NIAA Introduces New Leadership Program to Advance Animal Agriculture

Participant Applications for First Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Cohort due Jan.15

Manhattan, Kans., Oct. 31, 2021 – Emerging leaders in agriculture now have a new opportunity to gain next-level leadership and professional development training specifically focused on the animal agriculture segment of the industry. Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders, a new leadership development program created and sponsored by the United Soybean Board and National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA), will empower professionals in the early or middle part of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry.

“Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders is a win for program participants and a win the animal agriculture industry. Developed as a 2.0 leadership experience, the program will not only give participants world-class hands-on training, but also put their training into practice, while creating meaningful connections with one another. In the end, the group will advance real solutions to real animal agriculture challenges,” said J.J. Jones, NIAA executive director.

The 16-month program combines five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions and focuses on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence. Members of the program will work together on applied-learning, small-group capstone projects, which will focus on topics identified by supporting NIAA sponsors. Project outcomes will be shared at the NIAA annual conference.

Participants in the program will represent a range of agricultural sectors but focus together on advancing animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Because of the program’s advanced leadership focus, candidates will bring to the table past leadership experience from their place of employment or through local, regional, or national organizations.

The United Soybean Board serves as the founding sponsor of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program, with additional financial support provided by NIAA and its members and partners. Sponsorship funding allows participants pay a fee of $1,000, while receiving an estimated $10,000 in training and resources. The enrollment fee also includes one year of NIAA membership.

The program aligns with NIAA’s recently updated mission and guiding principles.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry, and we intentionally developed this program to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their leadership and, specifically, collaboration skills,” said Kevin Maher, NIAA board. “We are excited to offer this opportunity as it’s an essential part of advancing our efforts in exploring, discussing, learning and developing knowledge for continuous progress in animal agriculture.”

NIAA is accepting applications for the program’s first 20-member cohort now through January 15. The application process begins with a nomination from a sponsoring organization. More information about how to nominate an individual for the program or become an applicant is available at www.animalagriculture.org/leadership.

About the National Institute for Animal Agriculture

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is a non-profit organization focused on advancing and advocating for animal agriculture. The organization’s mission is to convene animal agriculture experts and allies in collaborative settings to explore, discuss, learn, and develop knowledge that fosters interdisciplinary cooperation for the improvement and continuous progress of animal agriculture. Learn more about NIAA at www.animalagriculture.org.