When he assumed the title of president for the Ag One Foundation in early July, Fendley Ragland offered a resume that differed from many of his predecessors, at least geographically.
The Leslie, Arkansas native grew up on a beef cattle farm in the Ozarks, then attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he received agribusiness undergraduate and agricultural economics master’s degrees.
After he also taught classes there, he shifted his expertise to positions at PGIM Real Estate Agricultural Investments, which led him to its Fresno location in 2016 to work in the nation’s leading agricultural area.
“You hear about the Central Valley and all the commodities grown here, but you have to see it to believe it,” Ragland said. “The world depends on this area for so many different things that we eat every day, and the people who produce it.”
It also gave him a chance to meet members of the Ag One staff and executive board, who saw his interest in working with students. With their encouragement, he joined planning committees for Ag One’s annual trap shoot and Ag Boosters BBQ events. He also added a role as a co-adviser for the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at Fresno State, the same agricultural fraternity he was a member of as a student.
“The Ag One Foundation is truly a unique entity when you look across the country,” Ragland said. “After seeing how students are involved with helping put on events, I recognized how the organization was an important link for the university and agricultural community through scholarships and engagement.”
Although he returned to Arkansas in 2023 to manage acquisition efforts for PGIM’s central region as an asset manager, he continued to help shape Ag One’s leadership while serving as a vice president, treasurer and secretary on its executive board in recent years.
“Seeing the students’ passion for agriculture and watching them work hard in the classroom and start their careers is satisfying,” Ragland said. “The agricultural community’s ties are deep, so I have gained a lot from the relationships from the alumni and supporters I’ve connected with through Ag One.”
Ragland’s first official event in his new role will be the annual Ag Boosters BBQ and Fantasy Vacation Drawing on Sunday, Sept. 7, at George’s River Ranch (8805 CA Highway 41).
He will share Ag One oversight on the board with Nick Biscay, a former CEO of Stanislaus Farm Supply, who remains on the board for one year as a past president.
Other newly elected executive board officers include:
- Jason Baldwin, vice president (Kerman, Panoche Creek Packing).
- Patrick Murphy, treasurer (Fresno, Longwind Cropsciences USA).
- Daniel Hartwig, secretary (Fresno, California Fresh Fruit Association).
In addition, new members of the 23-person board include:
- Julia Campos (Fresno, Fermin Campos Farms).
- Cecilia Kjar (Fresno, Holland Nut Company).
- Jon Reelhorn (Fresno, Belmont Nursery).
Through events, corporate and individual support, Ag One has raised over $33 million since 1979 to support campus agricultural programs. For the 2025-26 academic year, Ag One will provide more than $1 million to deserving students and programs.
For more information about the Ag One Foundation, its programs and upcoming events, contact 559.278.4266 or agone@csufresno.edu.
