Elk County Farmer Leads at Local, State Level
Ben Bellar, fourth generation farmer in Elk county, participated in the American Soybean Association’s Soybean Leadership Academy January 7-9. This academy is designed to engage and build effective leaders for the future through hands-on learning and realistic leadership skills applicable to farmers.
Academy Brings Value
A two-and-a half day packed agenda provided attendees with networking opportunities, policy insights, interactive leadership activities and media training – all important tools when advocating for agriculture and the individuals who work in it.
“This was a much smaller group, which allowed for us to have longer one-on-one conversations and truly build those relationships,” Bellar says. “I was privileged to have multiple conversations with a former ASA president who provided guidance and encouragement to me as a young farmer.”
Bellar states the skills he learned participating in the Soybean Leadership Academy will help him represent Kansas farmers better at the national level. State farmer-leaders work together on different issues to provide a united front. Each year at Commodity Classic soybean farmer-leaders across the state gather to discuss and vote on ASA’s policy priorities.
“It’s important to network with farmers in other states so we can utilize those relationships as we vote on national policy priorities that could impact producers in the state,” Bellar says.
Rooted in Leadership
A leadership role within the Kansas soybean industry was not unknown to Bellar. His mom, Peggy Bellar, served as the district six seat on the Kansas Soybean Association from 2005-2014. His dad, Mike Bellar, filled the district nine seat on the Kansas Soybean Commission from 2010-2022 and served as the Soy Transportation Coalition representative for seven years and KSC board secretary for one.
“I saw the impact of my parents’ leadership roles and how the work done at the state level benefits farmers even in my small Southeast Kansas county,” Bellar says. “It is truly an honor to be on the board working alongside great farmers and staff on behalf of Kansas soybean farmers.”
Diverse Leadership Roles
For Bellar, leadership goes beyond his board seat for KSA, as he strongly believes in community involvement. He is also on the Elk County Farm Bureau board and the Elk County Rural Fire Department.
“During leadership advancement opportunities I’ve been able to reflect on my local organizations and bring skills to enhance our value,” Bellar says. “It’s important to collaborate and lead effectively on all agricultural boards as we all represent a common goal: support the Kansas farmers.”
Bellar’s Farm Bureau and KSA paths crossed when Bellar Family Farm hosted the Elk County Farm Bureau kids’ ag day. The Kansas Soybean Commission participated by sharing the many uses of soybeans like crayons, biodiesel and soybean meal in livestock feed.
“Education is very important from kids to elected officials,” Bellar says. “It’s valuable to share about modern agriculture practices, grain markets and the history of farming as we make decisions for the future.”
Being involved in different facets of agriculture can teach you about different issues and solutions. Bellar says the tips he learned during the media training is one thing he will bring back home to implement in his role on the KSA board.
“I want to grow as a leader and farmer, being on the KSA board and engaging in things like the Soybean Leadership Academy and Corteva Young Leaders program will help me become the best advocate for my fellow farmers.”