Applications being accepted for ASA DuPont Young Leader Program

Jun 09, 2016

Program provides training and networking opportunities

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are looking for applicants for the 2016-2017 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program.

The program is a two-part, interactive training initiative that helps farmers develop leadership skills and build strong peer networks.

“The program provides industry-leading training that develops the participant’s leadership potential while fostering collaboration among farmers throughout the U.S. and Canada,” ASA President Richard Wilkens said in a release. “Young Leader participants gain experience while building life-long friendships. The program continues to be ground-breaking, encouraging diversity and recognizing the important role women and young farmers play in agriculture as it has since its inception in 1984.”

Young Leader Program

Past participants say the experience has helped their agricultural careers in different ways.

“We have sharpened our communication and leadership skills, gained confidence in our ability to advocate and made lifelong friendships with other farmers across the country. So many new opportunities have opened up to us in the past year, and it all started with the Young Leader Program,” said Young Leader alumni Adam and Lindsey Hendricks, of Kentucky.

Those interested need to be 21 or older and meet certain criteria to be selected:

Innovative soybean farmers interested in growing their existing skills for future leadership positions. Applicants must show strong leadership qualities demonstrated through production/marketing of soybeans and community activities.
Active supporters of agriculture with an interest in serving as a soybean industry leader.
Demonstrated natural resources stewardship using best management and conservation practices.
Members of their state soybean association.

Phase I of training takes place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Iowa from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.

Phase II takes place Feb. 28 to March 4, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas.

Video: Markets Continue to Chase Chinese Trade Headlines

The U.S./China trade war has escalated after Trump threatened to slap 100% Tariff on China by Nov. 1 after China placed some export restrictions on rare earth minerals.
But Trump overstepped/overreacted but the meeting with Xi at the end of the month was still on even after Trump threatened China with an embargo on used cooking oil. The U.S./China were going to meet and talk about trade issues today ahead of the meeting with Xi/Trump in South Korea.
Despite the increased tensions and noise both the corn and soybean futures held support at $4.10 and $10 with a corrective bounce higher on news that U.S. corn yields are a concern.
U.S. soybean prices are $0.90 to $1.50 cheaper than Brazil.
News that China was willing to remove the tariffs on Canada if Canada would lift the 100% levies on Chinese EV vehicles sent funds short covering in canola futures. Canadian and Chinese met on Friday to discuss ag issues like canola and meat.
Stocks fell on the increased rise in tensions with the U.S./China and concerns over bad regional loans, but investors shake off the news on strong Q3 earnings from the big U.S. banks.
Wheat continued to trade to new 5-year lows while cattle were breaking out to new record highs as Trump was working his magic on lower U.S. beef prices.
U.S. crude oil continued its trend lower as did Bitcoin.