When Eric Wuthrich was selected as Wisconsin’s participant in the Corteva-American Soybean Association Young Leaders program, it marked more than a professional milestone — it positioned him as one of the state’s emerging voices for soybean growers.

Hailing from Monroe, Wuthrich represents Wisconsin in ASA’s longest-running leadership development program, founded in 1984 to identify and train innovative growers to serve as advocates for American agriculture. Participants complete two multi-day training sessions, with the second held in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic, which focused on leadership development, communications strategy and key issues shaping the soybean industry.

For Wuthrich, the opportunity to participate was a natural fit. In addition to his role with ASA, Wuthrich worked through his local Farm Bureau to emphasize advocacy. He’s encouraged fellow farmers to engage in policy discussions, including at events like Ag Day at the Capitol, where he urged first-time attendees to confidently share their stories with legislators.

“I was excited to be involved with the Young Leaders program,” he said. “I’ve been involved through Farm Bureau on some other leadership trainings and really wanted to dive deeper on how to expand my leadership opportunities through different organizations.”

Although he did not grow up on a farm, his passion for agriculture began while visiting his grandparents’ farm as a child; that early connection helped guide his educational and career path.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in agricultural business and minors in crop science and agricultural engineering technology, Wuthrich made the move to pursue his dreams in Wisconsin’s farming community.

He said the Corteva-ASA Young Leader Program gives him the perfect platform to confidently represent agriculture in legislative settings and public conversations.

“We learn how to tell our story,” Wuthrich said. “We are voices for farmers as farmers and ag professionals, so it’s been a great opportunity to learn how to express to legislators and the general public, the issues that we have as soybean growers in the state of Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin Soybean Association President Doug Rebout said the young leader program offers the board a chance to bring on young leaders with new ideas.

“Our Corteva-ASA Young Leaders serve three years on the board,” Rebout said. “For us, we get the benefit of a young farmer who is being emersed in ag advocacy and leadership. It helps keep our ideas fresh.”

The program also fosters collaboration among farmers from across the country, offering exposure to different production practices and business strategies.

“It’s always an awesome opportunity to get to know people outside of our area, listen to what their farming practices are and how we can help grow our farm and help my customers all throughout Wisconsin with different farming practices,” he said.

Those relationships often extend well beyond the seminar sessions, creating a network of engaged growers who frequently move into leadership roles within state and national soybean associations.