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GRASSROOTS FELLOWSHIP

Iowa-Missouri Grassroots Fellowship

The IA-MO Grassroots Fellowship is a collaborative, one-year experience for young soybean farmers from Iowa and Missouri who possess a desire to learn more about the soybean industry and how weather, government action and global economics play a critical role in the price received at a grain elevator, all while improving their core leadership  skills. The Grassroots Fellowship will give participants a deep understanding of the policies, laws and regulations that affect agriculture, the soybean industry and rural America. Weaving travel and social interaction into the program curriculum, participants will become aware of the role they can play in supporting the soybean industry, farmers and the rural way of life.

Who should apply and participate?

Talented young men and women who are involved in production agriculture. One applicant in good membership standing will be selected from each crop reporting district in Iowa (9) and Missouri (7).

What to expect:

The unique program offering will allow participants to explore and better understand challenging U.S. agricultural policy/regulation and how it intersects with production agriculture and the value chain. Designed to empower farmer-to-farmer learning, the offering will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skillset to effectively speak on behalf of agriculture and the soybean industry. The following are the core tenets of the experience:

  • Network and socialize with fellow producers, industry professionals and key decision makers;
  • Build a foundational understanding of the laws and regulations impacting soybean growers and the industry;
  • Experience in-person tours of import/export terminals or soybean processing facilities; and
  • Develop and strengthen personal leadership skills.

This Missouri Soybean Association program is made possible by the partial funding of the Missouri soybean farmers and their checkoff and the premier sponsor, Bayer Crop Sciences. Information is only for educational purposes and not intended to influence legislation or government policy.

Why IA-MO Grassroots Fellowship?

Through a learn hard, play hard approach, the Grassroots Fellowship will give participants the opportunity to network with Midwestern farmers, Fortune 500 leaders, industry professionals, and state and federal regulators and decision makers. The future of American agriculture depends on sound public policy and the development of leaders who share an appreciation for being a leader and a voice for their industry and peers.

2023-24 Program Dates

The Grassroots Fellowship will plan to meet on the following dates.

Aug. 24 – Aug. 25, 2023 – Jefferson City, MO IA & MO Joint Kickoff
Jan. 22 – 23, 2024 – Jefferson City, MO MSA Annual & Legislative Visits
Feb. 28 – March 2, 2024 – Houston, TX Commodity Classic
July 15 – 18 2024 – Washington, D.C. American Soybean Association Board of Directors Meeting & Hill Visits

Interested in participating in the 2024-25 Grassroots Fellowship?

Applications are not yet open for the 2024-25 Class. Contact Baylee Asbury for more information or assistance.