It’s a young crop with big yield potential, and thanks to some fertilizer from the American Soybean Association (ASA), the Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program is spreading some knowledge to young agriculture leaders, like Wisconsin farmer Danny Brisky.  

As a graduate of the two-phase, year-long Young Leader Program, Brisky has been selected to represent the Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) in Phase III of the program. He believes this next stage of the program is a natural progression in building his leadership skills in agriculture and helping to serve WSA in the best way possible.  

“Through these first phases of this program, my eyes were really opened to just how global the market is and how important ASA and the soybean marketing board are to the viability of our industry,” Brisky said.  

Established in 1984, the Young Leader Program prioritizes leadership, communication and agricultural trends to identify and train new, innovative and engaged growers who serve as the voice of the American farmer. The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board supports emerging farmers through checkoff support of the prestigious program.    

“For 40 years the Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry,” said Illinois soybean grower and ASA President Daryl Cates. “The program has had a tremendous impact on soybean advocacy, and you’ll find graduates of the program in various positions throughout the industry.” 

The Young Leader Program takes place July 15-19, 2024, in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with ASA’s July Board of Directors meeting. Participants will take part in numerous networking activities, including the board meeting, training with Corteva, a lobbying 101 session and Soy Issues Forum. Brisky will also have a chance to join Wisconsin ASA Directors Tanner Johnson and Don Lutz during Hill Visits with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. 

“Overall, it’s been such a great experience,” Brisky said. “You get hands-on learning from professionals from all walks of life and the opportunity to network with so many people in agriculture throughout the country. This program has really helped boost my confidence in relaying our WSA mission to the agriculture community.”