The first session of the National Corn Growers Association Leadership Academy was last week in Raleigh, N.C.

This year’s class represents a new approach to collaboration for the program, including up-and-coming leaders both from the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association. The class includes 21 aspiring leaders, one of the largest classes on record. 

At the meeting, participants got an up-close look at NCGA from President Kevin Skunes, a Leadership Academy alumnus. Skunes also provided an examination of the main issues facing the association, and the nation’s corn farmers.

“As NCGA’s president, I am excited to see new leaders who want to take on an active role in the association,” said Skunes. “When these volunteers come together, you can feel their commitment to the industry. It is heartening to know that such strong farmer leaders will carry on our mission well into the future.” 

The farmers attending took part in media training on a wide variety of topics including:

This year’s Leadership At Its Best Class includes:

Open to all NCGA membership, Leadership At Its Best provides training to interested volunteers of all skill levels. The second session, which will be held in January in Washington, addresses public policy issues, working with the Hill and parliamentary procedure.  Through this program, participants build the skill set needed to become a more confident public speaker and advocate with a solid background in the procedures and processes used by NCGA and many state organizations. Participants must be registered members of NCGA. 

Upon completion of the program in January, the participants will join more than 600 colleagues who have graduated from this program in the past 30 years. 

Source: NCGA