Leadership Programs

      The program focuses on various aspects of leadership training and key agricultural issues in a world with ever-changing consumer and environmental concerns. Growers will gain a keener insight into association management and how different leadership styles can come together in building an efficient organization. Media training and effective advocacy communications play a key role in this program as our grower leaders take a more active role as spokespersons for their state and national corn organizations.   Launched in 2019, Leadership Academy has become NCGA's primary leadership development tool, replacing and consolidating past leadership programs.   Here's what corn growers have to say about NCGA Leadership Programs. Who should attend? Leadership Academy is open to all NCGA members interested in improving their personal leadership skills to advance the corn industry.  States are encouraged to submit two individuals seeking leadership development from their...

NCGA’s Women and Mentors Program focuses on creating a diverse network of individuals who wish to empower women in agriculture. The network is purposely and intentionally built by bringing women together at the Women and Mentors Retreat, where mentors and mentees will be matched to build a strong bond throughout the year (and beyond!). This group of women is already filled with insight and strong connections, and we look forward to building on this strong network for the future!   Women who would like to grow their leadership skills and get more involved in associations at the state and national level are encouraged to apply as mentees. On the flip side, anyone who would like to help women achieve their leadership goals is encouraged to apply to be a mentor. This program is open to staff in addition to growers. Staff will be grouped into cohorts of mentors and mentees and will focus on their careers, rather than association leadership. Program Dates June 27-28, 2024...

P U R P O S E : NCGA’s ACE (Advocating for Corn Effectively) Series creates prepared, informed, and effective advocates to carry the perspective, stories, and priorities of America’s corn growers to elected officials across the nation. Following program completion, participants will be better prepared and empowered to engage in the political process.   A U D I E N C E : This program is geared toward state association leaders—including board members, committee members, and young and emerging leaders—who are interested in taking their advocacy efforts to the next level. ACE class sizes are capped at 35 members in order to ensure thoughtful and intentional interaction and collaboration among participants and program facilitators.   S T R U C T U R E : This virtual program will be conducted in a series of three modules. Each module will be held live on a series of Friday mornings from 9:00 AM EST - 11:00 AM EST. In addition to the three live modules, program participants will...

Syngenta’s Leadership At Its Best program (LAIB), has trained over 600 grower leaders since 1986. Preparing these corn association and checkoff leaders to deliver the high level of service necessary for corn associations to achieve their goals and for the corn sector to lead American agriculture is vital for our association.   In 2019, Syngenta redesigned LAIB to be a cross-commodity leadership program bringing together a diverse group of 50 farmers across all the commodity programs they support. The program is designed to provide state corn grower leaders with advanced leadership training and the necessary communication skills to make a difference in American agriculture while advancing into leadership positions on a national level.   “I went through an earlier LAIB class but having different Ag groups involved together was excellent.  Great way to learn and network with fellow agricultural groups at one time.  The media training and Capitol Hill visits were excellent.” - Dan...