By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Growing leadership skills, cultivating a network throughout the state and advocating for agriculture are a few goals Coy Blaschke has for his time in Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) AgLead XVI program.

“Working as leaders alongside my peers has been invaluable, allowing me to connect with a diverse group from various backgrounds and areas of the state. Although we might be growing in different directions, we share similar mindsets and goals,” Blaschke, the owner of an ag management business in Goliad, said.

AgLead has also helped him better understand TFB’s grassroots efforts to advocate for farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“The organization engages with our elected officials in Austin and Washington, D.C. to benefit producers and the communities we call home,” he said. “The work that the organization does also extends to industries beyond food and agriculture, because what we do on our farms and ranches reaches beyond our fence rows to multiple industries—directly and indirectly.”

Blaschke currently serves as the Goliad County Farm Bureau vice president. He strives to make more connections throughout the community, which AgLead helps him do through leadership training.

By participating in AgLead, Blaschke also has the opportunity to travel across the country to learn more about agricultural practices and business management.

Each AgLead session has a different theme and dives into different issues impacting agriculture.

“Through AgLead, we get to see things we normally wouldn’t be exposed to,” Blaschke said. “Having these conversations helps develop personal and professional skills that can be used for leadership positions at the local, state and national levels.”

Blaschke and the rest of AgLead XVI class began the program in Waco with orientation. In May, they visited the Rio Grande Valley to discuss issues facing farmers in the region, including water, border security, labor, immigration and international trade.

“I hope to continue to develop as a leader and learn more about agriculture and ways that we can improve what we do on our farms and ranches and in our agricultural businesses,” Blaschke said.

The AgLead XVI cohort will take their third trip to California to discuss emerging agricultural issues across the country this month. The cohort will take six trips throughout the program.

“We’re getting challenged in ways that are beneficial to help gather your thoughts and develop your communications and leadership skills,” Blaschke said.

AgLead is a two-year leadership development program that takes participants across Texas, the country and the world to discover agriculture and leadership from a new perspective.

For more information about TFB’s AgLead program, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aglead.