee our portfolio of commercial properties in Hawaii and the continental US.

INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

Eric Kasper – Melba, ID

I am a member of three different farms. Melba Valley Farms is located in Melba, Idaho. This company is myself and my wife Dr. Megan Kasper. We farm 3200 acres of corn, alfalfa, triticale, and timothy. We also run a compost operation supporting a half dozen dairies and feedlots. Clear Creek Ranch is a partnership between Melba Valley Farms and Premium Ag. Premium Ag is my brother-in-law and little sister, Jan-wybe and Dr Josina van der Weg. We farm 2150 acres of Alfalfa and Timothy hay in Grass Valley Nevada. Kasper Land & Cattle is my family’s dairy partnership. We milk 5500 cows on two facilities and farm an additional 2400 acres of forages also in Melba Idaho. I am also on the board of directors of Valley Wide Coop, and I serve as a fire commissioner for the Melba fire district. I strive to be the best steward I can be of what has been put in my care, and I hope I can continue to do that for American AgCredit.

NORTHERN REGION

Elaine Foppiano – Healdsburg, CA

I run a wine grape operation on a legacy farm that has been in my family for three generations. For the last 10 years I have owned, managed, marketed and run the operation. I consider myself a third-generation farmer.

Ryan Raes – Kelseyville, CA

I run an 18.5-acre orchard of primarily heirloom apples. The land was originally planted in the 1850’s in extreme Northern California along the beautiful, free-flowing Scott River. The fruit sold from my orchard has been featured on menus by famous chefs, and at multiple Michelin-starred restaurant menus. The fruit has also been made into highly regarded hard ciders, and has received rave reviews from several Napa Valley area winemakers and Northern California Brewers. I grow over 125 varieties of apples, and am also trialing some new seedling varieties from breeding as well. I own the operation, and have a business degree from Sonoma State University, CA. I was on the Nomination Committee some years back, and enjoyed the experience, and would like to run again.

SALINAS REGION

Daisy Huang – Saratoga, CA

50 acres almond farm co-owner. Manage finance of the farm.

SOUTHERN REGION

Shaun Smith – Chino Hills, CA

Previously ran an avocado grove in Temecula, CA. Currently in the process of starting a Hops farm in Guerneville, CA. Grew up on a farm in Redwood Valley, CA; Managed a mixed fruit grove, various crops, chickens, and sheep.