The ASA Leadership At Its Best Class poses for a photo with Syngenta and ASA staff at the Syngenta Seedcare Facility in Stanton, Minn.

Soybean farmer-leaders from 15 states met this week in Minneapolis, Minn., for Part I of the 2015-2016 American Soybean Association (ASA) Leadership At Its Best program, sponsored by Syngenta. This valuable program recognizes up and coming soybean farmer-leaders and provides them with extensive training to further develop their leadership skills and provide additional education on communication styles, strategic planning, forecasting, media training and business etiquette.

Syngenta representatives share information on weed and pest management tools with participants.

At the beginning of the program, attendees had the chance to hear an update on ASA’s policy efforts from President Wade Cowan (TX) and First Vice President Richard Wilkins (DE). Later in the week, the group had a chance to learn about current pest and weed control innovations, during a visit to Syngenta’s offices and research facilities in Minnetonka and Stanton, Minn. Portions of the training and social events were held jointly with the Leadership At Its Best class from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), allowing an opportunity for participants to visit with NCGA farmer-leaders as well.

Indiana farmer-leader Elaine Gillis participates in a mock interview with media trainer Skip Ragland.

Leadership At Its Best Program participants are nominated by their state soybean association and serve in a leadership role within their states. This year’s class participants include: Adam Cloninger, Keo, AR; Cory Atkins, Seaford, DE; Elaine Gillis, Dunkirk, IN; Bill Shipley, Nodaway, IA; Caleb Ragland, Magnolia, KY; Brian McKenzie, Cassopolis, MI; Christopher Hill, Brewster, MN; Robert Alpers, Prairie Home, MO; Shane Grieving, Chapman, NE; Joe Ericson, Wimbledon, ND; Kerrick Wilson, Sommerville, OH; Cliff Barron, Johnsonville, SC; John Krutzfeldt, Wolsey, SD; Hunter Grills, Newbern, TN and Brad Kremer, Pittsville, WI. The leaders will begin the second phase of their training next March, in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting in Washington, D.C.

ASA appreciates the continued support provided by Syngenta that makes this important leadership development program possible. For more information on Leadership At Its Best, visit www.soygrowers.com.