The National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to become a part of the change they desire by actively honing their leadership skills through the Leadership at Its Best Program, co-sponsored by Syngenta.  Growers must be nominated by their state corn association.  With applications due April 10, interested members should contact their state associations now for further information and get completed applications in to state offices by April 8.

“Since it began in the mid-1980s, Leadership at Its Best has helped train strong, confident volunteers who have helped shape the industry through their subsequent work at the state and national level,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling.  “We again ask farmers to act upon their desire to give back to their peers. NCGA depends upon grassroots leadership and, I personally can attest that the time and effort dedicated are repaid in full through the relationships built with like-minded individuals while doing work crucial to the success of our industry.”

Open to all NCGA membership, Leadership at Its Best provides training to interested volunteers of all skill levels.  The first session, held in August in Minneapolis, Minn., addresses personal communications skills, public speaking and association management.  The second session, which will be held in January 2016, addresses public policy issues, working with the Hill and parliamentary procedure.  Through this program, participants build the skill set needed to become a more confident public speaker with a solid background in the procedures and processes used by NCGA and many state organizations.

Participants must be registered members of NCGA.  Those interested should contact their state corn organization which will submit nominees for the programs.

Since 1986, the National Corn Growers Association, the state corn associations and, most importantly, the U.S. corn industry, have benefited tremendously from the Leadership At Its Best Program.  Hundreds of growers have gained invaluable media, communications, association management and public policy knowledge and skills over the lifetime of the program. 

Leadership at Its Best acts as a vital leadership incubator for honing the skills of state leaders on “the way up” and stimulating further involvement in and greater commitment from state growers to NCGA.