The 2007 Class of Young Leaders participated in a challenging and educational leadership experience February 27th through March 3rd in Tampa, Florida.  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, March 1-3rd,  rounding out a full week of learning, networking, and personal growth. 

The Young Leaders completed Phase II of their training Dec. 2-5th at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA.  Young leaders participated in presentations on the Economic outlook of the soybean market, Global Biotech acceptance, Life Balance,  case studies and presentations on soybean issues, tours of Pioneer's research facilities, and networked with their classmates at evening receptions and dinners.  Young Leaders are looking forward to getting involved at the state and or national level and recruiting new members to ASA.

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:

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 a Soybean Association leader. Nominations for the Young Leader program are open to soybean farmers, excluding those who currently serve on a soybean association board. 

   3.   Demonstrate and promote natural resources stewardship using best management practices and conservation practices.

   4.  Selected candidates must be a current, active member of their state soybean association/ASA.  Membership in your state soybean association is the same as membership in ASA.

 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 in Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 26-March 1st, and the first week in December at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA. 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 2008 Young Leader program are being accepted NOW!  Deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2007!

The 25th anniversary of the program will be recognized with a dinner and dance on Wednesday, the 27th of February at 6:00 pm, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN.  All past Young Leaders and their spouses will be invited to participate in the celebration, along with the new 2008 Young Leader class.   They will be joined by State Association Presidents, ASA Leaders and Pioneer leaders.  All alumni of the program should plan to get hotels early and contact their old classmates to reunite in Nashville.  Invitations will be mailed to each Young Leader and an RSVP is required to attend the Dinner function.  For more information, contact Michelle Siegel, at 800-688-7692 ext. 1328.

  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

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