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.”
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.