Illinois Agriculture Leadership Program

My dear mentor Penny introduced me to an amazing program just over a year ago at the Illinois State Fair during the Ag Day Luncheon. I had the opportunity to meet Don Norton, the president and CEO of the Illinois Agriculture Leadership Foundation that same day. The foundation solely supports the program through funding from the alumni and agriculture businesses in the state. In a year’s time I had sat in on a panel discussion about the program, read the website top to bottom, attended a meet and greet meeting, applied, requested recommendations, interviewed, and got that wonderful acceptance call from Don himself. Two weeks ago we had our first meeting of the class of 2016!

 

This first seminar was an orientation of the program, meeting of the board members, some very encouraging words from the staff, and most importantly, meeting of our fellow classmates. I assumed we would do some cheesy ice breaker game but to my surprise the activity was not cheesy at all. We were all to prepare a quick, two minute, autobiographical speech and to bring a small memento as a visual aid. Some were simply a photo of their farm or family, some were more practical and others were highly clever. Mine… well, it was fun. I brought with me my bowling pin that everyone had signed from my birthday party this year. It represents my fun nature, love of social activity, and also the wonderful support system I have in all my family and friends. The main theme in all the speeches was how fortunately we all are to have such great people in our lives; our family, husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, parents, etc… This resonates everywhere but none more than in the agriculture industry. We are people orientated. The reason for our industry is to feed and nourish people. The farm is a FAMILY farm that is passed down from one generation to the next. I pleased and excited to get to know all of my fellow classmates but I’m certain we will all get along great because of our common interests and values that only come from people who are in love with agriculture.

 

To add to the excitement of our orientation meeting, we were all invited to the first annual Torch of Leadership Award Ceremony. The purpose of the awards is to highlight and showcase the accomplishments of our alumni. For me, it was encouragement - a sort of challenge. The winners have set high standards of leadership within the agriculture industry for all of us to aspire to. The dinner certainly added to the day’s activities.

 

My plan is to post after each of our seminars a few thoughts, ideas, and conclusions so that everyone can join me on this AMAZING journey! Here’s to the next two years in the Illinois Agriculture Leadership Program.

From left, Dan Kelly "Torch of Leadership" winner with
Krista Lottinville and Jennifer Waters from the class of 2016.