Tuholski’s Take Part in Soybean Young Leader Program

Indiana Soybean Alliance is pleased to announce Joe and Cheryl Tuholski of LaPorte, Ind., as the Indiana representatives in the 2013 American Soybean Association/DuPont Young Leader program. The Tuholskis are joining soybean farmers from 25 other soybean-producing states and Canada in the year-long program.

The ASA/DuPont Young Leader program identifies soybean farmers who are innovative, assertive, “young in leadership” and looking to make their mark in agriculture. The program is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business.

“The Young Leader program is an exciting opportunity for farmers to learn more about the soybean industry and to develop skills that can help them grow as leaders in their communities and within the agricultural industry,” said Kevin Wilson, ISA president. “We are excited to have Joe and Cheryl participate in this program representing Indiana and look forward to seeing them grow and develop their leadership skills even more through this experience.”

Joe, who is currently a director on the ISA board, has been farming for 20 years with several family members. The family raises soybeans, seed beans, corn, popcorn, seed corn, seed wheat and alfalfa in addition to doing custom work.

Off the farm, Joe serves as a 4-H leader for tractor maintenance and is active with the LaPorte County Leadership and the Co-Alliance Progressive Farmers. Cheryl is a team leader with Mary Kay Cosmetics, volunteers at Door Prairie Christian School, and is active in women’s ministries at the Agape Christian Church, where both she and Joe are members.

The Tuholskis are also active members of Farm Bureau at both the county and state level. They both currently serve on the LaPorte County Farm Bureau Board where Joe is Livestock Director and Cheryl is Young Farmer Chair. They were also on the State Young Farmer Committee from 2009-2011.

“I’m looking forward to participating in the Young Leader program and the opportunity to work with other soybean producers from across the county,” said Joe Tuholski. “I believe it is vital for our industry to work together and continue to research and develop new uses for soybeans and soybean products to ensure long-term growth for our country’s soybean industry.”

The Tuholskis completed the first part of the Young Leader program at Pioneer headquarters in Johnstown, Iowa in the fall of 2012. They participated in training on communications style analysis, advocacy, soybean market trends, agriculture economy outlook and soybean trait development. They also toured the DuPont Pioneer Research facilities and networked with the other producers and their spouses participating in the program.

The second portion of their young leader training will take place Feb. 22-March 2, in Kissimmee, Fla., in conjunction with Commodity Classic. The Young Leaders will receive leadership recognition at the ASA Awards Banquet, rounding out a full week of learning, networking and personal growth.

To learn more about the ASA/DuPont Young Leader program, visit www.soygrowers.com/dyl.

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