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AALP Dream Auction Raised Over $110,000

The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Dream Auction raised over $110,000, on February 8, 2014, surpassing 2012 numbers.

In 2012, the auction raised 92,000.

This year, over 350 people were in attendance to support Class of 15. AALP is a leadership program designed for those involved in the agriculture and food sectors in Ontario.

Since the first auction was held, the event has raised more than $625,000. Participants pay tuition which covers about ¼ of the program costs, while the rest of the program is funded through AALP partners and sponsors.

“The generosity and support from the industry shown through sponsorships, donations and attendance was overwhelming, and shows the importance of the AALP program to agriculture in Ontario,” said Stefanie Bech-Hanson, Class of 14 graduate and co-chair of the event.  

Established in 1984, the AALP program is in its 30th year.  AALP prepared agricultural leaders through a series of seminars, national and international study tours.

The program for Class 15 began Sept. 2013 and runs until April 2015, and is administered by the Rural Ontario Institute.
 


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Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.