The ASA leadership development program known as ASA/Syngenta Leadership At Its Best is the distinguished and specialized training curriculum that develops a key group of state and national leaders who can effectively address Congress and the media on policy issues impacting soybean farmers.

The ongoing benefits of leadership development are evidenced as state leaders utilize their training and their experiences to make a difference in American agriculture, while advancing into leadership positions on the national level. Celebrating its 21st year partnering with ASA, over 90 state officers and directors have already graduated from this program.

"This program is a great way to sharpen your communications skills, focus your commitment to agriculture, and network with influential farmers from across the nation," said 2012 graduate Tom Price. "The education I received not only helped me personally, but has given me some tools to give back something to a way of life that has provided me so much."

"Syngenta has the opportunity through this program to strengthen the skills of these future leaders to become strong advocates for ASA and agriculture," said Syngenta Head of Industry Relations Rex Martin.

The first phase of this program occurs in August in Greensboro, North Carolina and focuses on communications training with special emphasis on interpersonal skills, media training and public speaking. Second semester leadership training takes place during the ASA Board Meeting in March in Washington, D.C., and concentrates on legislative issues and agricultural concerns. Participants receive comprehensive training on communications with Congress, plus ASA policy briefings designed to fully prepare state leaders for Capitol Hill visits.

The 2013 class of Leadership At Its Best participated in the final leg of their leadership development training, March 10-12 in Washington, D.C. Program participants focused on learning national policy issues, advocacy efforts, public speaking, and communicating effectively with Congress.

ASA President Danny Murphy spoke to program participants and took part in their graduation. ASA Executive Committee member Randy Mann and Vice Presidents Bob Henry, Wade Cowan and Bob Worth also worked with the group and advised them on the latest policy issues.

Kentucky Soybean Association President Davie Stephens, Vice President Ryan Bivens and Secretary Mike Burchett assisted with role playing activities that helped the participants learn to communicate with their legislators.

The Leadership At Its Best Program is sponsored by Syngenta and has been developing future leaders in the soybean industry for over two decades. Participants must be on their state soybean association boards to participate, and must have an interest in taking on advanced leadership roles at their state or national level.

ASA is currently seeking candidates for the 2014 class. The program is held in two sessions, the first of which will begin on Aug. 5, 2013 in Minneapolis. If you are interested in participating, please contact your state soybean association office, or call ASA at 314-576-1770.
 

Colt Clemmons, Killen, Ala.

Bill Raben, Ridgway, Ill.

Tom Griffiths, Kendallville, Ind.

Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney, Iowa

Brice Bunck, Everest, Kan.

Jed Clark, Mayfield, Ky.

Dan Keenan, Merrill, Mich.

Bill Spike, Owasso, Mich.

Belinda Burrier, Union Bridge, Md.

Paul Freeman, Starbuck, Minn.

Nathan Dorn, Hickman, Neb.

Ryan Richard, Horace, N.D.

Mark Klepper, Greeneville, Tenn.

John Simon, Oconomowoc, Wisc.

2013 Leadership At Its Best class.
(ASA photo by Michelle Siegel)