Emerging Leaders Academy

The Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is a three-part outreach and training program that works to instill a select number of agriculture professionals in Kansas with leadership skills and provide successful mentoring opportunities.

ELA’s three phases are designed to be completed over the course of 18 months. Each phase exposes participants to different subject matter and provides unique opportunities within itself. The ELA phases are typically scheduled as follows:

Phase 1 – Kansas Soybean Building in Topeka
Topics include the history of Kansas Soybean, the growth and development of soybean as a crop and product, and opportunities to be involved in the soybean industry. Participants also attend a Kansas Soybean Association Board of Directors meeting.

Phase 2 – Statewide tour of Kansas
After some personalized leadership training, participants experience all things agriculture: research, transportation, processing, products, equipment, education, livestock, food and consumer issues and public policy.

Phase 3 – Mentoring and professional development
Each participant chooses an organization about which she or he would like to learn more and accompany a current farmer-leader to one of its events. The goal is to gain more in-depth experience and insight into industry involvement.

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What is the Emerging Leaders Academy?

The Emerging Leaders Academy is a partnership program between the Kansas Soybean Commission and Kansas Soybean Association that helps to provide awareness of both. ELA’s ultimate goal is to instill leadership, professional and communication skills in Kansas agriculturists.

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Who can join the Emerging Leaders Academy?

Anyone who has a vested interest in learning more about Kansas soybeans and the importance of both organizations to Kansas farmers is invited to express interest. Each class is limited to about 10 participants.

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What will the Emerging Leaders Academy offer?

Participants will gain a number of things.

  • Industry awareness, exposure and involvement
  • Leadership and communication training
  • Networking, partnership and mentoring opportunities
  • Professional skills
  • Personal fulfillment

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What is required of ELA participants?

An open mind, willingness to participate in all aspects of the program, a desire to learn how to influence the agricultural industry directly, and an interest in personal growth.

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How do I express my interest in participating?

Complete and submit an interest form. Contact the Kansas Soybean office by phone at 877-KS-SOYBEAN (877-577-6923) with any questions.