The ASA leadership development program known as ASA/Syngenta Leadership At Its Best is the distinguished and specialized training curriculum that develops a key group of state and national leaders who can effectively address Congress and the media on policy issues impacting soybean farmers.

The ongoing benefits of leadership development are evidenced as state leaders utilize their training and their experiences to make a difference in American agriculture, while advancing into leadership positions on the national level. Celebrating its 19th year partnering with ASA, over 60 state officers and directors have already graduated from this program.

"The knowledge and training I've received in this program has helped me tremendously as a director on my state Board," said '10 graduate Brad Doyle (AR). "It has enabled me to be more confident in public speaking and media interviews, as well as be more prepared to share ASA policy with our Senators and Congressmen on Capitol Hill."

"Syngenta has the opportunity through this program to strengthen the skills of these future leaders to become strong advocates for ASA and agriculture," said Syngenta Head of Industry Relations Rex Martin.

The first phase of this program occurs in August in Greensboro, North Carolina and focuses on communications training with special emphasis on interpersonal skills, media training and public speaking. Second semester leadership training takes place during the ASA Board Meeting in March in Washington, D.C., and concentrates on legislative issues and agricultural concerns. Participants receive comprehensive training on communications with Congress, plus ASA policy briefings designed to fully prepare state leaders for Capitol Hill visits.

Jason Smith, Watson, Arkansas

Walter Godwin, Pelham, Georgia

Matt Hughes, Shirley, Illinois

Mike Morehouse, New Paris, Indiana

Mark Jackson, Rose Hill, Iowa

Dwight Meyer, Hiawatha, Kansas

Nicole Small, Neodesha, Kansas

Mike Burchett, Benton, Kentucky

Bill Spike, Owosso, Michigan

Ian Redman, Marydel, Maryland

Cole Trebesch, Springfield, Minnesota

Ken Boswell, Shickley, Nebraska

Jeff Tyson, Nashville, North Carolina

Crystal Martodam, Mylo, North Dakota

Todd Hesterman, Napoleon, Ohio

Paul Casper, Lake Preston, South Dakota

Alan Meadows, Halls, Tennessee

Danny Allensworth, Colonial Beach, Virginia

Scott Baier, Elk Mound, Wisconsin

Dan Roe, Monticello, Wisconsin

Mark Brock, Ontario, Canada

2010-2011 Leadership At Its Best class
(ASA photo by Michelle Siegel)