The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2016 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program.

For more than 30 years, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program has identified and developed grower leaders that continue to shape the future of agriculture.

“The ASA DuPont Young Leader program has been a game changer for not only the soybean industry but all of agriculture,” said ASA President Wade Cowan (Texas). “The program provides industry-leading training that helps unleash participant’s leadership potential while fostering collaboration among farmers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Grower participants gain experience and build life-long friendships. From the time the program began in 1984, it has recognized the important roles that women and young farmers play in agriculture and we are proud of the strength of that heritage. We’re also extremely grateful to DuPont for their longstanding support of the program.”

The ASA DuPont Young Leader program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase I of the training takes place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Dec. 1 – 4, 2015. The program continues March 1 – 4, 2016 in New Orleans, La., with training held in conjunction with the 21st annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“DuPont is committed to our continued partnership with The American Soybean Association in support of the DuPont Young Leader program,” said Jim Hay, director, North America Crop Protection. “Every year we look forward to meeting and working with the class of talented young soybean leaders who will help define the future of agriculture’s success.”

Grower couples and individuals are encouraged to apply for the program which focuses on leadership and communication, agricultural information and the development of a strong peer network. ASA, its 26 state affiliates, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario and DuPont, will work together to identify the top producers to represent their state as part of this program.

“The opportunity to learn in depth about issues facing soybean farmers was invaluable. Through the DuPont Young Leader program, we were able to gain a greater understanding of the roles in leadership in the soybean industry,” said LaVell Winsor (KS). “We appreciated meeting soybean farmer leaders, and gaining an understanding of how they are representing growers. Equally important was the opportunity to meet other farmers who are up and coming leaders in the soybean industry. We highly encourage other farmers to participate in the DuPont Young Leader program in the future.”

Applications are being accepted online now! Interested applicants should click here to apply. For additional program information click here.