Interested in developing your leadership skills while networking with farmers from across the United States? The National Corn Growers Association DuPont New Leaders program offers exciting opportunities for Hoosier corn growers.

The program's target audience is farming couples or individuals who are new to active industry participation or who are considering agricultural board leadership.  The 2015 program begins in January when participants will gather to participate in communications training and forums on the top issues pertaining to the corn industry.

Using your voice: NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program wants to help you learn to use your voice to promote an industry you love, agriculture.

JR Roesner is a farmer from southern Indiana who participated in the 2014 program. Roesner, a graduate of Purdue University, planned on pursuing a career in mechanical engineering before returning to his family's farm.  He now manages the family's corn, soybean and wheat operation along with his two brothers.

"The program put us in touch with a large network of like-minded people," Roesner said. "There seem to be fewer and fewer young farm families, and it was so refreshing to connect with a group of our peers."

The NCGA DuPont New Leaders Program offered Roesner and his wife a unique opportunity to keep current with agricultural issues from a political and communications standpoint and network with farm couple like them.

Related: Indiana Corn Growers Association Seeks Candidates for Board of Directors

Throughout the spring and early summer, participants will attend various state and national events to hone their communication leadership skills. Additionally, they will take part in online activities to communicate with other participants and program leaders.

The programs will conclude in July 2015 with a trip to DuPont's facilities in Delaware and a visit to Washington D.C. where participants will take part in NCGA activities.

"The program gave us a voice," Roesner added.  "We were trained on how to handle many of the controversial or 'hot button' topics in the agriculture industry today.  I think the most valuable lesson we learned is that even though we are only one family, we still have a powerful voice and we should use it."

To apply for the program, participants must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the NCGA (and Indiana Corn Growers Association).  Participants cannot be serving on a NCGA affiliated board or Corn Congress.  Participants must commit to attending all elements of the program.  All program-related travel and lodging expenses for both the grower and spouse/partner participant will be covered, per NCGA policy and procedures.

Information about the program can be found at www.ncga.com/nlp.