Thomas Dorr, U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for rural development, spoke to corn growers at the NCGA Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Dorr discussed the future of farm policy with the group.

Corn Grower Leaders Attend NCGA Leadership Academy in Washington (1-31-06)

Effective leadership is about communication and cooperation, and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is successful when its grower leaders have the skills to articulate producers’ perspectives in a way that policymakers can understand, Ken McCauley, NCGA first vice president, told attendees at the NCGA Leadership Academy Monday in Washington, D.C.

Corn grower leaders from nine states attended the second part of the leadership program sponsored by Syngenta Crop Protection. The first session was held in North Carolina in August. During the Washington session, which runs through Wednesday of this week, attendees are given core information on the ins and outs of policymaking on and off Capitol Hill, build their knowledge and skills to advocate key corn grower issues and learn the importance of coalitions.

“By understanding these fundamental skills, corn growers will have the necessary preparation to serve as effective advocates for the organization’s interests and their own,” said McCauley. “What grower leaders learn here this week can be beneficial on both a federal and state level when promoting key corn industry issues. The program truly is essential learning for our future leaders.”

Guest speaker Thomas Dorr, U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for rural development, discussed the future of farm policy. The program also features a lively discussion on emerging agriculture issues, a tour of the Capitol and visits to congressional leaders.

Growers attending the second half of the Leadership Academy training include: Jerry Demmer, Adam Flyte, Pam Johnson, Mark Klumb, Rob Korff, James Kruger, Larry Mussack, Bruce Noel, Deb Podliska, Tim Recker, Steve Ruh, Wendell Shauman, Alan Tiemann, Clinton Vanneman, Curtis Watson and Keith Witt.