The National Corn Growers Association today announced the participants of the 2015 class of its NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program, now entering its second year of helping farming couples and individuals become better communicators and leaders. Thirty-five participants representing 16 states will be involved in the program next year.
“We’re pleased to see this important program continue for a second year with DuPont’s generous support,” said Chip Bowling, NCGA president and a corn grower from Maryland. “NCGA has always believed that farmers themselves are the best leaders and spokespersons for agriculture, and this program is designed in particular for those just getting started in visible roles in the ag industry.”
“There are many challenges in the agriculture industry today that may be overcome by growers getting involved and telling their stories in Washington D.C., their state governments and local communities,” said Doug Dollison, Senior Manager Industry Relations, DuPont Pioneer. “We are proud to support the new leader program, which is teaching the very communications and leadership skills necessary for this success.”
Those entering the 2015 NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program are: Brandon Dillard, Alabama; John Lee, Arkansas; John Harrell, Georgia; Jason and Kate Danner, Illinois; Colton and Jill Ringel and Christopher and Ashley Hudson, Indiana; Kyle and Jenna Ramsey and Casey and Katie Schleusner, Iowa; Lowell and Krystale Neitzel, Kansas; Michael and Megan Buckman, Kentucky; Jason and Angela McConnachie and Anthony and Carrie Kubik, Michigan; Brian and Secely Lehman, Missouri; David and Jana Jobman, Nebraska; Michael Howlett and Carly Metzger, New York; Cody and Ashley Sloan, Oklahoma; Thomas DuRant, South Carolina; Derek Giffin, Tennessee; and Jordan and Ashley Pool and Cole and Kyla Hamilton, Texas.
As in the 2014 inaugural year, the program will be implemented in three phases in 2015, with two plenary sessions: Iowa in late January and Washington in mid-July. At these sessions, participants will harvest knowledge of communications and leadership skills and issues confronting American corn growers. They also will have the opportunity to see leaders in action in our nation’s capital and visit with their lawmakers. Between these two sessions, participants will be involved in national and state-level programs supporting American agriculture.
Source: NCGA