The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., a DuPont Company are seeking applicants for the 2005 Young Leader Program.  The Young Leader Program is recognized throughout agriculture for its longstanding tradition of identifying and cultivating the producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry.

The Young Leader Program began over 20 years ago as a way to seek out and develop new or “young” leaders to promote agriculture and guide our industry. Whether you are 26 or 66, if you have the desire and drive to help guide the direction of agriculture, this program is for you!

“The Young Leader Program is an exceptional leadership training program,” said Neal Bredehoeft, ASA President. “The instructors and program content are of the highest quality. This program provides information that the participant can start using immediately, not only in business but personally as well.”

Cary Tomlinson, Director of Key Accounts, Pioneer Hi-Bred International said, “Applicants selected as Young Leaders have an excellent opportunity to learn the key leadership skills necessary for high profile roles within agriculture. They do this through interactive training that utilizes instructors and materials that have been very successful in the real world. Participants can also learn from each other and through the use of case studies of topics that are ‘front-burner’ and pivotal to the future of agriculture. If anyone is interested in making a difference in agriculture, this program is for you.” 

The 2005 class of Young Leaders and their spouses will participate in a challenging and educational leadership experience February 22-26, 2005 in Austin, Texas, coinciding with the Commodity Classic Conference and Trade Show. This seminar offers the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills as well as meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the country. The second phase of training will take place at Pioneer’s Headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, in early December 2005.

Application forms for the 2004 Young Leader Program, sponsored by Pioneer, a DuPont Company, are being mailed to all ASA members. Forms may also be obtained by calling ASA at (800) 688-7692, contacting your state soybean office, or on the web at www.SoyGrowers.com. Soybean producers are encouraged to apply or nominate another producer who would be an excellent candidate for the program. Nominations should be returned to ASA by Friday, November 19, 2004. One Young Leader couple will be selected from each of ASA’s state affiliates.