Fifteen emerging agricultural leaders have been selected to participate in the Farm Bureau Institute. The year-long leadership training program’s mission is to develop strong and effective agricultural leaders.
“Today’s farmers and agriculturists must take the lead to be advocates for their farms and agribusinesses. The Institute gives participants the skills and confidence necessary to lead the future of farming and agriculture in their county Farm Bureau, local community and beyond,” said Wendy Kannel, Farm Bureau’s Director of Training and Leadership Development.
Members of the 2016 Farm Bureau Institute class include: Lauren Brey, Sturgeon Bay; Taliah Danzinger, Durand; Brianna Ditzenberger, Dane; Kristy Erickson, Clintonville; Trent Erickson, Viroqua; Matt Graff, Waupun; Derek Husmoen, Arcadia; Emily Rose Johnson, Janesville; Ryan Klussendorf, Medford; Kenneth Levzow, Rio; Derek Sedlacek, Mishicot; Leslie Svacina, Deer Park; Jill Uhe, Janesville; Tammy Wiedenbeck, Lancaster; Melissa Yates, Merrill.
The Institute consists of five multi-day sessions which provide hands-on learning on issues important to agriculture, development of leadership and speaking skills, interaction with Farm Bureau and governmental leaders and staff at the state and national levels and networking with other participants. The first session begins in January and focuses on public speaking, etiquette, emotional intelligence and personality types. Subsequent sessions focus on media and advocacy training, running effective meetings, the structure and function of Farm Bureau, being a creative leader, the workings of local and state government and future national and international ag issues. The class capstone event is a joint trip with the WFBF Board of Directors to Washington, D.C. in June, 2017.
Farm Bureau members interested in applying for 2017 Institute class may contact Wendy Kannel at 608.828.5719 or email her at wkannel@wfbf.com.
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