For decades, these educators and leaders have shaped California agricultural education and inspired generations of students.
The California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA) Hall of Fame honors individuals whose exceptional careers have strengthened agricultural education through classroom instruction, teacher preparation, mentorship, and leadership. Their dedication has not only impacted countless students but has also influenced fellow educators and helped build stronger FFA programs across the state.
Meet the 2025-26 CATA Hall of Fame inductees and celebrate their extraordinary legacy.
DAVE CAETANO
Dave Caetano dedicated more than 40 years to agricultural education, inspiring thousands of students through his passion for agriculture, leadership, and student development. During his career at the Tulare High School Farm, he helped redesign the department’s animal science pathways, creating four-year program opportunities that improved student retention and success. As an FFA advisor for 30 years and department chair for eight years, Dave developed countless student leaders and coached teams in Ag Issues, Marketing Plan, Horse Judging, Soils Evaluation, and public speaking events. His students achieved numerous state championships, earned hundreds of State and American FFA Degrees, and served in regional and state FFA leadership positions. Dave also made a lasting impact on agricultural education by mentoring more than 45 student teachers, many of whom became successful agriculture instructors. A dedicated leader within the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, he served on numerous committees and helped shape agricultural education statewide. Dave and his wife, Krim, are proud parents of their son, Kyle, and grandparents of three grandchildren. His legacy continues through the students, teachers, and leaders he helped develop.
DR. DAVE DALEY
Dr. Dave Daley is a fifth-generation cattle producer, educator, and agricultural leader whose career has significantly influenced California agriculture and agricultural education. Raised on his family’s ranch near Oroville, California, he continues a ranching legacy that began when his family settled in Butte County in 1850. Dr. Daley began his academic career at California State University, Fresno, before joining California State University, Chico, in 1989. During more than three decades at Chico State, he served as professor, farm director, associate dean, interim dean, and program coordinator. As Professor Emeritus, he has mentored thousands of students and helped shape agricultural education programs throughout the state. A respected advocate for the beef industry, Dave has served as president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, chair of the California Cattle Council, and leader of numerous state and national organizations. His contributions have earned recognition, including California Livestock Man of the Year and Chico State’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He and his family remain deeply connected to California agriculture.
BOB DEMPEL
Bob Dempel has devoted more than 50 years to California agriculture, combining a successful career in viticulture with a lifelong commitment to agricultural education. Born in Ukiah, California, in 1936, Bob developed his passion for agriculture through 4-H and FFA, where he raised and exhibited market animals. After graduating from Ukiah High School in 1954, he began his agricultural career at the Redwood Empire Fair. In 1977, Bob and his wife, Shirley, founded Dempel Farming Company, specializing in Zinfandel grapevine production and wine grapes. Throughout his career, he served in leadership roles with Farm Bureau organizations, winegrower associations, agricultural advisory committees, school districts, and local fairs. Bob’s impact on agricultural education has been extensive. He organized educational tours for FFA members, served on numerous agricultural advisory committees, and supported youth through FFA, 4-H, and agricultural education programs across California. His contributions earned prestigious honors, including the National FFA Distinguished Service Award and the Honorary American FFA Degree. Bob and Shirley are proud parents of three daughters.
DR. BRAD DODSON
Dr. Brad Dodson’s career in agricultural education has spanned nearly five decades and has been marked by servant leadership, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to developing future educators. Beginning as an agriculture teacher at Lemoore High School, he later served in leadership roles with the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association and California FFA before dedicating 26 years to preparing agricultural educators at Chico State University. As a teacher educator and supervising teacher, Dr. Dodson mentored more than 300 student teachers, helping shape the next generation of agricultural education professionals. Known for his wisdom, kindness, and genuine interest in others, he has remained actively involved in curriculum development, professional development, and statewide leadership initiatives throughout his career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Dodson has devoted countless hours to serving his community and church. He and his wife, Debbie, celebrate 50 years of marriage, reflecting the same commitment and character that have defined his life and career.
LARRY DUTTO
Larry Dutto dedicated more than four decades to agricultural education, serving students, teachers, and institutions across California with distinction. Raised on his family’s dairy farm in Tulare, he developed an early appreciation for agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and the daily responsibilities of farm life. That foundation inspired a career focused on developing future agricultural leaders. Beginning at Riverdale High School, Larry built a successful agricultural education program that produced numerous State and American FFA Degree recipients, championship teams, and student leaders. In 1984, he joined the College of the Sequoias, where he expanded agricultural programs, coached nationally competitive judging teams, and later served in senior administrative leadership roles. As dean and subsequently provost of the Tulare College Center, he secured significant resources to strengthen career technical education and support student success. A lifelong supporter of CATA and agricultural education, Larry’s greatest satisfaction has come from watching former students succeed in their careers and communities. Today, he continues to farm the same family property where his agricultural journey began and takes pride in a family legacy that includes several educators carrying forward his commitment to teaching and service.
JAIME FARAO
Jaime Farao’s career in agricultural education spans decades of service, leadership, and dedication to developing future generations of agriculturalists. Born on the Azores island of São Jorge, Portugal, Jaime immigrated to California with his family in 1960 and discovered his passion for agriculture through his high school agricultural education program. Inspired by his agriculture teacher and a love for livestock evaluation, he pursued a career that would impact countless students and educators throughout California. During his career, Jaime taught at Gustine High School and Merced College, where he built highly successful programs, expanded student opportunities, and established innovative animal science and livestock enterprises. A respected livestock evaluator, he judged prestigious shows across the United States and Brazil while remaining committed to the principle of "Learn by Doing." His influence extended beyond the classroom through service to CATA, mentorship of student teachers and young professionals, and leadership of numerous educational events and field days. Jaime’s enduring legacy is reflected in the success of his students, colleagues, and the agricultural education programs he helped strengthen.
MARK FEUERBACH
Mark Feuerbach dedicated his career to preparing students for success through excellence in agricultural mechanics education. Recognized as one of California’s leading agricultural welding instructors, he developed a rigorous, industry-aligned program that combined technical skill development with high expectations for professionalism, safety, and work ethic. His students earned industry certifications, achieved success in statewide competitions, and entered rewarding careers in welding, manufacturing, and related trades. Beyond the classroom, Mark’s influence extended across California agricultural education through his leadership in curriculum development, teacher training, and industry certification programs. He generously shared instructional resources, mentored new and experienced teachers, hosted professional development workshops, and collaborated with industry partners to strengthen agricultural mechanics programs statewide. His commitment to excellence helped elevate the quality and consistency of welding instruction throughout California. At the heart of Mark’s success has been his family. He and his wife, Jan, have shared 47 years of marriage, raising five children and a growing family of grandchildren. Mark credits their support, along with his faith and dedication to serving others, as the foundation of a career devoted to helping students reach their full potential.
TOM VAZQUEZ
Tom Vazquez dedicated three decades to agricultural education, leaving a lasting legacy through program development, student achievement, and service to the profession. After beginning his career in California’s landscape and nursery industry, Tom brought his passion for agriculture into the classroom, spending 29 years at West Valley High School. There, he transformed the agriculture program into one of the school’s largest and most impactful offerings, highlighted by the creation of the Bry Walther Memorial Farm, a hands-on learning facility that has served thousands of students. Throughout his career, Tom guided students to numerous state championships, developed future agricultural leaders, and inspired many graduates to pursue careers in agriculture, education, public service, and the military. His influence extended statewide through leadership roles within CATA, service on the California FFA Adult Board, and mentorship of more than 40 student teachers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom valued family above all. He and his wife, Judy, devoted themselves to supporting students, and he found special joy in teaching his own children and their friends.
DR. J. SCOTT VERNON
Dr. J. Scott Vernon has dedicated his career to advancing agricultural education through teaching, leadership, advocacy, and service to the agricultural industry. Raised on his family’s diversified livestock ranch in Hanford, California, Scott discovered his passion for agricultural education through FFA and the mentors who inspired him to pursue a career in teaching. After beginning his career at Chowchilla High School, where he helped build one of California’s most successful agricultural education programs, Scott went on to earn his doctorate and join the faculty at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Over the next 35 years, he played a pivotal role in developing future agricultural leaders, creating California’s only bachelor’s degree program in Agricultural Communication, mentoring more than 100 student teachers, and delivering educational programs to audiences throughout California and the nation. A lifelong advocate for both agriculture and agricultural education, Scott has remained actively involved in industry organizations while championing the development of students and young professionals. Today, he continues to farm and ranch in Paso Robles and takes great pride in his family’s agricultural education legacy, including his sons, Conner and Kyler, who both served as California State FFA Officers.
