701-566-9300During the first-phase of a two-part leadership program, the 30th class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders began their journey during November at Pioneer’s headquarters in Johnston, Iowa.
Representatives from 22 states and Canada participated in training that included a communications workshop, DiSC workplace assessment, soybean issues panel discussion and soybean pipeline update. Joe and Rachael Ericson of Wimbledon represented North Dakota.
Joe and Rachael Ericson of Wimbledon participated in the Dupont Young Leader training in Iowa. Joe is second from the right, middle row. Rachael is in front of him.
The Johnston training session was the first phase of a program designed to identify new and aspiring leaders and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers.
“The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program is truly helping shape the future of the soybean industry,” said ASA Chairman Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. “By identifying new and aspiring leaders and providing participants with a training opportunity that enhances their skills while growing their peer network, the Young Leader program builds a more collaborative industry that better represents their local, state and national organizations and agricultural interests.”
The 2014 class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders participating in the first phase of training with the Ericsons included: James Hereford, Ala.; Adam Cloninger, Ark.; Andrew and Savannah Moore, Ga; Drew DeSutter, Ill.; Matt and Carla Schenk, Ind.; Tim Couser, Iowa; Kregg Rennie, KS; Quint and Leah Pottinger, Ky.; Matt Hinderer, Mich.; Michael Petefish, Minn.; Pierce Brown, Miss.; Kellen Bounous, Mo.; Matt and Brandy King, Neb.; Bryant and Courtney Jennings, NC.; Jeff Adams, Ohio.; Cody and Ashley Sloan, Okla.; Charles Rogers, SC.: Scott Biskeborn, SD; Jay and Alice Yeargin, Tenn.; Tyler Franklin, Va.; Johnathan Gibbs, Wis. and Rob and Cindy Foster, Canada.
“Agriculture faces many challenges and opportunities as American farmers work to help meet the growing global demand for food. We are proud to support the young leader program, which is developing the future growers needed to capture those opportunities and meet those challenges,” said Randy Wanke, Sr. Manager Industry Relations, Pioneer.