Deadline approaching for LSU AgCenter Leadership Program

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The LSU AgCenter Agricultural Leadership Development Program aims to provide potential leaders involved with agriculture and agribusiness the tools they need to become effective advocates for agriculture.
For those interested in applying for the next class that starts in January 2020, the deadline is Aug. 30.
“It is a great opportunity to learn about the critical issues facing agriculture,” said program director Bobby Soileau.
Since its inception in 1988, more than 400 people have graduated from the program.
“We believe investing in people is the way to ensure a vibrant future for agriculture and for the state,” said Bill Richardson, LSU vice president for agriculture. “Our alumni from this program have gone on to become state leaders.”
The curriculum includes ten seminars over two years, which include seven lecture-based seminars throughout the state and three travel seminars. The final seminar is an international study tour during which the group visits another country to learn how other agricultural, economic and social systems work.
“The international study tour is an eye-opening experience. They visit with farmers, government officials, agribusiness professionals and the citizens of other countries,” Soileau said. “The class will understand they have to be prepared to compete globally.”
Participants pay a small portion of the costs for their study and travel. The bulk of the program funding is underwritten by endowments and annual giving through the LSU Foundation, including the Chalkley Family Endowment, the H. Rouse Caffey Endowment, the Robert R. Soileau Scholarship Endowment and the Ag Leaders of Louisiana Endowment.
Go to the Ag Leadership website at lsuagcenter.com/agleadership to apply.