If you are passionate about farming, ready to grow your leadership skills and connect with agricultural industry leaders committed to creating a better future for farmers, Young Leaders is the program for you! Sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva seek farmers to apply for the 2025 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program.

Phase I of the 2024-25 Young Leader program will take place Dec. 2-5 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues Feb. 28-March 4, 2025, in Denver in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

“For more than 40 years the Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry,” said North Dakota soybean grower and ASA President Josh Gackle. “The program has had a tremendous impact on soybean advocacy, and you will find graduates of the program in various positions throughout the industry. Five members of the current ASA Executive Committee are graduates of the program.”

Soybean growers—both individuals and couples—are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. Not “young?" Apply! Age isn’t important. The program is for growers who are young in leadership! Interested spouses/partners, even if not employed full time on the farm, are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program.

“The Young Leader training provides skills that help grow the farming operation and prepare growers to be stronger contributors to the many organizations they are engaged with—whether the soybean association, school board, firehouse or local county commission,” Gackle added. “Equally important, Young Leaders make connections with industry leaders and other farmers who are driven, tech savvy and want to create a bright future for current and future generations of soybean farmers. We are grateful to Corteva for continually supporting this program for more than 40 years.”

ASA and Corteva will work with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program.

Learn more about the program and how to apply here.