Making a difference: New graduates of AgrIInstitute’s Agricultural Leadership Program

DANVILLE, Ind. — A new group of ag industry leaders is ready to make a difference in their communities after graduating from the AgrIInstitute’s Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program.

The group began studying in July 2022. They attended multiday seminars across the state, a weeklong trip to Washington and two weeks studying abroad.

The graduates were:

• Amy Alka, Purdue Extension, Randolph County

• Mathew Berger, Merchants Bank of Indiana

• Christopher Bierhaus, Miers Farm Corp.

• John Boerman, Benton Dairy LLC

• Michael Braswell, Elanco

• Crystal Buckner, B & B Cattle/Blue River Beef

• Matthew Clark, Keystone Cooperative

• Kayla Fogg, Cargill

• Katie Forro, Bayer

• Chase Harris, Farm Credit MidAmerica

• Abigail Heidenreich, Purdue Extension, Gibson County

• Megan Jochem, Farbest Farms Inc.

• Mitchell Jordan, Jordan Farms

• Jayde Ketring, First Bank of Berne

• Dee Lindsay, First Financial Bank

• Courtney Mann, Mann Livestock LLC

• Jason Moulin, Corteva Agriscience

• Katie Nelson, Indiana State Department of Agriculture

• Ashley Schultz, Beck’s Hybrids

• Nate Wyss, Corteva Agriscience

Q&A: Beth Archer

Beth Archer, executive director of AgrIInstitute, shared their story with AgriNews.

Q: What did the graduates accomplish during their two-year study?

A: They attended 12 sessions as a part of their program, including a week of study in Washington, D.C. They’ve also done a two-week study in the Baltics, which included Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

They’ve studied everything from the various agricultural sectors to community development to economic development. They’ve studied social issues including crime, welfare, poverty, marginalized communities and education.

They’ve covered a wide range of topics in addition to the various leadership skills we continue to refine during their program.

Q: What were some of the highlights from their international trip?

A: They were able to meet with the Ministry of Agriculture in Lithuania and his staff. They met with several different agribusiness firms, everything from hemp production to vegetables. They learned about forestry projects. They also visited a fish cannery.

They visited lots of historical UNESCO World Heritage sites in all three countries. We went to several national parks, where they are working on conservation and environmental preservation.

Bread is a very traditional heritage product for them. We got to make bread and participate in some folk art.

We met with several trade and membership organizations, such as equipment dealers.

Among the more startling things to observe was that all three countries are basically 30 years out of being occupied by the Soviet Union. All of their businesses were 30 years old.

It was fascinating to see their entrepreneurial spirit — to see what they started with and how they evolved.

Q: What would you like to say to the graduates?

A: I’m inspired by their commitment to the industry, their commitment to finding positions where they can influence and create opportunities for advancement in businesses, communities and trade and membership organizations.

I congratulate them for their hard work and their commitment to being the individuals that will lead us forward. I encourage them to continue to prepare and be ready to serve in those roles.

Q: Anything else readers should know?

A: I think it’s important to note that this program would not be possible if it wasn’t for the financial support we get from many throughout the industry. That’s how we continue to sustain the program and pay it forward.

We work hard to keep our tuition at a level where it’s not prohibitive to participate, regardless of where you come from within the industry.

It takes financial support to make that happen. We’re very appreciative of those who have made that contribution.