The American Farm Bureau Federation recently selected a group of young farmer and rancher leaders as the organization’s 10th Partners in Advocacy Leadership class.

AFBF created the PAL curriculum as a high-level, executive training program that prepares participants to represent agriculture in the media, public speaking, congressional testimony and other advocacy arenas. Program graduates gain opportunities to promote awareness about issues important to farmers and consumers.

“Farm Bureau is equipping young leaders for effective engagement,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The members of the new PAL class are already elite leaders. We look forward to seeing them progress to the highest levels of agricultural advocacy.”

Members of PAL Class 10 are: Erika Archie, Texas; David Hafner, Florida; James Henderson, Colorado; Beth Hodge, New Hampshire; Jenny Holtermann, California; Sarah Ison, Ohio; Bryan Jones, Florida; Matthew McClanahan, Tennessee; Derek Orth, Wisconsin; and Kyle Wilson, Utah.

PAL training involves four learning modules designed to develop specific advocacy skills while exploring components of leadership and its theories and philosophies. The modules build on one another over the two years of the program and include intense, in-person, hands-on training.

PAL graduates emerge with the experience and confidence — in everything from legislative policy-making and issues management to social media and media relations — to effectively engage all critical stakeholders.

To be eligible for the PAL program, candidates must be between the ages of 30 and 45, with demonstrated leadership skills. The program is sponsored by AFBF, Farm Credit and Bayer Co.

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