The application deadline for Class XI of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program has been extended to May 18, and program Executive Director Olga Reuvekamp is anticipating another outstanding group of ag leaders when the class kicks off its 18-month cohort in November 2020.

Class X marked the 20th anniversary of MARL program.

“Each class brings a new dynamic to the program. It is exciting to find new people who can become involved in MARL from different aspects of the industry. Each class has its own unique, diverse culture,” Reuvekamp said.

The MARL program is a dynamic two-year educational experience featuring nine, three-day in-state seminars, a six-day national study seminar and a 10- to 14-day international study seminar. The goal of the program is to develop the skills of Minnesota’s agricultural and rural leaders so they may maximize their impact and effectiveness in local, state, national and international arenas.

Class XI will hold its first session in St. Cloud in November. Other sessions will be spread out across the state, giving participants a first-hand view of the different types of agriculture and ag-related industries in Minnesota.

Other Class XI sessions will be held in Marshall, Crookston and Duluth, along with sessions in northern, southeastern and central Minnesota. Each MARL class also spends a session at the state Capitol in St. Paul, as well as an international study tour.

Thirty applicants are selected for each class, and application forms can be found here: http://www.marlprogram.org/application-forms/.

A selection committee will personally interview each applicant at one of five locations.