By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Ten Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members were selected to participate in the organization’s AgLead XVI class.

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.

Members will also develop a deeper understanding of communication, public policy, regulatory activities, political advocacy and more.

“The program brings together farmers, ranchers and professionals from various backgrounds, ages and agricultural experiences,” said Roger Hall, TFB associate director of Organization division, Leader Development. “Together, they’ll invest hours of intensive training through seminars, speakers and traveling to farms, ranches and businesses. They will develop the tools needed to help cultivate true Texas agricultural leadership.”

AgLead XVI cohort members for 2024-2025 are:

  • Coy Blaschke of Goliad County
  • Chris Carter of Karnes County
  • Prisilla Cope of Jim Wells County
  • Blaine Counsil of Madison County
  • Malorie Crowell of Hood-Somervell County
  • Hilary Gleitz of Waller County
  • Emilee Haubner of Lampasas County
  • Anna Kantor of Limestone County
  • Michael Moon of Bell County
  • Kirby Nixon of Floyd County

First session
The group’s first session was held Feb. 5-8 in Waco.

“It was a packed week full of fun and education that ended with them taking home the foundational skills they’ll build on throughout this program and begin to use every day,” Hall said.

And communicating about agriculture is a top priority for AgLead participants.

The group participated in an engagement training that culminated with mock interviews to help them be better prepared to share their agricultural story.

“As we progress through the program, their confidence and understanding will grow,” Hall said. “They will be able to use these skills in any future leadership roles and activities.”

The program sessions will also include stops in South Texas/Rio Grande Valley, Austin and Washington, D.C., among others.

The next session will be held in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley in May.

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