Part I of the Leadership At Its Best program, co-sponsored by Syngenta and ASA, was held Aug. 5-8 in Minneapolis. Fifteen soybean producers participated in the program, designed for current state association board members and/or key committee members to support their organizations’ efforts to build for the future by helping to develop and train their leaders.

LAIB participants Matt Wright (left) and Rusty Grills during a session of the program. (ASA photo by Kathie Mullen)

Participants in the LAIB program learn how to enhance their leadership skills to be strong spokespersons for the soybean industry. They learn how to address legislative issues, interact with the media, manage diverse communications styles, plan and strategize for the future and improve productivity.  This year’s class was assisted by ASA Chairman Steve Wellman, First Vice President Ray Gaesser, Executive Director Bill Schuermann and Project Coordinator Kathie Mullen.

Part II will be held in Washington, D.C. in March in conjunction with the ASA Board meeting.  Participants will concentrate on the importance of communicating with members of Congress, parliamentary procedure and key legislative issues affecting U.S. soybean farmers. They will also meet with members of Congress from their respective states.

Syngenta Head of Industry Relations Rex Martin speaks during Part I of Leadership At Its Best in Minneapolis. (ASA photo by Kathie Mullen)

The 2013-2014 Leadership at Its Best participants are:

Josh Kirkpatrick (Ind.), Rolland Schnell (Iowa), Kyle Jeschke (Kan.), Barry Alexander (Ky.), Heather Feuerstein (Mich.), Wayne Stafford (Md.), Mike Skaug (Minn.), Matt Wright (Mo.), Robert Johnston (Neb.), Michael McPherson (N.C.), Craig Olson (N.D.), Mike Heffelfinger (Ohio), John Horter (S.D.), Rusty Grills (Tenn.), Don Lutz (Wis.).