By Julie Tomascik
Associate Editor

What happens in the city doesn’t stay there. It makes its way to farms and ranches.

Strong agricultural leadership, however, can make a difference in the field and beyond the fence row—in court rooms, Congress and local and state organizations.

But juggling farm responsibilities with agricultural leadership can be a challenge. From speaking out on public policy to communicating with consumers or the media, farmers and ranchers may not know where to begin.

That’s where Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) AgLead and FarmLead programs come into play. The leadership programs equip participants with the necessary skills to lead Texas agriculture into a bright, successful future.

TFB is now accepting applications for the AgLead XIII and FarmLead VI programs. Twelve members are selected for both programs, and applications for the programs are due Sept. 2.

“AgLead and FarmLead members broaden their horizons of all facets of agriculture,” said Jamie Gipe, TFB director of Organization. “Involvement in the programs allows participants to bring back ideas, build their sphere of influence and grow as a leader.”

AgLead, proudly supported by John Deere, is open to TFB members ages 25-40. The two-year program takes participants across Texas, the country and the world to discover agriculture from a new perspective. AgLead members develop a variety of skills—leadership, communication, public policy, regulatory advocacy and more.

“I’ve strengthened my leadership skills and have become more comfortable speaking and interacting with different groups,” said Scott Savage, Matagorda County rice farmer and AgLead XII member. “Those skills have benefited me in my involvement in my community and in agriculture.”

Throughout the program, AgLead members meet with state and national representatives, visit agribusinesses and learn about agriculture in a foreign country.

“AgLead has helped me make connections and build relationships across many different fields,” Savage said. “It’s a network I can call on when I need advice.”

FarmLead is designed for more veteran farmers and ranchers—TFB members ages 40-65. FarmLead members also travel within Texas and across the U.S. to discover new innovative agricultural techniques and discuss agricultural policy with elected officials at the state and national level.

“I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and experienced leadership challenges and opportunities I never thought were possible,” said Robert Atwood, Taylor County Farm Bureau president and FarmLead V member. “FarmLead has made it possible for me to extend my voice and the voices of those in our county as a united front for private property rights and other grassroots efforts.”

Time is a primary investment for both programs. And a limited commodity for farmers and ranchers.

But it’s time well spent, Savage said.

“Participants don’t just learn about leadership. They become leaders, effectively and efficiently advocating for agriculture and the rural way of life,” Gipe said.

And they take those skills further—to the state legislature, county courtrooms, state committees and local organizations and boards. Pulling a chair up to a variety of leadership tables.

Applications for AgLead and FarmLead are available online.

For more information, contact Gipe at (254) 751-8703 or jgipe@txfb.org.