Policy Leaders Fellowship

The Policy Leaders Fellowship (PLF) is a collaborative, one-year experience for young soybean farmers from Iowa and Missouri who possess a desire to learn more about government and the legislative process, all while improving their core leadership. The program is funded in part by non-checkoff resources.

Who should apply and participate?

One applicant in good membership standing will be selected from each crop reporting district in Iowa (9) and Missouri (7).

What to expect

The unique program offering will allow participants to explore and better understand challenging U.S. agricultural policy/regulation and how it intersects with production agriculture and the value chain. It empowers farmer-to-farmer learning and equips participants to be leaders on behalf of agriculture and the soybean industry. The following are the core tenets of the experience:

Network and socialize with fellow producers, industry professionals and key decision makers;
Build a foundational understanding of the legislative and regulatory process; and
Develop and strengthen personal leadership skills.

Why participate in the Policy Leaders Fellowship?

Regulations can significantly impact a farmer’s freedom to operate and their bottom line. Through a learn hard, play hard approach, the PLF will give participants the opportunity to network with Midwestern farmers, Fortune 500 leaders and industry professionals and learn from state and federal policymakers. The future of American agriculture depends on sound public policy and the development of leaders who share an appreciation for the legislative and regulatory process.

2023-24 Program Dates

The PLF will plan to meet on the following dates.

Dec. 18 – 19, 2023 – Des Moines, IA	ISA Annual Policy Conference
Jan. 30 – 31, 2024 – Des Moines, IA	ISA Biofuels Summit & Legislative Reception
Feb. 28 - March 2, 2024 – Houston, TX	Commodity Classic
July 15 - 18, 2024 – Washington D.C.	American Soybean Association Board of Directors Meeting & Hill Visits

Interested in participating in the 2023-24 Policy Leaders Fellowship?

Fill out the application below by August 4, 2023. Contact Michael Dolch for more information or assistance.

Full Name:

Address

Email:

Cell Phone:

County(s):

Birth Date

Is farming primary occupation? If not, what is?

Are you a farmer member of ISA?

Yes

Are you an Advocate member of ISA?

Yes

What size t-shirt do you wear?

Describe your agricultural operation:

Are you participating in any other community-related organizations or leadership programs? If yes, please list.

Tell us about your involvement in agriculture and the soybean industry.

Why do you want to be a Policy Leader Fellow? What do you hope to learn/gain from the experience?

What’s the biggest policy issue or challenge facing soybean producers?

All soybean farmers are required to pay into the national soy checkoff. Checkoff funds are used for promotion, research, and education. No checkoff funds can be used for legislative activities/advocacy. List one issue the soy checkoff should address.