Corteva Young Leaders complete 2022 program

The Corteva Young Leader program is “a great opportunity for any young farmer to get involved, see every aspect of the industry and get a better understanding of how we can make a difference,” Adam Phelon, Melvern, says.

Phelon completed the program alongside James and Liz Moreland, South Haven. The 2022 class first met in Johnston, Iowa, for Phase I of the program in December. There, the participants say, they spent time learning about the sponsoring organizations, discussing communication strategies and assessing how differing personality types can work effectively together.

“I think the most eye-opening part of this phase was interacting with fellow farmers and understanding the vast regional differences in production agriculture,” Moreland says.

Phase II took place in conjunction with Commodity Classic in March. In this phase, the group completed team building and engagement exercises, learned about different aspects of the soybean industry and discussed the various roles in providing agricultural products to the world. 

“After completing both phases, I feel I have progressed as a leader,” James Moreland says. “I am better able to listen to and understand other people’s situations, and I can appreciate the concept that any level of involvement in agriculture can be beneficial.”

In addition to personal development, the Young Leaders remark that there is value to their operations and to soybean associations. Moreland says he will use the training on a daily basis back on his operation by better communicating with team members and by better advocating within his community. He also says the program is valuable leadership training for future members – and leaders – of associations.

Phelon shares that completing the Corteva Young Leader is just the beginning of a “long, impactful path of service towards the industry I love.”

“The training through this program on branding, social media, leadership, communication, networking, etc. has been next level,” Phelon says. “The number of times I sat and thought about how to do things through a different lens really reflects on how much we can grow as humans and leaders. And this program does an excellent job at doing just that.”

As a final note, “get involved,” Phelon urges anybody tied to agriculture.