Leadership has long been recognized as the reason some communities advance while others struggle to maintain the status quo. The Green River Area counties are home to a large number of engaged and motivated agricultural producers who are recognized as leaders among both their peers and elected officials at the state and national level. This notoriety does not occur overnight. Formal and non-formal education, dissatisfaction with present circumstance, and willingness to embrace change keep our farmers active in agricultural leadership capacities as well as advisory boards of education, financial, and healthcare institutions. 

               Leadership development is an ongoing effort in Cooperative Extension. The Cooperative Extension Agricultural Leadership Experience was conducted in the winter of 2018. During the course of four sessions, participants were trained to better understand how personalities influence relationships and decision-making skills. They met with leaders at the local, state, and national level to discover the path to effective leadership. Dr. David Kohl spoke to the class discussing the mega-forces directing a change in agriculture which early career farmers should be aware of. 

                The class visited Frankfort during the general assembly, followed by a trip to Washington D.C.  They met with elected officials, commodity organizations and a group of peer leaders from North Dakota participating in a similar agricultural leadership program. Their goal was to share concerns that face early career farmers and to gain a better understanding of how the legislative process affects their businesses in regards to labor, taxes, and farm policy. 

                A survey was completed by participants following the program. Each stated that all subject areas met our goals for the program. Some of the participants have already accepted opportunities to serve in leadership roles as a direct result of this program.