Winter Gathering reunites ELA graduates

Seven classes of Kansas agriculture’s next-generation leaders have completed the Emerging Leaders Academy program of Kansas Soybean. During their participation, these leaders have been trained on soybean industry successes, challenges and messaging, managing consumer perceptions and sharing their own farming stories. To reengage them, Kansas Soybean invited the graduates to Manhattan December 9-10 for the ELA Winter Gathering.

The inaugural Winter Gathering reunited 10 participants of the leadership program for socializing, networking and continued development. Following an entertaining evening at Manhatchet Axe Throwing, the group gathered at the International Grains Program Institute at Kansas State University for learning and discussion.

CEO and Administrator Kaleb Little kicked off the morning to discuss the Kansas Soybean five-year strategic plan, which evaluates the ways in which the two distinct organizations, KSA and KSC, best provide value to soybean growers. Group discussion centered on the ways in which farmer attention is pulled in various directions based on how they consume media and how social license to farm – or how consumer opinions toward agriculture dictate farming practices – is an increasingly important facet of the job.

Industry trends indicate that farm operations are consolidating and growing in size. This often leads to increased workloads for each individual farmer and decreased engagement in organizations as many feel like they cannot leave the farm to attend events as a leader in their community.

Kerry Wefald, Senior Director of Development with the Kansas State University Foundation, joined the group next to share about the K-State Innovation Centers.

In September, the Kansas Soybean Commission pledged $4 million over five years toward modernizing facilities for the K-State College of Agriculture. Wefald was instrumental in securing funding for the cost-match initiative.

“The magnitude of what has been done is monumental. It’s never been done,” she told the group. She reported that the project raised $75 million in six months and had reached $81 million at the time of her presentation.

“It was good to get reintroduced with what the Kansas Soybean Commission and Association have been up to and where they are headed,” Dan Bigham, Grantville, says. “It was neat to see where their partnership with K-State is headed and the improvements the College of Agriculture is looking to make.”

Bigham participated in the second class of ELA back in 2015, the longest ago of any participants at the gathering. He has continued to be involved with Kansas Soybean through event attendance and participation in the yield contest, yet shared there was value in coming together with the ELA group.

“It was neat to meet other classes of leaders and meet other younger farmers growing soybeans in the state,” he says.

The morning concluded with media training led by Jodi Oleen.

Jenny Goering, Galva, says of the Winter Gathering, “It is always encouraging to see what everybody is doing and share the excitement of coming together with peers who are also passionate about soybeans and learning, engaging and strengthening our skills as communicators.”