By Erin Glarner, ASA Director of Industry Relations

The 42nd class of ASA Corteva Agriscience Leaders attends The World Food Prize in Des Moines, IA.

Founded in 1984, the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program serves as a benchmark for leadership development in agriculture and continues to set the bar on identifying and training new, innovative, and engaged growers to serve as the voice of the American farmer. Young Leaders, ASA’s longest-running leadership program, has equipped more than 1,000 Young Leaders with the skills and perspective needed to represent American farmers effectively, while strengthening leadership capacity at both the state and national levels.

The Young Leader program strengthens participants’ leadership, communication, and issue-awareness skills while fostering a strong peer network that supports success in their operations and communities. Through interactive, hands-on training, the program develops leaders who contribute to both the soybean sector and the broader agricultural industry.

As a selection-based program, soybean growers, both individuals and couples, are encouraged to apply, even if not employed fulltime on the farm, which is a unique differentiator of this key leadership program. Open to individuals age 21 or older, the program requires full participation in two training sessions, one in December and one held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic tradeshow and conference.

Each year, ASA and Corteva collaborate with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify and select the leading producers to represent their states as part of this program. The partnership with the states is central to the program’s success, as many graduates advance to leadership roles on their respective state soybean boards or other areas of industry collaboration.

“Partnering with the American Soybean Association on the Young Leader program is an investment in the future of agriculture,” said Debbie Ellis, executive director, Kentucky Soybean Association. “By equipping the next generation of soybean farmers with leadership skills, policy knowledge, and industry connections, we’re strengthening rural communities and ensuring that producers have a strong voice at both the state and national level. Programs like this are essential to keeping American agriculture competitive and resilient for years to come.”

ASA is thankful to Corteva Agriscience for its longstanding commitment to the future of agriculture and values the ongoing partnership through this key leadership development program.

“It’s so important that growers have a strong voice in the policy decisions that impact the future of their businesses and their livelihoods, which is why we’re so proud to continue investing in the next generation of farmer advocates through the Young Leaders program,” said Matt Rekeweg, U.S. industry relations lead for Corteva Agriscience. “The program also fosters valuable connections among industry professionals and forward-thinking farmers committed to creating opportunities for future generations.”

This year represents the 42^nd year of the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program. The 2026 Young Leaders began their leadership journey in December 2025 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The group participated in DiSC® and communications training, toured the Corteva greenhouses, and received updates on soybean industry advancements. The Young Leaders also toured the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines. The second phase of training took place Feb. 23-26 during the 2026 Commodity Classic tradeshow.

While in San Antonio, the Young Leaders participated in training focused on leadership development, industry updates, and the importance of advocacy. Members were also recognized at ASA’s annual Awards Celebration and participated in the annual Young Leader Alumni Reception. There, they heard from ASA President Scott Metzger, former Young Leader from the class of 2012.

The 2026 Class of Young Leaders includes: Austin Anderson (IL); Eric Lindauer (IN); Lucas Windell (IN); Jackson & Amanda Drost (IA); Katey & Deven Foster (KS); Levi & Teresa Manche (KS); Kean Schnieber (KY); Paul & Bailee Saathoff (MD); Brady Brown & Samantha Gierman (MI); Andrew Mages (MN); James & Caroline Roberts (MS); Rex Meyr (MO); Jonathon Meis (NE); Hunter & Sarah Grace Lee (NC); Chase & Abigail Johnson (NC); Brandon Dale & Kristine Hankins (ND); Jonathan & Alyssa Zucker (OH); Chris Diedrich (SD); Paine Keiser (TN); Jayson Gill (VA); Eric & Jaclyn Wuthrich (WI); Jake & Lindsay Elgersma (CAN); and Luke & Naomi Hannam (CAN).

A selection-based phase III of the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program will take place in conjunction with the ASA July Board of Directors meeting and is available to 10 members of the current class of Young Leaders. Couples or individuals may apply to attend. The program includes additional soybean issues training through ASA’s Board of Directors meeting and participation in the Soy Issues Forum. Activities also include a training session at Corteva and Hill visits with the state delegation.

Many graduates of this training program will assume leadership roles with their state and national soybean associations. This year, six of nine ASA Executive Committee members are former Young Leaders, further highlighting the value and impact of the program.

“The Young Leader program has significantly strengthened the soybean industry by developing farmers committed to leadership and advocacy,” said Metzger. “By delivering high-quality training, the program cultivates knowledgeable, connected leaders who drive industry success. Many alumni now serve in key leadership roles, including on ASA’s Executive Committee. We appreciate Corteva’s more than 40 years of continued support for this program.”

As the agriculture industry evolves, leadership development programs like the Young Leader program play a critical role in equipping aspiring leaders for the future. The leadership development and expanded peer network gained through the program provides lasting value to participants and makes a meaningful impact on both individuals and the broader soybean and agricultural industries.

For more information about the ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader program, visit soygrowers.com and click on the “Education and Resources” tab. The application period for the 2027 program will open in late June.