ASA/DuPont Young Leaders Complete Training

Forty-four members of the 2006 class of the American Soybean Association (ASA)/DuPont Young Leaders program completed their training recently at the Commodity Classic gathering in Anaheim, Calif., in early March. These growers from through the U.S. were selected as future leaders in agriculture and provided extensive training sessions to help them polish their leadership skills.

“It’s an honor for DuPont and Pioneer to help provide training to these young individuals who will be tomorrow’s movers-and-shakers in agriculture,” says Greg Peton, Pioneer account manager and program organizer. “It’s very clear that these individuals will be leaders – we’re only helping them on their way.”.

The Young Leaders took part in two days of leadership, media, issues training and other activities. In addition, they had the opportunity to take part in events at the Commodity Classic. At the end of the sessions, they attended an alumni reception for all past ASA/DuPont Young Leaders and the ASA Awards Banquet. At the banquet, they were honored and received plaques to honor their selection..

“The ASA/DuPont Young Leaders program teaches us both value leadership skills that we will use to help our fellow producers, our state’s commodity groups and our communities,” says Ryan Gravenhof, Worthington, Minn. “The beauty of the program is that it involves both spouses.”.

The second phase of the program will take place at Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, the first week in December, where the Young Leaders will receive additional training..

Members of the 2006 ASA/DuPont Young Leaders program are: Stan & Kayla Usery (AL), John & Jill Allen (AR), Kevin Evans & Meredith Veltman (DE), Steve & Michelle Yoder (FL), Jason & Misty Lay (IL), Trevor & Kelly Glick (IN), Scott & Shawn McLaughlin (IA), Grant & Rhesa Webber (KS), Chad & Carol Sullivan (KY), Steve & Shelly Koeman, (MI), Ryan &Cindy Gravenhof (MN), Tim & Liz Clements (MS), Denny & Valerie Mertz (MO), Beau & Cortney Bearnes (NE), Gary Hendrix & Lynn McNeill Hendrix (NC), Korey & Aimee Skovholt (ND), Luke VanTilburg (OH), Toby & Sheila Metzger (OK), Brad & Amber Elliott (SC), Todd & Monica Hanten (SD), Grant & Crystal Norwood (TN), Matt & Cari Honken (WI), and Jeff & Teresa Shea (ON) Canada.