DuPont Agricultural Enterprise and the American Soybean Association are teaming up once again to sponsor the 2000 ASA-DuPont Young Leader Program, and are seeking farmer applicants from around the country to participate in this exciting leadership experience. A longstanding tradition in the soybean industry, the Young Leader Program is designed to identify and cultivate soybean producers to lead and promote agriculture and the soybean industry into the 21st century.

"As we look to the future, agriculture is facing a lot of challenges, but also tremendous opportunities to contribute to the global economy," said Marc Curtis, President of ASA and a Young Leaders alumnus from the class of 1989. "If we as soybean producers are going to be successful and play a meaningful role in that economy, it is critical that we continue to discover and nurture new leaders within our ranks. The ASA-DuPont Young Leader Program targets soybean farmers who are innovative, assertive and ‘young’ in leadership, and are looking to make their mark in agriculture. Now in its 17th year, the program has spawned hundreds of alumni who have assumed significant leadership responsibilities in state and national soybean associations, promotion boards, as well as national, regional and state agricultural organizations, including Farm Bureau, NCGA, and more. Nearly all are making a difference in agriculture by ensuring that the voice of the American farmer is being heard form coast to coast."

"We are proud and excited to be involved in helping to foster a new generation of agricultural leaders," said Jim Borel, President DuPont Crop Protection. "The ASA-DuPont Young Leaders Program is an important vehicle to help guarantee the continued strength and success of the agricultural industry."

The 2000 class of the ASA-DuPont Young Leaders and their spouses will participate in a challenging and intensive leadership experience March 1-4, 2000, in Orlando, Florida. This four-day seminar will include leadership and issues training, and provide an opportunity for participants to meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the country. The class will also take part in the Commodity Classic from March 5-7, 2000, which will round out a full week of learning, networking and fun.

Applications for the ASA-DuPont Young Leader Program are being mailed out to all ASA members, and can also be requested by calling (800) 688-7692. All interested farmers are encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by December 1, 1999, at which time they will be forwarded to the appropriate state soybean association, where the selection process will take place. One Young Leader will be selected from each of ASA's state affiliates.