The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) is now accepting applications for the 17th class in the history of the program. The IALP is sponsored by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF).
The IALP is a series of 14 seminars over two years that develop the skills, knowledge and character for individuals who will be agricultural leaders at the local, state, national and international levels. Applications are accepted from men and women, ages 25-49 as of August 31, 2014, who are Illinois residents actively engaged in an area of agriculture, such as a producer, supplier or in other direct capacities. Up to 30 individuals may be selected for the “Class of 2016,” which will begin in August of 2014.
The seminar series features speakers who are experts in their fields, either in government, academia or in the private sector. Academic institutions such as the University of Chicago Booth Graduate School of Business, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois and Illinois State University are educational partners providing some curriculum content. The seminars also include a one-week study seminar in Washington, D.C. and two-weeks of international study.
“Agriculture needs leaders who understand the global nature of the industry and who are willing to step up to leadership positions,” said Don Norton, IALF President & CEO. “We develop those leaders through our two-year program, and I encourage eligible candidates to apply.”
Each selected participant will receive leadership training valued at more than $30,000. There is a participation fee but no fee for applying.
Program graduates have served as board members of the U.S. Farm Credit Administration in Washington, D.C., members of the Illinois legislature, presidents of the Illinois Farm Bureau, and as chairs of state, national and international agricultural organizations, such as the U.S. Grains Council, Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Corn Marketing Board, National Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, American Soybean Association, and others. Graduates continue to serve on numerous state and local boards.
The mission of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation is to develop knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry. It is a non-profit educational corporation under Illinois law. A board of directors, comprised of recognized leaders in agriculture and business, oversees the program. More information, including the on-line application form, is available at www.agleadership.org. The application deadline is March 1, 2014.
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