Trevore Brekken, a Crookston-based farmer, completed his training to become a member of the 33rd class of American Soybean Association’s (ASA) DuPont Young Leader program.

Brekken finished his training Feb. 28 through March 3 in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio.

“It was a really good learning experience,” said Brekken, who grows corn, soybeans, wheat and sugar beets on his farm in Polk County. “This program is an invaluable opportunity to foster leadership skills and cultivate relationships with leaders in the ag community.”

ASA President Ron Moore credits a long history when pointing to the success of the program.

“For more than 30 years, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program has identified new and emerging leaders for the soybean industry,” Moore said. “The program provides training that strengthens their voices while networking opportunities create a connected and more collaborative organization.”

While in San Antonio, Brekken participated in leadership and marketing training, issues updates and discussion and was recognized at ASA’s annual awards banquet.

Prior to completing the program, Brekken attended a training session in January at DuPont Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, where he met with producers from three states.

“The training and discussions in Johnston and San Antonio were very beneficial,” said Brekken, 43, who lives in Crookston with his wife, Jana, and children, Logan and Coral. “I was able to network with a lot of different state-level officials.”

Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, business director—U.S. & Canada, says it was easy to be excited about the current class.

“This year’s class is a remarkable group of young leaders,” Reno said. “This year’s class has focused significant energy into taking on the challenges facing our industry.”

Brekken is also a member of the Polk County Corn and Soybean Growers Association.