Fourteen people in the ag industry wanting to learn more and hone their personal skills in communication, organization, relationships and engagement just wrapped up one year of focused sessions ending with a final presentation. They are the third group of emerging Michigan leaders from the MI Ag CORE Leadership Program.

The MI Ag CORE Leadership Program was developed and is supported by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Wheat Program and the Michigan Soybean Committee.

The idea for MI Ag CORE came from the lessons learned by these organizations’ leaders: Kelly Turner, executive director, Michigan Potato Industry; Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director, Michigan Wheat Program; and Ben Steyer, CEO of the Michigan Soybean Committee.

“I saw that agriculture was missing a well-rounded program for those looking to move directly into management or those who were heading in that direction,” Turner says. “The MI Ag CORE came together as a collection of skills that the three of us thought would have been beneficial to us, as we grew into our positions.”

These 14 ag professionals began in January 2024 with a two-part talent and skill assessment. They applied that knowledge throughout the year as they also did work in the areas of communications, human resources and governance. The eight-session program — part in-person and part online — wrapped up with in-person presentations.

“Agriculture needs continual infusions of fresh talent and a fresh view. This program allows for that while cohorts are building friendships that will last,” Pollok-Newsom says.

2024 graduates

Those graduating from the program include Mark Austin (Edmore), Kali Bagley (Waterford), Ty Bodeis (Mayville), Leo Boeglin (Mecosta), Jay Eccleton (St. Johns), Jen Feenstra (Elkhart, Ind.), Todd Feenstra (Elkhart, Ind.), Blake Henderson (Gaylord), Johnathon Mark (DeWitt), Theo Medendorp (Sears), Michael Milligan (Cass City), Jordan Spackman (Cass City), Brice Walther (Three Rivers) and Melissa Williams (Perry).

Financial supporters of the program include GreenStone FCS, Walther Farms, TriEst Ag Group, Star of the West and Morgan Composting.

“Our goal is to have a very affordable program for attendees,” Steyer says. “Support from industry has allowed us to do just that. We have started to secure sponsors for 2025, but there are still some spots available.”

More information on sponsorship, as well as the overall MI Ag CORE program, is available at miagcore.com. All attendee spots have been filled for the 2025 year, but registration will open again next fall for the 2026 program year.

Source: MI Ag CORE