The ASA/DuPont Young Leader
program is a leadership training program designed for soybean growers and
their spouses/significant others who are interested in developing their
skills to represent the ideals of soybean growers domestically and
internationally, and pursue leadership positions at the state and/or
national level. The knowledge gained from the program is beneficial in any
setting—whether on the farm or off. The program is managed by the American
Soybean Association and sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont Business.
As sponsor of the program, Pioneer covers the cost of airline flights,
hotel rooms, ground transportation, meals, etc. for all participants and
their spouses.
ASA works with it’s state affiliates to find interested candidates to
apply for the program. Candidates are chosen from 26 soybean producing
states and Canada. The newly selected Young Leaders must agree to attend
two phases of training. Part one is held at Pioneer headquarters in
Johnston, Iowa, and Part two is held in conjunction with the annual
Commodity Classic convention and trade show.Criteria for selection is as follows:
1. Up and coming innovative, soybean
farmers, who are looking to participate in a leadership program that
will give them the building blocks to take on bigger leadership roles.
Applicants must show assertive leadership qualities demonstrated through
community activities, production/marketing of soybeans, or other areas
of responsibility.
2. Active support of agriculture and
interest in serving as an American Soybean Association leader.
3. Demonstrate and promote natural
resources stewardship using best management practices and conservation
practices.
4. Selected candidates must be, or
agree to become a member of their state soybean association/ASA.
Membership in your state soybean association is the same as membership
in ASA.
5. There is no age limit, however,
producers and their spouses must be 21 years of age or older to
participate.
6. If a grower is in his/her first year
of service on his/her State Association Board, they are eligible to
participate in this training, however, it is not designed for Board
members with service years beyond the first year.
We are looking for persons who are
interested in gaining knowledge to take that next step in
leadership...Actual age is not a factor.
Benefits of the Young
Leader Program
Young Leaders become valuable, active
members of agricultural organizations and volunteer groups at state and
local levels.
Many graduates of this leadership
training program become officers of their State and or National
Association Board of Directors. Other graduates become membership
recruiters, key committee members, or membership directors.
Spouses learn more about the farm
operation and industry issues that affect soybean growers and their
families.
Participants learn more about their
personal leadership style and how to achieve a greater level of success in
their business.
Networking and camaraderie developed with
other producers from 25 states and Canada helps build friendships that
last a lifetime.
This seminar is an intensive course that
is designed for the participants to enhance their leadership skills, as
well as meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the country.
Selected participants will be expected to dress in business casual attire
while attending the program and should be prepared to discuss soybean
industry related issues. The program is a business type endeavor. There is
LIMITED free time and pre-arranged, scheduled time to visit Commodity
Classic. The participants primary reason for being there is to attend
Young Leader training.
The training is interactive and includes
evening group meals and activities. Young Leaders and their spouses are
expected to participate fully in all training aspects and evening
activities. Because of the training schedule, babies and young children
are not allowed to attend the program or activities. |
