Seven soybean farmers across the state to pursue leadership training, networking opportunities and hands-on policy work through the new Policy Leaders Fellowship program.
The Policy Leaders Fellowship (PLF) program kicked off Sept. 21 at the Center for Soy Innovation in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri soybean farmers invested in the program, in partnership with Iowa soybean growers, to provide young professionals involved in production agriculture experience with policy, government and legislative processes.
One farmer was selected from each of the seven Missouri Soybean districts:
District 1: Curtis Lewis, Graham
District 2: Nathan White, Norborne
District 3: Christopher Taylor, Palmyra
District 4: Brock Billings, Gladstone
District 5: Sarah Kliethermes, Bunceton
District 6: Andrea Kientzy, Silex
District 7: Ryan Wilson, Portageville
Learning from national-level speakers and mentors, the cohort will continue to network with fellow producers and industry professionals, build a foundational understanding of the legislative and regulatory process, engage policymakers to advocate on behalf of agriculture and the soybean industry and strengthen their personal leadership skills.
“From polishing our advocacy skills, leadership, networking and working on branding, the Missouri and Iowa Policy Leaders Fellowship program gives me and others the tools needed to keep agricultural priorities in front of legislators and the public,” said Nathan White.
Looking forward, members of this year’s fellowship will be joining the Missouri Soybean Association Board of Directors at their Jan. board meeting for additional leadership development and legislative visits, attending Commodity Classic in March and visiting our nation’s capitol next summer. Learn more online at mosoy.org/fellow.
This educational 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.
The Missouri Soybean Association is a statewide membership organization working to increase the profitability of Missouri soybean farmers through advocacy and education efforts across the state.