LANSING, Mich. – Fifteen people in the ag industry wanting to learn more and hone their personal skills in Communication, Organization, Relationships and Engagement just wrapped up one year of focused sessions ending with a final presentation. The fourth group of emerging Michigan leaders recently graduated from the MI Ag CORE Leadership Program.

The MI Ag CORE Leadership Program was developed by and is supported by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, the Michigan Wheat Program and the Michigan Soybean Committee. The idea for MI Ag CORE came from the lessons learned by these organizations’ leaders working in the agricultural “trenches” on a day-to-day basis.

“I saw that agriculture was missing a well-rounded program for those looking to move directly into management or those who were heading in that direction,” Kelly Turner, executive director, Michigan Potato Industry Commission, said. “The MI Ag CORE came together as a collection of skills that the three of us thought would have been beneficial to us, as we grew into our positions.”

This fourth cohort of 15 ag professionals began in January 2025 with a two-part “DISC” talent/skill assessment. They applied that knowledge throughout the year as they also did work in the areas of communications, human resources, social media and governance. The seven-session program – part in-person and part online – wrapped up with in-person presentations.

“I was so pleased with the group, and to see their evolution over the past year,” Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program, added. “I look forward to watching them grow in the future and see where their careers take them. Agriculture needs continual infusions of fresh talent and a fresh view. This program allows for that while cohorts are building friendships that will last.”

Those graduating from the program were: 

Joe Clark (DeWitt), Ryan Gilmore (Birch Run), Grant Hart (Dowagiac), Joe Hassle (Dowagiac), Scott Hassle (Dowagiac), Bryan Heffron (Ada), Quinten Hunsberger (Elkhart, Ind.), Tammy Karpuk (Saginaw), Phabian Makokha (Okemos), Jordan Moeggenborg (Ithaca), Lindy Richards (Fairgrove), Cassie Sneller (Sebewaing), Maria Sweringin (Elkhart, Ind.), Megan VandeGiessen (Vicksburg), and Michael Walther (Newberry).

Information on MI AG CORE and sponsorship opportunities is available at MIAGCORE.com. All attendee spots have been filled for the 2026 year, but registration will open again next fall for the 2027 program year.