The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is now accepting nominations for the fourth cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program. This 16-month leadership program is designed to develop the skills and knowledge of emerging leaders in the animal agriculture sector. Nominations are due by November 17.
Program Overview
The Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program combines both in-person and virtual sessions to focus on four key areas of development:
- Critical Thinking: Enhancing the ability to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions
- Leadership Development: Building effective leadership skills tailored for the animal agriculture industry
- Connecting and Relating Skills: Strengthening interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration
- Operational Excellence: Improving efficiency and effectiveness in agricultural operations
Participants will engage in applied-learning projects in small groups, culminating in capstone projects that address current topics of interest in animal agriculture.
Sarah Coleman from the Kentucky Horse Council and a member of Cohort 3, reflected on her experience: “It’s been a true gift to learn from and collaborate with the other commodity groups, organizations, and associations represented within this leadership cohort. To learn more about so many things within the ag space is incredible--and to know that each of us, in our own way, is facing the same struggles, whether that is engaging youth, locating workforce, adopting new technology, or facing animal rights action groups, is reassuring that there are so many of us who are working to ensure that agriculture is sustainable, in every facet of the word.”
Program Background
The NIAA launched this program in 2021 to provide emerging leaders in animal agriculture with advanced leadership and professional development opportunities. The program is aimed at professionals in the early to midpoint of their careers who want to build on prior leadership experiences and collaborate across the industry to enhance animal agriculture’s role in the food system.
Sponsorship and Investment
The United Soybean Board serves as the founding sponsor of the program, with additional financial support from Farm Credit, NIAA, and its members and partners. The participant investment for the program is $2,500. With sponsor and participant investments, the program offers an estimated $10,000 in training, resources, and NIAA membership over the 16-month period.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the NIAA’s leadership program, please contact Jessie Wadle at [email protected]. For more details on how to nominate or apply, visit NIAA Leadership Program.
