A select group of 15 college students from across the country completed the Ag Voices of the Future program last week in Vancouver, Washington. The program is sponsored by Valent U.S.A. and ASA and is designed to educate students on agricultural policy issues and provide them with an inside look at how these policies are made at the national level. The program was held July 20-23, in conjunction with ASA’s Board of Directors meeting.

The students gained an education on effective advocacy and the significant legislative and regulatory issues that impact soybean farmers. The program also gave students the chance to visit with others who work in Washington, D.C., to learn more about careers related to agriculture policy. The unique location of this year’s program also gave the students an opportunity to learn more about infrastructure and see first-hand how U.S. soybeans are exported from the Pacific Northwest.

Extensive information was provided to the students on a variety of policy issues from industry, sustainability and government affairs staff with Valent and ASA. In addition, they had the opportunity to learn more about unique agriculture issues in the Pacific Northwest and how those issues also relate to many concerns soybean farmers face. The group also completed a writing workshop with a top communications consultant and writer on science issues from Portland.

Congratulations to this year’s participants: Courtney Ball (FL); Shelby Basham (IL); Brayden Beinhart (IA); Patrick Biggs (KS); Brooke Bradford (AR); Clayton Elbel (TX); Carly Fitz (OH); Nicholas Heffron (IA); Abigail Meier (IN); Aspen Rittgarn (NE); Reanna Santos (TX); Skye Schumaker (IL); Sydney Stundebeck (MO); Kestlyn Willert (SD); and Blake Wright (MO).

The 2021 Ag Voices of the Future class was larger than previous years, to make up for the cancellation of last year’s program due to COVID restrictions. For more information on Ag Voices of the Future, click here.