Advocating for agriculture has become a necessity for farmers and ranchers. With the demographics of Texas continuing to shift to urban centers, the call for prepared agricultural leadership grows even louder. AgLead prepares participants to answer the call to be agriculture’s advocates from the county level to the Capitol steps.
A maximum of 12 participants will be selected for the program. Applicants must be 25, or older, as of Dec. 31, 2023 in order to apply.
Overview
Leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, coalition building and tackling issues are all necessary traits for farmers and ranchers today. All are part of the agricultural way of life.
AgLead enhances these traits and more for use beyond your gate posts. It’s a rewarding experience, paying dividends for you and Texas agriculture.
Click here to learn more about AgLead and the program requirements.
Objectives
Empowering Texas farmers and ranchers to advocate for agriculture beyond the fence posts. Empowering you to be a difference maker.
Leadership can take you to seats at tables where agriculture’s voice is needed. To serving in political roles at the local, state, or national level. Speaking up on behalf of agriculture. Making a difference.
AgLead helps get you there. See how.
Schedule
AgLead XV Program Schedule:
Travel across Texas and the nation to meet face-to-face with key political leaders, decision-makers and industry representatives.
Stay current on the latest information. And get an inside look at new production techniques that are transforming agriculture. Talk with farmers and ranchers across the state, nation and globe.
Session 1 – Waco
February 2024 (4 days)
Orientation, Texas Farm Bureau, communication, leadership, technology
Session 2 – South Texas/Rio Grande Valley
May 2024 (4 days)
Water, border, immigration, Texas political process, communication, leadership, local issues, South Texas/Rio Grande Valley agriculture, international trade
Session 3 – Emerging Issues
August 2024 (5 days)
The group will research and identify agricultural issues happening across the county. They will then travel to the location to learn more and understand how these issues can and will affect Texas agriculture.
Session 4 – Southeast Texas
February 2025 (4 days)
Local agriculture, trade, service project, leadership, presentation skills
Session 5 – Washington, D.C.
April 2025 (4 days)
National government, priority issues, advocacy, political awareness, leadership, communication, foreign embassy
Session 6 – Capstone
Location and date in 2025 to be determined (6 days)
This session is a culmination of everything learned through the AgLead process. The location will be determined based on an evaluation of the group and current agricultural issues.
Graduation
December 2025
TFB Annual Meeting
Application
The AgLead XVI class is underway.
The next application period will open in summer 2025.
Applicants are to be age 25 or above and must be a Texas Farm Bureau member at the time of application.
Have questions about the AgLead program? Call 254.399.5021 or email rhall@txfb.org.
Participants
Farmers and ranchers—like you—are willing to sow the seeds of a bright future and grow leaderships skills.
