Shared Experiences

Traveling on bullet trains through southern China was not what South Dakota farmer Ryan Wagner had in mind when he pictured learning about agriculture. As a participant in the South Dakota Ag and Rural Leadership Program (SDARL), that was just one life-changing experience in the extensive 18-month program.

“My class spent 12 days in China, where we learned how Chinese farms are structured,” says Wagner, who farms near Roslyn, S.D., and participated in the sixth class of SDARL. “I was fascinated to see how different farming is in a developing country. It gave me a greater appreciation for how we do things in the U.S.”

As the average age of farmers and cooperative general managers continues to rise and as many near retirement, the need to prepare the next generation to take on expanded leadership and ownership roles is apparent.

Across the U.S., SDARL and other rural leadership programs are giving young farmers the opportunity to enhance their skills and gain experience that will serve them well as they transition into farm ownership and onto cooperative boards.

The format of those leadership classes can vary, but programs typically span 18 to 24 months and include about 30 farmers and agribusiness professionals who represent various industries, backgrounds and interests.

Class participants meet several times during the program to learn about local agriculture, then travel to Washington, D.C., and overseas to broaden their perspectives.

Wagner says the people he met through SDARL have made a big impact on his life. He adds that now when he faces a challenge, he can turn to advisors who are just a phone call away.

“I developed lifelong friendships with people who understand the issues I face on my operation, yet provide different perspectives because they come from a different industry or part of the state,” he says.

“SDARL gave me the confidence I needed and connected me with people. Together we can be a stronger voice for agriculture,” says Wagner.

CHS and the CHS Foundation support rural leadership programs in 16 states to help farmers and cooperative employees continue to engage in these opportunities.

“We recognize the impact development programs can have on leaders in rural communities,” says William Nelson, president, CHS Foundation, and vice president, CHS Corporate Citizenship. “There is no better opportunity for individuals to learn more about agriculture and grow to their full potential.”

Jerry McReynolds participated in the first class of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program nearly 25 years ago. At the time, he says, he didn’t fully realize the impact the program would have on his life.

“For my classmates and me, KARL was a launching pad,” says McReynolds, who farms near Woodson, Kan. “It gave us leadership skills and courage to better understand the difference we could make, not only in our communities, but for agriculture across the state and country.”

Since graduating in 1992, McReynolds and his peers have taken expanded leadership roles in the state of Kansas and nationally. His class produced Kansas Association of Wheat Growers presidents, Kansas Livestock Association presidents and National Association of Wheat Growers presidents.

“I had no idea what I would gain from my classmates,” he says, “but our shared interests and concern about agriculture allowed many of us to work together again in other organizations.”

Exposing young leaders to broader opportunities, introducing them to other individuals and helping them realize their potential is what these leadership courses hope to accomplish, says McReynolds, who now serves on the KARL board of directors.

“We aren’t trying to make people something they aren’t,” he says. “We are trying to make them better leaders wherever they are. One person might want to take a leadership role in his local community, while others have higher aspirations. Regardless of their goals, these programs expose them to a network of opportunities.”

Matt Danuser credits his experiences in Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) with his increased participation in state organizations.

“I learned I could wear many different hats by getting involved with more groups that fit my interests,” says Danuser, who farms and runs a crop consulting business near Marion, N.D. “I also became more willing to take on expanded roles in organizations and was inspired to get further involved at the state level.”

Danuser now serves on the North Dakota Soybean Council and is involved with local community improvement organizations.

Learn more about the CHS Foundation and leadership development at chsinc.com/stewardship.