The Wisconsin Soybean Association is seeking a new crop of leaders to step up and put their passion for farm advocacy into practice through the Young Leader Program.  

Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva have opened applications for the 2026 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. 

“This program delivers on so many levels, from building communication abilities to learning the innerworkings of promoting farm-friendly policy and has proven over the years to help shape and elevate emerging leaders in our industry,” WSA President Doug Rebout said. “Applying to become an ASA Corteva Young Leader is worth the time, and I encourage my fellow farmers to learn more about this one-of-kind training program.” 

 Phase I of the 2025-26 Young Leader program will take place Dec. 1-4 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues Feb. 24-27, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. 

 “The Young Leader program has had a tremendous impact on the soybean industry by helping identify, train and prepare farmers who are interested in leadership and advocacy,” said Kentucky soybean grower and ASA President Caleb Ragland. “Through top-notch training, the Young Leader Program has elevated industry success by providing us with strong, informed and connected soy leaders. Numerous past graduates of the program can be found in leadership positions throughout the industry, including members of ASA’s Executive Committee. We are grateful to Corteva for continually supporting this program for more than 40 years.” 

Soybean growers – both individuals and couples – are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. The program is designed for growers who are young in leadership, not age. Interested spouses/partners are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program, even if not employed full-time on the farm. 

 “Corteva is proud to support this longstanding and impactful program to help develop the next generation of grower leaders,” said U.S. Industry Affairs Leader for Corteva Agriscience Matt Rekeweg. “Not only will participants come away with new skills to increase their impact on local, state and federal policy, they’ll have the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with other current and emerging industry leaders to help unlock new opportunities and set them up for future success.” 

WSA has long supported the program, and many of its directors, including Vice President Matt Rehberg and ASA Director Tanner Johnson, who sharpened their leadership attributes via the Young Leader Program. Young Leaders also have the opportunity to serve on WSA’s board as at-large directors. The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board is also a checkoff sponsor of the program as part of its initiative to uplift the next generation of farmer leaders.  

“(The program) was a great use of my time, and I’m thankful for the opportunity,” said Brad Sennhenn, a Columbus farmer who completed the Young Leader Program in 2025. “What they could do in just four short days of training to give some confidence in my communication abilities was incredible.” 

ASA and Corteva will work with the 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Learn more about the Young Leader Program and how to apply by clicking here.