To support the upcoming generation of farmers, United Producers Inc. is launching a program to provide resources, insight and collaborative involvements to a younger audience of agricultural leaders, called Emerging Leaders.

“Whether they’re maintaining a legacy or building their own, young farmers are faced with technologies, challenges and opportunities that past generations never knew,” says Mike Bumgarner, President and CEO, UPI.  “We want to be an educational resource for these hardworking innovators, and to provide them a reliable network of like-minded producers and professionals to make their efforts all the more effective.”

United Producers introduces program for next generation of farmers

Emerging Leaders engages participants through interactive sessions about agriculturally relevant topics such as innovative operations, industry expertise, leadership, finances and co-op governance, with visions both local and global.

The program begins in September of 2016 and spans two years. Over the course of five sessions, two to three days in length each, attendees will gain valuable knowledge of contemporary issues impacting agriculture as well as a collection of meaningfully connected colleagues.  UPI will cover all expenses.

One participant from each of the organization’s six core states (Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri) and six at-large candidates will be selected for the program. UPI Preferred Members and family members of Preferred Members ages 21 to 45 are invited to apply. UPI Credit Services customers or family members of credit customers are also eligible to apply. Current students are not eligible for participation.

Applications are available at uproducers.com or a UPI facility. Completed forms, along with two letters of reference, are due May 1 and should be submitted by email to [email protected] or by mail to:

United Producers Inc.
Attn: Emerging Leaders Program
8351 N. High St., Suite 250
Columbus, OH 43235