The 2011 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders class traveled to Topeka for two days and completed Session I. During which, the class enjoyed a policy breakfast with Senator Jerry Moran and received a briefing on the challenges facing the 2011 Congress. This gave the class a taste of things to come when they travel to Washington D.C. in July. They were thrilled to meet the newly elected Senator, and as always, he was gracious and accommodating.
They also met with Kansas Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Chris Wilson, received a colorful critique of the new legislature and administration from Associated Press Reporter John Hanna, and introduced themselves and the TAL program to numerous State Legislators. In addition to the “Rock Star” stuff, they received KGFA/KARA staff briefings on the legislative process and the roles and history of the associations. They also received training on effective lobbying methods and put those practices to good use during Legislative Action Day while wrapping up the second day TAL Session I.
The 2011 class showed astute talent in communicating the association’s message to the Legislature, and we anticipate that they will continue to excel during future TAL Sessions. This class showed they truly are the best and brightest in the industry, and they would not be here if it weren’t for the generous voluntary contributions we solicit from you.
The next TAL session is in July and entails traveling to Washington D.C. and meeting with our Congressmen, industry leaders and other officials. The TAL class will sneak in a little sightseeing as well.
2011 TAL Class
2011 TAL Class: (l-r) Bob Standage, KFSA, Colby; Dan Brubeck, Farmers Coop Elevator, Sabetha; Kelly Farrell, Farrell Growth Group, Liberty, MO; Ryan Elgin, Syngenta Crop Protection, Beloit; Kathryn Taylor, Dow AgroSciences, Manhattan; Donny Huber, WindRiver Grain, Garden City; Janet Bear, Frontier Ag, Brewster; Josh Morrill, East Kansas Agri-Energy, Garnett; Jeremy Seyfert, Cargill Ag Horizons, Overland Park; Brad Scheer, Farmers Coop Elevator, Garden Plain.