NCGA and DuPont kick off annual new leaders program

Participants will gain knowledge of issues in communication and leadership currently facing America’s corn growers.
Participants will gain knowledge of issues in communication and leadership currently facing America’s corn growers. | Contributed photo

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and DuPont New Leaders Program -- which focus on creating communicators, leaders and advocates in agriculture -- brought farming couples and individuals together this month in Des Moines, Iowa.

“We’re pleased to see this important program continue for a third year with DuPont’s generous support,” NCGA President Chip Bowling said. “NCGA has always believed that farmers themselves are the best leaders and spokespersons for agriculture, and this program is designed in particular for those just getting started in visible roles in the agriculture industry.”

The New Leaders Program had 27 participants from 16 states who will gain knowledge of issues in communication and leadership currently facing America’s corn growers. The program is given in three phases: two in Des Moines and the last in Washington, D.C. where participants are able to talk to lawmakers and become involved in activities at the national level.

The participants this year were Sam Spruell, Alabama; Roger Smith, Arkansas; Jonathan and Bridget Hitchcock, Georgia; Matthew DeSutter, Illinois; Casey Schlichting, Iowa; Corey Pace, Kentucky; Sam and Stephanie Halcomb, Kentucky; Greg Dell, Maryland; Ben Storm, Minnesota; Brent and Bryce Krohn, Minnesota; Brian and Lynn Martin, Missouri; Joel McAfee, Nebraska; Deb Gangwish, Nebraska; Philip and Lindsay Sloop, North Carolina; Ben Bakko, North Dakota; Tyler and Whitni Drewes, Ohio; Rob Holman, Tennessee; Bert and Brittney Ring, Texas; Robert Baylor, Virginia; and Trent Jones, Virginia.