The ASA leadership development program known as ASA/Syngenta Leadership At Its Best is the distinguished and specialized training curriculum that develops a key group of state and national leaders who can effectively address Congress and the media on policy issues impacting soybean farmers.   

The ongoing benefits of leadership development are evidenced as state leaders utilize their training and their experiences to make a difference in American agriculture, while advancing into leadership positions on the national level. Celebrating its 15th year partnering with ASA, over 300 state officers and directors have already graduated from this program.

"This program helps you be more successful in your representation of soy growers in your area and throughout the country," said '07 graduate Bret Davis. 

"ASA and Syngenta have worked together on the Leadership At Its Best Program for 15 years, and the need for leaders ready to step up and speak up has never been greater than it is now," said Syngenta Director of Agricultural Relations Neil Strong. "When it comes to work on legislation and government policy, growers are the voice that elected officials listen to. All of agriculture benefits when growers take a leadership role in Washington and in their State Legislatures." 

The first phase of this program occurs in August in Greensboro, North Carolina and focuses on communications training with special emphasis on interpersonal skills, media training and public speaking. Second semester leadership training takes place during the ASA Board Meeting in March in Washington, D.C., and concentrates on legislative issues and agricultural concerns. Participants receive comprehensive training on communications with Congress, plus ASA policy briefings designed to fully prepare state leaders for Capitol Hill visits.  

Linda Bacon, Milroy, Indiana

Peggy Bellar, Howard, Kansas

Larry Breech, Millville, Pennsylvania

John Buck, New Bloomington, Ohio

Dean Campbell, Coulterville, Illinois

Wade Cowan, Brownfield, Texas

Ed Erickson, Jr., Milnor, North Dakota

Jessie Hobbs III, Elkmont, Alabama

Trey Koger, Stoneville, Mississippi

Ervin Krutzfeldt, Wolsey, South Dakota

Deana Lasater Mann, New Hope, Alabama

Jason Lavene, Bertrand, Nebraska

Dave Sawyer, Greenville, North Carolina

Bruce Schmoll, Claremont, Minnesota

Will Spargo, Neelyville, Missouri

Davie Stephens, Wingo, Kentucky

Randy Van Kooten, Lynnville, Iowa

David Williams, Elsie, Michigan

The 2008-09 Leadership At Its Best graduating class (Linda Bacon not pictured).

(ASA photo by Kathy Grunz)

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