The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Pioneer, a DuPont Company, are seeking applicants for the 2006 Young Leader Program. The Young Leader Program is recognized throughout agriculture for its longstanding tradition of identifying and cultivating producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry.

"The Young Leader Program is an exceptional leadership training program," said ASA President Bob Metz. "The instructors and program content are of the highest quality. This program provides information that the participant can start using immediately, not only in business, but personally as well."

The Young Leader Program began over 20 years ago as a way to seek out and develop new leaders to promote agriculture and help guide the soybean industry. If you are innovative, enthusiastic and looking to take a more active role on behalf of the soybean industry, then this program is for you.

"Applicants selected as Young Leaders have an excellent opportunity to learn the key leadership skills necessary for high profile roles within the soybean industry," said Cary Tomlinson, Director of Key Accounts, Pioneer Hi-Bred International. "They do this through interactive training that utilizes instructors and materials that have been very successful in the real-world. Participants can also learn from each other, and through the use of case studies of issues that are ‘front-burner’ and pivotal to the future of the soybean industry. If you are interested in making a difference, then this program is for you."

The 2006 class of Young Leaders and their spouses will participate in a challenging and educational leadership experience Feb. 28th – March 4, 2006 in Anaheim, California, coinciding with the Commodity Classic Conference and Trade Show. This seminar offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills as well as meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the country. The second phase of training will take place at Pioneer’s Headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa in early December 2006.

All soybean producers are encouraged to apply or nominate another producer who would be an excellent candidate for the program. Application forms for the 2006 Young Leader Program have been mailed to all ASA members. Forms may also be obtained by calling (800) 688-7692, ext. 1328, your state soybean office or on the web at www.SoyGrowers.com/dyl/. Nominations should be returned to ASA by Friday, Nov. 18, 2005. One Young Leader couple will be selected from each of ASA’s state affiliates.