Leadership At Its Best presenter Bob Treadway speaks to ASA and NCGA farmer-leaders about analyzing issues and trends for effective strategic planning.

Soybean farmer-leaders from 12 states met this week in Raleigh, N.C., for Part I of the 2018-19 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 communications, strategic planning, forecasting, media training and overall effective leadership practices.

At the beginning of the program, attendees had the chance to hear an update on the American Soybean Association’s policy priorities from Vice President Davie Stephens (KY). Later in the week, ASA President John Heisdorffer (IA) joined the group and assisted with training on presentation skills and media interviews by offering advice based on his own experience.

The class also had the opportunity to hear from Syngenta’s experts on biotechnology, product safety and regulatory concerns. The group toured Syngenta’s Innovation Center Advanced Crop Lab in Research Triangle Park. 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 other farmer leaders.

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: Jeff Frank, Auburn, IA; Brett Niebling, Highland, KS; Ben Furnish, Paris, KY; Dan Keenan, Merrill, MI; Dane Diehl, Butler, MO; Doug Bartek, Wahoo, NE; Angela Berben, Pantego, NC; Spencer Endrud, Buxton, ND; Andy Stickel, Bowling Green, OH; Jeff Thompson, Colton, SD; Rob Holman, Union City, TN; and Steve Trebiatowski, Amherst, 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 Syngenta’s continued support, which makes this important leadership development program possible. For more information on Leadership At Its Best, click here.