By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

<b>By DEBORAH BEHRENDS<br>
Illinois Correspondent</b> </p><p>

MACOMB, Ill. — Applications are being accepted through April 30 for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Class of 2010.
This unique program, which combines classroom techniques with hands-on learning and travel experiences, is open to Illinois agricultural professionals between the ages of 25-49 (as of the date the application is submitted), who are engaged full-time in agricultural production or agricultural-related businesses.<br>
The format of seven IALP seminars per year allows each participant to continue their farming or agribusiness career while completing the two-year comprehensive program. Classes are small, 30 participants or fewer, said Dennisa Darr, IALP development director. She said anywhere from 45-100 applications are received.<br>
Although no specific academic attainment is required, each candidate will be considered in terms of potential to participate meaningfully in the seminars, outside readings and written assignments for the program. Evaluation of the applicant’s communication skills may be ascertained from the essay portions of the application and from the candidate’s interview.<br>
Darr also provided a list of the criteria on which applicants are judged.
The mission of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF), which administers the program, is to develop knowledgeable and effective spokespeople to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry.<br>
“The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program prepares you to think, communicate and network so that you can not only compete in a high-tech business, but also lead a very rapidly changing dynamic industry,” said Ron Warfield, Class of 1984 and IALF board member.<br>
“The IALP provides advanced education for agricultural leaders in a world where information and education is king in the market-driven global economy.”<br>
“The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program has given me an extremely solid base for the future of our ever-changing industry, and done an excellent job of preparing me for a competitive global ag economy,” said Will Timmons, a grain producer from DeLand, about 20 miles west of Champaign.<br>
“This program allowed me to meet other individuals associated in our diverse industry with similar goals of advancing their leadership, communication and improving their networking channels. This was not only an excellent opportunity to receive an education on issues facing our industry, but the program also focused on political and economic views from a domestic and global standpoint.”<br>
To date, more than 350 men and women throughout the state of Illinois have enhanced their professional and personal growth through participation in the IALP’s first 12 classes. Not only have they gained a greater understanding of the political, economic and social factors which impact the agricultural industry and the world, but they continue to profit through access to a network of equally dedicated professionals they can readily call upon for assistance in problem resolution.<br>
The cost for the program is $2,500 per participant, which can be paid in four installments over the two-year course. Darr said the IALP covers the majority of the cost of hotels, airfare for the National and International Travel Seminars, and some meals are covered. Any additional cost not covered by the foundation is borne by the participants, such as some meals and transportation costs to and from sessions.<br>
People interested in obtaining an application for the IALP Class of 2010 can contact the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation office at P.O. Box 160, Macomb, IL 61455, by phone at 309-837-7711 or download the application forms from the IALF website at www.agleadership.org