If you are passionate about farming, ready to connect with agricultural industry professionals and grow your leadership skills, the Young Leader Program is right up your alley.

Program sponsors American Soybean Association (ASA) and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2027 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program.

Phase I of the 2027 Young Leader program will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues March 1-4, 2027, in New Orleans, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“For more than 40 years, the Young Leaders program has played a vital role in identifying, developing, and preparing soybean farmers to lead within our industry,” said Ohio soybean farmer and ASA President Scott Metzger. “Its impact on soybean advocacy and leadership development is evident across the industry, with program alumni serving in key leadership roles at the state and national levels. In fact, six members of the current ASA Executive Committee are graduates of the program. We are deeply grateful to Corteva for its longstanding partnership and more than four decades of support in helping cultivate the next generation of soybean leaders.”

Andrew Mages, Minnesota’s current ASA Young Leader, is now a member of MSGA’s Governing Board.

For more than 40 years, the Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry. As the first state affiliate of ASA, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) has found dozens of emerging leaders through the program and continues seeking growers to represent Minnesota soybean farmers. All Minnesota Young Leaders are eligible to become MSGA at-large directors. Current Young Leader Andrew Mages is attending the third portion of the 2026 program July 13-16 during ASA’s board meetings and Hill Visits in Washington, D.C., where he’ll join Minnesota farmers during legislative meetings with Minnesota’s congressional delegation.

“The support MSGA shows for the Corteva Young Leader program is beyond amazing,” said MSGA President Ryan Mackenthun, a  2019-2020 Young Leader graduate.

After completing the program, participants have the opportunity to become full voting at-large MSGA directors for three years. Soybean growers – both individuals and couples – are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information and the development of a strong and connected network. Growers of any age are encouraged to apply: The program, which is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the soy checkoff, is designed for those young in their leadership careers.

“The Corteva Young Leader program was a great experience,” Mackenthun said. “It gave me a very in-depth look at what being an active leader in various soybean associations looked like. Thanks to this program, I have peers in the agricultural community from across the U.S. and Canada that I chat with often to share farming practices.”

Soybean growers, both individuals and couples, are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. The program is designed for growers who are young in leadership, not age. Interested spouses/partners are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program, even if not employed full-time on the farm.

“Corteva is proud to support the Young Leaders program and its longstanding commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders,” said U.S. Industry Relations Lead for Corteva Agriscience Matt Rekeweg. “The program provides valuable leadership training and professional development opportunities that help growers strengthen their contributions to local, state, and national organizations. Just as important, participants build lasting relationships with fellow farmers and industry professionals who share a passion for innovation, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations of agriculture.”

ASA and Corteva will work with ASA’s 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.