Time is running out for the next Minnesota soybean leaders to apply for the 2024-25 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. With an application deadline of Sept. 20, 2024, participants commit to attend two training sessions, the second of which is held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic trade show and conference.
“For more than 40 years the Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry,” said North Dakota soybean grower and American Soybean Association (ASA) President Josh Gackle. “The program has had a tremendous impact on soybean advocacy, and you will find graduates of the program in various positions throughout the industry. Five members of the current ASA Executive Committee are graduates of the program.”
The Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry for more than 40 years, and as the first state affiliate of ASA, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is searching for growers to represent Minnesota soybean farmers.
“The support MSGA shows for the Corteva Young Leader program is beyond amazing,” said Ryan Mackenthun, MSGA vice president and 2019-2020 Young Leader graduate.
After completing the program, participants have the opportunity to be 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.”
