LANSING, Mich. - Michigan’s MI Ag CORE leadership program is an opportunity for farmers and those in ag business to sharpen their skills in communications – both written and verbal, according to the executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program.

Participants may also gain an understanding of personality styles and effectively working with others who are not like themselves, Jody E. Pollok-Newsom told Farm World in an email. They will also hear the latest in regard to human resources and gain an overall understanding of organizational governance, she said.

CORE stands for Communication, Organization, Relationships and Engagement. The application process for the 2024 session is open until Nov. 1. Applicants will be notified by Dec. 1 if they are accepted. Next year’s program begins Jan. 17.

“It is important for us to all have our voices heard and to get involved,” Pollok-Newsom said. “By gaining more training in these areas, it is easier to get involved with organizations and have the confidence to participate.

“This program is designed for farmers and ag business to provide those skills that will help them in their day-to-day work. We all get tasked with projects that we may not be familiar with and this program is designed to help lay the groundwork for success.”

The year-long program has three in-person and four virtual sessions. The in-person sessions are scheduled for January, March and November, when farmers are not in the field, she said. The virtual sessions will be in February, June, July and August.

Topics to be covered in the sessions include personality profiles, creating team culture, managing dysfunction, legal issues related to employment practices and workplace safety, public speaking and issue advocacy.

The March in-person meeting includes a visit to the Capitol and legislators, allowing participants to put their skills to use, Pollok-Newsom noted. The virtual organizational governance session in July shares the basics on the differences between governance and management, and how they should both function, she said. During the November in-person – and final – session, attendees will share what they have learned and how they will apply it in their current and future positions, she added.

The program will begin its third year in 2024. About 15 people participated in each of the program’s first two years, Pollok-Newsom said. “We look for those that will benefit from the program and bring different experiences to share with the group. Not only does the group learn from our programming, but they also learn a lot from each other. We are looking to keep (the group) small enough that everyone has time to participate and has a chance to have their voice heard.”

The cost of the program is $200, but participants may receive $100 back if they participate in the final project and attend the sessions. MI Ag CORE is funded by the Michigan Wheat Program, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the Michigan Soybean Committee.

Sponsors such as Walther Farms, Michigan Allied Poultry Industries, and Beck’s help to make the program’s tuition more affordable, Pollok-Newsom said in a release.

For more information, including specific session dates and the online application, visit www.miagcore.com.