By Scout Nelson
Minnesota Farm Bureau announced the launch of its new leadership development program called the LeadAg Institute. The program was created to help Farm Bureau members build leadership skills, strengthen advocacy efforts, and improve engagement within local and state agriculture communities.
The LeadAg Institute selected six participants from across Minnesota as its first class. These members represented different regions of the state and brought varied backgrounds in education, livestock and crop production, agribusiness, and community leadership.
The program included five learning sessions focused on leadership development, personal growth, understanding Farm Bureau’s role in agriculture, agricultural policy education, and improving agricultural literacy. These sessions were designed to prepare participants for leadership roles at the community, county, state, and national levels.
One participant shared, “I believe rural Minnesota has a lot of value and knowledge to bring to state and national leadership, and I joined this program to gain the tools and knowledge to help local community members feel encouraged to bring their stories forward and be leaders for agriculture.”
Another participant said, “As an agriculture educator I want to be able to show my students the importance of getting involved in all avenues of agriculture. They don’t need to want to be a farmer to be a part of, or advocate for, agriculture.”
A third participant added, “I wanted to participate in the LeadAg Institute to grow as a young farmer and become a better leader. I am grateful for the opportunity and will use the skills I learn back at my local and county level to help advocate for agriculture.”
Minnesota Farm Bureau shared that the LeadAg Institute was created to strengthen leadership, support advocacy efforts and help build informed voices for agriculture across Minnesota.
Photo Credit: minnesota-farm-bureau
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Education