Insights and Inspiration from ExtendAg’s Annual Team Meeting 

 

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of bringing the ExtendAg team together for our annual in-person meeting. This year, we chose Lodi in the heart of California’s Central Valley, a region celebrated not just for its wine grapes but also for its diverse crops like almonds, walnuts, cherries, apples, olives, and various stone fruits. This area doesn’t just produce some of the finest crops; it’s also the region that many of our employees and customers call home, making it the perfect setting for our gathering. 

Reflecting on the two days we spent together, from the insightful leadership presentations to the engaging group activities and social gatherings, three key themes stood out to me. 

 

First, we celebrated the major milestones that highlighted our growth in both our business and team over the past year, all reinforcing the positive momentum towards our mission to provide mission-critical technology to the most important industry in the world. After coming together as a team for this meeting, it’s even clearer to me that our understanding of the fruit and vegetable crop supply chain and strong customer relationships position us well to not only achieve but surpass our strategic objectives. 

 

 

Continuous Improvement 

Continuous improvement is fundamental to our culture at ExtendAg and this was very apparent throughout the two days. Through the workshops and presentations, we emphasized the importance of embracing new technologies, refining our processes, and fostering a culture of learning and adaptability. The focus on leveraging data more effectively and addressing areas for improvement in our solutions and processes underscored our dedication to leading the industry, not just keeping pace with it. 

 

 

Team Building & Collaboration 

The team building and collaboration activities over the two days were particularly memorable for me. Our discussions on industry challenges and the exchange of innovative ideas showcased our collective creativity and commitment. “The survival simulation game didn’t just bring us closer; it sharpened our problem-solving skills in the most unexpected ways,” reflected one of our team members. 

 

But the most important part of these annual meetings is the time we spend together outside of the meeting room. This year, we planned a special team building afternoon with an olive oil and wine tasting trolley tour, a unique opportunity that allowed our team members to connect on a personal level in a relaxed and informal setting.

 

 

We boarded the trolley at our hotel with our friendly driver, embarking on a journey that took us through the scenic landscapes of Lodi’s renowned agricultural region. Our first stop was at Calivines Winery & Olive Mill, a boutique olive grove and vineyard, where we learned directly from the family that founded and runs the mill about their story, the intricacies of growing olives for olive oil and the meticulous oil production process. As ag industry professionals, learning about olive growing and olive oil production was right up our alley.

 

 

We tasted a variety of different olive oils and blends, gaining an appreciation for the craft and the nuances that make each flavor unique. The tasting experience then transitioned from olive oils to wines, giving us a chance to enjoy a curated selection of Calivines’ finest wines. 

 

 

We hopped back on the trolley at Calivines and made our way to M2 Winery to continue our wine tasing journey. We were greeted by the knowledgeable staff and a local sparkling wine welcome drink. In a very relaxed, informal setting, we tasted a variety of wines from the Lodi region, even a couple that weren’t on the curated tasting menu. It was a fun experience that gave us the pleasure of enjoying local wines but also socializing in an informal setting, enhancing the sense of camaraderie among the team. 

 

 

One employee commented on how the experience made them feel more connected with the rest of the team and created strong bonds that will only strengthen their work together. “The olive oil and wine tasting tour was a fantastic way to learn, unwind, and bond with my colleagues. I feel a deeper connection with the team, and I believe these bonds will enhance our collaboration and productivity.” 

 

 

This great afternoon brought our team together in a way that formal meetings and presentations cannot. It underscored the importance of building relationships and fostering a sense of community within the team, a critical component of our success at ExtendAg. We returned from the tour with not just a deeper appreciation for Lodi’s olive oil and wine but also for each other, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed energy and unity. 

 

 

We concluded with a five-course Italian dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect finale to our highly productive and enjoyable day.

 

 

A Commitment to Community 

Before concluding our second day together, our team donated canned produce to a local Lodi food bank. This initiative reflects a genuine commitment to community well-being and is an expression of our broader responsibility to use our capabilities for the greater good, ensuring our actions foster real change. 

 

 

One team member shared with me that, “Donating to the Lodi food bank as a team reminded me of the importance of giving back and making a positive impact together. It feels good to see our collective efforts make a real difference in the community.” 

 

 

Looking Forward 

As a team, we’re excited by the prospects for growth, innovation, and lasting impact in agriculture. As I shared in my presentation, “We’re here to make a significant mark on the most Important industry in the world. Otherwise, why else would we be here?” This sentiment echoed throughout the event and reflects our journey—one characterized by resiliency, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to customer excellence.

ExtendAg is more than just an ag tech company; we’re a community of thinkers, innovators, and visionaries, united in our mission to enhance the world’s most important industry. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and success!