The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont Pioneer are seeking applicants for the 2014 Young Leader Program. Now in its historic 30th year, the ASA DuPont Young Leader program is recognized throughout agriculture for its tradition of identifying and cultivating farmer leaders who are shaping not only the U.S. soybean industry but all of agriculture.

"The Young Leader Program has had a significant impact on the soybean industry,” said ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. “For three decades, ASA/DuPont Young Leaders have participated in training and developed peer networks that have enabled them to better serve and represent their national, state and local agricultural industry organizations. Additionally, the training has a ‘real-world’ factor, providing a significant impact on their business as well.”

A challenging and educational two-part training program, the 2014 class of ASA/DuPont Young Leaders will meet for the first time at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 19-22, 2013. The program will continue Feb. 25-March 1, 2014 in San Antonio, with training held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

The ASA/DuPont Young Leader program offers the opportunity for participants to strengthen and build upon their natural leadership skills, meet and learn from other young leaders from around the country and expand their agricultural knowledge.

Applications will be accepted online beginning June 3. Interested applicants should go to https://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/.

ASA, its 26 state affiliates, including the Grain Farmers of Ontario, and DuPont Pioneer will work together to identify the top producers to represent their state as part of this program. One couple or individual per state will be chosen to participate. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 1.