COLUMBUS, Ohio – Six people from four different agricultural entities with one specific goal – be cultivated to become the next level of leaders for Ohio’s agriculture-related organizations. 

That was the mission set by Ohio State University’s Leadership Center, which launched AgOne early in 2022. AgOne is a year-long program for agricultural industry board members to focus on self-leadership, team leadership and stewardship to help these leaders leverage that board impact even more. Through leadership workshops and individual coaching sessions, AgOne is built to cultivate the future of Ohio’s agriculture leaders to help amplify their impact. The six participants in this program either applied or were nominated.

The program consists of six sessions: Orientation, Leadership Plan Development, Self-Awareness, Team Leadership, Stewardship and Reflection & Celebration.

Leadership topics include knowledge of strengths and weaknesses, self-regulation, effective listening, conflict management, empowering others and communicating to build trusts. Boardsmanship topics include responsibility and accountability, succession planning, working with staff, legal duties of a board member, financial acumen, board ethics, diversity, equity, inclusion, change management, self-assessments and peer reviews.

“AgOne focuses on meeting each leader where they are in their leadership journey to provide them with a unique opportunity for growth,” said Maggie Good, AgOne program director who is also a Marion County 4-H alum. “Members of the program learned about their personal leadership, their strengths and weaknesses, effective listening, conflict management and influencing and empowering others.”

Good previously worked for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C., helping farmers and ranchers across the country develop leadership skills. Now, she has the bi-annual task of leading nominees into the AgOne program.

“Agricultural leaders are generous in their service by giving their time and talents to advance the mission of their organizations,” Good said. “Driven by passion, leaders in our industry make a meaningful impact in the boardroom where decisions are being made that affect farms and family businesses like theirs. This impact becomes even more powerful as they are equipped with the tools needed to lead well.”

The OSU Leadership Center, along with the OSU Department of Agricultural Communication, Education and Leadership (ACEL), and the Max M. Fisher College of Business, joined forces to launch this elite leadership training.

“Throughout the year, members completed skill and behavior assessments, received one-on-one coaching sessions to create a roadmap of learning and leadership, attended in-person and virtual workshops, participated in group discussions about case studies, videos and articles, and expanded their personal networks,” Good said. “Participants went through training on a variety of topics allowing participants to dive into their strengths and weaknesses, learned how to communicate with others, and understand their influence.”

Members of the inaugural AgOne cohort were Ohio Farm Bureau Federation members Rose Hartschuh, Mike Videkovich and Chris Weaver, Ohio Poultry Association member Sandra Lausecker, Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association member John Linder, and Ohio Soybean Council member Nathan Eckel.

“I have never done this much self-reflection before,” said Eckel, who is a row crop and beef producer from Wood County. “The AgOne program has given me the opportunity to look at my strengths and weaknesses and think about how I can best lead in the agriculture industry and on our farm. I am learning how to communicate with other leaders by listening effectively. Connecting with those who don’t have an agricultural background has allowed me to share my story and connect on similar challenges we all face.”

According to Good, the six inaugural participants not only earned a Foundational Leadership Certificate from OSU but they also graduated with a leadership plan for their future, strengthened their network, and gained a better understanding of board effectiveness.

“Individuals who serve on boards want to make a meaningful impact during their time of service,” said Shannon Washburn, professor and chair in the ACEL. “This program allows its members the individual influence they can have on their industry through leadership and boardmanship.”

The OSU Leadership Center will host two cohorts of AgOne each year beginning in August and January. Any board member or aspiring board member who is interested in participating in the program should visit agone.osu.edu for the application periods and more information or contact AgOne program manager Maggie Good at good.414@osu.edu.