Jayson Lusk, Ph.D., Regents Professor and Willard Sparks Endowed Chair, Oklahoma University, during his panel discussion on “Agricultural Trends - The Big Picture".

Approximately 120 agricultural enthusiasts, leaders and college students attended American Soybean Association’s (ASA) 16^th annual Soybean Leadership College (SLC) in Orlando, Florida this week.

Founded in 2001, Soybean Leadership College provides current and future agricultural industry leaders with training to effectively promote the soybean industry, communicate key agricultural messages and work to expand U.S. soybean market opportunities domestically and internationally.

Several panel discussions were presented in a variety of topics. Jayson Lusk, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University discussed current and future agricultural trends. Kevin Folta, Ph.D., University of Florida, spoke on science and its impact on agriculture. Shane Meeker, Proctor & Gamble, discussed storytelling for businesses and author, speaker and professional speech coach, David Okerlund spoke on making the best of a challenge in agriculture.

Soybean Leadership College social media reporters selected by Farm Credit. (L-R) Rachel Lium, Josie Burgett and Kennedy Core.

SLC attendees also attended breakout sessions on soybean sustainability, financial management and social media for farming.

Special thanks to our Soybean Leadership College Sponsors:

National Checkoff Sponsor

• United Soybean Board

Corporate Partners

• BASF-The Chemical Company
• Farm Credit

State QSSB Sponsors

• Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board
• Delaware Soybean Board
• Illinois Soybean Association
• Indiana Soybean Alliance
• Iowa Soybean Association
• Kansas Soybean Commission
• Kentucky Soybean Board
• Maryland Soybean Board
• Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee
• Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
• Nebraska Soybean Board
• New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association
• North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
• North Dakota Soybean Council
• Ohio Soybean Council
• South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council
• Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board
• Texas Soybean Board
• Virginia Soybean Board

To learn more or for information about next year’s conference, visit www.SoyGrowers.com or  contact Christine Luelf at 314-754-1291 or email at cluelf@soy.org.