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The 2008 Class of Young Leaders
participated in a challenging and educational leadership experience February
26th through March 1st in Nashville, TN. The training included leadership
style analysis, media training, soybean issues training, and provided
participants an opportunity to meet and learn from other Young Leaders from
around the country and Canada. Class members also took part in Commodity
Classic, Feb.28-March 2nd, rounding out a full week of learning,
networking, and personal growth.
The Young Leaders will complete their
training when they go to Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA in January
2009. Applications for the new 2009 class are now being accepted.
The deadline to apply has been extended to Sept. 30, 2008. |
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The Young
Leader Program began in 1984, as a way to identify and
cultivate up and coming leaders in the soybean industry. More than half of all past Young
Leaders go on to serve on state or national soybean association
or promotion boards, and many more are active in regional or
county organizations as well. A unique feature of the program is
that spouses or significant others are included in all aspects of
the Young Leader training. As a result, the training takes
into consideration farming as a family business and the training
can be applied to any leadership endeavors; even business
activities outside the farm.
ASA manages the program, but
involves the state soybean associations by having them choose candidates to
participate in the program. Criteria for selection is as
follows:
- 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.
- Active support of agriculture
and interest in serving as a Soybean Association leader.
3. Demonstrate and promote natural resources stewardship using best management practices and conservation practices.
4. Selected
candidates must be a current, 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.
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. Candidates
selected must agree to participate in both phases of the Young
Leader Training at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA, Dec. 1-4,
2008 and then in Grapevine, TX Feb. 24-28, 2009 in
conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic convention and
trade show.
The
training is interactive and includes evening group meals and
activities. As the sponsor of the program, Pioneer pays for
airline travel/accommodations/registration fees/meals etc. for each Young Leader and their
spouse. Young
Leaders and their spouses are expected to participate fully in all
training aspects, and evening activities. Because of the training schedule,
there is limited free time and babies and
young children are not allowed to attend the program or
activities.
Applications
for the 2009 Young Leader program are being accepted NOW!
The deadline to apply has been extended to September 30,
2008.
Submit
On-Line Application here Download
application here
For Information, contact:
Michelle Siegel,
ASA Corporate Development Manager
American Soybean Association
12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141
Ph. 314-754-1328
Fax 314-576-2786
msiegel@soy.org
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