If you’re passionate about agriculture and ready to hone your skills and network to become a leader in the industry, the American Soybean Association and Corteva Agriscience are looking for you to apply for the next class of ASA Corteva Young Leaders!

The prestigious Young Leader program, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and ASA, is a two-phase educational program for actively farming individuals and couples who are passionate about agriculture. The men and women who participate in this program will be the leaders that shape the future of the industry.

Phase I of the 2022-23 Young Leader program will take place Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2022, at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The program continues March 7-11, 2023, in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“As a member of the Class of ‘09, I can tell you that this program is important and has had a real impact on not only the soybean industry, but all of agriculture,” said ASA President Brad Doyle, an Arkansas soybean grower and graduate of the program. “By identifying growers who are interested in stepping into leadership roles and then providing them with top-notch training, the Young Leader program has enabled industry success by providing us with strong, informed and connected leaders. The program also gave my wife, Joyce, and me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other soybean growers from across the country. We still chat with some of our classmates regularly. We are grateful to Corteva for their long-term support of this program.”

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. Interested partners, even if not employed full time on the farm, are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program.

ASA and Corteva Agriscience will work with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program.

“America’s farmers are working hard every day to provide food and agricultural products that meet the growing needs of people everywhere. It’s critical for governments, society and other stakeholders to hear farmers’ voices as they shape policies and programs that support agriculture and rural communities,” said Matt Rekeweg, U.S. Industry Affairs Leader, Corteva Agriscience. “We are proud to continue our support for the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program, which is developing the next generation of grower leaders and advocates for agriculture.”

Minnesota has a long history of supporting the Young Leader Program. Most recently, Mary Dybedahl and her fiancé, Paul Mesner, and Nathan Legatt participated in the program in the 2021 class.

“After attending this program, I feel like I will be a far better advocate for agriculture for the rest of my life,” said Minnesota soybean farmer Ryan Mackenthun, a 2019-2020 Young Leader graduate and current treasurer with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “I highly recommend this program.  It was a great learning experience to learn about myself as a speaker and advocate.”

Applications are being accepted online now through Sept. 22. Interested applicants should click here for additional information and to apply.