The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is committed to cultivating growth throughout the agriculture industry. Whether it’s conducting cutting-edge research, limiting burdensome regulations or growing domestic and international markets, Illinois farmers can be sure they have a best-in-class support system ensuring their success every step of the way.

To take our support a step further, ISA has revamped its leadership training program to offer farmers, students and industry professionals the opportunity to develop, refine or share leadership skills while making a meaningful impact on the industry.

The ISA LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Development) Program is designed to accommodate individuals at all experience levels:

Next Generation

• Focus: Foundations of agriculture, farming basics and market dynamics
• Who: FFA members, college students and recent graduates

Navigators

• Focus: In-depth learning about the soy checkoff and its impact on the industry
• Who: Experienced farmers and industry professionals

Ambassadors

• Focus: Mentoring participants enrolled at the Next Generation and Navigator experience levels, sharing expertise and supporting ISA initiatives
• Who: Seasoned advocates and retired professionals

This approach ensures that every participant, regardless of their experience level or interests, can engage meaningfully and contribute to the future of Illinois agriculture.

Real-World Experiences

There are a number of leadership training programs available for Illinois farmers, but what sets LEAD apart from the others is the availability of hands-on learning experiences that provide real-world insights into the industry. LEAD participants will have the opportunity to:

• Visit farms across Illinois to gain firsthand knowledge of diverse farming operations.
• Engage in lobbying efforts to advocate for policies that support Illinois agriculture.
• Participate in major industry events, including the Farm Progress Show and Soybean Summit.

Through these experiences, the program aims to build a pipeline of leaders who are skilled to serve Illinois farmers, industry boards or other ag industry cooperatives, positively influencing the Illinois agriculture industry at large.

A Flexible and Inclusive Approach

The LEAD program is designed to be flexible and individualized, allowing participants to engage as much or as little as fits their schedule and goals. By offering multiple pathways for engagement, LEAD ensures that anyone passionate about agriculture can find a place within the program.

One key feature of the program is the “hybrid trainee” role participants will take on, which will provide exposure to board-level concepts without the full commitment. This structure allows individuals to build confidence, gain experience and decide whether a future leadership role within Illinois agriculture aligns with their career goals.

Leadership Development Through Mentorship

Mentorship is a core component of the LEAD Program. Through the Ambassador tier, experienced professionals and retirees have the opportunity to guide the next generation of agricultural leaders. This exchange of knowledge fosters growth for everyone involved: younger participants gain valuable insights, while seasoned advocates remain engaged with the industry.

And by pairing Next Generation and Navigators with Ambassadors, the program ensures that emerging leaders receive guidance in decision-making, advocacy efforts and best practices. These mentor-mentee relationships help reinforce a culture of continuous learning within the Illinois agriculture community.

Empowering Participants to Shape the Industry LEAD goes beyond skill-building; it empowers participants to actively shape the future of Illinois agriculture. Through engagement with ISA initiatives, leadership training workshops and networking opportunities, participants can:

• Gain a deeper understanding of industry trends and challenges.
• Develop strategies to advocate for agriculture at the state and national levels.
• Build connections with key stakeholders.

These experiences prepare participants for leadership roles, whether within ISA, their own farming operations or broader industry organizations.

The Future of LEAD

ISA envisions the LEAD Program as an evolving initiative. As agricultural challenges and opportunities change, the program will adapt to provide relevant and impactful training for both emerging and established leaders. ISA remains committed to fostering a strong leadership pipeline that will sustain and advance the soybean industry for generations to come.

For those ready to take the next step in their leadership journey, the ISA LEAD Program offers an exceptional opportunity to grow, connect and make a lasting impact.

To learn more, visit: www.ilsoy.org/lead/ or contact me today at nicole.butler@ilsoy.org.