COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Soybean Assoc. (OSA) is recruiting applicants for the 2008 American Soybean Assoc. (ASA)/DuPont Young Leader Program, an intensive training program that focuses on leadership training for farm couples.

For the past 25 years, the Young Leader Program has helped to build a valuable resource of leaders that shape the future of the soybean industry. This is an intensive training program that seeks to identify, cultivate, train and develop soybean growers who are looking to take on future leadership positions in the soybean industry. It offers participants challenges, insight, surprises and a chance to network.

“I knew that I wanted to get more involved with this exciting industry, and the Young Leader Program was a great opportunity to learn the skills I will need to reach my goals,” said Ryan Rhoades, 2007 ASA/DuPont Young Leader participant from Delaware County. Ryan’s wife, Amanda, also participated in the program.

The first phase of the 2008 program will be held Feb. 26-March 1 in Nashville, Tenn. It will focus on leadership style analysis, media training, soybean issues training and interaction with other Young Leader participants, followed by participation in the Commodity Classic Conference and Trade Show, the premier agricultural event for soybean growers.

The second phase will take place in December 2008, with dates to be determined, at the Pioneer Headquarters in Johnston, Iowa. During this phase, participants will have the chance to tour Pioneer research facilities and take part in industry issues discussion, with soybean policy updates and targeted case studies to provide hands-on experience in problem solving, creativity, teamwork and organization.

“We gained very practical, useful information from this experience that will definitely help both of us in the future,” said Ryan Rhoades. “I now have a better understanding of where I want to be, and how to get there.”

In order to be considered for the program, applicants should be interested in pursuing leadership roles within the soybean industry, must not already be on the board of a state soybean association and are required to have a current state soybean association/ASA membership.

Any soybean grower 21 years or older may apply, and the applicant’s spouse does not have to be employed on the farm to be included as a participant. Single growers may also apply. If chosen, participants must commit to attend both phases of the leadership training.

The Young Leader Program began in 1984 as a way to identify and cultivate up-and-coming leaders in the soybean industry. More than half of all past Young Leaders go on to serve on state or national soybean associations or promotion boards, and many more are active in regional or county organizations as well.

A unique feature of the program is that spouses or significant others are included in all aspects of the Young Leader training. As a result, the training takes into consideration farming as a family business and the training can be applied to any leadership endeavors; even business activities outside the farm.

The ASA manages the program, but involves the state soybean associations by having them choose candidates to participate. Selection criteria target up-and-coming innovative soybean farmers who are looking to participate in a leadership program that will give them the building blocks to take on bigger leadership roles. Applicants must show assertive leadership qualities demonstrated through community activities, production/marketing of soybeans or other areas of responsibility.

Other criteria include active support of agriculture and interest in serving as a soybean association leader. Nominations for the Young Leader program are open to soybean farmers, excluding those who currently serve on a soybean association board. Applicants must also demonstrate and promote natural resources stewardship using best management practices and conservation practices.

According to ASA, it is looking for people who are interested in gaining knowledge to take that next step in leadership; actual age is not a factor in selection.

To apply, visit www.soygrowers.com/ dyl to fill out an application form or to learn more about this exciting opportunity for soybean growers.

The program is being held in cooperation with ASA and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont.